1
|
Bale R, Doshi G. Deciphering the role of siRNA in anxiety and depression. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176868. [PMID: 39128805 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are central nervous system illnesses that are among the most prevalent medical concerns of the twenty-first century. Patients with this condition and their families bear psychological, financial, and societal hardship. There are currently restrictions when utilizing the conventional course of treatment. RNA interference is expected to become an essential approach in anxiety and depression due to its potent and targeted gene silencing. Silencing of genes by post-transcriptional modification is the mechanism of action of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The suppression of genes linked to disease is typically accomplished by siRNA molecules in an efficient and targeted manner. Unfavourable immune responses, off-target effects, naked siRNA instability, nuclease vulnerability, and the requirement to create an appropriate delivery method are some of the challenges facing the clinical application of siRNA. This review focuses on the use of siRNA in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwari Bale
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V L M Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, V L M Road, Vile Parle (w), Mumbai, 400056, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gobbi C, Sánchez-Marín L, Flores-López M, Medina-Vera D, Pavón-Morón FJ, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Serrano A. Sex-dependent effects of acute stress and alcohol exposure during adolescence on mRNA expression of brain signaling systems involved in reward and stress responses in young adult rats. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:75. [PMID: 39327618 PMCID: PMC11426001 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00649-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent stress and alcohol exposure increase the risk of maladaptive behaviors and mental disorders in adulthood, with distinct sex-specific differences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these early events is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. METHODS Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to acute restraint stress and intermittent alcohol during adolescence. We assessed lasting effects on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and mRNA expression of genes related to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), corticoid, opioid, and arginine vasopressin systems in the amygdala and hypothalamus. RESULTS The main findings are as follows: (1) blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) increased after the final alcohol administration, but stressed males had lower BAC than non-stressed males; (2) Males gained significantly more weight than females; (3) Stressed females showed higher ACTH levels than non-stressed females, with no changes in males; (4) Stress increased CORT levels in males, while stressed, alcohol-treated females had lower CORT levels than non-stressed females; (5) CRH: Females had lower Crhr1 levels in the amygdala, while alcohol reduced Crhr2 levels in males but not females. Significant interactions among sex, stress, and alcohol were found in the hypothalamus, with distinct patterns between sexes; (6) NPY: In the amygdala, stress reduced Npy and Npy1r levels in males but increased them in females. Alcohol decreased Npy2r levels in males, with varied effects in females. Similar sex-specific patterns were observed in the hypothalamus; (7) Corticoid system: Stress and alcohol had complex, sex-dependent effects on Pomc, Nr3c1, and Nr3c2 in both brain regions; (8) Opioid receptors: Stress and alcohol blunted the elevated expression of Oprm1, Oprd1, and Oprk1 in the amygdala of males and the hypothalamus of females; (8) Vasopressin: Stress and alcohol interacted significantly to affect Avp and Avpr1a expression in the amygdala, with stronger effects in females. In the hypothalamus, alcohol increased Avp levels in females. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that adolescent acute stress and alcohol exposure induce lasting, sex-specific alterations in systems involved in reward and stress responses. These findings emphasize the importance of considering sex differences in the prevention and management of HPA dysfunction and psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Grants
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PI19/00886, PI20/01399, PI22/00427 and PI22/01833 Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and European Regional Development Funds-European Union (ERDF-EU)
- PT20-00101 Plataforma de biobanco y biomodelos animales y 3D de Málaga
- PT20-00101 Plataforma de biobanco y biomodelos animales y 3D de Málaga
- RD21/0009/0003 Programa RICORS RIAPAD
- RD21/0009/0003 Programa RICORS RIAPAD
- PNSD 2022/020 Ministerio de Sanidad, Delegación de Gobierno para el Plan Nacional sobre Drogas
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Gobbi
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez-Marín
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - María Flores-López
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Dina Medina-Vera
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad Clínica Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón-Morón
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain.
- Unidad Clínica Área del Corazón, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain.
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurología, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain.
| | - Antonia Serrano
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga y Plataforma en Nanomedicina (IBIMA- Plataforma BIONAND), Málaga, 29590, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, 29010, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yao Y, Du J, Wang D, Li N, Tao Z, Wu D, Peng F, Shi J, Zhou W, Zhao T, Tang Y. High-intensity interval training ameliorates postnatal immune activation-induced mood disorders through KDM6B-regulated glial activation. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 120:290-303. [PMID: 38851307 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Postnatal immune activation (PIA) induces persistent glial activation in the brain and causes various neuropathologies in adults. Exercise training improves stress-related mood disorders; however, the role of exercise in psychiatric disorders induced by early-life immune activation and the association between exercise training and glial activation remain unclear. We compared the effects of different exercise intensities on the PIA model, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). Both HIIT and MICT in adolescent mice inhibited neuroinflammation, remodeled synaptic plasticity, and improved PIA-induced mood disorders in adulthood. Importantly, HIIT was superior to MICT in terms of reducing inflammation and increasing body weight. RNA-seq of prefrontal cortex (PFC) tissues revealed a gene expression pattern, confirming that HIIT was more effective than MICT in improving brain glial cell activation through epigenetic modifications of KDM6B. We investigated the role of KDM6B, a specific histone lysine demethylation enzyme - histone 3 lysine 27 demethylase, in inhibiting glial activation against PIA-induced depression and anxiety by regulating the expression of IL-4 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Overall, our data support the idea that HIIT improves PIA-induced mood disorders by regulating KDM6B-mediated epigenetic mechanisms and indicate that HIIT might be superior to MICT in improving mood disorders with PIA in mice. Our findings provide new insights into the treatment of anxiety and depression disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jingyi Du
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dongshuang Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Naigang Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zhouhang Tao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Fan Peng
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiaming Shi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tiantian Zhao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
| | - Yuchun Tang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Research Center for Sectional and Imaging Anatomy, Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education, Shandong Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Shandong Key Laboratory of Digital Human and Clinical Anatomy, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; Institute of Brain and Brain-Inspired Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mitra S, Werner CT, Shwani T, Lopez AG, Federico D, Higdon K, Li X, Gobira PH, Thomas SA, Martin JA, An C, Chandra R, Maze I, Neve R, Lobo MK, Gancarz AM, Dietz DM. A Novel Role for the Histone Demethylase JMJD3 in Mediating Heroin-Induced Relapse-Like Behaviors. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01452-5. [PMID: 39019389 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes that lead to long-term neuroadaptations following opioid exposure are not well understood. We examined how histone demethylase JMJD3 in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) influences heroin seeking after abstinence from self-administration. METHODS Male Sprague Dawley rats were trained to self-administer heroin. Western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were performed to quantify JMJD3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway expression in the NAc (n = 7-11/group). Pharmacological inhibitors or viral expression vectors were microinfused into the NAc to manipulate JMJD3 or the BMP pathway member SMAD1 (n = 9-11/group). The RiboTag capture method (n = 3-5/group) and viral vectors (n = 7-8/group) were used in male transgenic rats to identify the contributions of D1- and D2-expressing medium spiny neurons in the NAc. Drug seeking was tested by cue-induced response previously paired with drug infusion. RESULTS Levels of JMJD3 and phosphorylated SMAD1/5 in the NAc were increased after 14 days of abstinence from heroin self-administration. Pharmacological and virus-mediated inhibition of JMJD3 or the BMP pathway attenuated cue-induced seeking. Pharmacological inhibition of BMP signaling reduced JMJD3 expression and H3K27me3 levels. JMJD3 bidirectionally affected seeking: expression of the wild-type increased cue-induced seeking whereas expression of a catalytic dead mutant decreased it. JMJD3 expression was increased in D2+ but not D1+ medium spiny neurons. Expression of the mutant JMJD3 in D2+ neurons was sufficient to decrease cue-induced heroin seeking. CONCLUSIONS JMJD3 mediates persistent cellular and behavioral adaptations that underlie heroin relapse, and this activity is regulated by the BMP pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swarup Mitra
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Craig T Werner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Treefa Shwani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ana Garcia Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Dale Federico
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Kate Higdon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Pedro H Gobira
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Shruthi A Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Jennifer A Martin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Chunna An
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York
| | - Ramesh Chandra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Neve
- Gene Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Mary Kay Lobo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Amy M Gancarz
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Bakersfield, Bakersfield, California
| | - David M Dietz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heidari N, Hajikarim-Hamedani A, Heidari A, Ghane Y, Ashabi G, Zarrindast MR, Sadat-Shirazi MS. Alcohol: Epigenome alteration and inter/transgenerational effect. Alcohol 2024; 117:27-41. [PMID: 38508286 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
While DNA serves as the fundamental genetic blueprint for an organism, it is not a static entity. Gene expression, the process by which genetic information is utilized to create functional products like proteins, can be modulated by a diverse range of environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, play a pivotal role in mediating the intricate interplay between the environment and gene expression. Intriguingly, alterations in the epigenome have the potential to be inherited across generations. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) poses significant health issues worldwide. Alcohol has the capability to induce changes in the epigenome, which can be inherited by offspring, thus impacting them even in the absence of direct alcohol exposure. This review delves into the impact of alcohol on the epigenome, examining how its effects vary based on factors such as the age of exposure (adolescence or adulthood), the duration of exposure (chronic or acute), and the specific sample collected (brain, blood, or sperm). The literature underscores that alcohol exposure can elicit diverse effects on the epigenome during different life stages. Furthermore, compelling evidence from human and animal studies demonstrates that alcohol induces alterations in epigenome content, affecting both the brain and blood. Notably, rodent studies suggest that these epigenetic changes can result in lasting phenotype alterations that extend across at least two generations. In conclusion, the comprehensive literature analysis supports the notion that alcohol exposure induces lasting epigenetic alterations, influencing the behavior and health of future generations. This knowledge emphasizes the significance of addressing the potential transgenerational effects of alcohol and highlights the importance of preventive measures to minimize the adverse impact on offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Heidari
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Heidari
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yekta Ghane
