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Buck T, Dong E, McCarthy M, Guidotti A, Sodhi M. Prenatal stress alters transcription of NMDA-type glutamate receptors in the hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2024; 836:137886. [PMID: 38917870 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal stress increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) activity plays an important pathophysiological role in the cortico-hippocampal circuit in these disorders. We tested the hypothesis that transcription of NMDAR subunits is modified in the frontal cortex (FCx) and hippocampus after exposure to prenatal restraint stress (PRS) in mice. At 10 weeks of age, male PRS offspring (n = 20) and non-stressed controls (NS, n = 20) were treated with haloperidol (1 mg/kg), clozapine (5 mg/kg) or saline twice daily for 5 days, before measuring social approach (SOC). Saline-treated and haloperidol-treated PRS mice had reduced SOC relative to NS (P < 0.01), but clozapine-treated PRS mice had similar SOC to NS mice. These effects of PRS were associated with increased transcription of NMDAR subunits encoded by GRIN2A and GRIN2B genes in the hippocampus but not FCx. GRIN transcription in FCx correlated positively with SOC, but hippocampal GRIN transcription had negative correlation with SOC. The ratio of GRIN2A/GRIN2B transcription is known to increase during development but was lower in PRS mice. These results suggest that GRIN2A and GRIN2B transcript levels are modified in the hippocampus by PRS, leading to life-long deficits in social behavior. These data have some overlap with the molecular pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Similar to PRS in mice, schizophrenia, has been associated with social withdrawal, with increased GRIN2 expression in the hippocampus, and reduced GRIN2A/GRIN2B expression ratios in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that PRS in mice may have construct validity as a preclinical model for antipsychotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristram Buck
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Erbo Dong
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael McCarthy
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Monsheel Sodhi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
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Andrade-Brito DE, Núñez-Ríos DL, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nagamatsu ST, Rompala G, Zillich L, Witt SH, Clark SL, Lattig MC, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome analysis reveal significant loci associated with alcohol use disorder. Front Genet 2024; 15:1345410. [PMID: 38633406 PMCID: PMC11021708 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1345410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition associated with adverse health consequences that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation (5 mC), have been associated with AUD and other alcohol-related traits. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have identified differentially methylated genes associated with AUD in human peripheral and brain tissue. More recently, epigenetic studies of AUD have also evaluated DNA hydroxymethylation (5 hmC) in the human brain. However, most of the epigenetic work in postmortem brain tissue has examined bulk tissue. In this study, we investigated neuronal-specific 5 mC and 5 hmC alterations at CpG sites associated with AUD in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Methods: Neuronal nuclei from the OFC were evaluated in 34 human postmortem brain samples (10 AUD, 24 non-AUD). Reduced representation oxidative bisulfite sequencing was used to assess 5 mC and 5 hmC at the genome-wide level. Differential 5 mC and 5 hmC were evaluated using the methylKit R package and significance was set at false discovery rate < 0.05 and differential methylation > 2. Functional enrichment analyses were performed, and gene-level convergence was evaluated in an independent dataset that assessed 5 mC and 5 hmC of AUD in bulk cortical tissue. Results: We identified 417 5 mC and 363 5hmC significant differential CpG sites associated with AUD, with 59% in gene promoters. Some of the identified genes have been previously implicated in alcohol consumption, including SYK, DNMT3A for 5 mC, GAD1, DLX1, DLX2, for 5 hmC and GATA4 in both. Convergence with a previous AUD 5 mC and 5 hmC study was observed for 28 genes. We also identified 5 and 35 differential regions for 5 mC and 5 hmC, respectively. Lastly, GWAS enrichment analysis showed an association with AUD for differential 5 mC genes. Discussion: This study reveals neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome dysregulation associated with AUD, identifying both previously reported and potentially novel gene associations with AUD. Our findings provide new insights into the epigenomic dysregulation of AUD in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego E. Andrade-Brito
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Diana L. Núñez-Ríos
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sheila T. Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shaunna L. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Maria C. Lattig
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Janitza L. Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
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3
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Kaplánek R, Kejík Z, Hajduch J, Veselá K, Kučnirová K, Skaličková M, Venhauerová A, Hosnedlová B, Hromádka R, Dytrych P, Novotný P, Abramenko N, Antonyová V, Hoskovec D, Babula P, Masařík M, Martásek P, Jakubek M. TET protein inhibitors: Potential and limitations. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 166:115324. [PMID: 37598475 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
TET proteins (methylcytosine dioxygenases) play an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Dysregulation of their activity is associated with many serious pathogenic states such as oncological diseases. Regulation of their activity by specific inhibitors could represent a promising therapeutic strategy. Therefore, this review describes various types of TET protein inhibitors in terms of their inhibitory mechanism and possible applicability. The potential and possible limitations of this approach are thoroughly discussed in the context of TET protein functionality in living systems. Furthermore, possible therapeutic strategies based on the inhibition of TET proteins are presented and evaluated, especially in the field of oncological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kaplánek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdeněk Kejík
