1
|
Benítez-Burraco A, Adornetti I, Ferretti F, Progovac L. An evolutionary account of impairment of self in cognitive disorders. Cogn Process 2023; 24:107-127. [PMID: 36180662 PMCID: PMC9898376 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-022-01110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent research has proposed that certain aspects of psychosis, as experienced in, e.g., schizophrenia (SCZ), but also aspects of other cognitive conditions, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and synesthesia, can be related to a shattered sense of the notion of self. In this paper, our goal is to show that altered processing of self can be attributed to an abnormal functioning of cortico-striatal brain networks supporting, among other, one key human distinctive cognitive ability, namely cross-modality, which plays multiple roles in human cognition and language. Specifically, our hypothesis is that this cognitive mechanism sheds light both on some basic aspects of the minimal self and on some aspects related to higher forms of self, such as the narrative self. We further link the atypical functioning in these conditions to some recent evolutionary changes in our species, specifically, an atypical presentation of human self-domestication (HSD) features. In doing so, we also lean on previous work concerning the link between cognitive disorders and language evolution under the effects of HSD. We further show that this approach can unify both linguistic and non-linguistic symptoms of these conditions through deficits in the notion of self. Our considerations provide further support for the hypothesis that SCZ and ASD are diametrically opposed cognitive conditions, as well for the hypothesis that their etiology is associated with recent human evolution, leading to a deeper understanding of the causes and symptoms of these disorders, and providing new cues, which can be used for an earlier and more accurate diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain.
| | - Ines Adornetti
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferretti
- Cosmic Lab, Department of Philosophy, Communication and Performing Arts, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ljiljana Progovac
- Linguistics Program, Department of English, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zakutansky PM, Feng Y. The Long Non-Coding RNA GOMAFU in Schizophrenia: Function, Disease Risk, and Beyond. Cells 2022; 11:1949. [PMID: 35741078 PMCID: PMC9221589 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases are among the most common brain developmental disorders, represented by schizophrenia (SZ). The complex multifactorial etiology of SZ remains poorly understood, which reflects genetic vulnerabilities and environmental risks that affect numerous genes and biological pathways. Besides the dysregulation of protein-coding genes, recent discoveries demonstrate that abnormalities associated with non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), also contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ. lncRNAs are an actively evolving family of non-coding RNAs that harbor greater than 200 nucleotides but do not encode for proteins. In general, lncRNA genes are poorly conserved. The large number of lncRNAs specifically expressed in the human brain, together with the genetic alterations and dysregulation of lncRNA genes in the SZ brain, suggests a critical role in normal cognitive function and the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases. A particular lncRNA of interest is GOMAFU, also known as MIAT and RNCR2. Growing evidence suggests the function of GOMAFU in governing neuronal development and its potential roles as a risk factor and biomarker for SZ, which will be reviewed in this article. Moreover, we discuss the potential mechanisms through which GOMAFU regulates molecular pathways, including its subcellular localization and interaction with RNA-binding proteins, and how interruption to GOMAFU pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul M. Zakutansky
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sánchez‐Olguin CP, Zamudio SR, Guzmán‐Velázquez S, Márquez‐Portillo M, Caba‐Flores MD, Camacho‐Abrego I, Flores G, Melo AI. Neonatal ventral hippocampus lesion disrupts maternal behavior in rats: An animal model of schizophrenia. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22283. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia P. Sánchez‐Olguin
- Departamento de Fisiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas Instituto Politécnico Nacional Mexico City Mexico
- Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala Mexico
| | - Sergio R. Zamudio
- Departamento de Fisiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas Instituto Politécnico Nacional Mexico City Mexico
| | - Sonia Guzmán‐Velázquez
- Departamento de Fisiología Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas Instituto Politécnico Nacional Mexico City Mexico
| | - Mariana Márquez‐Portillo
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal CINVESTAV Laboratorio Tlaxcala Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala Mexico
| | | | - Israel Camacho‐Abrego
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría Instituto de Fisiología Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Puebla Mexico
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Laboratorio de Neuropsiquiatría Instituto de Fisiología Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla Puebla Mexico
| | - Angel I. Melo
