1
|
Kim J, Shimizu C, He M, Wang H, Hoffman HM, Tremoulet AH, Shyy JYJ, Burns JC. Endothelial Cell Response in Kawasaki Disease and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12318. [PMID: 37569694 PMCID: PMC10418493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although Kawasaki disease (KD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) share some clinical manifestations, their cardiovascular outcomes are different, and this may be reflected at the level of the endothelial cell (EC). We performed RNA-seq on cultured ECs incubated with pre-treatment sera from KD (n = 5), MIS-C (n = 7), and healthy controls (n = 3). We conducted a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using 935 transcripts differentially expressed between MIS-C and KD using relaxed filtering (unadjusted p < 0.05, >1.1-fold difference). We found seven gene modules in MIS-C, annotated as an increased TNFα/NFκB pathway, decreased EC homeostasis, anti-inflammation and immune response, translation, and glucocorticoid responsive genes and endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT). To further understand the difference in the EC response between MIS-C and KD, stringent filtering was applied to identify 41 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between MIS-C and KD (adjusted p < 0.05, >2-fold-difference). Again, in MIS-C, NFκB pathway genes, including nine pro-survival genes, were upregulated. The expression levels were higher in the genes influencing autophagy (UBD, EBI3, and SQSTM1). Other DEGs also supported the finding by WGCNA. Compared to KD, ECs in MIS-C had increased pro-survival transcripts but reduced transcripts related to EndoMT and EC homeostasis. These differences in the EC response may influence the different cardiovascular outcomes in these two diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Section of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Chisato Shimizu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Ming He
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hal M. Hoffman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - Adriana H. Tremoulet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| | - John Y.-J. Shyy
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jane C. Burns
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Antagonizing Increased miR-135a Levels at the Chronic Stage of Experimental TLE Reduces Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures. J Neurosci 2019; 39:5064-5079. [PMID: 31015341 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3014-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE) is a chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent seizures. The antiepileptic drugs currently available to treat mTLE are ineffective in one-third of patients and lack disease-modifying effects. miRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs which control gene expression at the post-transcriptional level, play a key role in the pathogenesis of mTLE and other epilepsies. Although manipulation of miRNAs at acute stages has been reported to reduce subsequent spontaneous seizures, it is uncertain whether targeting miRNAs at chronic stages of mTLE can also reduce seizures. Furthermore, the functional role and downstream targets of most epilepsy-associated miRNAs remain poorly understood. Here, we show that miR-135a is selectively upregulated within neurons in epileptic brain and report that targeting miR-135a in vivo using antagomirs after onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures can reduce seizure activity at the chronic stage of experimental mTLE in male mice. Further, by using an unbiased approach combining immunoprecipitation and RNA sequencing, we identify several novel neuronal targets of miR-135a, including Mef2a Mef2 proteins are key regulators of excitatory synapse density. Mef2a and miR-135a show reciprocal expression regulation in human (of both sexes) and experimental TLE, and miR-135a regulates dendritic spine number and type through Mef2. Together, our data show that miR-135a is target for reducing seizure activity in chronic epilepsy, and that deregulation of miR-135a in epilepsy may alter Mef2a expression and thereby affect synaptic function and plasticity.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT miRNAs are post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with roles in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. However, the precise mechanism of action and therapeutic potential of most epilepsy-associated miRNAs remain poorly understood. Our study reveals dramatic upregulation of the key neuronal miRNA miR-135a in both experimental and human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Silencing miR-135a in experimental temporal lobe epilepsy reduces seizure activity at the spontaneous recurrent seizure stage. These data support the exciting possibility that miRNAs can be targeted to combat seizures after spontaneous seizure activity has been established. Further, by using unbiased approaches novel neuronal targets of miR-135a, including members of the Mef2 protein family, are identified that begin to explain how deregulation of miR-135a may contribute to epilepsy.
