101
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Heinbockel T, Csoka AB. Epigenetic Effects of Drugs of Abuse. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102098. [PMID: 30257440 PMCID: PMC6210395 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction affects a large extent of young people and disadvantaged populations. Drugs of abuse impede brain circuits or affect the functionality of brain circuits and interfere with bodily functions. Cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) form key constituents of marijuana derived from the cannabis plant. Marijuana is a frequently used illegal drug in the USA. Here, we review the effects of cannabinoids at the epigenetic level and the potential role of these epigenetic effects in health and disease. Epigenetics is the study of alterations in gene expression that are transmitted across generations and take place without an alteration in DNA sequence, but are due to modulation of chromatin associated factors by environmental effects. Epigenetics is now known to offer an extra mechanism of control over transcription and how genes are expressed. Insights from research at the genetic and epigenetic level potentially provide venues that allow the translation of the biology of abused drugs to new means of how to treat marijuana substance use disorder or other addictions using pharmacotherapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heinbockel
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
| | - Antonei B Csoka
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
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102
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De Sa Nogueira D, Merienne K, Befort K. Neuroepigenetics and addictive behaviors: Where do we stand? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 106:58-72. [PMID: 30205119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorders involve long-term changes in the brain that lead to compulsive drug seeking, craving, and a high probability of relapse. Recent findings have highlighted the role of epigenetic regulations in controlling chromatin access and regulation of gene expression following exposure to drugs of abuse. In the present review, we focus on data investigating genome-wide epigenetic modifications in the brain of addicted patients or in rodent models exposed to drugs of abuse, with a particular focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications associated with transcriptional studies. We highlight critical factors for epigenomic studies in addiction. We discuss new findings related to psychostimulants, alcohol, opiate, nicotine and cannabinoids. We examine the possible transmission of these changes across generations. We highlight developing tools, specifically those that allow investigation of structural reorganization of the chromatin. These have the potential to increase our understanding of alteration of chromatin architecture at gene regulatory regions. Neuroepigenetic mechanisms involved in addictive behaviors could explain persistent phenotypic effects of drugs and, in particular, vulnerability to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Sa Nogueira
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Team 3 « Abuse of Drugs and Neuroadaptations », Faculté de Psychologie, 12 rue Goethe, F-67000, France
| | - Karine Merienne
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Team 1 « Dynamics of Memory and Epigenetics », Faculté de Psychologie, 12 rue Goethe, F-67000, France
| | - Katia Befort
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, CNRS, Université de Strasbourg, Team 3 « Abuse of Drugs and Neuroadaptations », Faculté de Psychologie, 12 rue Goethe, F-67000, France.
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103
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Imperio CG, McFalls AJ, Hadad N, Blanco-Berdugo L, Masser DR, Colechio EM, Coffey AA, Bixler GV, Stanford DR, Vrana KE, Grigson PS, Freeman WM. Exposure to environmental enrichment attenuates addiction-like behavior and alters molecular effects of heroin self-administration in rats. Neuropharmacology 2018; 139:26-40. [PMID: 29964093 PMCID: PMC6067959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors profoundly affect the addictive potential of drugs of abuse and may also modulate the neuro-anatomical/neuro-chemical impacts of uncontrolled drug use and relapse propensity. This study examined the impact of environmental enrichment on heroin self-administration, addiction-related behaviors, and molecular processes proposed to underlie these behaviors. Male Sprague-Dawley rats in standard and enriched housing conditions intravenously self-administered similar amounts of heroin over 14 days. However, environmental enrichment attenuated progressive ratio, extinction, and reinstatement session responding after 14 days of enforced abstinence. Molecular mechanisms, namely DNA methylation and gene expression, are proposed to underlie abstinence-persistent behaviors. A global reduction in methylation is reported to coincide with addiction, but no differences in total genomic methylation or repeat element methylation were observed in CpG or non-CpG (CH) contexts across the mesolimbic circuitry as assessed by multiple methods including whole genome bisulfite sequencing. Immediate early gene expression associated with drug seeking, taking, and abstinence also were examined. EGR1 and EGR2 were suppressed in mesolimbic regions with heroin-taking and environmental enrichment. Site-specific methylation analysis of EGR1 and EGR2 promoter regions using bisulfite amplicon sequencing (BSAS) revealed hypo-methylation in the EGR2 promoter region and EGR1 intragenic CpG sites with heroin-taking and environmental enrichment that was associated with decreased mRNA expression. Taken together, these findings illuminate the impact of drug taking and environment on the epigenome in a locus and gene-specific manner and highlight the need for positive, alternative rewards in the treatment and prevention of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caesar G. Imperio
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Ashley J. McFalls
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Niran Hadad
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | - Dustin R. Masser
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Elizabeth M. Colechio
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Alissa A. Coffey
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Georgina V. Bixler
- Genome Sciences Facility, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - David R. Stanford
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Kent. E. Vrana
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Patricia S. Grigson
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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104
