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da Costa Azevedo JN, Carvalho C, Serrão MP, Coelho R, Figueiredo-Braga M, Vieira-Coelho MA. Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in individuals with substance use disorders: a case control study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:412. [PMID: 35729517 PMCID: PMC9210590 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04068-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impulsivity and substance use disorders (SUD) have been both associated with changes in dopaminergic processes. In this study, we intended to evaluate the dopaminergic function in imprisoned SUD offenders through the determination of s-COMT activity. METHODS The study included 46 male individuals from a Portuguese penal institution. The participants were assessed through a battery of standardised instruments: Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Barratt Impulsivity Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), and the European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). In addition, s-COMT erythrocyte activity was evaluated. RESULTS Overall, 73.9% (n = 34) of the individuals had Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and 58.7% (n = 27) presented SUD. We evidenced, for the first time, that, in individuals with SUD, s-COMT activity was correlated with the severity of drug dependence (EuropASI) (p = 0.009), and with BIS-11 factors self-control (p < 0.0001) and non-planning (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS This study opens new perspectives regarding the pharmacological intervention on substance dependence through the interference on dopamine pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinto Nuno da Costa Azevedo
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua da Alegria 2083, 4200-027, Porto, Portugal. .,i3S - Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua da Alegria 2083, 4200-027, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Cláudia Carvalho
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Department of Biomedicine-Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Paula Serrão
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Department of Biomedicine-Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Coelho
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua da Alegria 2083, 4200-027 Porto, Portugal ,grid.414556.70000 0000 9375 4688Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Figueiredo-Braga
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua da Alegria 2083, 4200-027 Porto, Portugal ,grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua da Alegria 2083, 4200-027 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Augusta Vieira-Coelho
- grid.5808.50000 0001 1503 7226Department of Biomedicine-Therapeutics and Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal ,grid.414556.70000 0000 9375 4688Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João, Porto, Portugal
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2
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Furman DJ, Pappas I, White RL, Kayser AS, D'Esposito M. Enhancing dopamine tone modulates global and local cortical perfusion as a function of COMT val158met genotype. Neuroimage 2021; 242:118472. [PMID: 34390874 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2021.118472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cognitive effects of pharmacologically enhancing cortical dopamine (DA) tone are variable across healthy human adults. It has been postulated that individual differences in drug responses are linked to baseline cortical DA activity according to an inverted-U-shaped function. To better understand the effect of divergent starting points along this curve on DA drug responses, researchers have leveraged a common polymorphism (rs4680) in the gene encoding the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) that gives rise to greater (Met allele) or lesser (Val allele) extracellular levels of cortical DA. Here we examined the extent to which changes in resting cortical perfusion following the administration of two mechanistically-distinct dopaminergic drugs vary by COMT genotype, and thereby track predictions of the inverted-U model. Using arterial spin labeling (ASL) and a double-blind, within-subject design, perfusion was measured in 75 healthy, genotyped participants once each after administration of tolcapone (a COMT inhibitor), bromocriptine (a DA D2/3 agonist), and placebo. COMT genotype and drug interacted such that COMT Val homozygotes exhibited increased prefusion in response to both drugs, whereas Met homozygotes did not. Additionally, tolcapone-related perfusion changes in the right inferior frontal gyrus correlated with altered performance on a task of executive function. No comparable effects were found for a genetic polymorphism (rs1800497) affecting striatal DA system function. Together, these results indicate that both the directionality and magnitude of drug-induced perfusion change provide meaningful information about individual differences in response to enhanced cortical DA tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella J Furman
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States.
| | - Ioannis Pappas
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Division of Neurology, VA Northern California Health Care System, United States.
| | - Robert L White
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Andrew S Kayser
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United States; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Division of Neurology, VA Northern California Health Care System, United States
| | - Mark D'Esposito
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, United States; Division of Neurology, VA Northern California Health Care System, United States
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3
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Nicotera AG, Di Rosa G, Turriziani L, Costanzo MC, Stracuzzi E, Vitello GA, Galati Rando R, Musumeci A, Vinci M, Musumeci SA, Calì F. Role of COMT V158M Polymorphism in the Development of Dystonia after Administration of Antipsychotic Drugs. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11101293. [PMID: 34679357 PMCID: PMC8533773 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11101293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotics (APDs) represent the main pharmacological strategy in the treatment of schizophrenia; however, their administration often may result in severe adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms. Typically, dystonic movements are considered the result of impaired function and/or abnormalities of dopaminergic neurotransmission/signaling in the basal ganglia. The catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is located within the 22q11.2 region, and its product is an enzyme involved in transferring a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine to catecholamines, including dopamine. Studies showed that COMT Val158Met polymorphism modifies enzymatic activity and, consequently, synaptic dopamine concentration in specific brain areas. We identified a patient with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome presenting with cervical and trunk dystonia after paliperidone administration, which persisted even after drug discontinuation. Given the patient’s genetic condition, we hypothesized that the dopaminergic dysfunction had been aggravated by COMT involvement, thus causing dystonia. In line with this hypothesis, we carried out a study on psychiatric patients in chronic treatment with APD to evaluate the distribution of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and its role in the onset of adverse extrapyramidal symptoms. The study included four patients with dystonia after administration of APDs compared to 17 patients who never presented adverse drug reactions. Our data suggest that the Val/Val and Met/Met polymorphisms of the COMT gene are associated with a protective effect for the development of collateral extrapyramidal symptoms in patients treated with APDs, while the Val/Met genotype could be considered a risk factor for the development of dystonia after APDs administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.G.N.); (L.T.)
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.G.N.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Turriziani
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.G.N.); (L.T.)
| | - Maria Cristina Costanzo
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Emanuela Stracuzzi
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Girolamo Aurelio Vitello
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Rosanna Galati Rando
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Antonino Musumeci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Mirella Vinci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Sebastiano Antonino Musumeci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Calì
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy; (M.C.C.); (E.S.); (G.A.V.); (R.G.R.); (A.M.); (M.V.); s (S.A.M.); (F.C.)
