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Rahamim N, Liran M, Aronovici C, Flumin H, Gordon T, Urshansky N, Barak S. Inhibition of ERK1/2 or CRMP2 Disrupts Alcohol Memory Reconsolidation and Prevents Relapse in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5478. [PMID: 38791516 PMCID: PMC11122309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105478] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Relapse to alcohol abuse, often caused by cue-induced alcohol craving, is a major challenge in alcohol addiction treatment. Therefore, disrupting the cue-alcohol memories can suppress relapse. Upon retrieval, memories transiently destabilize before they reconsolidate in a process that requires protein synthesis. Evidence suggests that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), governing the translation of a subset of dendritic proteins, is crucial for memory reconsolidation. Here, we explored the involvement of two regulatory pathways of mTORC1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), in the reconsolidation process in a rat (Wistar) model of alcohol self-administration. We found that retrieval of alcohol memories using an odor-taste cue increased ERK1/2 activation in the amygdala, while the PI3K-AKT pathway remained unaffected. Importantly, ERK1/2 inhibition after alcohol memory retrieval impaired alcohol-memory reconsolidation and led to long-lasting relapse suppression. Attenuation of relapse was also induced by post-retrieval administration of lacosamide, an inhibitor of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2)-a translational product of mTORC1. Together, our findings indicate the crucial role of ERK1/2 and CRMP2 in the reconsolidation of alcohol memories, with their inhibition as potential treatment targets for relapse prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nofar Rahamim
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Mirit Liran
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Coral Aronovici
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Hila Flumin
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Tamar Gordon
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Nataly Urshansky
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
| | - Segev Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; (N.R.)
- School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel (N.U.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Blaine AT, Miao Y, Yuan J, Palant S, Liu RJ, Zhang ZY, van Rijn RM. Exploration of beta-arrestin isoform signaling pathways in delta opioid receptor agonist-induced convulsions. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:914651. [PMID: 36059958 PMCID: PMC9428791 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.914651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The δ-opioid receptor (δOR) has been considered as a therapeutic target in multiple neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders particularly as δOR agonists are deemed safer alternatives relative to the more abuse-liable µ-opioid receptor drugs. Clinical development of δOR agonists, however, has been challenging in part due to the seizure-inducing effects of certain δOR agonists. Especially agonists that resemble the δOR-selective agonist SNC80 have well-established convulsive activity. Close inspection suggests that many of those seizurogenic δOR agonists efficaciously recruit β-arrestin, yet surprisingly, SNC80 displays enhanced seizure activity in β-arrestin 1 knockout mice. This finding led us to hypothesize that perhaps β-arrestin 1 is protective against, whereas β-arrestin 2 is detrimental for δOR-agonist-induced seizures. To investigate our hypothesis, we characterized three different δOR agonists (SNC80, ADL5859, ARM390) in cellular assays and in vivo in wild-type and β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2 knockout mice for seizure activity. We also investigated downstream kinases associated with β-arrestin-dependent signal transduction. We discovered that δOR agonist-induced seizure activity strongly and positively correlates with β-arrestin 2 efficacy for the agonist, but that indirect inhibition of ERK activation using the MEK inhibitor SL327 did not inhibit seizure potency and duration. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling with honokiol but not PQR530, attenuated SNC80 seizure duration in β-arrestin 1 knockout, but honokiol did not reduce SNC80-induced seizures in wild-type mice. Ultimately, our results indicate that β-arrestin 2 is correlated with δOR agonist-induced seizure intensity, but that global β-arrestin 1 knockout mice are a poor model system to investigate their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arryn T. Blaine
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Interdisciplinary Life Sciences Graduate Program, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Yiming Miao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Jinling Yuan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sophia Palant
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Rebecca J. Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Zhong-Yin Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Cancer Center, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Richard. M. van Rijn
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue University Cancer Center, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- Purdue Institute for Integrative Neuroscience, West Lafayette, IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard. M. van Rijn,
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McElhinny CJ, Lewin AH, Brieaddy L, Fix S, Imler GH, Deschamps J, Mascarella SW, Seltzman HH, Anantha Reddy P, Carroll FI. α-[Amino(4-aminophenyl)thio]methylene-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzeneacetonitrile; Configurational equilibria in solution. Bioorg Chem 2021; 113:104955. [PMID: 34034134 PMCID: PMC8217309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104955] [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: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Inconsistent results have been reported for the effects of the mitogen-activating extracellular kinase (MEK) inhibitor α-[amino(4-aminophenyl)thio]methylene-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzeneacetonitrile (SL 327) on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (EtOH-CPP). Since such inconsistencies may be due to the configurational composition of administered SL 327, the interconvertibility of the geometric isomers of this class of compounds has been investigated. This study provides conditions for determination of configurational composition of this class of compounds by HPLC and by 1H NMR and reports details of configurational equilibria as a function of medium and time in solution along with solubility data for SL 327 in aqueous DMSO. The results suggest that the apparently inconsistent results reported for CPP-EtOH may be due to the administration of suspension vs. solutions, as well as to different configurational compositions of SL 327.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J McElhinny