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López-Cardona AP, Ibarra-Lecue I, Laguna-Barraza R, Pérez-Cerezales S, Urigüen L, Agirregoitia N, Gutiérrez-Adán A, Agirregoitia E. Effect of chronic THC administration in the reproductive organs of male mice, spermatozoa and in vitro fertilization. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 157:294-303. [PMID: 30077641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The increased use of cannabis as a therapeutic drug in recent years has raised some concerns due to its potential effects on reproductive health. With regards to the male, the endocannabinoid system is involved in the spermatogenesis and in the sperm function. The chronic use of tetrahidrocannabinol (THC) has been associated with sperm anomalies, decreased sperm motility and structural changes in the testis. However, whether THC affects sperms ability to fertilize and to generate embryos remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this effect using a mice model of THC chronic treatment. For this purpose, a chronic treatment with THC was carried out. Mice were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group treated with a daily dose of 10 mg/kg-body weight THC for a period of 30 days and a control group treated with a vehicle. The THC-mice cortex showed a significant decrease of mRNA of Cnr1 compared to control-mice while, in the testis, the expression of Cnr1 was not affected. The weight of testis and epididymis and the histological analysis did not show any change between groups. On the other hand, no changes were observed in the sperm motility or the sperm concentration. The chronic use of THC did not generate any methylation change in the three CpG regions of Cnn1 analysed, neither in the brain nor in the embryos generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Finally, the embryo production by IVF was no different using spermatozoa from both THC and control mice. This work contradicts the belief that THC consumption has a negative effect on male reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P López-Cardona
- Dept. of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain; G.I. Biogénesis, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - I Ibarra-Lecue
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | | | - L Urigüen
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - N Agirregoitia
- Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - E Agirregoitia
- Dept. of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain.
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105
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Goldberg LR, Gould TJ. Multigenerational and transgenerational effects of paternal exposure to drugs of abuse on behavioral and neural function. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2453-2466. [PMID: 29949212 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Addictions are highly heritable disorders, with heritability estimates ranging from 39% to 72%. Multiple studies suggest a link between paternal drug abuse and addiction in their children. However, patterns of inheritance cannot be explained purely by Mendelian genetic mechanisms. Exposure to drugs of abuse results in epigenetic changes that may be passed on through the germline. This mechanism of epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may provide a link between paternal drug exposure and addiction susceptibility in the offspring. Recent studies have begun to investigate the effect of paternal drug exposure on behavioral and neurobiological phenotypes in offspring of drug-exposed fathers in rodent models. This review aims to discuss behavioral and neural effects of paternal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and nicotine. Although a special focus will be on addiction-relevant behaviors, additional behavioral effects including cognition, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviors will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Goldberg
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16801, USA
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16801, USA
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106
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Mahna D, Puri S, Sharma S. DNA methylation signatures: Biomarkers of drug and alcohol abuse. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2018; 777:19-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2018.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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107
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Agrawal A, Chou YL, Carey CE, Baranger DAA, Zhang B, Sherva R, Wetherill L, Kapoor M, Wang JC, Bertelsen S, Anokhin AP, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Lynskey MT, Meyers JL, Nurnberger JI, Rice JP, Tischfield J, Bierut LJ, Degenhardt L, Farrer LA, Gelernter J, Hariri AR, Heath AC, Kranzler HR, Madden PAF, Martin NG, Montgomery GW, Porjesz B, Wang T, Whitfield JB, Edenberg HJ, Foroud T, Goate AM, Bogdan R, Nelson EC. Genome-wide association study identifies a novel locus for cannabis dependence. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1293-1302. [PMID: 29112194 PMCID: PMC5938138 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite moderate heritability, only one study has identified genome-wide significant loci for cannabis-related phenotypes. We conducted meta-analyses of genome-wide association study data on 2080 cannabis-dependent cases and 6435 cannabis-exposed controls of European descent. A cluster of correlated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a novel region on chromosome 10 was genome-wide significant (lowest P=1.3E-8). Among the SNPs, rs1409568 showed enrichment for H3K4me1 and H3K427ac marks, suggesting its role as an enhancer in addiction-relevant brain regions, such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the angular and cingulate gyri. This SNP is also predicted to modify binding scores for several transcription factors. We found modest evidence for replication for rs1409568 in an independent cohort of African American (896 cases and 1591 controls; P=0.03) but not European American (EA; 781 cases and 1905 controls) participants. The combined meta-analysis (3757 cases and 9931 controls) indicated trend-level significance for rs1409568 (P=2.85E-7). No genome-wide significant loci emerged for cannabis dependence criterion count (n=8050). There was also evidence that the minor allele of rs1409568 was associated with a 2.1% increase in right hippocampal volume in an independent sample of 430 EA college students (fwe-P=0.008). The identification and characterization of genome-wide significant loci for cannabis dependence is among the first steps toward understanding the biological contributions to the etiology of this psychiatric disorder, which appears to be rising in some developed nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpana Agrawal
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Yi-Ling Chou