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carvalho L, Lasek AW. It is not just about transcription: involvement of brain RNA splicing in substance use disorders. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:495-503. [PMID: 38396082 PMCID: PMC11055753 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02740-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a co-transcriptional process that significantly contributes to the molecular landscape of the cell. It plays a multifaceted role in shaping gene transcription, protein diversity, and functional adaptability in response to environmental cues. Recent studies demonstrate that drugs of abuse have a profound impact on alternative splicing patterns within different brain regions. Drugs like alcohol and cocaine modify the expression of genes responsible for encoding splicing factors, thereby influencing alternative splicing of crucial genes involved in neurotransmission, neurogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Notable examples of these alterations include alcohol-induced changes in splicing factors such as HSPA6 and PCBP1, as well as cocaine's impact on PTBP1 and SRSF11. Beyond the immediate effects of drug exposure, recent research has shed light on the role of alternative splicing in contributing to the risk of substance use disorders (SUDs). This is exemplified by exon skipping events in key genes like ELOVL7, which can elevate the risk of alcohol use disorder. Lastly, drugs of abuse can induce splicing alterations through epigenetic modifications. For example, cocaine exposure leads to alterations in levels of trimethylated lysine 36 of histone H3, which exhibits a robust association with alternative splicing and serves as a reliable predictor for exon exclusion. In summary, alternative splicing has emerged as a critical player in the complex interplay between drugs of abuse and the brain, offering insights into the molecular underpinnings of SUDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luana Carvalho
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 E. Broad ST, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 E. Broad ST, Box 980613, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bohnsack JP, Zhang H, Pandey SC. EZH2-dependent epigenetic reprogramming in the central nucleus of amygdala regulates adult anxiety in both sexes after adolescent alcohol exposure. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:197. [PMID: 38670959 PMCID: PMC11053082 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use and anxiety disorders occur in both males and females, but despite sharing similar presentation and classical symptoms, the prevalence of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is lower in females. While anxiety is a symptom and comorbidity shared by both sexes, the common underlying mechanism that leads to AUD and the subsequent development of anxiety is still understudied. Using a rodent model of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in both sexes, we investigated the epigenetic mechanism mediated by enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, in regulating both the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) and an anxiety-like phenotype in adulthood. Here, we report that EZH2 protein levels were significantly higher in PKC-δ positive GABAergic neurons in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) of adult male and female rats after AIE. Reducing protein and mRNA levels of EZH2 using siRNA infusion in the CeA prevented AIE-induced anxiety-like behavior, increased H3K27me3, decreased H3K27ac at the Arc synaptic activity response element (SARE) site, and restored deficits in Arc mRNA and protein expression in both male and female adult rats. Our data indicate that an EZH2-mediated epigenetic mechanism in the CeA plays an important role in regulating anxiety-like behavior and Arc expression after AIE in both male and female rats in adulthood. This study suggests that EZH2 may serve as a tractable drug target for the treatment of adult psychopathology after adolescent alcohol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Peyton Bohnsack
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Patel A, Dharap A. An Emerging Role for Enhancer RNAs in Brain Disorders. Neuromolecular Med 2024; 26:7. [PMID: 38546891 PMCID: PMC11263973 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-024-08776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Noncoding DNA undergoes widespread context-dependent transcription to produce noncoding RNAs. In recent decades, tremendous advances in genomics and transcriptomics have revealed important regulatory roles for noncoding DNA elements and the RNAs that they produce. Enhancers are one such element that are well-established drivers of gene expression changes in response to a variety of factors such as external stimuli, cellular responses, developmental cues, and disease states. They are known to act at long distances, interact with multiple target gene loci simultaneously, synergize with other enhancers, and associate with dynamic chromatin architectures to form a complex regulatory network. Recent advances in enhancer biology have revealed that upon activation, enhancers transcribe long noncoding RNAs, known as enhancer RNAs (eRNAs), that have been shown to play important roles in enhancer-mediated gene regulation and chromatin-modifying activities. In the brain, enhancer dysregulation and eRNA transcription has been reported in numerous disorders from acute injuries to chronic neurodegeneration. Because this is an emerging area, a comprehensive understanding of eRNA function has not yet been achieved in brain disorders; however, the findings to date have illuminated a role for eRNAs in activity-driven gene expression and phenotypic outcomes. In this review, we highlight the breadth of the current literature on eRNA biology in brain health and disease and discuss the challenges as well as focus areas and strategies for future in-depth research on eRNAs in brain health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Patel
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Byrd Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute, USF Health Neuroscience Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ashutosh Dharap
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Byrd Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute, USF Health Neuroscience Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
You C, Krishnan HR, Chen Y, Zhang H, Drnevich J, Pinna G, Guidotti A, Glover EJ, Lasek AW, Grayson DR, Pandey SC, Brodie MS. Transcriptional Dysregulation of Cholesterol Synthesis Underlies Hyposensitivity to GABA in the Ventral Tegmental Area During Acute Alcohol Withdrawal. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:275-285. [PMID: 37562519 PMCID: PMC10840816 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a dopaminergic brain area that is critical in the development and maintenance of addiction. During withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure, the response of VTA neurons to GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is reduced through an epigenetically regulated mechanism. In the current study, a whole-genome transcriptomic approach was used to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of GABA hyposensitivity in the VTA during withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing of the VTA of Sprague Dawley male rats withdrawn for 24 hours from a chronic ethanol diet as well as sequencing of the VTA of control rats fed the Lieber-DeCarli diet. RNA sequencing data were analyzed using weighted gene coexpression network analysis to identify modules that contained coexpressed genes. Validation was performed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and electrophysiological assays. RESULTS Pathway and network analysis of weighted gene coexpression network analysis module 1 revealed a significant downregulation of genes associated with the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Consistent with this association, VTA cholesterol levels were significantly decreased during withdrawal. Chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated a decrease in levels of acetylated H3K27 at the transcriptional control regions of these genes. Electrophysiological studies in VTA slices demonstrated that GABA hyposensitivity during withdrawal was normalized by addition of exogenous cholesterol. In addition, inhibition of cholesterol synthesis produced GABA hyposensitivity, which was reversed by adding exogenous cholesterol to VTA slices. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that decreased expression of cholesterol synthesis genes may regulate GABA hyposensitivity of VTA neurons during alcohol withdrawal. Increasing cholesterol levels in the brain may be a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention to reverse detrimental effects of chronic alcohol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang You
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Harish R Krishnan
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ying Chen
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jenny Drnevich
- Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elizabeth J Glover
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mark S Brodie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fanfarillo F, Ferraguti G, Lucarelli M, Fuso A, Ceccanti M, Terracina S, Micangeli G, Tarani L, Fiore M. The Impact of Alcohol-Induced Epigenetic Modifications in the Treatment of Alcohol use Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:5837-5855. [PMID: 37828672 DOI: 10.2174/0109298673256937231004093143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are responsible for 5.9% of all death annually and 5.1% of the global disease burden. It has been suggested that alcohol abuse can modify gene expression through epigenetic processes, namely DNA and histone methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA expression. The alcohol influence on epigenetic mechanisms leads to molecular adaptation of a wide number of brain circuits, including the hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis, the prefrontal cortex, the mesolimbic-dopamine pathways and the endogenous opioid pathways. Epigenetic regulation represents an important level of alcohol-induced molecular adaptation in the brain. It has been demonstrated that acute and chronic alcohol exposure can induce opposite modifications in epigenetic mechanisms: acute alcohol exposure increases histone acetylation, decreases histone methylation and inhibits DNA methyltransferase activity, while chronic alcohol exposure induces hypermethylation of DNA. Some studies investigated the chromatin status during the withdrawal period and the craving period and showed that craving was associated with low methylation status, while the withdrawal period was associated with elevated activity of histone deacetylase and decreased histone acetylation. Given the effects exerted by ethanol consumption on epigenetic mechanisms, chromatin structure modifiers, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, might represent a new potential strategy to treat alcohol use disorder. Further investigations on molecular modifications induced by ethanol might be helpful to develop new therapies for alcoholism and drug addiction targeting epigenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Fuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lodha J, Brocato ER, Nash M, Marcus MM, Pais AC, Pais AB, Miles MF, Wolstenholme JT. Adolescent social housing protects against adult emotional and cognitive deficits and alters the PFC and NAc transcriptome in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1287584. [PMID: 38130694 PMCID: PMC10733512 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1287584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adolescence is a critical period in cognitive and emotional development, characterized by high levels of social interaction and increases in risk-taking behavior including binge drinking. Adolescent exposure to social stress and binge ethanol have individually been associated with the development of social, emotional, and cognitive deficits, as well as increased risk for alcohol use disorder. Disruption of cortical development by early life social stress and/or binge drinking may partly underlie these enduring emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects. The study goal is to implement a novel neighbor housing environment to identify the effects of adolescent neighbor housing and/or binge ethanol drinking on (1) a battery of emotional and cognitive tasks (2) adult ethanol drinking behavior, and (3) the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex transcriptome. Methods Adolescent male and female C57BL/6J mice were single or neighbor housed with or without access to intermittent ethanol. One cohort underwent behavioral testing during adulthood to determine social preference, expression of anxiety-like behavior, cognitive performance, and patterns of ethanol intake. The second cohort was sacrificed in late adolescence and brain tissue was used for transcriptomics analysis. Results As adults, single housed mice displayed decreased social interaction, deficits in the novel object recognition task, and increased anxiety-like behavior, relative to neighbor-housed mice. There was no effect of housing condition on adolescent or adult ethanol consumption. Adolescent ethanol exposure did not alter adult ethanol intake. Transcriptomics analysis revealed that adolescent housing condition and ethanol exposure resulted in differential expression of genes related to synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens and genes related to methylation, the extracellular matrix and inflammation in the prefrontal cortex. Discussion The behavioral results indicate that social interaction during adolescence via the neighbor housing model may protect against emotional, social, and cognitive deficits. In addition, the transcriptomics results suggest that these behavioral alterations may be mediated in part by dysregulation of transcription in the frontal cortex or the nucleus accumbens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Lodha
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Emily R. Brocato