Collapse
|
3
|
MEF-2 isoforms' (A-D) roles in development and tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2019; 10:2755-2787. [PMID: 31105874 PMCID: PMC6505634 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2 plays a critical role in proliferation, differentiation, and development of various cell types in a tissue specific manner. Four isoforms of MEF-2 (A-D) differentially participate in controlling the cell fate during the developmental phases of cardiac, muscle, vascular, immune and skeletal systems. Through their associations with various cellular factors MEF-2 isoforms can trigger alterations in complex protein networks and modulate various stages of cellular differentiation, proliferation, survival and apoptosis. The role of the MEF-2 family of transcription factors in the development has been investigated in various cell types, and the evolving alterations in this family of transcription factors have resulted in a diverse and wide spectrum of disease phenotypes, ranging from cancer to infection. This review provides a comprehensive account on MEF-2 isoforms (A-D) from their respective localization, signaling, role in development and tumorigenesis as well as their association with histone deacetylases (HDACs), which can be exploited for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
4
|
In Vivo and In Vitro Neuronal Plasticity Modulation by Epigenetic Regulators. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:301-311. [PMID: 29931501 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) induces molecular changes that alter neural connectivity, increasing the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we analyzed -in the hippocampus of adult rats exposed to PS- the epigenetic signature mediating the PS-induced neuroplasticity changes. Furthermore, using cultured hippocampal neurons, we investigated the effects on neuroplasticity of an epigenetic modulator. PS induced significant modifications in the mRNA levels of stress-related transcription factor MEF2A, SUV39H1 histone methyltransferase, and TET1 hydroxylase, indicating that PS modifies gene expression through chromatin remodeling. In in vitro analysis, histone acetylation inhibition with apicidin increased filopodium density, suggesting that the external regulation of acetylation levels might modulate neuronal morphology. These results offer a way to enhance neural connectivity that could be considered to revert PS effects.
Collapse
|
5
|
Juszczak GR, Stankiewicz AM. Glucocorticoids, genes and brain function. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:136-168. [PMID: 29180230 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The identification of key genes in transcriptomic data constitutes a huge challenge. Our review of microarray reports revealed 88 genes whose transcription is consistently regulated by glucocorticoids (GCs), such as cortisol, corticosterone and dexamethasone, in the brain. Replicable transcriptomic data were combined with biochemical and physiological data to create an integrated view of the effects induced by GCs. The most frequently reported genes were Errfi1 and Ddit4. Their up-regulation was associated with the altered transcription of genes regulating growth factor and mTORC1 signaling (Gab1, Tsc22d3, Dusp1, Ndrg2, Ppp5c and Sesn1) and progression of the cell cycle (Ccnd1, Cdkn1a and Cables1). The GC-induced reprogramming of cell function involves changes in the mRNA level of genes responsible for the regulation of transcription (Klf9, Bcl6, Klf15, Tle3, Cxxc5, Litaf, Tle4, Jun, Sox4, Sox2, Sox9, Irf1, Sall2, Nfkbia and Id1) and the selective degradation of mRNA (Tob2). Other genes are involved in the regulation of metabolism (Gpd1, Aldoc and Pdk4), actin cytoskeleton (Myh2, Nedd9, Mical2, Rhou, Arl4d, Osbpl3, Arhgef3, Sdc4, Rdx, Wipf3, Chst1 and Hepacam), autophagy (Eva1a and Plekhf1), vesicular transport (Rhob, Ehd3, Vps37b and Scamp2), gap junctions (Gjb6), immune response (Tiparp, Mertk, Lyve1 and Il6r), signaling mediated by thyroid hormones (Thra and Sult1a1), calcium (Calm2), adrenaline/noradrenaline (Adcy9 and Adra1d), neuropeptide Y (Npy1r) and histamine (Hdc). GCs also affected genes involved in the synthesis of polyamines (Azin1) and taurine (Cdo1). The actions of GCs are restrained by feedback mechanisms depending on the transcription of Sgk1, Fkbp5 and Nr3c1. A side effect induced by GCs is increased production of reactive oxygen species. Available data show that the brain's response to GCs is part of an emergency mode characterized by inactivation of non-core activities, restrained inflammation, restriction of investments (growth), improved efficiency of energy production and the removal of unnecessary or malfunctioning cellular components to conserve energy and maintain nutrient supply during the stress response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behavior, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland.