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Caitlin E. Carey
- Washington University in St. Louis, Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David A. A. Baranger
- Washington University in St. Louis, Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Developmental Biology, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Richard Sherva
- Boston University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Manav Kapoor
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dept. of Neuroscience, New York, NY USA
| | - Jen-Chyong Wang
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dept. of Neuroscience, New York, NY USA
| | - Sarah Bertelsen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dept. of Neuroscience, New York, NY USA
| | - Andrey P Anokhin
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Victor Hesselbrock
- University of Connecticut Health, Dept. of Psychiatry, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - John Kramer
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, Iowa City, IA USA
| | - Michael T. Lynskey
- King’s College, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Addictions Department, London, UK
| | - Jacquelyn L. Meyers
- State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Dept. of Psychiatry, Brooklyn, NY USA
| | - John I Nurnberger
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Depts. of Psychiatry and Medical and Molecular Genetics, and Stark Neuroscience Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - John P. Rice
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jay Tischfield
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey: New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Laura J. Bierut
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Boston University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Yale University School of Medicine: New Haven, CT, USA
- US Department of Veterans Affairs: West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ahmad R. Hariri
- Duke University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew C. Heath
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Henry R. Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, VISN 4 MIRECC, Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pamela A. F. Madden
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | | | - Grant W Montgomery
- University of Queensland, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernice Porjesz
- State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Dept. of Psychiatry, Brooklyn, NY USA
| | - Ting Wang
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Genetics, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Howard J. Edenberg
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Dept. of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Alison M. Goate
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dept. of Neuroscience, New York, NY USA
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Washington University in St. Louis, Dept. of Psychological and Brain Sciences, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Elliot C. Nelson
- Washington University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry, 660 S. Euclid, CB 8134, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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108
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Epigenetic mechanisms associated with addiction-related behavioural effects of nicotine and/or cocaine: implication of the endocannabinoid system. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 28:493-511. [PMID: 28704272 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The addictive use of nicotine (NC) and cocaine (COC) continues to be a major public health problem, and their combined use has been reported, particularly during adolescence. In neural plasticity, commonly induced by NC and COC, as well as behavioural plasticity related to the use of these two drugs, the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms, in which the reversible regulation of gene expression occurs independently of the DNA sequence, has recently been reported. Furthermore, on the basis of intense interactions with the target neurotransmitter systems, the endocannabinoid (ECB) system has been considered pivotal for eliciting the effects of NC or COC. The combined use of marijuana with NC and/or COC has also been reported. This article presents the addiction-related behavioural effects of NC and/or COC, based on the common behavioural/neural plasticity and combined use of NC/COC, and reviews the interacting role of the ECB system. The epigenetic processes inseparable from the effects of NC and/or COC (i.e. DNA methylation, histone modifications and alterations in microRNAs) and the putative therapeutic involvement of the ECB system at the epigenetic level are also discussed.
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109
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Lax E, Szyf M. The Role of DNA Methylation in Drug Addiction: Implications for Diagnostic and Therapeutics. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:93-104. [PMID: 29933958 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a devastating health problem that is a very heavy burden on the individual affected and the society in general. Recent research defines addiction as a neurobehavioral disorder. Underpinning biological mechanisms of drug addiction are abnormal neuronal and brain activity following acute and repeated drug exposure. Abnormal gene expression is found in reward and decision-making brain regions of addicts and in animal models and is possibly responsible for changes in brain function. DNA methylation is an epigenetic modification that regulates gene expression. Global and site-specific changes in DNA methylation are observed in addiction. Here, we discuss recent findings on the involvement of DNA methylation in drug addiction from animal and human studies. We also propose future directions for utilizing DNA methylation-based approaches for diagnosis, therapeutics, and evaluation of response to therapy in drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elad Lax
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University Medical School, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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110