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Anita H Lewin
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Larry Brieaddy
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Scott Fix
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Gregory H Imler
- United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Laboratory for Biosensors and Biomaterials, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - Jeffrey Deschamps
- United States Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Laboratory for Biosensors and Biomaterials, Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, Washington, DC 20375, United States
| | - S Wayne Mascarella
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - Herbert H Seltzman
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - P Anantha Reddy
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, United States
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Ullah R, Yin Q, Snell AH, Wan L. RAF-MEK-ERK pathway in cancer evolution and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:123-154. [PMID: 33992782 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The RAF-MEK-ERK signaling cascade is a well-characterized MAPK pathway involved in cell proliferation and survival. The three-layered MAPK signaling cascade is initiated upon RTK and RAS activation. Three RAF isoforms ARAF, BRAF and CRAF, and their downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 kinases constitute a coherently orchestrated signaling module that directs a range of physiological functions. Genetic alterations in this pathway are among the most prevalent in human cancers, which consist of numerous hot-spot mutations such as BRAFV600E. Oncogenic mutations in this pathway often override otherwise tightly regulated checkpoints to open the door for uncontrolled cell growth and neoplasia. The crosstalk between the RAF-MEK-ERK axis and other signaling pathways further extends the proliferative potential of this pathway in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the molecular architecture and physiological functions of the RAF-MEK-ERK pathway with emphasis on its dysregulations in human cancers, as well as the efforts made to target the RAF-MEK-ERK module using small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Qing Yin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Aidan H Snell
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Effects of N-acetylcysteine treatment on ethanol's rewarding properties and dopaminergic alterations in mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 32:239-250. [PMID: 33290342 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have shown that N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) has beneficial effects in the treatment of cocaine and nicotine abuse. Considering the similar neurobiologic mechanisms involved in the development of addiction to different drugs, N-AC treatment could be useful in the treatment of ethanol abuse. The rewarding properties of the drugs of abuse plays an important role in the development of addiction and can be studied using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Thus, to study the effects of N-AC treatment in the rewarding effects of ethanol, we investigated the effects of N-AC administration in the ethanol-induced CPP and neurochemical alterations within the mesocorticolimbic and the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways. Adult male Swiss mice were pretreated with N-AC (60 or 120 mg/kg intraperitoneal) and tested for the development, expression, or extinction of the ethanol-induced CPP. Another cohort of animals received N-AC (60 or 120 mg/kg intraperitoneal) 2-h before an acute administration of ethanol and had their brains removed for dopamine and its metabolites quantification in the mesocorticolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways. Pretreatment with N-AC (120 mg/kg) blocked the development of ethanol-induced CPP. On the other hand, N-AC at both doses did not alter the expression nor the extinction of ethanol-induced CPP. N-AC increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid content in the medial prefrontal cortex and dopaminergic turnover within the substantia nigra. Besides that, there was an increase in dopamine content in the nucleus accumbens of ethanol-treated animals. In summary, N-AC treatment blocked the development of ethanol CPP, without altering ethanol effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission.
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Naloxone effects on extinction of ethanol- and cocaine-induced conditioned place preference in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:2747-2759. [PMID: 28653079 PMCID: PMC5709191 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous studies found that naloxone (NLX) facilitated choice extinction of ethanol conditioned place preference (CPP) using long (60 min) test sessions, but there is little information on the variables determining this effect. OBJECTIVES These studies examined repeated exposure to NLX during extinction of ethanol- or cocaine-induced CPP using both short and long tests. METHODS DBA/2J mice were injected with NLX (0 or 10 mg/kg) before three 10- or 60-min choice extinction tests (experiment 1). All mice received a final 60-min test without NLX. Post-test NLX was given in experiment 2. Experiment 3 tested whether NLX would affect a forced extinction procedure. Experiment 4 tested its effect on extinction of cocaine-induced CPP. RESULTS Pre-test (but not post-test) injections of NLX-facilitated choice extinction of ethanol CPP at both test durations. Pre-test NLX also facilitated forced extinction. However, pre-test NLX had no effect on choice extinction of cocaine CPP. CONCLUSIONS Extinction test duration is not critical for engaging the opioid system during ethanol CPP extinction (experiment 1). Moreover, NLX's effect does not depend on CPP expression during extinction, just exposure to previously conditioned cues (experiment 3). The null effect of post-test NLX eliminates a memory consolidation interpretation (experiment 2) and the failure to alter cocaine CPP extinction argues against alteration of general learning or memory processes (experiment 4). Overall, these data suggest that the endogenous opioid system mediates a conditioned motivational effect that normally maintains alcohol-induced seeking behavior, which may underlie the efficacy of opiate antagonists in the treatment of alcoholism.