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4
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Papenberg G, Karalija N, Salami A, Rieckmann A, Andersson M, Axelsson J, Riklund K, Lindenberger U, Lövdén M, Nyberg L, Bäckman L. Balance between Transmitter Availability and Dopamine D2 Receptors in Prefrontal Cortex Influences Memory Functioning. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:989-1000. [PMID: 31504282 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Insufficient or excessive dopaminergic tone impairs cognitive performance. We examine whether the balance between transmitter availability and dopamine (DA) D2 receptors (D2DRs) is important for successful memory performance in a large sample of adults (n = 175, 64-68 years). The Catechol-O-Methyltransferase polymorphism served as genetic proxy for endogenous prefrontal DA availability, and D2DRs in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) were measured with [11C]raclopride-PET. Individuals for whom D2DR status matched DA availability showed higher levels of episodic and working-memory performance than individuals with insufficient or excessive DA availability relative to the number of receptors. A similar pattern restricted to episodic memory was observed for D2DRs in caudate. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during working-memory performance confirmed the importance of a balanced DA system for load-dependent brain activity in dlPFC. Our data suggest that the inverted-U-shaped function relating DA signaling to cognition is modulated by a dynamic association between DA availability and receptor status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goran Papenberg
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Karalija
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alireza Salami
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anna Rieckmann
- Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Micael Andersson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Axelsson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Katrine Riklund
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ulman Lindenberger
- Center for Lifespan Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, D-14195 Berlin, Germany.,Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, D-14195 Berlin, Germany and UK-WC1B 5EH London, UK
| | - Martin Lövdén
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Nyberg
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden.,Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, S-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lars Bäckman
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institute and Stockholm University, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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5
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Miranda GG, Rodrigue KM, Kennedy KM. Cortical thickness mediates the relationship between DRD2 C957T polymorphism and executive function across the adult lifespan. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:121-136. [PMID: 33179159 PMCID: PMC7855542 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02169-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) signaling is critical for optimal cognitive performance. Aging is accompanied by a change in the strength of this signaling, with a loss of striatal and extrastriatal D2 binding potential. The reduction in dopamine modulation with age negatively influences various aspects of cognition. DRD2 C957T (rs6277) impacts DA D2 receptor density and availability, with C homozygotes linked to lower striatal DA availability and reduced executive functioning (EF), but also high extrastriatal binding potential. Here, we investigated in 176 participants aged 20-94 years whether: (1) DRD2 C carriers differ from T carriers in cortical thickness or subcortical volume in areas of high concentrations of D2 receptors that receive projections from mesocortical or nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways; (2) whether the DRD2*COMT relationship has any synergistic effects on cortical thickness; (3) whether the effect of DRD2 on brain structure depends upon age; and (4) whether DRD2-related regional thinning affects executive function performance. We show that DRD2 impacts cortical thickness in the superior parietal lobule, precuneus, and anterior cingulate (marginal after FDR correction), while statistically controlling sex, age, and COMT genotype. Specifically, C homozygotes demonstrated thinner cortices than both heterozygotes and/or T homozygotes in an age-invariant manner. Additionally, DRD2 predicted executive function performance via cortical thickness. The results highlight that genetic influences on dopamine availability impact cognitive performance via the contribution of brain structure in cortical regions influenced by DRD2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe G Miranda
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas At Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karen M Rodrigue
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas At Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kristen M Kennedy
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Science, The University of Texas At Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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6
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Highs and lows of cannabinoid-dopamine interactions: effects of genetic variability and pharmacological modulation of catechol-O-methyl transferase on the acute response to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:3209-3219. [PMID: 31187152 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05273-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme has been implicated in determining dopaminergic tone and the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the human brain. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate the effect of (1) a functional polymorphism and (2) acute pharmacological inhibition of COMT on the acute response to THC in humans. METHODS Sub-study I: The effect of intravenous (IV) THC (0.05 mg/kg) was investigated in 74 healthy subjects genotyped for the COMT rs4680 (Val/Met) polymorphism in a 2-test-day double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Sub-study II: COMT rs4680 homozygous subjects (Val/Val and Met/Met) from sub-study I received the COMT enzyme inhibitor tolcapone (200 mg) followed by IV THC or placebo on two additional test days. Subjective, behavioral, and cognitive data were obtained periodically on each test day. RESULTS Sub-study I: Val/Val individuals were most sensitive to THC-induced attention and working memory deficits. In contrast, the psychotomimetic and subjective effects of THC were not influenced by COMT genotype. Sub-study II: Tolcapone reduced THC-induced working memory deficits, but not THC's psychotomimetic effects. Tolcapone and COMT genotype (met/met) were associated with an increased report of feeling "mellow." CONCLUSIONS The interaction between COMT rs4680 polymorphisms and tolcapone on the cognitive, but not on the psychotomimetic and overall subjective effects of THC, suggests that modulation of dopaminergic signaling may selectively influence specific cannabinoid effects in healthy individuals. The role of dopaminergic signaling in the cognitive effects of cannabinoids should be considered in drug development efforts targeting these effects. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00678730?term=NCT00678730&rank=1 ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00678730.