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal CINVESTAV Laboratorio Tlaxcala Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shayganfard M. Are Essential Trace Elements Effective in Modulation of Mental Disorders? Update and Perspectives. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:1032-1059. [PMID: 33904124 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of mental disorders is associated with several risk factors including genetic and environmental susceptibility. A group of nutrients serves an especially important role in a number of essential neurodevelopmental processes through brain areas promoting the high degree of brain metabolism during early life, although almost all nutrients are needed. These include macronutrients and micronutrients (e.g., iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium). Numerous nutritional psychiatry trials have been performed to examine the correlation of many individual nutrients with mental health, such as essential trace elements. The increased accumulation or lack of such components will facilitate an alternative metabolic pathway that can lead to many diseases and conditions of neurodevelopment. Mental functions have biochemical bases, so the impairment of such neurochemical mechanisms due to lack of trace elements can have mental effects. In psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism, scientific studies demonstrate the putative role of trace element deficiency. Therefore, given the critical roles played by essential trace elements in the neurodevelopment and mental health, the effect of these elements' intake on the modulation of psychological functioning is reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Shayganfard
- Department of Psychiatry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Avery SN, McHugo M, Armstrong K, Blackford JU, Woodward ND, Heckers S. Stable habituation deficits in the early stage of psychosis: a 2-year follow-up study. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:20. [PMID: 33414431 PMCID: PMC7791099 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural habituation, the decrease in brain response to repeated stimuli, is a fundamental, highly conserved mechanism that acts as an essential filter for our complex sensory environment. Convergent evidence indicates neural habituation is disrupted in both early and chronic stages of schizophrenia, with deficits co-occurring in brain regions that show inhibitory dysfunction. As inhibitory deficits have been proposed to contribute to the onset and progression of illness, habituation may be an important treatment target. However, a crucial first step is clarifying whether habituation deficits progress with illness. In the present study, we measured neural habituation in 138 participants (70 early psychosis patients (<2 years of illness), 68 healthy controls), with 108 participants assessed longitudinally at both baseline and 2-year follow-up. At follow-up, all early psychosis patients met criteria for a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (i.e., schizophreniform disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder). Habituation slopes (i.e., rate of fMRI signal change) to repeated images were computed for the anterior hippocampus, occipital cortex, and the fusiform face area. Habituation slopes were entered into a linear mixed model to test for effects of group and time by region. We found that early psychosis patients showed habituation deficits relative to healthy control participants across brain regions, and that these deficits were maintained, but did not worsen, over two years. These results suggest a stable period of habituation deficits in the early stage of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne N. Avery
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Maureen McHugo
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Kristan Armstrong
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Jennifer Urbano Blackford
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA ,grid.413806.8Research Health Scientist, Research and Development, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Neil D. Woodward
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| | - Stephan Heckers
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parlikar R, Bose A, Venkatasubramanian G. Schizophrenia and Corollary Discharge: A Neuroscientific Overview and Translational Implications. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2019; 17:170-182. [PMID: 30905117 PMCID: PMC6478093 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2019.17.2.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Corollary discharge mechanism refers to the suppression of sensory consequences of self-generated actions; a process that serves to distinguish between self and non-self based on discrimination of origination of action. It explains, say for example, why we cannot tickle ourselves. This review discusses how corollary discharge model is an essential neural integration mechanism central to the motor functioning of animal kingdom. In this article, research conducted in the field of corollary discharge has been reviewed to understand the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological basis of corollary discharge and gain insight into the biochemical basis of its dysfunction. This review article also explores the role of corollary discharge and its dysfunction in the presentation of symptoms of schizophrenia, discussing the findings from corollary discharge studies on schizophrenia population. Lastly, the link between schizophrenia psychopathology and corollary discharge dysfunction has been highlighted, and an attempt has been made to establish a case for correction of corollary discharge deficit in schizophrenia through neuromodulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rujuta Parlikar
- WISER Program, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Anushree Bose
- WISER Program, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Ganesan Venkatasubramanian
- WISER Program, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Girdler SJ, Confino JE, Woesner ME. Exercise as a Treatment for Schizophrenia: A Review. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2019; 49:56-69. [PMID: 30858639 PMCID: PMC6386427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that is characterized by progressive cognitive impairment in areas of attention, working memory, and executive functioning. Although no clear etiology of schizophrenia has been discovered, many factors have been identified that contribute to the development of the disease, such as neurotransmitter alterations, decreased synaptic plasticity, and diminished hippocampal volume. Historically, antipsychotic medications have targeted biochemical alterations in the brains of patients with schizophrenia but have been ineffective in alleviating cognitive and hippocampal deficits. Other modalities, such as exercise therapy, have been proposed as adjuvant or primary therapy options. Exercise therapy has been shown to improve positive and negative symptoms, quality of life, cognition, and hippocampal plasticity, and to increase hippocampal volume in the brains of patients with schizophrenia. This article will briefly review the clinical signs, symptoms and proposed etiologies of schizophrenia, and describe the current understanding of exercise programs as an effective treatment in patients with the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Girdler