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Hajduch
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Veselá
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Kučnirová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Skaličková
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Venhauerová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Božena Hosnedlová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Róbert Hromádka
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Dytrych
- 1st Department of Surgery-Department of Abdominal, Thoracic Surgery and Traumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, U Nemocnice 2, 121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Novotný
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikita Abramenko
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Antonyová
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Hoskovec
- 1st Department of Surgery-Department of Abdominal, Thoracic Surgery and Traumatology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, U Nemocnice 2, 121 08 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Babula
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Martásek
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Milan Jakubek
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic; Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Ke Karlovu 455/2, 128 08 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Peedicayil J. Genome-Environment Interactions and Psychiatric Disorders. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041209. [PMID: 37189827 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors are known to interact with the genome by altering epigenetic mechanisms regulating gene expression and contributing to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. This article is a narrative review of how the major environmental factors contribute to the pathogenesis of common psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder this way. The cited articles were published between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2022 and were obtained from PubMed and Google Scholar. The search terms used were as follows: gene or genetic; genome; environment; mental or psychiatric disorder; epigenetic; and interaction. The following environmental factors were found to act epigenetically on the genome to influence the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders: social determinants of mental health, maternal prenatal psychological stress, poverty, migration, urban dwelling, pregnancy and birth complications, alcohol and substance abuse, microbiota, and prenatal and postnatal infections. The article also discusses the ways by which factors such as drugs, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and physical exercise act epigenetically to alleviate the symptoms of psychiatric disorders in affected patients. These data will be useful information for clinical psychiatrists and those researching the pathogenesis and treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Peedicayil
- Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore 632 002, India
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Wawrzczak-Bargieła A, Bilecki W, Maćkowiak M. Epigenetic Targets in Schizophrenia Development and Therapy. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030426. [PMID: 36979236 PMCID: PMC10046502 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is regarded as a neurodevelopmental disorder with its course progressing throughout life. However, the aetiology and development of schizophrenia are still under investigation. Several data suggest that the dysfunction of epigenetic mechanisms is known to be involved in the pathomechanism of this mental disorder. The present article revised the epigenetic background of schizophrenia based on the data available in online databases (PubMed, Scopus). This paper focused on the role of epigenetic regulation, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and interference of non-coding RNAs, in schizophrenia development. The article also reviewed the available data related to epigenetic regulation that may modify the severity of the disease as a possible target for schizophrenia pharmacotherapy. Moreover, the effects of antipsychotics on epigenetic malfunction in schizophrenia are discussed based on preclinical and clinical results. The obtainable data suggest alterations of epigenetic regulation in schizophrenia. Moreover, they also showed the important role of epigenetic modifications in antipsychotic action. There is a need for more data to establish the role of epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia therapy. It would be of special interest to find and develop new targets for schizophrenia therapy because patients with schizophrenia could show little or no response to current pharmacotherapy and have treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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New Insights into TETs in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094909. [PMID: 35563298 PMCID: PMC9103987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are complex and heterogeneous disorders arising from the interaction of multiple factors based on neurobiology, genetics, culture, and life experience. Increasing evidence indicates that sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions. Over the past decade, the critical, non-redundant roles of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenase enzymes have been identified in the brain during developmental and postnatal stages. Specifically, TET-mediated active demethylation, involving the iterative oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and subsequent oxidative derivatives, is dynamically regulated in response to environmental stimuli such as neuronal activity, learning and memory processes, and stressor exposure. Here, we review the progress of studies designed to provide a better understanding of how profiles of TET proteins and 5hmC are powerful mechanisms by which to explain neuronal plasticity and long-term behaviors, and impact transcriptional programs operative in the brain that contribute to psychiatric disorders.