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Szutorisz H, Hurd YL. High times for cannabis: Epigenetic imprint and its legacy on brain and behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:93-101. [PMID: 28506926 PMCID: PMC5682234 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive debates continue regarding marijuana (Cannabis spp), the most commonly used illicit substance in many countries worldwide. There has been an exponential increase of cannabis studies over the past two decades but the drug's long-term effects still lack in-depth scientific data. The epigenome is a critical molecular machinery with the capacity to maintain persistent alterations of gene expression and behaviors induced by cannabinoids that have been observed across the individual's lifespan and even into the subsequent generation. Though mechanistic investigations regarding the consequences of developmental cannabis exposure remain sparse, human and animal studies have begun to reveal specific epigenetic disruptions in the brain and the periphery. In this article, we focus attention on long-term disturbances in epigenetic regulation in relation to prenatal, adolescent and parental germline cannabinoid exposure. Expanding knowledge about the protracted molecular memory could help to identify novel targets to develop preventive strategies and treatments for behaviors relevant to neuropsychiatric risks associated with developmental cannabis exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Szutorisz
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Friedman Brain Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Addiction Institute at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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111
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Gerra MC, Jayanthi S, Manfredini M, Walther D, Schroeder J, Phillips KA, Cadet JL, Donnini C. Gene variants and educational attainment in cannabis use: mediating role of DNA methylation. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:23. [PMID: 29353877 PMCID: PMC5802451 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and sociodemographic risk factors potentially associated with cannabis use (CU) were investigated in 40 cannabis users and 96 control subjects. DNA methylation analyses were also performed to explore the possibility of epigenetic changes related to CU. We conducted a candidate gene association study that included variants involved in the dopaminergic (ANKK1, NCAM1 genes) and endocannabinoid (CNR1, CNR2 gene) pathways. Sociodemographic data included gender, marital status, level of education, and body mass index. We used MeDIP-qPCR to test whether variations in DNA methylation might be associated with CU. We found a significant association between SNP rs1049353 of CNR1 gene (p = 0.01) and CU. Differences were also observed related to rs2501431 of CNR2 gene (p = 0.058). A higher education level appears to decrease the risk of CU. Interestingly, females were less likely to use cannabis than males. There was a significantly higher level of DNA methylation in cannabis users compared to controls in two of the genes tested: hypermethylation at exon 8 of DRD2 gene (p = 0.034) and at the CpG-rich region in the NCAM1 gene (p = 0.0004). Both genetic variants and educational attainment were also related to CU. The higher rate of DNA methylation, evidenced among cannabis users, may be either a marker of CU or a consequence of long-term exposure to cannabis. The identified genetic variants and the differentially methylated regions may represent biomarkers and/or potential targets for designs of pharmacological therapeutic agents. Our observations also suggest that educational programs may be useful strategies for CU prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carla Gerra
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Matteo Manfredini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Donna Walther
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fMolecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jennifer Schroeder
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Karran A. Phillips
- 0000 0004 0533 7147grid.420090.fOffice of the Clinical Director, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Claudia Donnini
- 0000 0004 1758 0937grid.10383.39Department of Chemistry, Life Science and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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112
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Abstract
Studies of the mammalian nervous system have revealed widespread epigenetic regulation underlying gene expression intrinsic to basic neurobiological function as well as neurological disease. Over the past decade, a critical role has emerged for the neural regulation of chromatin-modifying enzymes during both development and adulthood, and in response to external stimuli. These biochemical data are complemented by numerous next generation sequencing (NGS) studies that quantify the extent of chromatin and DNA modifications in neurons. Neuroepigenetic editing tools can be applied to distinguish between the mere presence and functional relevance of such modifications to neural transcription and animal behavior. This review discusses current advances in neuroepigenetic editing, highlighting methodological considerations pertinent to neuroscience, such as delivery methods and the spatiotemporal specificity of editing. Although neuroepigenetic editing is a nascent field, the studies presented in this review demonstrate the enormous potential of this approach for basic neurobiological research and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Hamilton
- The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, New York, USA
| | - Carissa J Lim
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Penn Epigenetics Institute, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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Dependence-induced increase of alcohol self-administration and compulsive drinking mediated by the histone methyltransferase PRDM2. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1746-1758. [PMID: 27573876 PMCID: PMC5677579 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes have been implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence, but the specific molecular mechanisms mediating dependence-induced neuroadaptations remain largely unknown. Here, we found that a history of alcohol dependence persistently decreased the expression of Prdm2, a histone methyltransferase that monomethylates histone 3 at the lysine 9 residue (H3K9me1), in the rat dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC). Downregulation of Prdm2 was associated with decreased H3K9me1, supporting that changes in Prdm2 mRNA levels affected its activity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by massively parallel DNA sequencing showed that genes involved in synaptic communication are epigenetically regulated by H3K9me1 in dependent rats. In non-dependent rats, viral-vector-mediated knockdown of Prdm2 in the dmPFC resulted in expression changes similar to those observed following a history of alcohol dependence. Prdm2 knockdown resulted in increased alcohol self-administration, increased aversion-resistant alcohol intake and enhanced stress-induced relapse to alcohol seeking, a phenocopy of postdependent rats. Collectively, these results identify a novel epigenetic mechanism that contributes to the development of alcohol-seeking behavior following a history of dependence.