- Girdler, MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Confino, BS, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY. Woesner, MD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, and Bronx Psychiatric Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Jamie E Confino
- Girdler, MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Confino, BS, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY. Woesner, MD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, and Bronx Psychiatric Center, Bronx, NY
| | - Mary E Woesner
- Girdler, MD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY. Confino, BS, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY. Woesner, MD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx NY, and Bronx Psychiatric Center, Bronx, NY
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hussain G, Rasul A, Anwar H, Aziz N, Razzaq A, Wei W, Ali M, Li J, Li X. Role of Plant Derived Alkaloids and Their Mechanism in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:341-357. [PMID: 29559851 PMCID: PMC5859479 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.23247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are conventionally demarcated as disorders with selective loss of neurons. Conventional as well as newer molecules have been tested but they offer just symptomatic advantages along with abundant side effects. The discovery of more compelling molecules that can halt the pathology of these diseases will be considered as a miracle of present time. Several synthetic compounds are available but they may cause several other health issues. Therefore, natural molecules from the plants and other sources are being discovered to replace available medicines. In conventional medicational therapies, several plants have been reported to bestow remedial effects. Phytochemicals from medicinal plants can provide a better and safer alternative to synthetic molecules. Many phytochemicals have been identified that cure the human body from a number of diseases. The present article reviews the potential efficacy of plant-derived alkaloids, which possess potential therapeutic effects against several NDDs including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Epilepsy, Schizophrenia, and stroke. Alkaloids include isoquinoline, indole, pyrroloindole, oxindole, piperidine, pyridine, aporphine, vinca, β-carboline, methylxanthene, lycopodium, and erythrine byproducts. Alkaloids constitute positive roles in ameliorating pathophysiology of these illnesses by functioning as muscarinic and adenosine receptors agonists, anti-oxidant, anti-amyloid and MAO inhibitors, acetylcholinestrase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor, inhibitor of α-synuclein aggregation, dopaminergic and nicotine agonist, and NMDA antagonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghulam Hussain
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Azhar Rasul
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
- Chemical Biology Research Group, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science. 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
| | - Haseeb Anwar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Nimra Aziz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Aroona Razzaq
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Wei Wei
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
- Dental Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Muhammad Ali
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, 38000 Pakistan
| | - Jiang Li
- Dental Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Epigenetics of MOE, Institute of Genetics and Cytology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sethi MK, Zaia J. Extracellular matrix proteomics in schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Anal Bioanal Chem 2017; 409:379-394. [PMID: 27601046 PMCID: PMC5203946 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-9900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly organized system that consists of collagens, noncollagenous proteins, glycoproteins, hyaluronan, and proteoglycans. Recognized physiological roles of ECM include developmental regulation, tissue homeostasis, cell migration, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, neuronal plasticity, and neurite outgrowth. Aberrant ECM structure is associated with brain neurodegenerative conditions. This review focuses on two neurodegenerative conditions, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, and summarizes recent findings of altered ECM components, including proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, proteins, and glycoproteins, and proteins and genes related to other brain components. The scope includes immunohistochemical, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and glycomics studies, and a critical assessment of current state of proteomic studies for neurodegenerative disorders. The intent is to summarize the ECM molecular alterations associated with neurodegenerative pathophysiology. Graphical Abstract Brain extracellular matrix showing HSPGs, CSPGs, HA, collagens, and other glycoproteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manveen K Sethi
- Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology & Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Joseph Zaia