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - McKenzie Nash
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Madison M. Marcus
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - A. Chris Pais
- VCU Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alex B. Pais
- VCU Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Michael F. Miles
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer Theresa Wolstenholme
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- VCU Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Healey K, Waters RC, Knight SG, Wandling GM, Hall NI, Jones BN, Shobande MJ, Melton JG, Pandey SC, Scott Swartzwelder H, Maldonado-Devincci AM. Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure alters adult exploratory and affective behaviors, and cerebellar Grin2b expression in C57BL/6J mice. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 253:111026. [PMID: 38006668 PMCID: PMC10990063 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking is one of the most common patterns (more than 90%) of alcohol consumption by young people. During adolescence, the brain undergoes maturational changes that influence behavioral control and affective behaviors, such as cerebellar brain volume and function in adulthood. We investigated long-term impacts of adolescent binge ethanol exposure on affective and exploratory behaviors and cerebellar gene expression in adult male and female mice. Further, the cerebellum is increasingly recognized as a brain region integrating a multitude of behaviors that span from the traditional primary sensory-motor to affective functions, such as anxiety and stress reactivity. Therefore, we investigated the persistent effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) on exploratory and affective behaviors and began to elucidate the role of the cerebellum in these behaviors through excitatory signaling gene expression. We exposed C57BL/6J mice to AIE or air (control) vapor inhalation from postnatal day 28-42. After prolonged abstinence (>34 days), in young adulthood (PND 77+) we assessed behavior in the open field, light/dark, tail suspension, and forced swim stress tests to determine changes in affective behaviors including anxiety-like, depressive-like, and stress reactivity behavior. Excitatory signaling gene mRNA levels of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMR1), glutamate receptors (Grin2a, Grin2b and Grm5) and excitatory synaptic markers (PSD-95 and Eaat1) were measured in the cerebellum of adult control and AIE-exposed mice. AIE-exposed mice showed decreased exploratory behaviors in the open field test (OFT) where both sexes show reduced ambulation, however only females exhibited a reduction in rearing. Additionally, in the OFT, AIE-exposed females also exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior (entries to center zone). In the forced swim stress test, AIE-exposed male mice, but not females, spent less time immobile compared to their same-sex controls, indicative of sex-specific changes in stress reactivity. Male and female AIE-exposed mice showed increased Grin2b (Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor NMDA Type Subunit 2B) mRNA levels in the cerebellum compared to their same-sex controls. Together, these data show that adolescent binge-like ethanol exposure altered both exploratory and affective behaviors in a sex-specific manner and modified cerebellar Grin2b expression in adult mice. This indicates the cerebellum may serve as an important brain region that is susceptible to long-term molecular changes after AIE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati Healey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Renee C Waters
- Department of Psychology, Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States; Department of Psychology, Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, United States
| | - Sherilynn G Knight
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States
| | - Gabriela M Wandling
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Nzia I Hall
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, NC 27516, United States
| | - Brooke N Jones
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States
| | - Mariah J Shobande
- Department of Chemical, Biological and Bioengineering, College of Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States
| | - Jaela G Melton
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - H Scott Swartzwelder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Antoniette M Maldonado-Devincci
- Department of Psychology, Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Towner TT, Goyden MA, Coleman HJ, Drumm MK, Ritchie IP, Lieb KR, Varlinskaya EI, Werner DF. Determining the neuronal ensembles underlying sex-specific social impairments following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure. Neuropharmacology 2023; 238:109663. [PMID: 37429543 PMCID: PMC10984351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence can have behavioral and neurobiological consequences. We have previously found that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces sex-specific social alterations indexed via decreases of social investigation and/or social preference in rats. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) regulates social interaction, and alterations within the PrL resulting from AIE may contribute to social alterations. The current study sought to determine whether AIE-induced PrL dysfunction underlies decreases in social interaction evident in adulthood. We first examined social interaction-induced neuronal activation of the PrL and several other regions of interest (ROIs) implicated in social interaction. Adolescent male and female cFos-LacZ rats were exposed to water (control) or ethanol (4 g/kg, 25% v/v) via intragastric gavage every other day between postnatal day (P) 25 and 45 (total 11 exposures). Since cFos-LacZ rats express β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a proxy for Fos, activated cells that express of β-gal can be inactivated by Daun02. In most ROIs, expression of β-gal was elevated in socially tested adult rats relative to home cage controls, regardless of sex. However, decreased social interaction-induced β-gal expression in AIE-exposed rats relative to controls was evident only in the PrL of males. A separate cohort underwent PrL cannulation surgery in adulthood and was subjected to Daun02-induced inactivation. Inactivation of PrL ensembles previously activated by social interaction reduced social investigation in control males, with no changes evident in AIE-exposed males or females. These findings highlight the role of the PrL in male social investigation and suggest an AIE-associated dysfunction of the PrL that may contribute to reduced social investigation following adolescent ethanol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor T Towner
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Matthew A Goyden
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Harper J Coleman
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Mary K Drumm
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Isabella P Ritchie
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Kayla R Lieb
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Elena I Varlinskaya
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - David F Werner
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Steinfeld MR, Torregrossa MM. Consequences of adolescent drug use. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:313. [PMID: 37802983 PMCID: PMC10558564 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use in adolescence is a known risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders in adulthood. This is in part due to the fact that critical aspects of brain development occur during adolescence, which can be altered by drug use. Despite concerted efforts to educate youth about the potential negative consequences of substance use, initiation remains common amongst adolescents world-wide. Additionally, though there has been substantial research on the topic, many questions remain about the predictors and the consequences of adolescent drug use. In the following review, we will highlight some of the most recent literature on the neurobiological and behavioral effects of adolescent drug use in rodents, non-human primates, and humans, with a specific focus on alcohol, cannabis, nicotine, and the interactions between these substances. Overall, consumption of these substances during adolescence can produce long-lasting changes across a variety of structures and networks which can have enduring effects on behavior, emotion, and cognition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Steinfeld
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen Y, Wang X, Xiao B, Luo Z, Long H. Mechanisms and Functions of Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein in Synaptic Plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5738-5754. [PMID: 37338805 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) is one of the most important regulators of cognitive functions in the brain regions. As a hub protein, Arc plays different roles in modulating synaptic plasticity. Arc supports the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) by regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics, while it guides the endocytosis of AMPAR in long-term depression (LTD). Moreover, Arc can self-assemble into capsids, leading to a new way of communicating among neurons. The transcription and translation of the immediate early gene Arc are rigorous procedures guided by numerous factors, and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is considered to regulate the precise timing dynamics of gene expression. Since astrocytes can secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and L-lactate, their unique roles in Arc expression are emphasized. Here, we review the entire process of Arc expression and summarize the factors that can affect Arc expression and function, including noncoding RNAs, transcription factors, and posttranscriptional regulations. We also attempt to review the functional states and mechanisms of Arc in modulating synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, we discuss the recent progress in understanding the roles of Arc in the occurrence of major neurological disorders and provide new thoughts for future research on Arc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
| | - Zhaohui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
| | - Hongyu Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Healey K, Waters RC, Knight SG, Wandling GM, Hall NI, Jones BN, Shobande MJ, Melton JG, Pandey SC, Scott Swartzwelder H, Maldonado-Devincci AM. Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure Alters Adult Exploratory and Affective Behaviors, and Cerebellar Grin2B Expression in C57BL/6J Mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528396. [PMID: 36824954 PMCID: PMC9949091 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking is one of the most common patterns (more than 90%) of alcohol consumption by young people. During adolescence, the brain undergoes maturational changes that influence behavioral control and affective behaviors, such as cerebellar brain volume and function in adulthood. We investigated long-term impacts of adolescent binge ethanol exposure on affective and exploratory behaviors and cerebellar gene expression in adult male and female mice. Further, the cerebellum is increasingly recognized as a brain region integrating a multitude of behaviors that span from the traditional primary sensory-motor to affective functions, such as anxiety and stress reactivity. Therefore, we investigated the persistent effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) on exploratory and affective behaviors and began to elucidate the role of the cerebellum in these behaviors through excitatory signaling gene expression. We exposed C57BL/6J mice to AIE or air (control) vapor inhalation from postnatal day 28-42. After prolonged abstinence (>34 days), in young adulthood (PND 77+) we assessed behavior in the open field, light/dark, tail suspension, and forced swim stress tests to determine changes in affective behaviors including anxiety-like, depressive-like, and stress reactivity behavior. Excitatory signaling gene mRNA levels of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein ( FMR1) , glutamate receptors ( Grin2a , Grin2B and Grm5 ) and excitatory synaptic markers (PSD-95 and Eaat1) were measured in the cerebellum of adult control and AIE-exposed mice. AIE-exposed mice showed decreased exploratory behaviors in the open field test (OFT) where both sexes show reduced ambulation, however only females exhibited a reduction in rearing. Additionally, in the OFT, AIE-exposed females also exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior (entries to center zone). In the forced swim stress test, AIE-exposed male mice, but not females, spent less time immobile compared to their same-sex controls, indicative of sex-specific changes in stress reactivity. Male and female AIE-exposed mice showed increased Grin2B (Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor NMDA Type Subunit 2B) mRNA levels in the cerebellum compared to their same-sex controls. Together, these data show that adolescent binge-like ethanol exposure altered both exploratory and affective behaviors in a sex-specific manner and modified cerebellar Grin2B expression in adult mice. This indicates the cerebellum may serve as an important brain region that is susceptible to long-term molecular changes after AIE. Highlights Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure decreased exploratory behavior in adult male and female mice.In females, but not males, AIE increased anxiety-like behavior.In males, but not females, AIE reduced stress reactivity in adulthood.These findings indicate sex differences in the enduring effects of AIE on exploratory and affective behaviors. Cerebellar Grin2B mRNA levels were increased in adulthood in both male and female AIE-exposed mice. These findings add to the small, but growing literature on behavioral AIE effects in mice, and establish cerebellar excitatory synaptic gene expression as an enduring effect of adolescent ethanol exposure.