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Tomas-Roig J, Benito E, Agis-Balboa RC, Piscitelli F, Hoyer-Fender S, Di Marzo V, Havemann-Reinecke U. Chronic exposure to cannabinoids during adolescence causes long-lasting behavioral deficits in adult mice. Addict Biol 2017; 22:1778-1789. [PMID: 27578457 PMCID: PMC5697667 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Regular use of marijuana during adolescence enhances the risk of long-lasting neurobiological changes in adulthood. The present study was aimed at assessing the effect of long-term administration of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN55212.2 during adolescence in young adult mice. Adolescent mice aged 5 weeks were subjected daily to the pharmacological action of WIN55212.2 for 3 weeks and were then left undisturbed in their home cage for a 5-week period and finally evaluated by behavioral testing. Mice that received the drug during adolescence showed memory impairment in the Morris water maze, as well as a dose-dependent memory impairment in fear conditioning. In addition, the administration of 3 mg/kg WIN55212.2 in adolescence increased adult hippocampal AEA levels and promoted DNA hypermethylation at the intragenic region of the intracellular signaling modulator Rgs7, which was accompanied by a lower rate of mRNA transcription of this gene, suggesting a potential causal relation. Although the concrete mechanisms underlying the behavioral observations remain to be elucidated, we demonstrate that long-term administration of 3 mg/kg of WIN during adolescence leads to increased endocannabinoid levels and altered Rgs7 expression in adulthood and establish a potential link to epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Tomas-Roig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University of Göttingen; Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB); Germany
| | - E Benito
- Research Group for Epigenetic Mechanisms in Dementia; German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE); Germany
| | - RC Agis-Balboa
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University Medical Center Göttingen; Germany
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Galicia Sur; Spain
| | - F Piscitelli
- Endocannabinoid Research Group; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry; Italy
| | - S Hoyer-Fender
- Johann-Friedrich-Blumenbach Institute for Zoology and Anthropology; Developmental Biology; Germany
| | - V Di Marzo
- Endocannabinoid Research Group; Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry; Italy
| | - U Havemann-Reinecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; University of Göttingen; Germany
- Center Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB); Germany
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Asimes A, Torcaso A, Pinceti E, Kim CK, Zeleznik-Le NJ, Pak TR. Adolescent binge-pattern alcohol exposure alters genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in the hypothalamus of alcohol-naïve male offspring. Alcohol 2017; 60:179-189. [PMID: 27817987 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2016.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Teenage binge drinking is a major health concern in the United States, with 21% of teenagers reporting binge-pattern drinking behavior in the previous 30 days. Recently, our lab showed that alcohol-naïve offspring of rats exposed to alcohol during adolescence exhibited altered gene expression profiles in the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in stress regulation. We employed Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing as an unbiased approach to test the hypothesis that parental exposure to binge-pattern alcohol during adolescence alters DNA methylation profiles in their alcohol-naïve offspring. Wistar rats were administered a repeated binge-ethanol exposure paradigm during early (postnatal day (PND) 37-44) and late (PND 67-74) adolescent development. Animals were mated 24 h after the last ethanol dose and subsequent offspring were produced. Analysis of male PND7 offspring revealed that offspring of alcohol-exposed parents exhibited differential DNA methylation patterns in the hypothalamus. The differentially methylated cytosines (DMCs) were distinct between offspring depending on which parent was exposed to ethanol. Moreover, novel DMCs were observed when both parents were exposed to ethanol and many DMCs from single parent ethanol exposure were not recapitulated with dual parent exposure. We also measured mRNA expression of several differentially methylated genes and some, but not all, showed correlative changes in expression. Importantly, methylation was not a direct predictor of expression levels, underscoring the complexity of transcriptional regulation. Overall, we demonstrate that adolescent binge ethanol exposure causes altered genome-wide DNA methylation patterns in the hypothalamus of alcohol-naïve offspring.