| | - Adrian M Stankiewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 36A, 05-552 Magdalenka, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sazci A, Sazci G, Sazci B, Ergul E, Idrisoglu HA. Nicotinamide-N-Methyltransferase gene rs694539 variant and migraine risk. J Headache Pain 2016; 17:93. [PMID: 27726107 PMCID: PMC5056911 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-016-0688-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Migraine is a common neurovascular disorder affecting 10 to 20 % of the world population usually subdivided into migraine with auro (MA) and migraine without auro (MO). Homocysteine is involved in the pathophysiology of a number of neurological disorders. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the plasma is produced by the MTHFR gene rs 1801133 and rs 1801131 variants as well as the NNMT gene rs 694539 variant. Methods With the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method developed recently in our laboratory, we were able to show an association between the NNMT gene rs694539 variant and migraine for the first time. Results Here we report the association of the Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase gene (NNMT) rs694539 variant with migraine in a case–control study of 433 patients with migraine and 229 healthy controls (χ2 = 6.076, P = 0.048). After stratification, we were able only to show an association between the NNMT gene rs694539 variant and female patients with migraine on the genotype and allelic levels. However there was no association in male patients with migraine (χ2 = 1.054, P = 0.590). Conclusions Consequently our results clearly indicate that the NNMT gene rs694539 variant is a genetic risk factor for migraine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Sazci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey.
| | - Gensay Sazci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey
| | - Bilgen Sazci
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey
| | - Emel Ergul
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kocaeli, Kocaeli, 41380, Turkey
| | - Halil Atilla Idrisoglu
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Capa, 34290, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bettio LE, Patten AR, Gil-Mohapel J, O’Rourke NF, Hanley RP, Kennedy S, Gopalakrishnan K, Rodrigues ALS, Wulff J, Christie BR. ISX-9 can potentiate cell proliferation and neuronal commitment in the rat dentate gyrus. Neuroscience 2016; 332:212-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
8
|
Sukhareva EV, Dygalo NN, Kalinina TS. Effect of dexamethasone on the expression of immediate early genes c-fos and c-jun in different regions of the neonatal brain. Mol Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893316020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
9
|
Wilson KS, Baily J, Tucker CS, Matrone G, Vass S, Moran C, Chapman KE, Mullins JJ, Kenyon C, Hadoke PWF, Denvir MA. Early-life perturbations in glucocorticoid activity impacts on the structure, function and molecular composition of the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) heart. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 414. [PMID: 26219824 PMCID: PMC4562295 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transient early-life perturbations in glucocorticoids (GC) are linked with cardiovascular disease risk in later life. Here the impact of early life manipulations of GC on adult heart structure, function and gene expression were assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS Zebrafish embryos were incubated in dexamethasone (Dex) or injected with targeted glucocorticoid receptor (GR) morpholino knockdown (GR Mo) over the first 120 h post fertilisation (hpf); surviving embryos (>90%) were maintained until adulthood under normal conditions. Cardiac function, heart histology and cardiac genes were assessed in embryonic (120 hpf) and adult (120 days post fertilisation (dpf)) hearts. GR Mo embryos (120 hpf) had smaller hearts with fewer cardiomyocytes, less mature striation pattern, reduced cardiac function and reduced levels of vmhc and igf mRNA compared with controls. GR Mo adult hearts were smaller with diminished trabecular network pattern, reduced expression of vmhc and altered echocardiographic Doppler flow compared to controls. Dex embryos had larger hearts at 120 hpf (Dex 107.2 ± 3.1 vs. controls 90.2 ± 1.1 μm, p < 0.001) with a more mature trabecular network and larger cardiomyocytes (1.62 ± 0.13 cells/μm vs control 2.18 ± 0.13 cells/μm, p < 0.05) and enhanced cardiac performance compared to controls. Adult hearts were larger (1.02 ± 0.07 μg/mg vs controls 0.63 ± 0.06 μg/mg, p = 0.0007), had increased vmhc and gr mRNA levels. CONCLUSION Perturbations in GR activity during embryonic development results in short and long-term alterations in the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K S Wilson
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - J Baily
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - C S Tucker
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - G Matrone
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - S Vass
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - C Moran
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - K E Chapman
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - J J Mullins
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - C Kenyon
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - P W F Hadoke
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - M A Denvir
- The British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
MEF2B mutations in non-Hodgkin lymphoma dysregulate cell migration by decreasing MEF2B target gene activation. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7953. [PMID: 26245647 PMCID: PMC4918335 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocyte enhancer factor 2B (MEF2B) is a transcription factor with mutation hotspots at K4, Y69 and D83 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). To provide insight into the regulatory network of MEF2B, in this study, we analyse global gene expression and DNA-binding patterns. We find that candidate MEF2B direct target genes include RHOB, RHOD, CDH13, ITGA5 and CAV1, and that indirect target genes of MEF2B include MYC, TGFB1, CARD11, MEF2C, NDRG1 and FN1. MEF2B overexpression increases HEK293A cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and decreases DLBCL cell chemotaxis. K4E, Y69H and D83V MEF2B mutations decrease the capacity of MEF2B to activate transcription and decrease its' effects on cell migration. The K4E and D83V mutations decrease MEF2B DNA binding. In conclusion, our map of the MEF2B regulome connects MEF2B to drivers of oncogenesis.