Collapse
|
17
|
Winter JJ, Rodríguez-Acevedo KL, Dittrich M, Heller EA. Early life adversity: Epigenetic regulation underlying drug addiction susceptibility. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103825. [PMID: 36842544 PMCID: PMC10247461 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with more than 70,000 Americans dying from drug overdose in 2019 alone. While only a small percentage of chronic drug users escalate to drug addiction, little is understood on the precise mechanisms of this susceptibility. Early life adversity is causally relevant to adult psychiatric disease and may contribute to the risk of addiction. Here we review recent pre-clinical evidence showing that early life exposure to stress and/or drugs regulates changes in behavior, gene expression, and the epigenome that persist into adulthood. We summarize the major findings and gaps in the preclinical literature, highlighting studies that demonstrate the often profound differences between female and male subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mia Dittrich
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Brancato A, Castelli V, Cannizzaro C, Tringali G. Adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure dysregulates NPY and CGRP in rats: Behavioural and immunochemical evidence. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 123:110699. [PMID: 36565980 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol binge drinking during adolescence impacts affective behaviour, possibly impinging on developing neural substrates processing affective states, including calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Here, we modelled binge-like alcohol exposure in adolescence, by administering 3.5 g/kg alcohol per os, within 1 h, to male adolescent rats every other day, from postnatal day 35 to 54. The effects on positive and negative affective behaviour during abstinence were explored including: consummatory behaviour and weight gain; social behaviour in the modified social interaction test; thermal nociception in the tail-flick test; psychosocial stress coping in the resident-intruder paradigm. Moreover, CGRP and NPY levels were evaluated in functionally relevant brain regions. Our data shows that binge-like intermittent alcohol administration during adolescence decreased weight gain, social preference and motivation, nociception, and active psychosocial stress coping during abstinence. In addition, intermittent alcohol-exposed rats displayed increased expression of CGRP and NPY in the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens; decreased NPY levels in the amygdala; opposite changes in CGRP levels in the hypothalamus and brainstem. Overall, our data shows that adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure, through the allostatic load of alternate intoxication and withdrawal, produces long-term consequences in sensory and affective processes and dysregulated complementary neuropeptidergic systems. Thus, neuropeptide-targeted interventions hold promising potential for addressing negative affect during prolonged withdrawal in young subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valentina Castelli
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- University of Palermo, Dept. of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, via del Vespro 129, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Tringali
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Health Care Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCSS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Shen Y, Huang Z, Yang R, Chen Y, Wang Q, Gao L. Insights into Enhancer RNAs: Biogenesis and Emerging Role in Brain Diseases. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:166-176. [PMID: 34612730 DOI: 10.1177/10738584211046889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Enhancers are cis-acting elements that control the transcription of target genes and are transcribed into a class of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) termed enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). eRNAs have shorter half-lives than mRNAs and long noncoding RNAs; however, the frequency of transcription of eRNAs is close to that of mRNAs. eRNA expression is associated with a high level of histone mark H3K27ac and a low level of H3K27me3. Although eRNAs only account for a small proportion of ncRNAs, their functions are important. eRNAs can not only increase enhancer activity by promoting the formation of enhancer-promoter loops but also regulate transcriptional activation. Increasing numbers of studies have found that eRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and development of brain diseases; however, further research into eRNAs is required. This review discusses the concept, characteristics, classification, function, and potential roles of eRNAs in brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengyi Huang
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqing Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunlong Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Immunology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Linbo Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Translational Medicine, Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Towner TT, Goyden MA, Coleman HJ, Drumm MK, Ritchie IP, Lieb KR, Varlinskaya EI, Werner DF. Determining the neuronal ensembles underlying sex-specific social impairments following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.533653. [PMID: 36993252 PMCID: PMC10055268 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.533653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence can have behavioral and neurobiological consequences. We have previously found that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces a sex-specific social impairment in rats. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) regulates social behavior, and alterations within the PrL resulting from AIE may contribute to social impairments. The current study sought to determine whether AIE-induced PrL dysfunction underlies social deficits in adulthood. We first examined social stimulus-induced neuronal activation of the PrL and several other regions of interest implicated in social behavior. Male and female cFos-LacZ rats were exposed to water (control) or ethanol (4 g/kg, 25% v/v) via intragastric gavage every other day between postnatal day (P) 25 and 45 (total 11 exposures). Since cFos-LacZ rats express β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a proxy for cFos, activated cells that express of β-gal can be inactivated by Daun02. β-gal expression in most ROIs was elevated in socially tested adult rats relative to home cage controls, regardless of sex. However, differences in social stimulus-induced β-gal expression between controls and AIE-exposed rats was evident only in the PrL of males. A separate cohort underwent PrL cannulation surgery in adulthood and were subjected to Daun02-induced inactivation. Inactivation of PrL ensembles previously activated by a social stimulus led to a reduction of social behavior in control males, with no changes evident in AIE-exposed males or females. These findings highlight the role of the PrL in male social behavior and suggest an AIE-associated dysfunction of the PrL may contribute to social deficits following adolescent ethanol exposure.
Collapse
|
21
|
Lei S, Li C, She Y, Zhou S, Shi H, Chen R. Roles of super enhancers and enhancer RNAs in skeletal muscle development and disease. Cell Cycle 2023; 22:495-505. [PMID: 36184878 PMCID: PMC9928468 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2129240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal muscle development is a multistep biological process regulated by a variety of myogenic regulatory factors, including MyoG, MyoD, Myf5, and Myf6 (also known as MRF4), as well as members of the FoxO subfamily. Differentiation and regeneration during skeletal muscle myogenesis contribute to the physiological function of muscles. Super enhancers (SEs) and enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) are involved in the regulation of development and diseases. Few studies have identified the roles of SEs and eRNAs in muscle development and pathophysiology. To develop approaches to enhance skeletal muscle mass and function, a more comprehensive understanding of the key processes underlying muscular diseases is needed. In this review, we summarize the roles of SEs and eRNAs in muscle development and disease through affecting of DNA methylation, FoxO subfamily, RAS-MEK signaling, chromatin modifications and accessibility, MyoD and cis regulating target genes. The summary could inform strategies to increase muscle mass and treat muscle-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Lei
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Li
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling She
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanyao Zhou
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huacai Shi
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cruise TM, Kotlo K, Malovic E, Pandey SC. Advances in DNA, histone, and RNA methylation mechanisms in the pathophysiology of alcohol use disorder. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10871. [PMID: 38389820 PMCID: PMC10880780 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has a complex, multifactorial etiology involving dysregulation across several brain regions and peripheral organs. Acute and chronic alcohol consumption cause epigenetic modifications in these systems, which underlie changes in gene expression and subsequently, the emergence of pathophysiological phenotypes associated with AUD. One such epigenetic mechanism is methylation, which can occur on DNA, histones, and RNA. Methylation relies on one carbon metabolism to generate methyl groups, which can then be transferred to acceptor substrates. While DNA methylation of particular genes generally represses transcription, methylation of histones and RNA can have bidirectional effects on gene expression. This review summarizes one carbon metabolism and the mechanisms behind methylation of DNA, histones, and RNA. We discuss the field's findings regarding alcohol's global and gene-specific effects on methylation in the brain and liver and the resulting phenotypes characteristic of AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara M. Cruise
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kumar Kotlo
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Emir Malovic
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Subhash C. Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Healey KL, Kibble S, Dubester K, Bell A, Swartzwelder HS. Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure enhances adult stress effects in male rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 223:173513. [PMID: 36610590 PMCID: PMC10028459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Binge patterns of alcohol use, prevalent among adolescents, are associated with a higher probability of developing alcohol use disorders (AUD) and other psychiatric disorders, like anxiety and depression. Additionally, adverse life events strongly predict AUD and other psychiatric disorders. As such, the combined fields of stress and AUD have been well established, and animal models indicate that both binge-like alcohol exposure and stress exposure elevate anxiety-like behaviors. However, few have investigated the interaction of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) and adult stressors. We hypothesized that AIE would increase vulnerability to restraint-induced stress (RS), manifested as increased anxiety-like behavior. After AIE exposure, in adulthood, animals were tested on forced swim (FST) and saccharin preference (SP) and then exposed to either RS (90 min/5 days) or home-cage control. Twenty-four hours after the last RS session, animals began testing on the elevated plus maze (EPM), and were re-tested on FST and SP. A separate group of animals were sacrificed in adulthood after AIE and RS, and brains were harvested for immunoblot analysis of dorsal and ventral hippocampus. Consistent with previous reports, AIE had no significant effect on closed arm time in the EPM (anxiety-like behavior). However, in male rats the interaction of AIE and adult RS increased time spent in the closed arms. No effect was observed among female animals. AIE and RS-specific alterations were found in glial and synaptic markers (GLT-1, FMRP and PSD-95) in male animals. These findings indicate AIE has sex-specific effects on both SP and the interaction of AIE and adult RS, which induces a propensity toward anxiety-like behavior in males. Also, AIE produces persistent hippocampal deficits that may interact with adult RS to cause increased anxiety-like behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms behind this AIE-induced increase in stress vulnerability may provide insight into treatment and prevention strategies for alcohol use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati L Healey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America.
| | - Sandra Kibble
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Kira Dubester
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - Amelia Bell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| | - H S Swartzwelder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pagano R, Salamian A, Zielinski J, Beroun A, Nalberczak-Skóra M, Skonieczna E, Cały A, Tay N, Banaschewski T, Desrivières S, Grigis A, Garavan H, Heinz A, Brühl R, Martinot JL, Martinot MLP, Artiges E, Nees F, Orfanos DP, Poustka L, Hohmann S, Fröhner JH, Smolka MN, Vaidya N, Walter H, Whelan R, Kalita K, Bito H, Müller CP, Schumann G, Okuno H, Radwanska K. Arc controls alcohol cue relapse by a central amygdala mechanism. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:733-745. [PMID: 36357670 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01849-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and fatal disease. The main impediment of the AUD therapy is a high probability of relapse to alcohol abuse even after prolonged abstinence. The molecular mechanisms of cue-induced relapse are not well established, despite the fact that they may offer new targets for the treatment of AUD. Using a comprehensive animal model of AUD, virally-mediated and amygdala-targeted genetic manipulations by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and ex vivo electrophysiology, we identify a mechanism that selectively controls cue-induced alcohol relapse and AUD symptom severity. This mechanism is based on activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc)/ARG3.1-dependent plasticity of the amygdala synapses. In humans, we identified single nucleotide polymorphisms in the ARC gene and their methylation predicting not only amygdala size, but also frequency of alcohol use, even at the onset of regular consumption. Targeting Arc during alcohol cue exposure may thus be a selective new mechanism for relapse prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pagano
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ahmad Salamian
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Zielinski
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Beroun
- Laboratory of Neuronal Plasticity, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Nalberczak-Skóra
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Edyta Skonieczna
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Cały
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nicole Tay
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sylvane Desrivières
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, SGDP Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Antoine Grigis
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Brühl
- Braunschweig and Berlin, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Luc Martinot
- INSERM U1299 "Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- AP-HP. Sorbonne Université, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- Psychiatry Department, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Etampes, France
- Ecole Normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Marie-Laure Paillère Martinot
- INSERM U1299 "Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- AP-HP. Sorbonne Université, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- Psychiatry Department, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Etampes, France
- Ecole Normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Eric Artiges
- INSERM U1299 "Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
- AP-HP. Sorbonne Université, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
- Psychiatry Department, EPS Barthélémy Durand, Etampes, France
- Ecole Normale supérieure Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Luise Poustka
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Hohmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Juliane H Fröhner
- Department of Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nilakshi Vaidya
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, SGDP Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Whelan
- School of Psychology and Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katarzyna Kalita
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, BRAINCITY, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Haruhiko Bito
- Department of Neurochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christian P Müller
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute for Science and Technology of Brain-inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hiroyuki Okuno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Kasia Radwanska
- Laboratory of Molecular Basis of Behavior, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Landin JD, Chandler LJ. Adolescent alcohol exposure alters threat avoidance in adulthood. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1098343. [PMID: 36761697 PMCID: PMC9905129 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1098343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent binge-like alcohol exposure impairs cognitive function and decision making in adulthood and may be associated with dysfunction of threat avoidance, a critical mechanism of survival which relies upon executive function. The present study investigated the impact of binge-like alcohol exposure during adolescence on active avoidance in adulthood. Male and female rats were subjected to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure by vapor inhalation and then tested in adulthood using a platform-mediated avoidance task. After training to press a lever to receive a sucrose reward, the rats were conditioned to a tone that co-terminated with a foot-shock. A motivational conflict was introduced by the presence of an escape platform that isolated the rat from the shock, but also prevented access to the sucrose reward while the rat was on the platform. During the task training phase, both male and female rats exhibited progressive increases in active avoidance (platform escape) in response to the conditioned tone, whereas innate fear behavior (freezing) remained relatively constant over training days. A history of AIE exposure did not impact either active avoidance or freezing behavior during task acquisition. On the test day following platform acquisition training, female rats exhibited higher levels of both active avoidance and freezing compared to male rats, while AIE-exposed male but not female rats exhibited significantly greater levels of active avoidance compared to controls. In contrast, neither male nor female AIE-exposed rats exhibited alterations in freezing compared to controls. Following 5 days of extinction training, female rats continued to display higher levels of active avoidance and freezing during tone presentation compared to males. Male AIE-exposed rats also had higher levels of both active avoidance and freezing compared to the male control rats. Together, the results demonstrate that female rats exhibit elevated levels of active avoidance and freezing compared to males and further reveal a sex-specific impact of AIE on threat responding in adulthood.