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7
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Fassini PG, Das SK, Suen VMM, Magerowski G, Marchini JS, da Silva Junior WA, Changyu S, Alonso-Alonso M. Appetite effects of prefrontal stimulation depend on COMT Val158Met polymorphism: A randomized clinical trial. Appetite 2019; 140:142-150. [PMID: 31095973 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2019.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of appetite is supported by dopamine-modulated brain circuits. Recent studies have shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) aimed at increasing the excitability of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex can reduce appetite, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and response variability is large. The aim of this study was to determine whether individual differences in Catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism can influence tDCS effects on appetite. Thirty-eight adult women with obesity, classified as carriers or non-carriers of the Met allele, underwent a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled tDCS intervention involving three phases: Phase I, target engagement (immediate effects of tDCS on working memory performance), Phase II, tDCS only (10 sessions, two weeks), and Phase III, tDCS + hypocaloric diet: (6 sessions, two weeks, 30% energy intake reduction, inpatient). Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models and mixed ANCOVA. Appetite was evaluated using visual analogue scales. We found that Met-carriers receiving active tDCS were the only participants who experienced a significant reduction of appetite over time. Conversely, Met non-carriers maintained high levels of appetite during the intervention; this effect was driven by a delayed paradoxical rise in appetite after stimulation. Working memory task performance at phase I correlated with subsequent appetite change in a COMT-dependent manner: speed improvements during the task predicted appetite increase in Met carriers and appetite reduction in Met non-carriers. Our findings suggest that genotype differences impacting dopamine levels influence prefrontal tDCS effects on appetite. This source of variability should be considered in the design of future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Giacomo Fassini
- Laboratory of Bariatric and Nutritional Neuroscience, Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Sai Krupa Das
- Energy Metabolism Laboratory, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Center on Aging, Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111-1524, United States
| | - Vivian Marques Miguel Suen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900. Monte Alegre, CEP: 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Greta Magerowski
- Laboratory of Bariatric and Nutritional Neuroscience, Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Júlio Sérgio Marchini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900. Monte Alegre, CEP: 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Wilson Araújo da Silva Junior
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Avenida Bandeirantes, 3900. Monte Alegre, CEP: 14049-900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Shen Changyu
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Miguel Alonso-Alonso
- Laboratory of Bariatric and Nutritional Neuroscience, Center for the Study of Nutrition Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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8
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Miranda GG, Rodrigue KM, Kennedy KM. Frontoparietal cortical thickness mediates the effect of COMT Val 158Met polymorphism on age-associated executive function. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 73:104-114. [PMID: 30342271 PMCID: PMC6251730 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Proper dopamine (DA) signaling is likely necessary for maintaining optimal cognitive performance as we age, particularly in prefrontal-parietal networks and in fronto-striatal networks. Thus, reduced DA availability is a salient risk factor for accelerated cognitive aging. A common polymorphism that affects DA D1 receptor dopamine availability, COMT Val158Met (rs4680), influences enzymatic breakdown of DA, with COMT Val carriers having a 3- to 4-fold reduction in synaptic DA compared to COMT Met carriers. Furthermore, dopamine receptors and postsynaptic availability are drastically reduced with aging, as is executive function performance that ostensibly relies on these pathways. Here, we investigated in 176 individuals aged 20-94 years whether: (1) COMT Val carriers differ from their Met counterparts in thickness of regional cortices receiving D1 receptor pathways: prefrontal, parietal, cingulate cortices; (2) this gene-brain association differs across the adult lifespan; and (3) COMT-related regional thinning evidences cognitive consequences. We found that COMT Val carriers evidenced thinner cortex in prefrontal, parietal, and posterior cingulate cortices than COMT Met carriers and this effect was not age-dependent. Further, we demonstrate that thickness of these regions significantly mediates the effect of COMT genotype on an executive function composite measure. These results suggest that poorer executive function performance is due partly to thinner association cortex in dopaminergic-rich regions, and particularly so in individuals who are genetically predisposed to lower postsynaptic dopamine availability, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe G Miranda
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Karen M Rodrigue
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kristen M Kennedy
- Center for Vital Longevity, School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Binge-Like Alcohol Exposure During Adolescence Disrupts Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in the Adult Prelimbic Cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1024-1036. [PMID: 27620551 PMCID: PMC5506791 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repeated binge-like exposure to alcohol during adolescence has been reported to perturb prefrontal cortical development, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Here we report that adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure induces cellular and dopaminergic abnormalities in the adult prelimbic cortex (PrL-C). Exposing rats to alcohol during early-mid adolescence (PD28-42) increased the density of long/thin dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the adult PrL-C. Interestingly, although AIE exposure did not alter the expression of glutamatergic proteins in the adult PrL-C, there was a pronounced reduction in dopamine (DA) D1 receptor modulation of both intrinsic firing and evoked NMDA currents in pyramidal cells, whereas D2 receptor function was unaltered. Recordings from fast-spiking interneurons also revealed that AIE reduced intrinsic excitability, glutamatergic signaling, and D1 receptor modulation of these cells. Analysis of PrL-C tissue of AIE-exposed rats further revealed persistent changes in the expression of DA-related proteins, including reductions in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). AIE exposure was associated with hypermethylation of the COMT promoter at a conserved CpG site in exon II. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that AIE exposure disrupts DA and GABAergic transmission in the adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). As DA and GABA work in concert to shape and synchronize neuronal ensembles in the PFC, these alterations could contribute to deficits in behavioral control and decision-making in adults who abused alcohol during adolescence.