Collapse
|
11
|
Roy S, Lagree S, Hou Z, Thomson JA, Stewart R, Gasch AP. Integrated module and gene-specific regulatory inference implicates upstream signaling networks. PLoS Comput Biol 2013; 9:e1003252. [PMID: 24146602 PMCID: PMC3798279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory networks that control gene expression are important in diverse biological contexts including stress response and development. Each gene's regulatory program is determined by module-level regulation (e.g. co-regulation via the same signaling system), as well as gene-specific determinants that can fine-tune expression. We present a novel approach, Modular regulatory network learning with per gene information (MERLIN), that infers regulatory programs for individual genes while probabilistically constraining these programs to reveal module-level organization of regulatory networks. Using edge-, regulator- and module-based comparisons of simulated networks of known ground truth, we find MERLIN reconstructs regulatory programs of individual genes as well or better than existing approaches of network reconstruction, while additionally identifying modular organization of the regulatory networks. We use MERLIN to dissect global transcriptional behavior in two biological contexts: yeast stress response and human embryonic stem cell differentiation. Regulatory modules inferred by MERLIN capture co-regulatory relationships between signaling proteins and downstream transcription factors thereby revealing the upstream signaling systems controlling transcriptional responses. The inferred networks are enriched for regulators with genetic or physical interactions, supporting the inference, and identify modules of functionally related genes bound by the same transcriptional regulators. Our method combines the strengths of per-gene and per-module methods to reveal new insights into transcriptional regulation in stress and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita Roy
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Stephen Lagree
- Department of Computer Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zhonggang Hou
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - James A. Thomson
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Ron Stewart
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Audrey P. Gasch
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rashid AJ, Cole CJ, Josselyn SA. Emerging roles for MEF2 transcription factors in memory. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 13:118-25. [PMID: 23790063 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the brain, transcription factors are critical for linking external stimuli to protein production, enabling neurons and neuronal networks to adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Gene transcription and protein synthesis are also vital for the formation of long-term memory. Members of the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) family of transcription factors have a well-characterized role in the development of a variety of tissues, but their role in the adult brain is only beginning to be understood. Recent evidence indicates that MEF2 regulates the structural and synaptic plasticity underlying memory formation. However, in stark contrast to most other transcription factors implicated in memory, MEF2-mediated transcription constrains (rather than promotes) memory formation. Here, we review recent data examining the role of MEF2 in adult memory formation in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J Rashid
- Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children; Department of Psychology; Department of Physiology; Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Eising E, A Datson N, van den Maagdenberg AMJM, Ferrari MD. Epigenetic mechanisms in migraine: a promising avenue? BMC Med 2013; 11:26. [PMID: 23379668 PMCID: PMC3584973 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a disabling common brain disorder typically characterized by attacks of severe headache and associated with autonomic and neurological symptoms. Its etiology is far from resolved. This review will focus on evidence that epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in disease etiology. Epigenetics comprise both DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of the tails of histone proteins, affecting chromatin structure and gene expression. Besides playing a role in establishing cellular and developmental stage-specific regulation of gene expression, epigenetic processes are also important for programming lasting cellular responses to environmental signals. Epigenetic mechanisms may explain how non-genetic endogenous and exogenous factors such as female sex hormones, stress hormones and inflammation trigger may modulate attack frequency. Developing drugs that specifically target epigenetic mechanisms may open up exciting new avenues for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Else Eising
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Centre, Einthovenweg 20, Leiden 2333 ZC, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|