Collapse
|
26
|
Matrisciano F, Locci V, Dong E, Nicoletti F, Guidotti A, Grayson DR. Altered Expression and In Vivo Activity of mGlu5 Variant a Receptors in the Striatum of BTBR Mice: Novel Insights Into the Pathophysiology of Adult Idiopathic Forms of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2354-2368. [PMID: 35139800 PMCID: PMC9890299 DOI: 10.2174/1567202619999220209112609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND mGlu5 metabotropic glutamate receptors are considered as candidate drug targets in the treatment of "monogenic" forms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), such as Fragile- X syndrome (FXS). However, despite promising preclinical data, clinical trials using mGlu5 receptor antagonists to treat FXS showed no beneficial effects. OBJECTIVE Here, we studied the expression and function of mGlu5 receptors in the striatum of adult BTBR mice, which model idiopathic forms of ASD, and behavioral phenotype. METHODS Behavioral tests were associated with biochemistry analysis including qPCR and western blot for mRNA and protein expression. In vivo analysis of polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis was performed to study the mGlu5-mediated intracellular signaling in the striatum of adult BTBR mice under basal conditions and after MTEP exposure. RESULTS Expression of mGlu5 receptors and mGlu5 receptor-mediated polyphosphoinositides hydrolysis were considerably high in the striatum of BTBR mice, sensitive to MTEP treatment. Changes in the expression of genes encoding for proteins involved in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, including Fmr1, Dlg4, Shank3, Brd4, bdnf-exon IX, Mef2c, and Arc, GriA2, Glun1, Nr2A, and Grm1, Grm2, GriA1, and Gad1 were also found. Behaviorally, BTBR mice showed high repetitive stereotypical behaviors, including self-grooming and deficits in social interactions. Acute or repeated injections with MTEP reversed the stereotyped behavior and the social interaction deficit. Similar effects were observed with the NMDA receptor blockers MK-801 or ketamine. CONCLUSION These findings support a pivotal role of mGlu5 receptor abnormal expression and function in idiopathic ASD adult forms and unveil novel potential targets for therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Matrisciano
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Valentina Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Erbo Dong
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics Department of Psychiatry College of Medicine University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics Department of Psychiatry College of Medicine University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dennis R. Grayson
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics Department of Psychiatry College of Medicine University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Narendra S, Klengel C, Hamzeh B, Patel D, Otten J, Lardenoije R, Newman EL, Miczek KA, Klengel T, Ressler KJ, Suh J. Genome-wide transcriptomics of the amygdala reveals similar oligodendrocyte-related responses to acute and chronic alcohol drinking in female mice. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:476. [PMID: 36371333 PMCID: PMC9653459 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02231-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated excessive alcohol consumption is a risk factor for alcohol use disorder (AUD). Although AUD has been more common in men than women, women develop more severe behavioral and physical impairments. However, relatively few new therapeutics targeting development of AUD, particularly in women, have been validated. To gain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol intake, we conducted a genome-wide RNA-sequencing analysis in female mice exposed to different modes (acute vs chronic) of ethanol drinking. We focused on transcriptional profiles in the amygdala including the central and basolateral subnuclei, brain areas previously implicated in alcohol drinking and seeking. Surprisingly, we found that both drinking modes triggered similar changes in gene expression and canonical pathways, including upregulation of ribosome-related/translational pathways and myelination pathways, and downregulation of chromatin binding and histone modification. In addition, analyses of hub genes and upstream regulatory pathways revealed that voluntary ethanol consumption affects epigenetic changes via histone deacetylation pathways, oligodendrocyte and myelin function, and the oligodendrocyte-related transcription factor, Sox17. Furthermore, a viral vector-assisted knockdown of Sox17 gene expression in the amygdala prevented a gradual increase in alcohol consumption during repeated accesses. Overall, these results suggest that the expression of oligodendrocyte-related genes in the amygdala is sensitive to voluntary alcohol drinking in female mice. These findings suggest potential molecular targets for future therapeutic approaches to prevent the development of AUD, due to repeated excessive alcohol consumption, particularly in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharvari Narendra
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Claudia Klengel
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Bilal Hamzeh
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Drasti Patel
- Department of Bioinformatics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joy Otten
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Roy Lardenoije
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Emily L Newman
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
| | - Klaus A Miczek
- Psychology and Neuroscience Departments, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Torsten Klengel
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
| | - Junghyup Suh
- Division of Depression and Anxiety Disorders, McLean Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bohnsack JP, Zhang H, Wandling GM, He D, Kyzar EJ, Lasek AW, Pandey SC. Targeted epigenomic editing ameliorates adult anxiety and excessive drinking after adolescent alcohol exposure. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2748. [PMID: 35507645 PMCID: PMC9067919 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent binge drinking is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders later in life including alcohol use disorder. Adolescent alcohol exposure induces epigenetic reprogramming at the enhancer region of the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) immediate-early gene, known as synaptic activity response element (SARE), and decreases Arc expression in the amygdala of both rodents and humans. The causal role of amygdalar epigenomic regulation at Arc SARE in adult anxiety and drinking after adolescent alcohol exposure is unknown. Here, we show that dCas9-P300 increases histone acetylation at the Arc SARE and normalizes deficits in Arc expression, leading to attenuation of adult anxiety and excessive alcohol drinking in a rat model of adolescent alcohol exposure. Conversely, dCas9-KRAB increases repressive histone methylation at the Arc SARE, decreases Arc expression, and produces anxiety and alcohol drinking in control rats. These results demonstrate that epigenomic editing in the amygdala can ameliorate adult psychopathology after adolescent alcohol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Peyton Bohnsack
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Wandling
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Donghong He
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Evan J. Kyzar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Amy W. Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA
| | - Subhash C. Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612 USA
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Teague CD, Nestler EJ. Teenage drinking and adult neuropsychiatric disorders: An epigenetic connection. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabq5934. [PMID: 35507664 PMCID: PMC11324050 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abq5934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Targeted epigenetic remodeling in the rat amygdala reverses the effects of adolescent alcohol consumption on excessive drinking and anxiety-like behavior in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin D. Teague
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Towner TT, Applegate DT, Varlinskaya EI, Werner DF. Impact of Adolescent Intermittent Ethanol Exposure on Social Investigation, Social Preference, and Neuronal Activation in cFos-LacZ Male and Female Rats. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841657. [PMID: 35401161 PMCID: PMC8984146 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is a sensitive developmental period during which alcohol use is often initiated and consumed in high quantities, often at binge or even high-intensity drinking levels. Our lab has repeatedly found that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in rats results in long-lasting social impairments, specifically in males, however our knowledge of the neuronal underpinnings to this sex-specific effect of AIE is limited. The present study was designed to test whether social anxiety-like alterations in AIE-exposed males would be accompanied by alterations of neuronal activation across brain regions associated with social behavior, with AIE females demonstrating no social impairments and alterations in neuronal activation. Adolescent male and female cFos-LacZ transgenic rats on a Sprague-Dawley background were exposed to ethanol (4 g/kg, 25% v/v) or water via intragastric gavage every other day during postnatal days (P) 25–45 for a total of 11 exposures (n = 13 per group). Social behavior of adult rats was assessed on P70 using a modified social interaction test, and neuronal activation in brain regions implicated in social responding was assessed via β-galactosidase (β-gal) expression. We found that AIE exposure in males resulted in a significantly lower social preference coefficient relative to water-exposed controls, with no effect evident in females. Exposure-specific relationships between social behavior and neuronal activation were identified, with AIE eliminating correlations found in water controls related to social interaction, and eliciting negative correlations mainly in limbic regions in a sex-specific manner. AIE exposure in the absence of social testing was also found to differentially affect neural activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and central amygdala in males and females. These data suggest that AIE produces sex-specific social impairments that are potentially driven by differential neuronal activation states in regions important for social behavior, including the medial prefrontal and orbitofrontal cortices, nucleus accumbens, lateral septum, and central amygdala. Future studies should be focused on identification of specific neuronal phenotypes activated by interaction with a social partner in AIE-exposed subjects and their control counterparts.