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7
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Loureiro CM, Fachim HA, Harte MK, Dalton CF, Reynolds GP. Subchronic PCP effects on DNA methylation and protein expression of NMDA receptor subunit genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:238-244. [PMID: 35102781 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211069109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction is implicated in schizophrenia, and NMDAR antagonists, such as phencyclidine (PCP), can induce behaviours that mimic aspects of the disorder. AIMS We investigated DNA methylation of Grin1, Grin2a and Grin2b promoter region and NR1 and NR2 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus of adult female Lister-hooded rats following subchronic PCP (scPCP) administration. We also determined whether any alterations were tissue-specific. METHODS Rats were divided into two groups that received vehicle (0.9% saline) or 2 mg/kg PCP twice a day for 7 days (n = 10 per group). After behavioural testing (novel object recognition), to confirm a cognitive deficit, brains were dissected and NMDAR subunit DNA methylation and protein expression were analysed by pyrosequencing and ELISA. Line-1 methylation was determined as a measure of global methylation. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation. RESULTS The scPCP administration led to Grin1 and Grin2b hypermethylation and reduction in NR1 protein in both PFC and hippocampus. No significant differences were observed in Line-1 or Grin2a methylation and NR2 protein. CONCLUSIONS The scPCP treatment resulted in increased DNA methylation at promoter sites of Grin1 and Grin2b NMDAR subunits in two brain areas implicated in schizophrenia, independent of any global change in DNA methylation, and are similar to our observations in a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia - social isolation rearing post-weaning. Moreover, these alterations may contribute to the changes in protein expression for NMDAR subunits demonstrating the potential importance of epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila M Loureiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helene A Fachim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Michael K Harte
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline F Dalton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gavin P Reynolds
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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Gatta E, Saudagar V, Auta J, Grayson DR, Guidotti A. Epigenetic landscape of stress surfeit disorders: Key role for DNA methylation dynamics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:127-183. [PMID: 33461662 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stress throughout lifespan alters brain structure and function, inducing a maladaptive response to environmental stimuli, that can contribute to the development of a pathological phenotype. Studies have shown that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive, alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorders. Downstream actors of the HPA axis, glucocorticoids are critical mediators of the stress response and exert their function through specific receptors, i.e., the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), highly expressed in stress/reward-integrative pathways. GRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that recruit epigenetic actors to regulate gene expression via DNA methylation, altering chromatin structure and thus shaping the response to stress. The dynamic interplay between stress response and epigenetic modifiers suggest DNA methylation plays a key role in the development of stress surfeit disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gatta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vikram Saudagar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James Auta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Rodrigues-Amorim D, Rivera-Baltanás T, Regueiro B, Spuch C, de Las Heras ME, Vázquez-Noguerol Méndez R, Nieto-Araujo M, Barreiro-Villar C, Olivares JM, Agís-Balboa RC. The role of the gut microbiota in schizophrenia: Current and future perspectives. World J Biol Psychiatry 2018; 19:571-585. [PMID: 29383983 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2018.1433878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is a poorly understood chronic disease. Its pathophysiology is complex, dynamic, and linked to epigenetic mechanisms and microbiota involvement. Nowadays, correlating schizophrenia with the environment makes sense owing to its multidimensional implications: temporal and spatial variability. Microbiota involvement and epigenetic mechanisms are factors that are currently being considered to better understand another dimension of schizophrenia. METHODS This review summarises and discusses currently available information, focussing on the microbiota, epigenetic mechanisms, technological approaches aimed at performing exhaustive analyses of the microbiota, and psychotherapies, to establish future perspectives. RESULTS The connection between the microbiota, epigenetic mechanisms and technological developments allows for formulating new approaches objectively oriented towards the development of alternative psychotherapies that may help treat schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS In this review, the gut microbiota and epigenetic mechanisms were considered as key regulators, revealing a potential new aetiology of schizophrenia. Likewise, continuous technological advances (e.g. culturomics), aimed at the microbiota-gut-brain axis generate new evidence on this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Rodrigues-Amorim
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Tania Rivera-Baltanás
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Benito Regueiro
- b Microbiology and Parasitology Department (School of Medicine , Universidad de Santiago de Compostela). Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS , Vigo , Spain
| | - Carlos Spuch
- c Neurology Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - María Elena de Las Heras
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Raul Vázquez-Noguerol Méndez
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Maria Nieto-Araujo
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Carolina Barreiro-Villar
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Olivares
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
| | - Roberto Carlos Agís-Balboa