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10
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Howes OD, McCutcheon R, Owen MJ, Murray RM. The Role of Genes, Stress, and Dopamine in the Development of Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:9-20. [PMID: 27720198 PMCID: PMC5675052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dopamine hypothesis is the longest standing pathoetiologic theory of schizophrenia. Because it was initially based on indirect evidence and findings in patients with established schizophrenia, it was unclear what role dopamine played in the onset of the disorder. However, recent studies in people at risk of schizophrenia have found elevated striatal dopamine synthesis capacity and increased dopamine release to stress. Furthermore, striatal dopamine changes have been linked to altered cortical function during cognitive tasks, in line with preclinical evidence that a circuit involving cortical projections to the striatum and midbrain may underlie the striatal dopamine changes. Other studies have shown that a number of environmental risk factors for schizophrenia, such as social isolation and childhood trauma, also affect presynaptic dopaminergic function. Advances in preclinical work and genetics have begun to unravel the molecular architecture linking dopamine, psychosis, and psychosocial stress. Included among the many genes associated with risk of schizophrenia are the gene encoding the dopamine D2 receptor and those involved in the upstream regulation of dopaminergic synthesis, through glutamatergic and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic pathways. A number of these pathways are also linked to the stress response. We review these new lines of evidence and present a model of how genes and environmental factors may sensitize the dopamine system so that it is vulnerable to acute stress, leading to progressive dysregulation and the onset of psychosis. Finally, we consider the implications for rational drug development, in particular regionally selective dopaminergic modulation, and the potential of genetic factors to stratify patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver D Howes
- Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Robert McCutcheon
- Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J Owen
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, and Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Robin M Murray
- Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
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Narendran R, Tumuluru D, May MA, Chowdari KV, Himes ML, Fasenmyer K, Frankle WG, Nimgaonkar VL. Cortical Dopamine Transmission as Measured with the [11C]FLB 457 - Amphetamine PET Imaging Paradigm Is Not Influenced by COMT Genotype. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157867. [PMID: 27322568 PMCID: PMC4913897 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Basic investigations link a Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene to not only its enzymatic activity, but also to its dopaminergic tone in the prefrontal cortex. Previous PET studies have documented the relationship between COMT Val158Met polymorphism and D1 and D2/3 receptor binding potential (BP), and interpreted them in terms of dopaminergic tone. The use of baseline dopamine D1 and D2/3 receptor binding potential (BPND) as a proxy for dopaminergic tone is problematic because they reflect both endogenous dopamine levels (a change in radiotracer's apparent affinity) and receptor density. In this analysis of 31 healthy controls genotyped for the Val158Met polymorphism (Val/Val, Val/Met, and Met/Met), we used amphetamine-induced displacement of [11C]FLB 457 as a direct measure of dopamine release. Our analysis failed to show a relationship between COMT genotype status and prefrontal cortical dopamine release. COMT genotype was also not predictive of baseline dopamine D2/3 receptor BPND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Narendran
- Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Divya Tumuluru
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - Maureen A. May
- Allegheny Health Network Cancer Genetics Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - Kodavali V. Chowdari
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Himes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - Kelli Fasenmyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - W. Gordon Frankle
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
| | - Vishwajit L. Nimgaonkar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States of America
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Genetic variation and dopamine D2 receptor availability: a systematic review and meta-analysis of human in vivo molecular imaging studies. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e747. [PMID: 26926883 PMCID: PMC4872447 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The D2 dopamine receptor mediates neuropsychiatric symptoms and is a target of pharmacotherapy. Inter-individual variation of D2 receptor density is thought to influence disease risk and pharmacological response. Numerous molecular imaging studies have tested whether common genetic variants influence D2 receptor binding potential (BP) in humans, but demonstration of robust effects has been limited by small sample sizes. We performed a systematic search of published human in vivo molecular imaging studies to estimate effect sizes of common genetic variants on striatal D2 receptor BP. We identified 21 studies examining 19 variants in 11 genes. The most commonly studied variant was a single-nucleotide polymorphism in ANKK1 (rs1800497, Glu713Lys, also called 'Taq1A'). Fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses of this variant (5 studies, 194 subjects total) revealed that striatal BP was significantly and robustly lower among carriers of the minor allele (Lys713) relative to major allele homozygotes. The weighted standardized mean difference was -0.57 under the fixed-effect model (95% confidence interval=(-0.87, -0.27), P=0.0002). The normal relationship between rs1800497 and BP was not apparent among subjects with neuropsychiatric diseases. Significant associations with baseline striatal D2 receptor BP have been reported for four DRD2 variants (rs1079597, rs1076560, rs6277 and rs1799732) and a PER2 repeat polymorphism, but none have yet been tested in more than two independent samples. Our findings resolve apparent discrepancies in the literature and establish that rs1800497 robustly influences striatal D2 receptor availability. This genetic variant is likely to contribute to important individual differences in human striatal function, neuropsychiatric disease risk and pharmacological response.
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13