Collapse
|
31
|
Chandler LJ, Vaughan DT, Gass JT. Adolescent Alcohol Exposure Results in Sex-specific Alterations in Conditioned Fear Learning and Memory in Adulthood. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:837657. [PMID: 35211024 PMCID: PMC8861326 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.837657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study used auditory fear conditioning to assess the impact of repeated binge-like episodes of alcohol exposure during adolescence on conditioned fear in adulthood. Male and female Long-Evans rats were subjected to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure by vapor inhalation between post-natal day 28 and 44. After aging into adulthood, rats then underwent fear conditioning by exposure to a series of tone-shock pairings. This was followed by cued-tone extinction training, and then testing of fear recovery. In male rats, AIE exposure enhanced conditioned freezing but did not alter the time-course of extinction of cued-tone freezing. During subsequent assessment of fear recovery, AIE exposed rats exhibited less freezing during contextual fear renewal, but greater freezing during extinction recall and spontaneous recovery. Compared to males, female rats exhibited significantly lower levels of freezing during fear conditioning, more rapid extinction of freezing behavior, and significantly lower levels of freezing during the tests of fear recovery. Unlike males that were all classified as high conditioners; female rats could be parsed into either a high or low conditioning group. However, irrespective of their level of conditioned freezing, both the high and low conditioning groups of female rats exhibited rapid extinction of conditioned freezing behavior and comparatively low levels of freezing in tests of fear recovery. Regardless of group classification, AIE had no effect on freezing behavior in female rats during acquisition, extinction, or fear recovery. Lastly, exposure of male rats to the mGlu5 positive allosteric modulator CDPPB prevented AIE-induced alterations in freezing. Taken together, these observations demonstrate sex-specific changes in conditioned fear behaviors that are reversible by pharmacological interventions that target mGlu5 receptor activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Dylan T Vaughan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Justin T Gass
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Healey KL, Kibble SA, Bell A, Kramer G, Maldonado-Devincci A, Swartzwelder HS. Sex differences in the effects of adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure on exploratory and anxiety-like behavior in adult rats. Alcohol 2022; 98:43-50. [PMID: 34808302 PMCID: PMC8714675 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure in rodents has been shown to alter adult behavior in several domains, including learning and memory, social interaction, affective behavior, and ethanol self-administration. AIE has also been shown to produce non-specific behavioral changes that compromise behavioral efficiency. Many studies of these types rely on measuring behavior in mazes and other enclosures that can be influenced by animals' activity levels and exploratory behavior, and relatively few such studies have assessed sex as a biological variable. To address the effects of AIE and its interaction with sex on these types of behavioral assays, male and female adolescent rats (Sprague Dawley) were exposed to 10 doses of AIE (5 g/kg, intra-gastrically [i.g.]), or control vehicle, over 16 days (postnatal day [PND] 30-46), and then tested for exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors on the novelty-induced hypophagia (NIH) task in an open field, the elevated plus (EPM) maze, and the Figure 8 maze. AIE reduced activity/exploratory behaviors in males on the anxiety-producing NIH and EPM tasks, but reduced activity in both males and females in the Figure 8 maze, a task designed to create a safe environment and reduce anxiety. Independent of AIE, females engaged in more rearing behavior than males during the NIH task but less in the EPM, in which they were also less active than males. AIE also increased EPM open arm time in females but not in males. These findings demonstrate previously unrecognized sex differences in the effects of AIE on activity, exploratory behavior, and anxiety-like behavior; additionally, they underscore the need to design future behavioral studies of AIE using sex as a variable and with rigorous attention to how AIE alters these behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kati L Healey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Sandra A Kibble
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Amelia Bell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - George Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States
| | - Antoniette Maldonado-Devincci
- Department of Psychology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, United States
| | - H S Swartzwelder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 323 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kyzar EJ, Bohnsack JP, Pandey SC. Current and Future Perspectives of Noncoding RNAs in Brain Function and Neuropsychiatric Disease. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:183-193. [PMID: 34742545 PMCID: PMC8959010 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) represent the majority of the transcriptome and play important roles in regulating neuronal functions. ncRNAs are exceptionally diverse in both structure and function and include enhancer RNAs, long ncRNAs, and microRNAs, all of which demonstrate specific temporal and regional expression in the brain. Here, we review recent studies demonstrating that ncRNAs modulate chromatin structure, act as chaperone molecules, and contribute to synaptic remodeling and behavior. In addition, we discuss ncRNA function within the context of neuropsychiatric diseases, particularly focusing on addiction and schizophrenia, and the recent methodological developments that allow for better understanding of ncRNA function in the brain. Overall, ncRNAs represent an underrecognized molecular contributor to complex neuronal processes underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evan J Kyzar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York
| | - John Peyton Bohnsack
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Krishnan HR, Zhang H, Chen Y, Bohnsack JP, Shieh AW, Kusumo H, Drnevich J, Liu C, Grayson DR, Maienschein-Cline M, Pandey SC. Unraveling the epigenomic and transcriptomic interplay during alcohol-induced anxiolysis. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4624-4632. [PMID: 36089615 PMCID: PMC9734037 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01732-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Positive effects of alcohol drinking such as anxiolysis and euphoria appear to be a crucial factor in the initiation and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). However, the mechanisms that lead from chromatin reorganization to transcriptomic changes after acute ethanol exposure remain unknown. Here, we used Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin followed by high throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and RNA-seq to investigate epigenomic and transcriptomic changes that underlie anxiolytic effects of acute ethanol using an animal model. Analysis of ATAC-seq data revealed an overall open or permissive chromatin state that was associated with transcriptomic changes in the amygdala after acute ethanol exposure. We identified a candidate gene, Hif3a (Hypoxia-inducible factor 3, alpha subunit), that had 'open' chromatin regions (ATAC-seq peaks), associated with significantly increased active epigenetic histone acetylation marks and decreased DNA methylation at these regions. The mRNA levels of Hif3a were increased by acute ethanol exposure, but decreased in the amygdala during withdrawal after chronic ethanol exposure. Knockdown of Hif3a expression in the central nucleus of amygdala attenuated acute ethanol-induced increases in Hif3a mRNA levels and blocked anxiolysis in rats. These data indicate that chromatin accessibility and transcriptomic signatures in the amygdala after acute ethanol exposure underlie anxiolysis and possibly prime the chromatin for the development of AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harish R. Krishnan
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Ying Chen
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - John Peyton Bohnsack
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Annie W. Shieh
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.411023.50000 0000 9159 4457Present Address: Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
| | - Handojo Kusumo
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Jenny Drnevich
- grid.35403.310000 0004 1936 9991High-Performance Biological Computing, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.411023.50000 0000 9159 4457Present Address: Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
| | - Dennis R. Grayson
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Mark Maienschein-Cline
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Research Informatics Core, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Subhash C. Pandey
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.90000 0004 0419 4711Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Amodeo LR, Jennings SD, Mulholland PJ, Ehlers CL. Chronic intermittent ethanol during adolescence and adulthood alters dendritic spines in the primary motor and visual cortex in rats. Alcohol 2021; 97:67-74. [PMID: 34626787 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged adolescent binge drinking can disrupt sleep quality and increase the likelihood of alcohol-induced sleep disruptions in young adulthood in rodents and in humans. Striking changes in spine density and morphology have been seen in many cortical and subcortical regions after adolescent alcohol exposure in rats. However, there is little known about the impact of alcohol exposure on dendritic spines in the same motor and sensory cortices that EEG sleep is typically recorded from in rats. The aim of this study is to investigate whether an established model of chronic intermittent ethanol vapor in rats that has been demonstrated to disrupt sleep during adolescence or adulthood, also significantly alters cortical dendritic spine density and morphology. To this end, adolescent and adult Wistar rats were exposed to 5 weeks of ethanol vapor or control air exposure. After a 13-day withdrawal, primary motor cortex (M1) and primary/secondary visual cortex (V1/V2) layer V dendrites were analyzed for differences in spine density and morphology. Spines were classified into four categories (stubby, long, filopodia, and mushroom) based on the spine length and the width of the spine head and neck. The main results indicate an age-specific effect of adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure decreasing spine density in the M1 cortex compared to age-matched controls. Reductions in the density of M1 long-shaped spine subclassifications were seen in adolescent ethanol-exposed rats, but not adult-exposed rats, compared to their air-controls. Irrespective of age, there was an overall reduction produced by ethanol exposure on the density of filopodia and the length of long-shaped spines in V1/V2 cortex as compared to their air-exposed controls. Together, these data add to growing evidence that some cortical circuits are vulnerable to the effects of alcohol during adolescence and begin to elucidate potential mechanisms that may influence brain plasticity following early alcohol use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leslie R Amodeo
- Department of Psychology, California State University San Bernardino, San Bernardino, CA, 92407, United States
| | - Sarah D Jennings
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, United States
| | - Cindy L Ehlers
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Rodriguez FD. Targeting Epigenetic Mechanisms to Treat Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:3252-3272. [PMID: 33535943 PMCID: PMC8778698 DOI: 10.2174/1381612827666210203142539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of abusive alcohol consumption on human health is remarkable. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 3.3 million people die annually because of harmful alcohol consumption (the figure represents around 5.9% of global deaths). Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic disease where individuals exhibit compulsive alcohol drinking and present negative emotional states when they do not drink. In the most severe manifestations of AUD, the individuals lose control over intake despite a decided will to stop drinking. Given the multiple faces and the specific forms of this disease, the term AUD often appears in the plural (AUDs). Since only a few approved pharmacological treatments are available to treat AUD and they do not apply to all individuals or AUD forms, the search for compounds that may help to eliminate the burden of the disease and complement other therapeutical approaches is necessary. METHODS This work reviews recent research focused on the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the pathophysiology of AUD. Excessive drinking leads to chronic and compulsive consumption that eventually damages the organism. The central nervous system is a key target and is the focus of this study. The search for the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms behind the intricated dysregulation induced by ethanol will aid researchers in establishing new therapy approaches. CONCLUSION Recent findings in the field of epigenetics are essential and offer new windows for observation and research. The study of small molecules that inhibit key epienzymes involved in nucleosome architecture dynamics is necessary in order to prove their action and specificity in the laboratory and to test their effectivity and safety in clinical trials with selected patients bearing defined alterations caused by ethanol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. David Rodriguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Salamanca and Group GIR BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kipp BT, Nunes PT, Galaj E, Hitchcock B, Nasra T, Poynor KR, Heide SK, Reitz NL, Savage LM. Adolescent Ethanol Exposure Alters Cholinergic Function and Apical Dendritic Branching Within the Orbital Frontal Cortex. Neuroscience 2021; 473:52-65. [PMID: 34450212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
During adolescence, heavy binge-like ethanol consumption can lead to frontocortical structural and functional impairments. These impairments are likely driven by adolescence being a critical time point for maturation of brain regions associated with higher-order cognitive functioning. Rodent models of heavy binge-like ethanol exposure show consistent disruptions to the typical development of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). All deep cortical layers receive cholinergic projections that originate from the Nucleus basalis of Meynert (NbM) complex. These cholinergic projections are highly involved in learning, memory, and attention. Adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure (AIE) induces cholinergic dysfunction as a result of an epigenetic suppression of the genes that drive the cholinergic phenotype. The current study used a model of AIE to assess structural and functional changes to the frontal cortex and NbM following binge-like ethanol exposure in adolescence. Western blot analysis revealed long-term disruptions of the cholinergic circuit following AIE: choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was suppressed in the NbM and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) was suppressed in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In vivo microdialysis for acetylcholine efflux during a spatial memory task determined changes in cholinergic modulation within the PFC following AIE. However, AIE spared performance on the spatial memory task and on an operant reversal task. In a second study, Golgi-Cox staining determined that AIE increased apical dendritic complexity in the OFC, with sex influencing whether the increase in branching occurred near or away from the soma. Spine density or maturity was not affected, likely compensating for a disruption in neurotransmitter function following AIE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B T Kipp