- Center for Biomedical Mass Spectrometry, Department of Biochemistry, Cell Biology & Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Uribe E, Sánchez-Mendoza E, Nieves N, Merchor G. Neonatal Administration of Memantine Enhances Social Cognition in Adult Rats Subjected to Early Maternal Deprivation. Exp Neurobiol 2016; 25:328-332. [PMID: 28035183 PMCID: PMC5195818 DOI: 10.5607/en.2016.25.6.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder; however, all the available treatment options are used when the disease becomes clinically significant in adolescence or early adulthood. Using a developmental rat model of schizophrenia, we examined whether neonatal treatment with memantine, an NMDA receptor modulator, can improve schizophrenic-like symptoms in adulthood. Early maternal deprivation in rats produces deficits in social interaction behaviors in adulthood. In contrast, memantine administrated in neonatal rats subjected to early maternal deprivation significantly reduces deficits in social interaction behaviors in adulthood. These results raise the possibility that pharmacological treatment with memantine at the early developmental stage helps people with a risk to develop schizophrenic-like symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Uribe
- Biophysics and Neuroscience Center, Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Biomedical and Technological Sciences, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| | - Eduardo Sánchez-Mendoza
- Biophysics and Neuroscience Center, Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Biomedical and Technological Sciences, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| | - Nayadoleni Nieves
- Biophysics and Neuroscience Center, Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Biomedical and Technological Sciences, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| | - Gustavo Merchor
- Biophysics and Neuroscience Center, Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Biomedical and Technological Sciences, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bitanihirwe BKY, Mauney SA, Woo TUW. Weaving a Net of Neurobiological Mechanisms in Schizophrenia and Unraveling the Underlying Pathophysiology. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:589-98. [PMID: 27113498 PMCID: PMC5017894 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.03.1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are enigmatic structures composed of extracellular matrix molecules that encapsulate the soma, dendrites, and axon segments of neurons in a lattice-like fashion. Although most PNNs condense around parvalbumin-expressing gamma-aminobutyric acidergic interneurons, some glutamatergic pyramidal cells in the brain are also surrounded by PNNs. Experimental findings suggest pivotal roles of PNNs in the regulation of synaptic formation and function. Also, an increasing body of evidence links PNN abnormalities to schizophrenia. The number of PNNs progressively increases during postnatal development until plateauing around the period of late adolescence and early adulthood, which temporally coincides with the age of onset of schizophrenia. Given the established role of PNNs in modulating developmental plasticity, the PNN represents a possible candidate for altering the onset and progression of schizophrenia. Similarly, the reported function of PNNs in regulating the trafficking of glutamate receptors places them in a critical position to modulate synaptic pathology, considered a cardinal feature of schizophrenia. We discuss the physiologic role of PNNs in neural function, synaptic assembly, and plasticity as well as how they interface with circuit/system mechanisms of cognition. An integrated understanding of these neurobiological processes should provide a better basis to elucidate how PNN abnormalities influence brain function and contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byron K Y Bitanihirwe
- Department of International Health, The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sarah A Mauney
- Program in Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont
| | - Tsung-Ung W Woo
- Program in Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont; Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bal-Price A, Lein PJ, Keil KP, Sethi S, Shafer T, Barenys M, Fritsche E, Sachana M, Meek MEB. Developing and applying the adverse outcome pathway concept for understanding and predicting neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2016; 59:240-255. [PMID: 27212452 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept has recently been proposed to support a paradigm shift in regulatory toxicology testing and risk assessment. This concept is similar to the Mode of Action (MOA), in that it describes a sequence of measurable key events triggered by a molecular initiating event in which a stressor interacts with a biological target. The resulting cascade of key events includes molecular, cellular, structural and functional changes in biological systems, resulting in a measurable adverse outcome. Thereby, an AOP ideally provides information relevant to chemical structure-activity relationships as a basis for predicting effects of structurally similar compounds. AOPs could potentially also form the basis for qualitative and quantitative predictive modeling of the human adverse outcome resulting from molecular initiating or other key events for which higher-throughput testing methods are available or can be developed. A variety of cellular and molecular processes are known to be critical for normal function of the central (CNS) and peripheral nervous systems (PNS). Because of the biological and functional complexity of the CNS and PNS, it has been challenging to establish causative links and quantitative relationships between key events that comprise the pathways leading from chemical exposure to an adverse outcome in the nervous system. Following introduction of the principles of MOA and AOPs, examples of potential or putative adverse outcome pathways specific for developmental or adult neurotoxicity are summarized and aspects of their assessment considered. Their possible application in developing mechanistically informed Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATA) is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bal-Price
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy.