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Gruss LF, Langaee T, Keil A. The role of the COMT val158met polymorphism in mediating aversive learning in visual cortex. Neuroimage 2015; 125:633-642. [PMID: 26549298 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alters metabolic activity of the COMT enzyme regulating catecholamines, with the Val (valine) allele resulting in 40% greater enzymatic activity than the Met (methionine) allele. Previous research has identified systematic inter-individual differences in cognitive and behavioral phenotypes related to this polymorphism, often attributed to the fact that extracellular dopamine in the prefrontal cortex is strongly affected by the COMT enzyme. The neurophysiological mechanisms mediating these inter-individual differences in specific brain systems and task contexts remain to be established however. In the current study, we examined the extent to which physio-mechanistic differences by COMT genotype affect somato-visceral and visual cortical responses to learned threat cues. Classical aversive differential conditioning was implemented using rapidly phase-reversing grating stimuli, previously shown to engage retinotopic visual cortex. Differential response patterns in sensory and autonomic systems were elicited by pairing one grating (CS+, conditioned stimulus), but not the other (CS-), with a noxious stimulus. Dense-array electroencephalography and somato-visceral measures of defensive reactivity were recorded in addition to self-report data. Individuals of the Val/Val genotype, compared to Met allele carriers, reliably showed greater initial enhancement in their visuocortical response to the CS+, accompanied by stronger defensive engagement, indexed by heart rate acceleration and startle potentiation. The finding that COMT polymorphism status affects threat cue reactivity at the visuocortical level is consistent with the notion that sensory processing of threat is facilitated by strong re-entrant bias signals from anterior areas, including the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Forest Gruss
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Taimour Langaee
- Center for Pharmacogenomics, Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Andreas Keil
- Center for the Study of Emotion and Attention, Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Yildirim BO, Derksen JJL. Mesocorticolimbic dopamine functioning in primary psychopathy: A source of within-group heterogeneity. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:633-77. [PMID: 26277034 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite similar emotional deficiencies, primary psychopathic individuals can be situated on a continuum that spans from controlled to disinhibited. The constructs on which primary psychopaths are found to diverge, such as self-control, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning, are crucially regulated by dopamine (DA). As such, the goal of this review is to examine which specific alterations in the meso-cortico-limbic DA system and corresponding genes (e.g., TH, DAT, COMT, DRD2, DRD4) might bias development towards a more controlled or disinhibited expression of primary psychopathy. Based on empirical data, it is argued that primary psychopathy is generally related to a higher tonic and population activity of striatal DA neurons and lower levels of D2-type DA receptors in meso-cortico-limbic projections, which may boost motivational drive towards incentive-laden goals, dampen punishment sensitivity, and increase future reward-expectancy. However, increasingly higher levels of DA activity in the striatum (moderate versus pathological elevations), lower levels of DA functionality in the prefrontal cortex, and higher D1-to-D2-type receptor ratios in meso-cortico-limbic projections may lead to increasingly disinhibited and impetuous phenotypes of primary psychopathy. Finally, in order to provide a more coherent view on etiological mechanisms, we discuss interactions between DA and serotonin that are relevant for primary psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bariş O Yildirim
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen, De Kluyskamp 1002, 6545 JD Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan J L Derksen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Room: A.07.04B, Radboud University Nijmegen, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Muellner J, Gharrad I, Habert MO, Kas A, Martini JB, Cormier-Dequaire F, Tahiri K, Vidailhet M, Meier N, Brice A, Schuepbach M, Mallet A, Hartmann A, Corvol JC. Dopaminergic denervation severity depends on COMT Val158Met polymorphism in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2015; 21:471-6. [PMID: 25753458 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catecholamine-O-methyl-tranferase (COMT) initiates dopamine degradation. Its activity is mainly determined by a single nucleotide polymorphism in the COMT gene (Val158Met, rs4680) separating high (Val/Val, COMT(HH)), intermediate (Val/Met, COMT(HL)) and low metabolizers (Met/Met, COMT(LL)). We investigated dopaminergic denervation in the striatum in PD patients according to COMT rs4680 genotype. METHODS Patients with idiopathic PD were assessed for motor severity (UPDRS-III rating scale in OFF-state), dopaminergic denervation using [123I]-FP-CIT SPECT imaging, and genotyped for the COMT rs4680 enzyme. [123I]-FP-CIT binding potential (BP) for each voxel was defined by the ratio of tracer-binding in the region of interest (striatum, caudate nucleus and putamen) to that in a region of non-specific activity. Genotyping was performed using TaqMan(®) SNP genotyping assay. We used a regression model to evaluate the effect of COMT genotype on the BP in the striatum and its sub-regions. RESULTS Genotype distribution was: 11 (27.5%) COMT(HH), 26 (65%) COMT(HL) and 3 (7.5%) COMT(LL). There were no significant differences in disease severity, treatments, or motor scores between genotypes. When adjusted to clinical severity, gender and age, low and intermediate metabolizers showed significantly higher rates of striatal denervation (COMT(HL+LL) BP = 1.32 ± 0.04) than high metabolizers (COMT(HH), BP = 1.6 ± 0.08; F(1.34) = 9.0, p = 0.005). Striatal sub-regions showed similar results. BP and UPDRS-III motor scores (r = 0.44, p = 0.04) (p < 0.001) were highly correlated. There was a gender effect, but no gender-genotype interaction. CONCLUSIONS Striatal denervation differs according to COMT-Val158Met polymorphism. COMT activity may play a role as a compensatory mechanism in PD motor symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Muellner
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 100, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Iman Gharrad
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marie-Odile Habert
- AP-HP, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7371, INSERM U1146, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Aurélie Kas
- AP-HP, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7371, INSERM U1146, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Martini
- AP-HP, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06, CNRS UMR 7371, INSERM U1146, 75013 Paris, France; Centre d'Analyse et de Traitement des Images (CATI), 75013 Paris, France
| | - Florence Cormier-Dequaire
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Khadija Tahiri
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Niklaus Meier
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 100, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Michael Schuepbach
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse 100, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alain Mallet
- Inserm U436, Laboratory of Mathematical and Statistical Modelisation in Biology and Medicine, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 91 bd de l'hôpital, 75634 Paris Cedex 13, France; APHP, Clinical Research Unit, Department of Biostatistics, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Andreas Hartmann
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Corvol
- Sorbonne University, UPMC Paris 06 UMR S 1127, and Inserm U 1127 and CIC 1422, and CNRS UR 7225, and ICM, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Department of Neurology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, 75013 Paris, France.
