title: Novel methylation markers of the dysexecutive-psychiatric phenotype in FMR1 premutation women.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine the epigenetic basis of psychiatric symptoms and dysexecutive impairments in FMR1 premutation (PM: 55 to 199 CGG repeats) women.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 35 FMR1 PM women aged between 22 and 55 years and 35 age- and IQ-matched women controls (CGG <45) participated in this study. All participants completed a range of executive function tests and self-reported symptoms of psychiatric disorders. The molecular measures included DNA methylation of the FMR1 CpG island in blood, presented as FMR1 activation ratio (AR), and 9 CpG sites located at the FMR1 exon1/intron 1 boundary, CGG size, and FMR1 mRNA levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We show that FMR1 intron 1 methylation levels could be used to dichotomize PM women into greater and lower risk categories (p = 0.006 to 0.037; odds ratio = 14-24.8), with only FMR1 intron 1 methylation, and to a lesser extent AR, being significantly correlated with the likelihood of probable dysexecutive or psychiatric symptoms (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the significant relationships between methylation and social anxiety were found to be mediated by executive function performance, but only in PM women. FMR1 exon 1 methylation, CGG size, and FMR1 mRNA could not predict probable dysexecutive/psychiatric disorders in PM women.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This is the first study supporting presence of specific epigenetic etiology associated with increased risk of developing comorbid dysexecutive and social anxiety symptoms in PM women. These findings could have implications for early intervention and risk estimate recommendations aimed at improving the outcomes for PM women and their families.
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia. kim.cornish@monash.edu.
authors: Kim M
authors: KM
authors: Cornish
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Claudine M
authors: CM
authors: Kraan
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Quang Minh
authors: QM
authors: Bui
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Mark A
authors: MA
authors: Bellgrove
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Sylvia A
authors: SA
authors: Metcalfe
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Julian N
authors: JN
authors: Trollor
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Darren R
authors: DR
authors: Hocking
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Howard R
authors: HR
authors: Slater
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Yoshimi
authors: Y
authors: Inaba
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Xin
authors: X
authors: Li
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Alison D
authors: AD
authors: Archibald
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Erin
authors: E
authors: Turbitt
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: Jonathan
authors: J
authors: Cohen
authors: From the School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (K.M.C., C.M.K., M.A.B.), and the Centre for Developmental Disability Health Victoria (J.C.), Monash University, Clayton; the Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics (Q.M.B.), Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne; Genetics Education and Health Research (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), the Cytomolecular Diagnostic Research Laboratory (H.R.S., Y.I., X.L., D.E.G.) and Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (A.D.A.), Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Melbourne; the Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (S.A.M., A.D.A., E.T.), The University of Melbourne, Parkville; the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry and Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (J.N.T.), UNSW Australia, Sydney; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (D.R.H.), School of Psychological Science, La Trobe, Bundoora; and Fragile X Alliance Inc. (Clinic) (J.C.), North Caufield, Australia.
authors: David E
authors: DE
authors: Godler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D015331:Cohort Studies; D019175:DNA Methylation; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D056344:Executive Function / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D010698:Phobic Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D012306:Risk; D019680:Trinucleotide Repeat Expansion / Q000235:genetics*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D051860:Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1