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Sunjay Sethi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Timothy Shafer
- Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, USA
| | - Marta Barenys
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Fritsche
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Magdalini Sachana
- European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Health and Consumer Protection, Ispra, Italy
| | - M E Bette Meek
- McLaughlin Centre for Risk Science, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Athanas K, Mauney SL, Woo TUW. Increased extracellular clusterin in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2015; 169:381-385. [PMID: 26482819 PMCID: PMC4681675 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of the gene that encodes clusterin, a glycoprotein that has been implicated in the regulation of many cellular processes, has previously been found in gene expression profiling studies to be among the most significantly differentially expressed genes in pyramidal and parvalbumin-containing inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex in subjects with schizophrenia. In this study, we investigated whether clusterin may also be dysregulated at the protein level in schizophrenia subjects. We found that, although the intracellular amount of clusterin may be unchanged, the level of extracellular, secreted clusterin appears to be significantly increased in schizophrenia subjects. It is speculated that this finding may represent a neuroprotective response to pathophysiological events that underlie schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katina Athanas
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital Belmont, MA 02478
| | - Sarah L. Mauney
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital Belmont, MA 02478
| | - Tsung-Ung W. Woo
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital Belmont, MA 02478,Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Converging models of schizophrenia--Network alterations of prefrontal cortex underlying cognitive impairments. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 134:178-201. [PMID: 26408506 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) and its connections with other brain areas are crucial for cognitive function. Cognitive impairments are one of the core symptoms associated with schizophrenia, and manifest even before the onset of the disorder. Altered neural networks involving PFC contribute to cognitive impairments in schizophrenia. Both genetic and environmental risk factors affect the development of the local circuitry within PFC as well as development of broader brain networks, and make the system vulnerable to further insults during adolescence, leading to the onset of the disorder in young adulthood. Since spared cognitive functions correlate with functional outcome and prognosis, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments will have important implications for novel therapeutics for schizophrenia focusing on cognitive functions. Multidisciplinary approaches, from basic neuroscience to clinical studies, are required to link molecules, circuitry, networks, and behavioral phenotypes. Close interactions among such fields by sharing a common language on connectomes, behavioral readouts, and other concepts are crucial for this goal.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ferrarelli F, Riedner BA, Peterson MJ, Tononi G. Altered prefrontal activity and connectivity predict different cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Hum Brain Mapp 2015; 36:4539-52. [PMID: 26288380 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive dysfunction is considered a core feature of schizophrenia, and impaired performances in episodic memory (EM) and executive function (EF) tasks are consistently reported in schizophrenia patients. Traditional fMRI and EEG studies have helped identifying brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), involved in these tasks. However, it is unclear whether intrinsic defects in prefrontal function per se contribute to poor performance in schizophrenia, given the presence of confounds like reduced motivation and psychotic symptoms. TMS/hd-EEG measurements are obtained without cognitive effort, and can be calculated in any cortical area. METHODS We performed TMS/hd-EEG recordings in parietal, motor, premotor, and PFC in healthy individuals (N=20) and schizophrenia patients (N=20). Source modeling of TMS-evoked responses was performed, and measures of cortical activity (significant current density, SCD) and connectivity (significant current scattering, SCS) were computed. Patients with schizophrenia also performed Penn Word memory delayed (CPWd) and Penn Conditional Exclusion Test (PCET). CPWd evaluates EM and involves primarily PFC, whereas PCET reflects EF and implicates PFC with other brain regions. FINDINGS We found no difference in SCD and SCS after TMS of parietal/motor cortices, whereas those parameters were reduced in premotor/prefrontal areas in schizophrenia patients. In PFC, where these measures were most defective, SCD was negatively correlated with performance in CPWd whereas higher SCS values were associated with more errors in PCET. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that schizophrenia patients have intrinsic defects in both activity and connectivity of PFC, and that these defects are specifically associated with impairments in cognitive abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ferrarelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Brady A Riedner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Michael J Peterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Giulio Tononi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Keshavan MS, Mehta UM, Padmanabhan JL, Shah JL. Dysplasticity, metaplasticity, and schizophrenia: Implications for risk, illness, and novel interventions. Dev Psychopathol 2015; 27:615-35. [PMID: 25997775 PMCID: PMC6283269 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941500019x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we review the history of the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, using schizophrenia as a case in point. We briefly review the myriad meanings of the term neuroplasticity, and its neuroscientific basis. We then review the evidence for aberrant neuroplasticity and metaplasticity associated with schizophrenia as well as the risk for developing this illness, and discuss the implications of such understanding for prevention and therapeutic interventions. We argue that the failure and/or altered timing of plasticity of critical brain circuits might underlie cognitive and deficit symptoms, and may also lead to aberrant plastic reorganization in other circuits, leading to affective dysregulation and eventually psychosis. This "dysplastic" model of schizophrenia can suggest testable etiology and treatment-relevant questions for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Jaya L. Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jai L. Shah
- Douglas Hospital Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Permyakov SE, Kazakov AS, Avkhacheva NV, Permyakov EA. Parvalbumin as a metal-dependent antioxidant. Cell Calcium 2014; 55:261-8. [PMID: 24685310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2014.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parvalbumin (PA) is a Ca(2+)-binding protein of vertebrates massively expressed in tissues with high oxygen uptake and respectively elevated level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To characterize antioxidant properties of PA, antioxidant capacity (AOC) of intact rat α-PA has been explored. ORAC, TEAC and hydrogen peroxide AOC assays evidence conformation-dependent oxidation of the PA. AOC value for the apo-PA 4-11-fold exceeds that for the Ca(2+)-loaded protein. Despite folded conformation of apo-PA, it has AOC equivalent to that of the proteolized protein. The most populated under resting conditions PA form, Mg(2+)-bound PA, has AOC similar to that of apo-PA. ROS-induced changes in absorption spectrum of PA evidence an oxidation of PA's phenylalanines in the ORAC assay. Sensitivity of PA oxidation to its conformation enabled characterization of its metal affinity and pH-dependent behavior: a transition with pKa of 7.6 has been revealed for the Ca(2+)-loaded PA. Since total AOC of PA under in vivo conditions may reach the level of reduced glutathione, we propose that PA might modulate intracellular redox equilibria and/or signaling in a calcium-dependent manner. We speculate that the oxidation-mediated damage of some of PA-GABAergic interneurons observed in schizophrenia is due to a decline in total AOC of the reduced glutathione-PA pair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergei E Permyakov
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pushchino State Institute of Natural Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia
| | - Alexey S Kazakov
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia
| | - Nadezhda V Avkhacheva
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia.
| | - Eugene A Permyakov
- Protein Research Group, Institute for Biological Instrumentation of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pushchino State Institute of Natural Sciences, Pushchino, Moscow region, 142290, Russia
| |
Collapse
|