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Godar SC, Bortolato M. Gene-sex interactions in schizophrenia: focus on dopamine neurotransmission. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:71. [PMID: 24639636 PMCID: PMC3944784 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder, with a highly complex and heterogenous clinical presentation. Our current perspectives posit that the pathogenic mechanisms of this illness lie in complex arrays of gene × environment interactions. Furthermore, several findings indicate that males have a higher susceptibility for schizophrenia, with earlier age of onset and overall poorer clinical prognosis. Based on these premises, several authors have recently begun exploring the possibility that the greater schizophrenia vulnerability in males may reflect specific gene × sex (G×S) interactions. Our knowledge on such G×S interactions in schizophrenia is still rudimentary; nevertheless, the bulk of preclinical evidence suggests that the molecular mechanisms for such interactions are likely contributed by the neurobiological effects of sex steroids on dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. Accordingly, several recent studies suggest a gender-specific association of certain DAergic genes with schizophrenia. These G×S interactions have been particularly documented for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO), the main enzymes catalyzing DA metabolism. In the present review, we will outline the current evidence on the interactions of DA-related genes and sex-related factors, and discuss the potential molecular substrates that may mediate their cooperative actions in schizophrenia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA ; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse, University of Kansas Lawrence, KS, USA
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17
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Hernaus D, Collip D, Lataster J, Ceccarini J, Kenis G, Booij L, Pruessner J, Van Laere K, van Winkel R, van Os J, Myin-Germeys I. COMT Val158Met genotype selectively alters prefrontal [18F]fallypride displacement and subjective feelings of stress in response to a psychosocial stress challenge. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65662. [PMID: 23799032 PMCID: PMC3683024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays an essential role in degradation of extracellular dopamine in prefrontal regions of the brain. Although a polymorphism in this gene, COMT Val158Met, affects human behavior in response to stress little is known about its effect on dopaminergic activity associated with the human stress response, which may be of interest for stress-related psychiatric disorders such as psychosis. We aimed to investigate the effect of variations in COMT genotype on in vivo measures of stress-induced prefrontal cortex (PFC) dopaminergic processing and subjective stress responses. A combined sample of healthy controls and healthy first-degree relatives of psychosis patients (n = 26) were subjected to an [18F]fallypride Positron Emission Tomography scan. Psychosocial stress during the scan was induced using the Montreal Imaging Stress Task and subjective stress was assessed every 12 minutes. Parametric t-maps, generated using the linear extension of the simplified reference region model, revealed an effect of COMT genotype on the spatial extent of [18F]fallypride displacement. Detected effects of exposure to psychosocial stress were unilateral and remained restricted to the left superior and right inferior frontal gyrus, with Met-hetero- and homozygotes showing less [18F]fallypride displacement than Val-homozygotes. Additionally, Met-hetero- and homozygotes experienced larger subjective stress responses than Val-homozygotes. The direction of the effects remained the same when the data was analyzed separately for controls and first-degree relatives. The human stress response may be mediated in part by COMT-dependent dopaminergic PFC activity, providing speculation for the neurobiology underlying COMT-dependent differences in human behaviour following stress. Implications of these results for stress-related psychopathology and models of dopaminergic functioning are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Collip
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Lataster
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Psychology, Open University of The Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Jenny Ceccarini
- Nuclear Medicine Division, University Hospital and Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gunther Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Booij
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jens Pruessner
- Douglas Mental Health Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Koen Van Laere
- Nuclear Medicine Division, University Hospital and Catholic University Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University Psychiatric Centre Catholic University Leuven, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- King’s College London, King’s Health Partners, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Inez Myin-Germeys
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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18
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Balcı F, Wiener M, Çavdaroğlu B, Branch Coslett H. Epistasis effects of dopamine genes on interval timing and reward magnitude in humans. Neuropsychologia 2013; 51:293-308. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Revised: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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19
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de Koning MB, Boot E, Bloemen OJN, van Duin EDA, Abel KM, de Haan L, Linszen DH, van Amelsvoort TAMJ. Startle reactivity and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response are modulated by catechol-O-methyl-transferase Val(158) Met polymorphism in adults with 22q11 deletion syndrome. J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:1548-60. [PMID: 22952320 DOI: 10.1177/0269881112456610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a microdeletion on chromosome 22, which includes the gene coding for catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT). High dopamine (DA) levels due to COMT haplo-insufficiency may be associated with the increased risk of developing schizophrenia in adults with 22q11DS. Reduced prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response has been associated with schizophrenia and with disrupted DAergic transmission in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism has been shown to influence PPI. We report the first study in adults with 22q11DS to examine PPI of the acoustic startle response and its modulation by COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism. Startle reactivity (SR) and PPI of the acoustic startle response were measured in 23 adults with 22q11DS and 21 healthy controls. 22q11DS subjects were genotyped for the functional COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism. 22q11DS Met hemizygotes showed reduced SR and PPI compared with 22q11DS Val hemizygotes. The effect of COMT Val(158)Met polymorphism on PPI was no longer significant when controlling for baseline SR. Met hemizygosity in 22q11DS is associated with reduced SR and influences PPI indirectly. Decreased PFC functioning following excessive PFC DA levels may be one of the mechanisms by which the Met genotype in 22q11DS disrupts SR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariken B de Koning
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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20
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Spiros A, Geerts H. A quantitative way to estimate clinical off-target effects for human membrane brain targets in CNS research and development. J Exp Pharmacol 2012; 4:53-61. [PMID: 27186116 PMCID: PMC4863548 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s30808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although many preclinical programs in central nervous system research and development intend to develop highly selective and potent molecules directed at the primary target, they often act upon other off-target receptors. The simple rule of taking the ratios of affinities for the candidate drug at the different receptors is flawed since the affinity of the endogenous ligand for that off-target receptor or drug exposure is not taken into account. We have developed a mathematical receptor competition model that takes into account the competition between active drug moiety and the endogenous neurotransmitter to better assess the off-target effects on postsynaptic receptor activation under the correct target exposure conditions. As an example, we investigate the possible functional effects of the weak off-target effects for dopamine-1 receptor (D1R) in a computer simulation of a dopaminergic cortical synapse that is calibrated using published fast-cyclic rodent voltammetry and human imaging data in subjects with different catechol-O-methyltransferase genotypes. We identify the conditions under which off-target effects at the D1R can lead to clinically detectable consequences on cognitive tests, such as the N-back working memory test. We also demonstrate that certain concentrations of dimebolin (Dimebon), a recently tested Alzheimer drug, can affect D1R activation resulting in clinically detectable cognitive decrease. This approach can be extended to other receptor systems and can improve the selection of clinical candidate compounds by potentially dialing-out harmful off-target effects or dialing-in beneficial off-target effects in a quantitative and controlled way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hugo Geerts
- In Silico Biosciences, Berwyn, PA, USA; School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Abstract
Fear memory persistence, central for the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, is partially genetically controlled. Recently, consolidation and reconsolidation processes have been reported to affect fear memory stability and integrity. This study explored the impact of reconsolidation processes and genetic make-up on fear reacquisition by manipulating reconsolidation, using extinction performed outside or inside a reconsolidation interval. Reacquisition measured by skin conductance responses was stronger in individuals that extinguished outside (6 h) than inside (10 min) the reconsolidation interval. However, the effect was predominantly present in val/val homozygotes of the functional val158met polymorphism of the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme and in short-allele carriers of the serotonin-transporter length 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. These results demonstrate that reconsolidation of human fear memory is influenced by dopamine and serotonin-related genes.