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - P T Nunes
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - E Galaj
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - B Hitchcock
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - T Nasra
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - K R Poynor
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - S K Heide
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - N L Reitz
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - L M Savage
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University of the State University of New York, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mugantseva E, Hyytiä P, Latvala A. Voluntary Adolescent-Onset Alcohol Drinking Fails to Influence Alcohol Consumption or Anxiety-Like Behaviour in Adulthood in Female Alcohol-Preferring Rats. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 57:396-403. [PMID: 34463340 PMCID: PMC9086760 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Alcohol exposure during adolescence is associated with both increased risk for alcohol use disorders and anxiety in adulthood. Our present experiments examined this association using alcohol-preferring AA (Alko Alcohol) rats selected for high voluntary alcohol drinking. METHODS Two groups of female AA rats acquired alcohol drinking at different ages. We gave the adolescent-onset group free choice to 10% alcohol and water for seven weeks, starting on post-natal day 42 (PND 42), whereas the adult-onset group started drinking alcohol on PND 112. After the 7-week drinking, we withdrew the adolescent group from alcohol for two weeks, followed by another voluntary 7-week drinking period, started at the same age as the adult-onset group. We assessed anxiety-like behaviour repeatedly during alcohol drinking with open field and elevated plus maze tests. At the end of alcohol drinking, we also tested the rats using the light/dark box, stress-induced body temperature test and social dominance test. RESULTS During the first 7-week alcohol drinking, adolescent rats exhibited significantly slower acquisition of alcohol drinking and lower alcohol preference than the adult-onset group. However, when tested at the same age as the adult-onset rats, they displayed identical alcohol intake and preference. We found no alcohol-induced effects on anxiety- or stress-related behaviour in the experimental groups at any time points. CONCLUSIONS These data show that the genetically determined phenotype of high alcohol drinking of the female alcohol-preferring AA rats is not associated with a predisposition to develop anxiety-like behaviour following voluntary alcohol exposure, even when initiated during adolescence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Mugantseva
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics RAS, Institutskaya, 3, Pushchino, 142290, Moscow region, Russia
| | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63 (Haartmaninkatu 8), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Antti Latvala
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20 (Tukholmankatu 8), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Criminology and Legal Policy, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 16 (Snellmaninkatu 10), FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Brocato E, Wolstenholme JT. Neuroepigenetic consequences of adolescent ethanol exposure. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 160:45-84. [PMID: 34696879 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by ongoing brain maturation processes including myelination and synaptic pruning. Adolescents experience heightened reward sensitivity, sensation seeking, impulsivity, and diminished inhibitory self-control, which contribute to increased participation in risky behaviors, including the initiation of alcohol use. Ethanol exposure in adolescence alters memory and cognition, anxiety-like behavior, and ethanol sensitivity as well as brain myelination and dendritic spine morphology, with effects lasting into adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic modifications may explain these lasting effects. Focusing on the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, we review studies investigating the epigenetic consequences of adolescent ethanol exposure. Ethanol metabolism globally increases donor substrates for histone acetylation and histone and DNA methylation, and this chapter discusses how this can further impact epigenetic programming of the adolescent brain. Elucidation of the mechanisms through which ethanol can alter the epigenetic code at specific transcripts may provide therapeutic targets for intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Brocato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jennifer T Wolstenholme
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fesser EA, Gianatiempo O, Berardino BG, Ferroni NM, Cambiasso M, Fontana VA, Calvo JC, Sonzogni SV, Cánepa ET. Limited contextual memory and transcriptional dysregulation in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice exposed to early protein malnutrition are intergenerationally transmitted. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 139:139-149. [PMID: 34058653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Memory contextualization is vital for the subsequent retrieval of relevant memories in specific situations and is a critical dimension of social cognition. The inability to properly contextualize information has been described as characteristic of psychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The exposure to early-life adversities, such as nutritional deficiency, increases the risk to trigger alterations in different domains of cognition related to those observed in mental diseases. In this work, we explored the consequences of exposure to perinatal protein malnutrition on contextual memory in a mouse model and assessed whether these consequences are transmitted to the next generation. Female mice were fed with a normal or hypoproteic diet during pregnancy and lactation. To evaluate contextual memory, the object-context mismatch test was performed in both sexes of F1 offspring and in the subsequent F2 generation. We observed that contextual memory was altered in mice of both sexes that had been subjected to maternal protein malnutrition and that the deficit in contextual memory was transmitted to the next generation. The basis of this alteration seems to be a transcriptional dysregulation of genes involved in the excitatory and inhibitory balance and immediate-early genes within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of both generations. The expression of genes encoding enzymes that regulate H3K27me3 levels was altered in the mPFC and partially in sperm of F1 malnourished mice. These results support the hypothesis that early nutritional deficiency represents a risk factor for the emergence of symptoms associated with mental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía A Fesser
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Octavio Gianatiempo
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadina M Ferroni
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maite Cambiasso
- Laboratorio de Matriz Extracelular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanina A Fontana
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Laboratorio de Matriz Extracelular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan C Calvo
- Laboratorio de Matriz Extracelular, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina V Sonzogni
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Przybysz KR, Gamble ME, Diaz MR. Moderate adolescent chronic intermittent ethanol exposure sex-dependently disrupts synaptic transmission and kappa opioid receptor function in the basolateral amygdala of adult rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 188:108512. [PMID: 33667523 PMCID: PMC10500544 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol exposure is associated with many consequences in adulthood, including altered affective and reward-related behaviors. However, the long-term neurological disruptions underlying these behaviors are not fully understood. Shifts in the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) relate to the expression of these behaviors and changes to BLA physiology are seen during withdrawal immediately following adolescent ethanol exposure, but no studies have examined whether these changes persist long-term. The kappa opioid receptor (KOR) neuromodulatory system mediates negative affective behaviors, and alterations of this system are implicated in behavioral changes following adult and adolescent chronic ethanol exposure. In the BLA, the KOR system undergoes functional changes across development, but whether BLA KOR function is disrupted by adolescent ethanol exposure is unknown. In this study, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a vapor model of moderate adolescent chronic intermittent ethanol (aCIE) and assessed for long-term effects on GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission within the adult BLA and KOR modulation of these systems. aCIE exposure increased presynaptic glutamate transmission in females but had no effect in males or on GABA transmission in either sex. Additionally, aCIE exposure disrupted male KOR modulation of GABA release, with no effects in females or on glutamate transmission. These data suggest that aCIE produces sex-dependent and long-term changes to BLA physiology and KOR function. This is the first study to examine these persistent adaptations following adolescent alcohol exposure and opens a broad avenue for future investigation into other adolescent ethanol-induced disruptions of these systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn R Przybysz
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States
| | - Meredith E Gamble
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States
| | - Marvin R Diaz
- Department of Psychology, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Histone Methylation Regulation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094654. [PMID: 33925016 PMCID: PMC8125694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances achieved with molecular biology and genomics technologies have permitted investigators to discover epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, which are critical for gene expression in almost all tissues and in brain health and disease. These advances have influenced much interest in understanding the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders. Although these disorders diverge in their fundamental causes and pathophysiology, several involve the dysregulation of histone methylation-mediated gene expression. Interestingly, epigenetic remodeling via histone methylation in specific brain regions has been suggested to play a critical function in the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, including that related to neurodegenerative diseases. Prominently, epigenetic dysregulation currently brings considerable interest as an essential player in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and drugs of abuse, including alcohol abuse disorder, where it may facilitate connections between genetic and environmental risk factors or directly influence disease-specific pathological factors. We have discussed the current state of histone methylation, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives for these disorders. While not somatically heritable, the enzymes responsible for histone methylation regulation, such as histone methyltransferases and demethylases in neurons, are dynamic and reversible. They have become promising potential therapeutic targets to treat or prevent several neurodegenerative disorders. These findings, along with clinical data, may provide links between molecular-level changes and behavioral differences and provide novel avenues through which the epigenome may be targeted early on in people at risk for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
|
43
|
Shentu Y, Tian Q, Yang J, Liu X, Han Y, Yang D, Zhang N, Fan X, Wang P, Ma J, Chen R, Li D, Liu S, Wang Y, Mao S, Gong Y, Du C, Fan J. Upregulation of KDM6B contributes to lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-like behavior via modulation of VGLL4 in mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 408:113305. [PMID: 33865886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Histone H3K27me3 demethylase KDM6B (also known as Jumonji domain-containing protein D3, JMJD3) plays vital roles in the etiology of inflammatory responses; however, little is known about the role of KDM6B in neuroinflammation-induced anxiety-like behavior. The present study aimed to investigate the potential role of KDM6B in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced anxiety-like behavior and to evaluate whether it is associated with the modulation of vestigial-like family member 4 (VGLL4). The elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and open-field test were performed to test the anxiety-like behavior induced by LPS in C57BL/6 J male mice. Levels of relative protein expression in the hippocampus were quantified by western blotting. KDM6B inhibitor GSK-J4 and microglia inhibitor minocycline as well as adeno-associated virus of Vgll4 shRNA were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. We found that KDM6B, VGLL4, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule-1 (Iba-1, microglia marker) protein levels were increased in LPS-dose dependent manner in the hippocampus but not in prefrontal cortex. GSK-J4 treatment attenuated LPS-induced VGLL4, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), IL-1β and Iba-1 upregulation and anxiety-like behavior. Knockdown VGLL4 with Vgll4 shRNA prevented the increase of anxiety-like behavior and levels of STAT3, IL-1β, and Iba-1 expression in the hippocampus of LPS-treated mice. Moreover, minocycline, an inhibitor of microglia treatment blunted LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the induction of neuroinflammation by LPS promotes KDM6B activation in the hippocampus, and LPS-induced anxiety-like behavior is associated with upregulation of VGLL4 by KDM6B in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yangping Shentu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Qiuyun Tian
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jinge Yang
- Department of Medical Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, Jiangxi, 334709, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Liu
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yujiao Han
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Dichen Yang