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Pitsilis G, Spyridakos D, Nomikos GG, Panagis G. Adolescent Female Cannabinoid Exposure Diminishes the Reward-Facilitating Effects of Δ 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and d-Amphetamine in the Adult Male Offspring. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:225. [PMID: 28487656 PMCID: PMC5404657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Marijuana is currently the most commonly abused illicit drug. According to recent studies, cannabinoid use occurring prior to pregnancy can impact brain plasticity and behavior in future generations. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether adolescent exposure of female rats to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) induces transgenerational effects on the reward-facilitating effects of Δ9-THC and d-amphetamine in their adult male offspring. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received Δ9-THC (0.1 or 1 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle during postnatal days 28–50. As adults, females were mated with drug-naïve males. We then assessed potential alterations of the Δ9-THC’s (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and d-amphetamine’s (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) reward-modifying effects using the curve-shift variant of the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure in their adult male F1 offspring. The reward-facilitating effect of the 0.1 mg dose of Δ9-THC was abolished in the F1 offspring of females that were exposed to Δ9-THC (0.1 or 1 mg/kg), whereas the reward-attenuating effect of the 1 mg dose of Δ9-THC remained unaltered. The reward-facilitating effects of 0.5 and 1 mg of d-amphetamine were significantly decreased in the F1 offspring of females that were exposed to Δ9-THC (1 mg/kg and 0.1 or 1 mg, respectively). The present results reveal that female Δ9-THC exposure during adolescence can diminish the reward-facilitating effects of Δ9-THC and d-amphetamine in the adult male offspring. These transgenerational effects occur in the absence of in utero exposure. It is speculated that Δ9-THC exposure during female adolescence may affect neural mechanisms that are shaping reward-related behavioral responses in a subsequent generation, as indicated by the shifts in the reward-facilitating effects of commonly used and abused drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Pitsilis
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, School of Social Science, University of CreteRethymno, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Spyridakos
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, School of Social Science, University of CreteRethymno, Greece
| | | | - George Panagis
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, School of Social Science, University of CreteRethymno, Greece
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Parira T, Laverde A, Agudelo M. Epigenetic Interactions between Alcohol and Cannabinergic Effects: Focus on Histone Modification and DNA Methylation. JOURNAL OF ALCOHOLISM AND DRUG DEPENDENCE 2017; 5:259. [PMID: 28730160 PMCID: PMC5515243 DOI: 10.4172/2329-6488.1000259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic studies have led to a more profound understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic conditions. In the case of alcohol addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 16 million adults suffer from Alcohol Use Disorders (AUDs). Even though therapeutic interventions like behavioral therapy and medications to prevent relapse are currently available, no robust cure exists, which stems from the lack of understanding the mechanisms of action of alcohol and the lack of development of precision medicine approaches to treat AUDs. Another common group of addictive substance, cannabinoids, have been studied extensively to reveal they work through cannabinoid receptors. Therapeutic applications have been found for the cannabinoids and a deeper understanding of the endocannabinoid system has been gained over the years. Recent reports of cannabinergic mechanisms in AUDs has opened an exciting realm of research that seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of alcohol-induced end organ diseases and hopefully provide insight into new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AUDs. To date, several epigenetic mechanisms have been associated with alcohol and cannabinoids independently. Therefore, the scope of this review is to compile the most recent literature regarding alcohol and cannabinoids in terms of a possible epigenetic connection between the endocannabinoid system and alcohol effects. First, we will provide an overview of epigenetics, followed by an overview of alcohol and epigenetic mechanisms with an emphasis on histone modifications and DNA methylations. Then, we will provide an overview of cannabinoids and epigenetic mechanisms. Lastly, we will discuss evidence of interactions between alcohol and cannabinergic pathways and possible insights into the novel epigenetic mechanisms underlying alcohol-cannabinergic pathway activity. Finalizing the review will be a discussion of future directions and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiyash Parira
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Alejandra Laverde
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
| | - Marisela Agudelo
- Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, FL 33199, USA
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Melis M, Frau R, Kalivas PW, Spencer S, Chioma V, Zamberletti E, Rubino T, Parolaro D. New vistas on cannabis use disorder. Neuropharmacology 2017; 124:62-72. [PMID: 28373077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis sativa preparations are the most consumed illicit drugs for recreational purposes worldwide, and the number of people seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder has dramatically increased in the last decades. Due to the recent decriminalization or legalization of cannabis use in the Western Countries, we may predict that the number of people suffering from cannabis use disorder will increase. Despite the increasing number of cannabis studies over the past two decades, we have gaps of scientific knowledge pertaining to the neurobiological consequences of long-term cannabis use. Moreover, no specific treatments for cannabis use disorders are currently available. In this review, we explore new research that may help fill these gaps. We discuss and provide a solution to the experimental limitation of a lack of rodent models of THC self-administration, and the importance this model can play in understanding the neurobiology of relapse and in providing a biological rationale for potential therapeutic targets. We also focus our attention on glial cells, commenting on recent preclinical evidence suggesting that alterations in microglia and astrocytes might contribute to the detrimental effects associated with cannabis abuse. Finally, due to the worrisome prevalence rates of cannabis use during pregnancy, we highlight the associations between cannabis use disorders during pregnancy and congenital disorders, describing the possible neuronal basis of vulnerability at molecular and circuit level. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled "A New Dawn in Cannabinoid Neurobiology".
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Melis
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Sade Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Vivian Chioma
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, SC, USA
| | - Erica Zamberletti
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Tiziana Rubino
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- Dept. of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy; Zardi Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy.