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Xiang X, Jiang Y, Ni Y, Fan M, Shen F, Wang X, Han J, Cui C. Catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms do not play a significant role in pain perception in male Chinese Han population. Physiol Genomics 2012; 44:318-28. [PMID: 22253202 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00162.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymorphisms in the human catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene have been widely studied for their role in pain and analgesia. In this study, sensitivity to potassium iontophoresis, visual analog scale measurements for fixed twofold pain threshold stimulation and pain threshold changes induced by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) were assessed in a population of healthy Chinese males. These results were correlated with the alleles of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) or diplotypes of common haplotypes designated as low pain sensitive, average pain sensitive, and high pain sensitive in the COMT gene of these subjects. Our results reveal that the alleles of each SNP are not significantly correlated with pain perception except for the rs4633 allele in the 2 Hz TEAS session (P < 0.05). In addition, the six diplotypes of COMT haplotypes, which cover 92.5% of the Chinese population, are also not correlated with pain perception. Moreover, there were no significant differences in pain threshold changes induced by 2 and 100 Hz TEAS among the diplotypes of each SNP or the various haplotypes. These results suggest that COMT activity do not play a significant role in pain perception and TEAS-induced analgesia in the Chinese Han male population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Xiang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
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23
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Boot E, Booij J, Abeling N, Meijer J, da Silva Alves F, Zinkstok J, Baas F, Linszen D, van Amelsvoort T. Dopamine metabolism in adults with 22q11 deletion syndrome, with and without schizophrenia--relationship with COMT Val¹⁰⁸/¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism, gender and symptomatology. J Psychopharmacol 2011; 25:888-95. [PMID: 21447540 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111400644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
22q11 Deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a major risk factor for schizophrenia. In addition, both conditions are associated with alterations of the dopaminergic system. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, located within the deleted region, encodes for the enzyme COMT that is important for degradation of catecholamines, including dopamine (DA). COMT activity is sexually dimorphic and its gene contains a functional polymorphism, Val¹⁰⁸/¹⁵⁸ Met; the Met allele is associated with lower enzyme activity. We report the first controlled catecholamine study in 22q11DS-related schizophrenia. Twelve adults with 22q11DS with schizophrenia (SCZ+) and 22 adults with 22q11DS without schizophrenia (SCZ-) were genotyped for the COMT Val¹⁰⁸/¹⁵⁸ Met genotype. We assessed dopaminergic markers in urine and plasma. We also correlated these markers with scores on the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Contrary to our expectations, we found SCZ+ subjects to be more often Val hemizygous and SCZ- subjects more often Met hemizygous. Significant COMT cross gender interactions were found on dopaminergic markers. In SCZ+ subjects there was a negative correlation between prolactin levels and scores on the general psychopathology subscale of the PANSS scores. These findings suggest intriguing, but complex, interactions of the COMT Val¹⁰⁸/¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism, gender and additional factors on DA metabolism, and its relationship with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Boot
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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24
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Boot E, Booij J, Zinkstok JR, Baas F, Swillen A, Owen MJ, Murphy DG, Murphy KC, Linszen DH, Van Amelsvoort TA. COMT Val158met genotype and striatal D2/3 receptor binding in adults with 22q11 deletion syndrome. Synapse 2011; 65:967-70. [DOI: 10.1002/syn.20932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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25
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Wiener M, Lohoff FW, Coslett HB. Double dissociation of dopamine genes and timing in humans. J Cogn Neurosci 2011; 23:2811-21. [PMID: 21261454 DOI: 10.1162/jocn.2011.21626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A number of lines of evidence implicate dopamine in timing [Rammsayer, T. H. Neuropharmacological approaches to human timing. In S. Grondin (Ed.), Psychology of time (pp. 295-320). Bingley, UK: Emerald, 2008; Meck, W. H. Neuropharmacology of timing and time perception. Brain Research, Cognitive Brain Research, 3, 227-242, 1996]. Two human genetic polymorphisms are known to modulate dopaminergic activity. DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a is a D(2) receptor polymorphism associated with decreased D(2) density in the striatum [Jönsson, E. G., Nothen, M. M., Grunhage, F., Farde, L., Nakashima, Y., Propping, P., et al. Polymorphisms in the dopamine D(2) receptor gene and their relationships to striatal dopamine receptor density of healthy volunteers. Molecular Psychiatry, 4, 290-296, 1999]; COMT Val158Met is a functional polymorphism associated with increased activity of the COMT enzyme such that catabolism of synaptic dopamine is greater in pFC [Meyer-Lindenberg, A., Kohn, P. D., Kolachana, B., Kippenhan, S., McInerney-Leo, A., Nussbaum, R., et al. Midbrain dopamine and prefrontal function in humans: Interaction and modulation by COMT genotype. Nature Neuroscience, 8, 594-596, 2005]. To investigate the role of dopamine in timing, we genotyped 65 individuals for DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a, COMT Val158Met, and a third polymorphism, BDNF Val66Met, a functional polymorphism affecting the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor [Egan, M. F., Kojima, M., Callicott, J. H., Goldberg, T. E., Kolachana, B. S., Bertolino, A., et al. The BDNF val66met polymorphism affects activity-dependent secretion of BDNF and human memory and hippocampal function. Cell, 112, 257-269, 2003]. Subjects were tested on a temporal discrimination task with sub- and supra-second intervals (500- and 2000-msec standards) as well as a spontaneous motor tempo task. We found a double dissociation for temporal discrimination: the DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a polymorphism (A1+ allele) was associated with significantly greater variability for the 500-msec duration only, whereas the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (Val/Val homozygotes) was associated with significantly greater variability for the 2000-msec duration only. No differences were detected for the BDNF Vall66Met variant. Additionally, the DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a polymorphism was associated with a significantly slower preferred motor tempo. These data provide a potential biological basis for the distinctions between sub- and supra-second timing and suggest that BG are integral for the former whereas pFC is implicated in the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wiener
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6241, USA.