- a Psychiatric Diseases Research Group , Galicia Sur Health Research Institute. Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, CIBERSAM , Vigo , Spain
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Cattane N, Richetto J, Cattaneo A. Prenatal exposure to environmental insults and enhanced risk of developing Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder: focus on biological pathways and epigenetic mechanisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 117:253-278. [PMID: 29981347 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
When considering neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), Schizophrenia (SZ) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are considered to be among the most severe in term of prevalence, morbidity and impact on the society. Similar features and overlapping symptoms have been observed at multiple levels, suggesting common pathophysiological bases. Indeed, recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epidemiological data report shared vulnerability genes and environmental triggers across the two disorders. In this review, we will discuss the possible biological mechanisms, including glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmissions, inflammatory signals and oxidative stress related systems, which are targeted by adverse environmental exposures and that have been associated with the development of SZ and ASD. We will also discuss the emerging role of the gut microbiome as possible interplay between environment, immune system and brain development. Finally, we will describe the involvement of epigenetic mechanisms in the maintenance of long-lasting effects of adverse environments early in life. This will allow us to better understand the pathophysiology of these NDDs, and also to identify novel targets for future treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli San Giovanni di Dio, via Pilastroni 4, Brescia, Italy
| | - Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli San Giovanni di Dio, via Pilastroni 4, Brescia, Italy; Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, SE5 9NU, London, UK.
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Grayson DR, Guidotti A. DNA Methylation in Animal Models of Psychosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:105-132. [PMID: 29933947 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating disease that impacts 1% of the population worldwide. Association studies have shown that inherited genetic mutations account for a portion of disease risk. However, environmental factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease by altering cellular epigenetic marks at the level of chromatin. Postmortem brain studies of SZ subjects suggest that the dynamic equilibrium between DNA methylation and demethylation network components is disrupted at the level of individual SZ target genes. Herein, we review the role of DNA methylation and demethylation in the context of what is currently known regarding SZ. Furthermore, we describe the deficits that accompany two mouse models of SZ. The chronic methionine mouse model of SZ is predicated on the administration of methionine to SZ patients and controls in the context of clinical studies that were carried out during the 1960s and 1970s. The prenatal restraint stress model of SZ is based on a prolonged stress paradigm administered to pregnant dams during gestation days 7-21. The adult offspring of these dams show various behavioral and biochemical deficits in adulthood. Both models are epigenetic in origin and mimic the positive and negative symptoms, as well as the cognitive endophenotypes commonly observed in SZ patients. We also discuss the utility of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs in alleviating these symptoms in each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that arises on the background of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors, such as early life stress (ELS). In this study, we show that ELS-induced schizophrenia-like phenotypes in mice correlate with a widespread increase of histone-deacetylase 1 (Hdac1) expression that is linked to altered DNA methylation. Hdac1 overexpression in neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex, but not in the dorsal or ventral hippocampus, mimics schizophrenia-like phenotypes induced by ELS. Systemic administration of an HDAC inhibitor rescues the detrimental effects of ELS when applied after the manifestation of disease phenotypes. In addition to the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, mice subjected to ELS exhibit increased Hdac1 expression in blood. Moreover, Hdac1 levels are increased in blood samples from patients with schizophrenia who had encountered ELS, compared with patients without ELS experience. Our data suggest that HDAC1 inhibition should be considered as a therapeutic approach to treat schizophrenia.
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Epigenetic mechanisms of alcoholism and stress-related disorders. Alcohol 2017; 60:7-18. [PMID: 28477725 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress-related disorders, such as anxiety, early life stress, and posttraumatic stress disorder appear to be important factors in promoting alcoholism, as alcohol consumption can temporarily attenuate the negative affective symptoms of these disorders. Several molecules involved in signaling pathways may contribute to the neuroadaptation induced during alcohol dependence and stress disorders, and among these, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), neuropeptide Y (NPY) and opioid peptides (i.e., nociceptin and dynorphin) are involved in the interaction of stress and alcohol. In fact, alterations in the expression and function of these molecules have been associated with the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders and alcoholism. In recent years, various studies have focused on the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate chromatin architecture, thereby modifying gene expression. Interestingly, epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions have been shown to be associated with the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, including alcoholism and stress. In particular, the enzymes responsible for chromatin remodeling (i.e., histone deacetylases and methyltransferases, DNA methyltransferases) have been identified as common molecular mechanisms for the interaction of stress and alcohol and have become promising therapeutic targets to treat or prevent alcoholism and associated emotional disorders.