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Jorge-Finnigan A, Kleppe R, Jung-Kc K, Ying M, Marie M, Rios-Mondragon I, Salvatore MF, Saraste J, Martinez A. Phosphorylation at serine 31 targets tyrosine hydroxylase to vesicles for transport along microtubules. J Biol Chem 2017. [PMID: 28637871 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.762344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) catalyzes the conversion of l-tyrosine into l-DOPA, which is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of catecholamines, such as dopamine, in dopaminergergic neurons. Low dopamine levels and death of the dopaminergic neurons are hallmarks of Parkinson's disease (PD), where α-synuclein is also a key player. TH is highly regulated, notably by phosphorylation of several Ser/Thr residues in the N-terminal tail. However, the functional role of TH phosphorylation at the Ser-31 site (THSer(P)-31) remains unclear. Here, we report that THSer(P)-31 co-distributes with the Golgi complex and synaptic-like vesicles in rat and human dopaminergic cells. We also found that the TH microsomal fraction content decreases after inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and ERK1/2. The cellular distribution of an overexpressed phospho-null mutant, TH1-S31A, was restricted to the soma of neuroblastoma cells, with decreased association with the microsomal fraction, whereas a phospho-mimic mutant, TH1-S31E, was distributed throughout the soma and neurites. TH1-S31E associated with vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) and α-synuclein in neuroblastoma cells, and endogenous THSer(P)-31 was detected in VMAT2- and α-synuclein-immunoprecipitated mouse brain samples. Microtubule disruption or co-transfection with α-synuclein A53T, a PD-associated mutation, caused TH1-S31E accumulation in the cell soma. Our results indicate that Ser-31 phosphorylation may regulate TH subcellular localization by enabling its transport along microtubules, notably toward the projection terminals. These findings disclose a new mechanism of TH regulation by phosphorylation and reveal its interaction with key players in PD, opening up new research avenues for better understanding dopamine synthesis in physiological and pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jorge-Finnigan
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; K. G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Rune Kleppe
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; K. G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kunwar Jung-Kc
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; K. G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ming Ying
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael Marie
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, Thormøhlensgaten 55, 5020 Bergen Norway
| | - Ivan Rios-Mondragon
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael F Salvatore
- Institute for Healthy Aging, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
| | - Jaakko Saraste
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Aurora Martinez
- From the Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway; K. G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Jonas Lies vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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Rosas M, Porru S, Longoni R, Spina L, Peana AT, Collu M, Acquas E. Differential effects of the MEK inhibitor SL327 on the acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited conditioned place preference and aversion in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:105-114. [PMID: 28072036 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116675514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of mitogen-activating extracellular kinase (MEK) in place conditioning may vary depending on the motivational sign (positive or negative) and nature (pharmacological or nociceptive) of the unconditioned stimulus (US) and on the phase (acquisition or expression) of the learning process. This study investigated the role of MEK on the acquisition and expression of ethanol-elicited (given 2 g/kg) backward (preference, CPP) and forward (aversion, CPA) place conditioning. The MEK inhibitor SL327 (50 mg/kg for CPP, and 50 and 100 mg/kg for CPA) was administered to CD-1 mice 60 minutes before an ethanol dose (acquisition) or 60 minutes before the post-conditioning tests (expression). Ethanol significantly elicited CPP and CPA; SL327 (50 mg/kg) significantly blocked the acquisition of ethanol-elicited CPP, but not that of CPA. Moreover, SL327 (50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly reduced the expression of ethanol-elicited CPP, but not that of CPA. Finally, SL327 also prevented ethanol-elicited (given 2 g/kg) increases of phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase (pERK)-positive neurons in the nucleus accumbens and other nuclei of the extended amygdala. Overall, these results confirmed the differential involvement of MEK in the acquisition and expression of drug-elicited place conditioning and suggested its differential involvement in distinct behavioral outcomes, depending on the motivational sign of the (same) US and on the significance of the experimental phase of the learning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Rosas
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Simona Porru
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Longoni
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liliana Spina
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alessandra T Peana
- 2 Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Collu
- 3 Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,4 Centre of Excellence in the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Elio Acquas
- 1 Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,4 Centre of Excellence in the Neurobiology of Addiction, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Ethanol downregulates N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D expression in BV2 microglial cells via epigenetic mechanisms. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 786:224-233. [PMID: 27266665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Excessive ethanol drinking has deleterious effects on the brain. However, the effects of alcohol on microglia, the main mediator of the brain's innate immune response remain poorly understood. On the other hand, the endocannabinoid system plays a fundamental role in regulating microglial reactivity and function. Here we studied the effects of acute ethanol exposure to murine BV2 microglial cells on N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine-phospholipase D (NAPE-PLD), a major synthesizing enzyme of anandamide and other N-acylethanolamines. We found that ethanol downregulated microglial NAPE-PLD expression by activating cAMP/PKA and ERK1/2. These signaling pathways converged on increased phosphorylation of CREB. Moreover, ethanol induced and increase in histone acetyltransferase activity which led to higher levels of acetylation of histone H3. Taken together, our results suggest that ethanol actions on microglial NAPE-PLD expression might involve epigenetic mechanisms.