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26
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Hirvonen J, Hietala J. Dysfunctional brain networks and genetic risk for schizophrenia: specific neurotransmitter systems. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 17:89-96. [PMID: 21199447 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple neurotransmitter circuits are disturbed in schizophrenia, and the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia prevails as the hypothesis with most empirical support. On the other hand, schizophrenia is highly heritable with a pattern consistent with both common and rare allelic variants and gene × environment interaction. Advances in the field of neuroimaging have expanded our knowledge of intermediate phenotypes, the neurobiological processes that convey the risk from the genes to the complex phenotype. In this article, we review the recent and continuously accumulating evidence from in vivo imaging studies aiming at characterizing neurochemical intermediate phenotypes of schizophrenia. Dopaminergic alterations in schizophrenia are shared by individuals at genetic risk who do not express the illness, suggesting a "dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia vulnerability." This hypothesis has the potential to help us better understand the dopaminergic dysfunction in the context of the complex pathophysiological process leading to schizophrenia. In the future, neurotransmitter imaging studies should investigate the gene × environment interaction in schizophrenia, and try to identify neurobiological correlates of heightened sensitivity to environmental stressors (e.g., cannabis, childhood trauma, and other psychosocial stress) in genetically vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Hirvonen
- Department of Radiology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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Willeit M, Praschak-Rieder N. Imaging the effects of genetic polymorphisms on radioligand binding in the living human brain: A review on genetic neuroreceptor imaging of monoaminergic systems in psychiatry. Neuroimage 2010; 53:878-92. [PMID: 20399868 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2009] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging genetics is a research field that describes the impact of genetic risk variants on brain structure and function. While magnetic resonance based imaging techniques are able to provide complex information on a system level, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT) allow for determination of distribution and density of single receptor molecules in the human brain. Major psychiatric disorders are highly heritable, and have been associated with a dysregulation in brain dopamine and serotonin systems. Understanding the role of genetic polymorphisms within these neurotransmitter systems on brain phenotype is essential. This review tries to cover the literature on the impact of gene variants implicated in psychiatric disorders on serotonin, dopamine, and MAO-A radioligand binding in living humans. The majority of PET and SPECT studies investigated the role of polymorphisms within genes coding for the serotonin and dopamine transporters, the serotonin 1A receptor, and the dopamine D2 receptor on G protein coupled receptors or transporter proteins critically involved in serotonin or dopamine neurotransmission. Other studies investigated the impact of variants in genes for monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) or brain derived neurotrophic factor on monoamine transporters, receptors, or MAO-A activity. Two main findings in healthy subjects emerge from the current literature: one is an increased binding of the selective ligand [(11)C]DASB to serotonin transporters in subjects homozygous for the triallelic 5-HTTLPR LA allele. The other one is decreased binding of the radioligand [(11)C]raclopride to dopamine D2 receptors in D2 Taq1 A1 allele carriers. Other findings reported are highly interesting but require independent replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthäus Willeit
- Division of Biological Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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28
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Bertolino A, Taurisano P, Pisciotta NM, Blasi G, Fazio L, Romano R, Gelao B, Lo Bianco L, Lozupone M, Di Giorgio A, Caforio G, Sambataro F, Niccoli-Asabella A, Papp A, Ursini G, Sinibaldi L, Popolizio T, Sadee W, Rubini G. Genetically determined measures of striatal D2 signaling predict prefrontal activity during working memory performance. PLoS One 2010; 5:e9348. [PMID: 20179754 PMCID: PMC2825256 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variation of the gene coding for D2 receptors (DRD2) has been associated with risk for schizophrenia and with working memory deficits. A functional intronic SNP (rs1076560) predicts relative expression of the two D2 receptors isoforms, D2S (mainly pre-synaptic) and D2L (mainly post-synaptic). However, the effect of functional genetic variation of DRD2 on striatal dopamine D2 signaling and on its correlation with prefrontal activity during working memory in humans is not known. METHODS Thirty-seven healthy subjects were genotyped for rs1076560 (G>T) and underwent SPECT with [123I]IBZM (which binds primarily to post-synaptic D2 receptors) and with [123I]FP-CIT (which binds to pre-synaptic dopamine transporters, whose activity and density is also regulated by pre-synaptic D2 receptors), as well as BOLD fMRI during N-Back working memory. RESULTS Subjects carrying the T allele (previously associated with reduced D2S expression) had striatal reductions of [123I]IBZM and of [123I]FP-CIT binding. DRD2 genotype also differentially predicted the correlation between striatal dopamine D2 signaling (as identified with factor analysis of the two radiotracers) and activity of the prefrontal cortex during working memory as measured with BOLD fMRI, which was positive in GG subjects and negative in GT. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that this functional SNP within DRD2 predicts striatal binding of the two radiotracers to dopamine transporters and D2 receptors as well as the correlation between striatal D2 signaling with prefrontal cortex activity during performance of a working memory task. These data are consistent with the possibility that the balance of excitatory/inhibitory modulation of striatal neurons may also affect striatal outputs in relationship with prefrontal activity during working memory performance within the cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bertolino
- Psychiatric Neuroscience Group, Department of Neurological and Psychiatric Sciences, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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