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Drug Addiction and DNA Modifications. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:105-125. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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120
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Nohesara S, Ghadirivasfi M, Barati M, Ghasemzadeh MR, Narimani S, Mousavi-Behbahani Z, Joghataei M, Soleimani M, Taban M, Mehrabi S, Thiagalingam S, Abdolmaleky HM. Methamphetamine-induced psychosis is associated with DNA hypomethylation and increased expression of AKT1 and key dopaminergic genes. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:1180-1189. [PMID: 27753212 PMCID: PMC7115129 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine, one of the most frequently used illicit drugs worldwide, can induce psychosis in a large fraction of abusers and it is becoming a major problem for the health care institutions. There is some evidence that genetic and epigenetic factors may play roles in methamphetamine psychosis. In this study, we examined methamphetamine-induced epigenetic and expression changes of several key genes involved in psychosis. RNA and DNA extracted from the saliva samples of patients with methamphetamine dependency with and without psychosis as well as control subjects (each group 25) were analyzed for expression and promoter DNA methylation status of DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, MB-COMT, GAD1, and AKT1 using qRT-PCR and q-MSP, respectively. We found statistically significant DNA hypomethylation of the promoter regions of DRD3 (P = 0.032), DRD4 (P = 0.05), MB-COMT (P = 0.009), and AKT1 (P = 0.0008) associated with increased expression of the corresponding genes in patients with methamphetamine psychosis (P = 0.022, P = 0.034, P = 0.035, P = 0.038, respectively), and to a lesser degree in some of the candidate genes in non-psychotic patients versus the control subjects. In general, methamphetamine dependency is associated with reduced DNA methylation and corresponding increase in expression of several key genes involved in the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders. While these epigenetic changes can be useful diagnostic biomarkers for psychosis in methamphetamine abusers, it is also consistent with the use of methyl rich diet for prevention or suppression of psychosis in these patients. However, this needs to be confirmed in future studies. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Nohesara
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghadirivasfi
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Ghasemzadeh
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Narimani
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zohreh Mousavi-Behbahani
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadtaghi Joghataei
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Soleimani
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhgan Taban
- Mental Health Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soraya Mehrabi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Technologies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts,Correspondence to: Sam Thiagalingam and Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky, Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118., (S.T.); (H.M.A.)
| | - Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts,Correspondence to: Sam Thiagalingam and Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky, Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118., (S.T.); (H.M.A.)
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Reece AS, Norman A, Hulse GK. Cannabis exposure as an interactive cardiovascular risk factor and accelerant of organismal ageing: a longitudinal study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e011891. [PMID: 27821595 PMCID: PMC5129004 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many reports exist of the cardiovascular toxicity of smoked cannabis but none of arterial stiffness measures or vascular age (VA). In view of its diverse toxicology, the possibility that cannabis-exposed patients may be ageing more quickly requires investigation. DESIGN Cross-sectional and longitudinal, observational. Prospective. SETTING Single primary care addiction clinic in Brisbane, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 11 cannabis-only smokers, 504 tobacco-only smokers, 114 tobacco and cannabis smokers and 534 non-smokers. EXCLUSIONS known cardiovascular disease or therapy or acute exposure to alcohol, amphetamine, heroin or methadone. INTERVENTION Radial arterial pulse wave tonometry (AtCor, SphygmoCor, Sydney) performed opportunistically and sequentially on patients between 2006 and 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Algorithmically calculated VA. SECONDARY OUTCOMES other central haemodynamic variables. RESULTS Differences between group chronological ages (CA, 30.47±0.48 to 40.36±2.44, mean±SEM) were controlled with linear regression. Between-group sex differences were controlled by single-sex analysis. Mean cannabis exposure among patients was 37.67±7.16 g-years. In regression models controlling for CA, Body Mass Index (BMI), time and inhalant group, the effect of cannabis use on VA was significant in males (p=0.0156) and females (p=0.0084). The effect size in males was 11.84%. A dose-response relationship was demonstrated with lifetime exposure (p<0.002) additional to that of tobacco and opioids. In both sexes, the effect of cannabis was robust to adjustment and was unrelated to its acute effects. Significant power interactions between cannabis exposure and the square and cube of CA were demonstrated (from p<0.002). CONCLUSIONS Cannabis is an interactive cardiovascular risk factor (additional to tobacco and opioids), shows a prominent dose-response effect and is robust to adjustment. Cannabis use is associated with an acceleration of the cardiovascular age, which is a powerful surrogate for the organismal-biological age. This likely underlies and bi-directionally interacts with its diverse toxicological profile and is of considerable public health and regulatory importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Stuart Reece
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Norman
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gary Kenneth Hulse
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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122
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Masser DR, Stanford DR, Hadad N, Giles CB, Wren JD, Sonntag WE, Richardson A, Freeman WM. Bisulfite oligonucleotide-capture sequencing for targeted base- and strand-specific absolute 5-methylcytosine quantitation. AGE (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 38:49. [PMID: 27091453 PMCID: PMC5005917 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-016-9914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation through DNA methylation (5mC) plays an important role in development, aging, and a variety of diseases. Genome-wide studies of base- and strand-specific 5mC are limited by the extensive sequencing required. Targeting bisulfite sequencing to specific genomic regions through sequence capture with complimentary oligonucleotide probes retains the advantages of bisulfite sequencing while focusing sequencing reads on regions of interest, enables analysis of more samples by decreasing the amount of sequence required per sample, and provides base- and strand-specific absolute quantitation of CG and non-CG methylation levels. As an example, an oligonucleotide capture set to interrogate 5mC levels in all rat RefSeq gene promoter regions (18,814) and CG islands, shores, and shelves (18,411) was generated. Validation using whole-genome methylation standards and biological samples demonstrates enrichment of the targeted regions and accurate base-specific quantitation of CG and non-CG methylation for both forward and reverse genomic strands. A total of 170 Mb of the rat genome is covered including 6.6 million CGs and over 67 million non-CG sites, while reducing the amount of sequencing required by ~85 % as compared to existing whole-genome sequencing methods. This oligonucleotide capture targeting approach and quantitative validation workflow can also be applied to any genome of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin R. Masser