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Xiaofang Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jianshe Ma
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Ran Chen
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Dantong Li
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Shouting Liu
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yongyu Wang
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Sunzhong Mao
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Yongsheng Gong
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Congkuo Du
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Junming Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Crews FT, Fisher R, Deason C, Vetreno RP. Loss of Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons Following Adolescent Binge Ethanol Exposure: Recovery With the Cholinesterase Inhibitor Galantamine. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:652494. [PMID: 33716687 PMCID: PMC7953159 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.652494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Binge drinking and alcohol abuse are common during adolescence and cause both cognitive deficits and lasting cholinergic pathology in the adult basal forebrain. Acetylcholine is anti-inflammatory and studies using the preclinical adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg, i.g., 2 day on/2 day off from postnatal day [P]25 to P54) model of human adolescent binge drinking report decreased basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) and induction of proinflammatory genes that persist long into adulthood. Recent studies link AIE-induced neuroimmune activation to cholinergic pathology, but the underlying mechanisms contributing to the persistent loss of BFCNs are unknown. We report that treatment with the cholinesterase inhibitor galantamine (4.0 mg/kg, i.p.) administered during AIE (i.e., P25-P54) or following the conclusion of AIE (i.e., P57-P72) recovered the persistent loss of cholinergic neuron phenotype markers (i.e., ChAT, TrkA, and p75NTR) and somal shrinkage of residual ChAT + neurons known to persist in AIE-exposed adults. Galantamine treatment also recovered the AIE-increased expression of the proinflammatory receptors TLR4 and RAGE, the endogenous TLR4/RAGE agonist HMGB1, and the transcription activation marker pNF-κB p65. Interestingly, we find BFCNs express TLR4 and RAGE, and that AIE treatment increased pNF-κB p65 expression in adult ChAT + IR neurons, consistent with intracellular HMGB1-TLR4/RAGE signaling within BFCNs. AIE increased epigenetic transcription silencing markers (i.e., H3K9me2 and H3K9me3) in the adult basal forebrain and H3K9me2 occupancy at cholinergic phenotype gene promoters (i.e., ChAT and TrkA). The finding of no AIE-induced changes in total basal forebrain NeuN + neurons with galantamine reversal of AIE-induced ChAT + neuron loss, TLR4/RAGE-pNF-κB p65 signals, and epigenetic transcription silencing markers suggests that AIE does not cause cell death, but rather the loss of the cholinergic phenotype. Together, these data suggest that AIE induces HMGB1-TLR4/RAGE-pNF-κB p65 signals, causing the loss of cholinergic phenotype (i.e., ChAT, TrkA, and p75NTR) through epigenetic histone transcription silencing that result in the loss of the BFCN phenotype that can be prevented and restored by galantamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fulton T. Crews
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Rachael Fisher
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Chloe Deason
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Ryan P. Vetreno
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Gamble ME, Diaz MR. Moderate Adolescent Ethanol Vapor Exposure and Acute Stress in Adulthood: Sex-Dependent Effects on Social Behavior and Ethanol Intake in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E829. [PMID: 33171857 PMCID: PMC7695197 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol use can lead to numerous consequences, including altered stress reactivity and higher risk for later anxiety and alcohol use disorders. Many studies have examined the consequences of heavy ethanol exposure in adolescence, but far less is understood about lower levels of intoxication. The present study examined moderate adolescent ethanol exposure as a possible factor in increasing stress reactivity in adulthood, measured through general and social anxiety-like behaviors, as well voluntary ethanol intake. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent an adolescent chronic intermittent ethanol (aCIE) vapor exposure during early adolescence, reaching moderate blood ethanol concentrations. Animals then underwent two days of forced swim stress in adulthood. We found that ethanol-exposed males consumed more ethanol than their air counterparts and an interesting stress and ethanol exposure interaction in males. There were no significant effects on voluntary drinking in females. However, the social interaction test revealed increased play-fighting behavior in ethanol-exposed females and reduced social preference in females after two days of stress exposure. Overall, this work provides evidence for sex-specific, long-term effects of moderate aCIE and susceptibility to acute stress in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith E. Gamble
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| | - Marvin R. Diaz
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
- Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Galaj E, Guo C, Huang D, Ranaldi R, Ma YY. Contrasting effects of adolescent and early-adult ethanol exposure on prelimbic cortical pyramidal neurons. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 216:108309. [PMID: 32998090 PMCID: PMC7814343 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescence and early-adulthood are vulnerable developmental periods during which binge drinking can have long-lasting effects on brain function. However, little is known about the effects of binge drinking on the pyramidal cells of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) during early and protracted withdrawal periods. METHODS In the present study, we performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings and dendritic spine staining to examine the intrinsic excitability, spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs), and spine morphology of pyramidal cells in the PrL from rats exposed to chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) during adolescence or early-adulthood. RESULTS Compared to chronic intermittent water (CIW)-treated controls, the excitability of PrL-L5 pyramidal neurons was significantly increased 21 days after adolescent CIE but decreased 21 days after early-adult CIE. No changes of excitability in PrL Layer (L) 5 were detected 2 days after either adolescent or early-adulthood CIE. Interestingly, decreases in sEPSC amplitude and increases in thin spines ratio were detected 2 days after adolescent CIE. Furthermore, decreased frequency and amplitude of sEPSCs, accompanied by a decrease in the density of total spines and non-thin spines were observed 21 days after adolescent CIE. In contrast, increased frequency and amplitude of sEPSCs, accompanied by increased densities of total spines and non-thin spines were found 21 days after early adult CIE. CONCLUSION CIE produced prolonged neuronal and synaptic alterations in PrL-L5, and the developmental stage, i.e., adolescence vs. early-adulthood when subjects receive CIE, is a key factor in determining the direction of these changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Galaj
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Changyong Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Donald Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Robert Ranaldi
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
| | - Yao-Ying Ma
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Luo YX, Galaj E, Ma YY. Differential alterations of insular cortex excitability after adolescent or adult chronic intermittent ethanol administration in male rats. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:649-661. [PMID: 33094531 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol drinking, primarily in the form of binge-drinking episodes, is a serious public health concern. Binge drinking in laboratory animals has been modeled by a procedure involving chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) administration, as compared with chronic intermittent water (CIW). The prolonged effects of adolescent binge alcohol exposure in adults, such as high risk of developing alcohol use disorder, are severe but available treatments in the clinic are limited. One reason is the lack of sufficient understanding about the associated neuronal alterations. The involvement of the insular cortex, particularly the anterior agranular insula (AAI), has emerged as a critical region to explain neuronal mechanisms of substance abuse. This study was designed to evaluate the functional output of the AAI by measuring the intrinsic excitability of pyramidal neurons from male rats 2 or 21 days after adolescent or adult CIE treatment. Decreases in intrinsic excitability in AAI pyramidal neurons were detected 21 days, relative to 2 days, after adolescent CIE. Interestingly, the decreased intrinsic excitability in the AAI pyramidal neurons was observed 2 days after adult CIE, compared to adult CIW, but no difference was found between 2 versus 21 days after adult CIE. These data indicate that, although the AAI is influenced within a limited period after adult but not adolescent CIE, neuronal alterations in AAI are affected during the prolonged period of withdrawal from adolescent but not adult CIE. This may explain the prolonged vulnerability to mental disorders of subjects with an alcohol binge history during their adolescent stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiao Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Ewa Galaj
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Yao-Ying Ma
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bohnsack JP, Pandey SC. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, and the epigenetic code of alcohol use disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:1-62. [PMID: 33461661 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite AUD's substantial contributions to lost economic productivity and quality of life, there are only a limited number of approved drugs for treatment of AUD in the United States. This chapter will update progress made on the epigenetic basis of AUD, with particular focus on histone post-translational modifications and DNA methylation and how these two epigenetic mechanisms interact to contribute to neuroadaptive processes leading to initiation, maintenance and progression of AUD pathophysiology. We will also evaluate epigenetic therapeutic strategies that have arisen from preclinical models of AUD and epigenetic biomarkers that have been discovered in human populations with AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Peyton Bohnsack
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
El Mostafi H, Elhessni A, Touil T, Ouichou A, Laaziz A, Doumar H, Mesfioui A. Argan oil supplementation attenuates voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome promoted by adolescent intermittent ethanol in rat. Alcohol 2020; 87:39-50. [PMID: 32353590 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigates the potential neuroprotective effect of argan oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, commonly used in folk Moroccan medicines, on adolescent intermittent ethanol intoxication (IEI), induced voluntary ethanol consumption, and withdrawal syndrome in rats. Animals were treated with ethanol (intraperitoneally [i.p.], 3 g/kg body weight [bw]) in intermittent doses (2 days on; 2 days off, from postnatal day 30-43), with/without oral AO pre-treatment (10 mL/kg/day bw, from postnatal day 21-121). A 2-bottle free access test was performed over 10 weeks to assess 10% ethanol consumption. Behavioral signs of withdrawal were observed after 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after ethanol removal. Anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and the light/dark box tests were also evaluated at 72 h of withdrawal. We found that AO pre-treatment significantly decreased the voluntary ethanol consumption induced by adolescent IEI. In addition, by establishing low ethanol consumption, AO pre-treatment counteracts negative effects of ethanol withdrawal and anxiety-like behaviors in ethanol-treated rats after 72 h of abstinence. Following behavioral assays, oxidative stress markers were evaluated and histologic analysis of neurodegeneration was also performed. The results showed that the low ethanol drinking in the AO-supplemented rats was associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the rats' brains. These findings provide evidence for the promising neuroprotective effect of AO supplementation in voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome, at least in part through counteracting oxidative stress markers and neurodegeneration.
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhou Y, Tian Q, Zheng C, Yang J, Fan J, Shentu Y. Myocardial infarction-induced anxiety-like behavior is associated with epigenetic alterations in the hippocampus of rat. Brain Res Bull 2020; 164:172-183. [PMID: 32871241 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental animal studies indicate that there is a high risk for the incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders suffering from cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI). However, the potential mechanism of this association remains largely unknown. This study sought to evaluate whether epigenetic alterations in the hippocampus is associated with MI-induced anxiety-like behavior in rats. MI was induced by occlusion of the left anterior descending artery in adult female rats. Anxiety-like behavior was examined by elevated plus maze, light-dark box, and open field test. Relative gene and protein levels expression in the hippocampus were tested by qRT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. We found that MI rats exhibited anxiety-like behavior compared with those in controls, and there is a positive correlation between MI and anxiety-like behavior. We also found that MI decreased KDM6B while increased SIRT1 expression in the hippocampus of MI rats relative to those in controls. In addition, MI not only increased levels of IL-1β, bax, and cleaved-caspase 3, but also increased Iba-1 and GFAP expression in the hippocampus, as compared to those in controls, suggesting a promotion of neuro-inflammation and apoptosis in hippocampus. Co-immunoprecipitation assay illustrated that H3K27me3 functioned by counteracting with YAP activation in the hippocampus of MI rats relative to those in controls. Together, these results suggest a potential role of hippocampal epigenetic signaling in MI-induced anxiety-like behavior in rats, and pharmacological targeting KDM6B or SIRT1 could be a strategy to ameliorate anxiety-like behavior induced by MI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Qiuyun Tian
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Chenfei Zheng
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jinge Yang
- Department of Medical Technology, Jiangxi Medical College, Shangrao, Jiangxi, 334709, China
| | - Junming Fan
- Institute of Hypoxia Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Yangping Shentu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| |
Collapse
|