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Panaccione I, Iacovelli L, di Nuzzo L, Nardecchia F, Mauro G, Janiri D, De Blasi A, Sani G, Nicoletti F, Orlando R. Paradoxical sleep deprivation in rats causes a selective reduction in the expression of type-2 metabotropic glutamate receptors in the hippocampus. Pharmacol Res 2017; 117:46-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Ankyrin-3 as a molecular marker of early-life stress and vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e943. [PMID: 27824361 PMCID: PMC5314123 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early-life stress (ELS) may heighten the risk for psychopathology at adulthood. Here, in order to identify common genes that may keep the memory of ELS through changes in their methylation status, we intersected methylome analyses performed in different tissues and time points in rats, non-human primates and humans, all characterized by ELS. We identified Ankyrin-3 (Ank3), a scaffolding protein with a strong genetic association for psychiatric disorders, as a gene persistently affected by stress exposure. In rats, Ank3 methylation and mRNA changes displayed a specific temporal profile during the postnatal development. Moreover, exposure to prenatal stress altered the interaction of ankyrin-G, the protein encoded by Ank3 enriched in the post-synaptic compartment, with PSD95. Notably, to model in humans a gene by early stress interplay on brain phenotypes during cognitive performance, we demonstrated an interaction between functional variation in Ank3 gene and obstetric complications on working memory in healthy adult subjects. Our data suggest that alterations of Ank3 expression and function may contribute to the effects of ELS on the development of psychiatric disorders.
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Hack LM, Dick AL, Provençal N. Epigenetic mechanisms involved in the effects of stress exposure: focus on 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2016; 2:dvw016. [PMID: 29492296 PMCID: PMC5804530 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvw016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2016] [Revised: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a recently re-discovered transient intermediate in the active demethylation pathway that also appears to play an independent role in modulating gene function. Epigenetic marks, particularly 5-methylcytosine, have been widely studied in relation to stress-related disorders given the long-lasting effect that stress has on these marks. 5hmC is a good candidate for involvement in the etiology of these disorders given its elevated concentration in mammalian neurons, its dynamic regulation during development of the central nervous system, and its high variability among individuals. Although we are unaware of any studies published to date examining 5 hmC profiles in human subjects who have developed a psychiatric disorder after a life stressor, there is emerging evidence from the animal literature that 5hmC profiles are altered in the context of fear-conditioning paradigms and stress exposure, suggesting a possible role for 5hmC in the biological underpinnings of stress-related disorders. In this review, the authors examine the available approaches for profiling 5hmC and describe their advantages and disadvantages as well as discuss the studies published thus far investigating 5hmC in the context of fear-related learning and stress exposure in animals. The authors also highlight the global versus locus-specific regulation of 5hmC in these studies. Finally, the limitations of the current studies and their implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Hack
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University Medical School, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alec L.W. Dick
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Nadine Provençal
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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Madrid A, Papale LA, Alisch RS. New hope: the emerging role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in mental health and disease. Epigenomics 2016; 8:981-91. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically biomedical research has examined genetic influences on mental health but these approaches have been limited, likely due to the broad heritability of brain-related disorders (e.g., 30–90%). Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, are environmentally sensitive mechanisms that may play a role in the origins and progression of mental illness. Recently, genome-wide disruptions of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) were associated with the development of early and late onset mental illnesses such as autism and Alzheimer’s disease, bringing new hope to the field of psychiatry. Here, we review the recent links of 5hmC to mental illness and discuss several putative functions of 5hmC in the context of its promising clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Madrid
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA
- Neuroscience training program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA
| | - Ligia A Papale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA
| | - Reid S Alisch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53719, USA
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Dong E, Tueting P, Matrisciano F, Grayson DR, Guidotti A. Behavioral and molecular neuroepigenetic alterations in prenatally stressed mice: relevance for the study of chromatin remodeling properties of antipsychotic drugs. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e711. [PMID: 26756904 PMCID: PMC5068871 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently reported that mice born from dams stressed during pregnancy (PRS mice), in adulthood, have behavioral deficits reminiscent of behaviors observed in schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar (BP) disorder patients. Furthermore, we have shown that the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus of adult PRS mice, like that of postmortem chronic SZ patients, are characterized by increases in DNA-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), ten-eleven methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) and exhibit an enrichment of 5-methylcytosine (5MC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5HMC) at neocortical GABAergic and glutamatergic gene promoters. Here, we show that the behavioral deficits and the increased 5MC and 5HMC at glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (Gad1), reelin (Reln) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) promoters and the reduced expression of the messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and proteins corresponding to these genes in FC of adult PRS mice is reversed by treatment with clozapine (5 mg kg(-1) twice a day for 5 days) but not by haloperidol (1 mg kg(-1) twice a day for 5 days). Interestingly, clozapine had no effect on either the behavior, promoter methylation or the expression of these mRNAs and proteins when administered to offspring of nonstressed pregnant mice. Clozapine, but not haloperidol, reduced the elevated levels of DNMT1 and TET1, as well as the elevated levels of DNMT1 binding to Gad1, Reln and Bdnf promoters in PRS mice suggesting that clozapine, unlike haloperidol, may limit DNA methylation by interfering with DNA methylation dynamics. We conclude that the PRS mouse model may be useful preclinically in screening for the potential efficacy of antipsychotic drugs acting on altered epigenetic mechanisms. Furthermore, PRS mice may be invaluable for understanding the etiopathogenesis of SZ and BP disorder and for predicting treatment responses at early stages of the illness allowing for early detection and remedial intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Dong
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P Tueting
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - F Matrisciano
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - D R Grayson
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - A Guidotti
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA,The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St. M/C 912, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. E-mail:
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Nestler EJ, Peña CJ, Kundakovic M, Mitchell A, Akbarian S. Epigenetic Basis of Mental Illness. Neuroscientist 2015; 22:447-63. [PMID: 26450593 DOI: 10.1177/1073858415608147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are complex multifactorial illnesses involving chronic alterations in neural circuit structure and function as well as likely abnormalities in glial cells. While genetic factors are important in the etiology of most mental disorders, the relatively high rates of discordance among identical twins, particularly for depression and other stress-related syndromes, clearly indicate the importance of additional mechanisms. Environmental factors such as stress are known to play a role in the onset of these illnesses. Exposure to such environmental insults induces stable changes in gene expression, neural circuit function, and ultimately behavior, and these maladaptations appear distinct between developmental versus adult exposures. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions. Indeed, transcriptional dysregulation and the aberrant epigenetic regulation that underlies this dysregulation is a unifying theme in psychiatric disorders. Here, we provide a progress report of epigenetic studies of the three major psychiatric syndromes, depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. We review the literature derived from animal models of these disorders as well as from studies of postmortem brain tissue from human patients. While epigenetic studies of mental illness remain at early stages, understanding how environmental factors recruit the epigenetic machinery within specific brain regions to cause lasting changes in disease susceptibility and pathophysiology is revealing new insight into the etiology and treatment of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nestler
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Catherine J Peña
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Mitchell
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Morishita H, Kundakovic M, Bicks L, Mitchell A, Akbarian S. Interneuron epigenomes during the critical period of cortical plasticity: Implications for schizophrenia. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 124:104-10. [PMID: 25849095 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia, a major psychiatric disorder defined by delusions and hallucinations, among other symptoms, often with onset in early adulthood, is potentially associated with molecular and cellular alterations in parvalbumin-expressing fast spiking interneurons and other constituents of the cortical inhibitory GABAergic circuitry. The underlying mechanisms, including the role of disease-associated risk factors operating in adolescence such as drug abuse and social stressors, remain incompletely understood. Here, we summarize emerging findings from animal models, highlighting the ability of parvalbuminergic interneurons (PVI) to induce, during the juvenile period, long-term plastic changes in prefrontal and visual cortex, thereby altering perception, cognition and behavior in the adult. Of note, molecular alterations in PVI from subjects with schizophrenia, including downregulated expression of a subset of GABAergic genes, have also been found in juvenile stress models of the disorder. Some of the transcriptional alterations observed in schizophrenia postmortem brain could be linked to changes in the epigenetic architecture of GABAergic gene promoters, including dysregulated DNA methylation, histone modification patterns and disruption of promoter-enhancer interactions at site of chromosomal loop formations. Therefore, we predict that, in the not-to-distant future, PVI- and other cell-type specific epigenomic mappings in the animal model and human brain will provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and related psychotic diseases, including the role of cortical GABAergic circuitry in shaping long-term plasticity and cognitive function of the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirofumi Morishita
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States.
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
| | - Lucy Bicks
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
| | - Amanda Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States.
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