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - David R. Stanford
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Niran Hadad
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Cory B. Giles
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Jonathan D. Wren
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Arthritis and Clinical Immunology Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - William E. Sonntag
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Arlan Richardson
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in Basic Biology of Aging, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Physiology OUHSC, BSMB 653, P.O. Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73126 USA
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Szutorisz H, Egervári G, Sperry J, Carter JM, Hurd YL. Cross-generational THC exposure alters the developmental sensitivity of ventral and dorsal striatal gene expression in male and female offspring. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 58:107-114. [PMID: 27221226 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica) is the illicit drug most frequently abused by young men and women. The growing use of the drug has raised attention not only on the impact of direct exposure on the developing brain and behavior later in life, but also on potential cross-generational consequences. Our previous work demonstrated that adolescent exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of cannabis, affects reward-related behavior and striatal gene expression in male offspring that were unexposed to the drug during their own lifespan. The significant sex differences documented for most addiction and psychiatric disorders suggest that understanding the perturbation of the brain in the two sexes due to cannabis could provide insights about neuronal systems underpinning vulnerability to psychiatric illnesses. In the current study, we expanded our previous observations in males by analyzing the female brain for specific aberrations associated with cross-generational THC exposure. Based on the impact of adolescent development on subsequent adult behavioral pathology, we examined molecular patterns during both adolescence and adulthood. The results revealed a switch from the ventral striatum during adolescence to the dorsal striatum in adulthood in alterations of gene expression related to synaptic plasticity in both sexes. Females, however, exhibited stronger correlation patterns between genes and also showed locomotor disturbances not evident in males. Overall, the findings demonstrate cross-generational consequences of parental THC exposure in both male and female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrietta Szutorisz
- Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabor Egervári
- Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James Sperry
- Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jenna M Carter
- Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Chromothripsis and epigenomics complete causality criteria for cannabis- and addiction-connected carcinogenicity, congenital toxicity and heritable genotoxicity. Mutat Res 2016; 789:15-25. [PMID: 27208973 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The recent demonstration that massive scale chromosomal shattering or pulverization can occur abruptly due to errors induced by interference with the microtubule machinery of the mitotic spindle followed by haphazard chromosomal annealing, together with sophisticated insights from epigenetics, provide profound mechanistic insights into some of the most perplexing classical observations of addiction medicine, including cancerogenesis, the younger and aggressive onset of addiction-related carcinogenesis, the heritability of addictive neurocircuitry and cancers, and foetal malformations. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other addictive agents have been shown to inhibit tubulin polymerization which perturbs the formation and function of the microtubules of the mitotic spindle. This disruption of the mitotic machinery perturbs proper chromosomal segregation during anaphase and causes micronucleus formation which is the primary locus and cause of the chromosomal pulverization of chromothripsis and downstream genotoxic events including oncogene induction and tumour suppressor silencing. Moreover the complementation of multiple positive cannabis-cancer epidemiological studies, and replicated dose-response relationships with established mechanisms fulfils causal criteria. This information is also consistent with data showing acceleration of the aging process by drugs of addiction including alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, stimulants and opioids. THC shows a non-linear sigmoidal dose-response relationship in multiple pertinent in vitro and preclinical genotoxicity assays, and in this respect is similar to the serious major human mutagen thalidomide. Rising community exposure, tissue storage of cannabinoids, and increasingly potent phytocannabinoid sources, suggests that the threshold mutagenic dose for cancerogenesis will increasingly be crossed beyond the developing world, and raise transgenerational transmission of teratogenicity as an increasing concern.
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Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a number of societal and political changes that have raised critical questions about the long-term impact of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) that are especially important given the prevalence of its abuse and that potential long-term effects still largely lack scientific data. Disturbances of the epigenome have generally been hypothesized as the molecular machinery underlying the persistent, often tissue-specific transcriptional and behavioral effects of cannabinoids that have been observed within one's lifetime and even into the subsequent generation. Here, we provide an overview of the current published scientific literature that has examined epigenetic effects of cannabinoids. Though mechanistic insights about the epigenome remain sparse, accumulating data in humans and animal models have begun to reveal aberrant epigenetic modifications in brain and the periphery linked to cannabis exposure. Expansion of such knowledge and causal molecular relationships could help provide novel targets for future therapeutic interventions.
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