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Sun WL, Quizon PM, Zhu J. Molecular Mechanism: ERK Signaling, Drug Addiction, and Behavioral Effects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:1-40. [PMID: 26809997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulants has been considered as a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by craving and compulsive drug seeking and use. Over the past two decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that repeated drug exposure causes long-lasting neurochemical and cellular changes that result in enduring neuroadaptation in brain circuitry and underlie compulsive drug consumption and relapse. Through intercellular signaling cascades, drugs of abuse induce remodeling in the rewarding circuitry that contributes to the neuroplasticity of learning and memory associated with addiction. Here, we review the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its related intracellular signaling pathways in drug-induced neuroadaptive changes that are associated with drug-mediated psychomotor activity, rewarding properties and relapse of drug seeking behaviors. We also discuss the neurobiological and behavioral effects of pharmacological and genetic interferences with ERK-associated molecular cascades in response to abused substances. Understanding the dynamic modulation of ERK signaling in response to drugs may provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic strategies to drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela M Quizon
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
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Faccidomo S, Salling MC, Galunas C, Hodge CW. Operant ethanol self-administration increases extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in reward-related brain regions: selective regulation of positive reinforcement in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3417-30. [PMID: 26123321 PMCID: PMC4537834 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) is activated by ethanol in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, systemic inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates ethanol reinforcement. However, the brain region(s) that mediate this effect are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to pharmacologically inhibit ERK1/2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and amygdala (AMY) prior to ethanol or sucrose self-administration, and evaluate effects of operant ethanol self-administration on ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2). METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of 9% ethanol + 2% sucrose (ethanol) or 2% sucrose (sucrose) reinforcement. Mice were sacrificed immediately after the 30th self-administration session and pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was quantified in targeted brain regions. Additional groups of mice were injected with SL 327 (0-1.7 μg/side) in PFC, NAC, or AMY prior to self-administration. RESULTS pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was significantly increased by operant ethanol (g/kg = 1.21 g/kg; BAC = 54.9 mg/dl) in the PFC, NAC (core and shell), and AMY (central nucleus) as compared to sucrose. Microinjection of SL 327 (1.7 μg) into the PFC selectively increased ethanol self-administration. Intra-NAC injection of SL 327 had no effect on ethanol- but suppressed sucrose-reinforced responding. Intra-AMY microinjection of SL 327 had no effect on either ethanol- or sucrose-reinforced responding. Locomotor activity was unaffected under all conditions. CONCLUSIONS Operant ethanol self-administration increases pERK1/2 activation in the PFC, NAC, and AMY. However, ERK1/2 activity only in the PFC mechanistically regulates ethanol self-administration. These data suggest that ethanol-induced activation of ERK1/2 in the PFC is a critical pharmacological effect that mediates the reinforcing properties of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael C Salling
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Christina Galunas
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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12
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Sun A, Zhuang D, Zhu H, Lai M, Chen W, Liu H, Zhang F, Zhou W. Decrease of phosphorylated CREB and ERK in nucleus accumbens is associated with the incubation of heroin seeking induced by cues after withdrawal. Neurosci Lett 2015; 591:166-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Xu Y, Liu X, Zhang X, Zhang G, Zhang R, Liu T, Hao W. Histone acetylation of the htr3a gene in the prefrontal cortex of Wistar rats regulates ethanol-seeking behavior. Neural Regen Res 2015; 7:1021-8. [PMID: 25722691 PMCID: PMC4341274 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.13.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports showed that decreased histone deacetylase activity significantly potentiated the rewarding effects of psychostimulants, and that encoding of the 5-HT3 receptor by the htr3a gene was related to ethanol-seeking behavior. However, the effects of a histone deacetylase inhibitor on ethanol-seeking behavior and epigenetic regulation of htr3a mRNA expression after chronic ethanol exposure are not fully understood. Using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we investigated the effects of chronic ethanol exposure and its interaction with a histone deacetylase inhibitor on histone-acetylation-mediated changes in htr3a mRNA expression in the htr3a promoter region. The conditioned place preference procedure was used to evaluate ethanol-seeking behavior. Chronic exposure to ethanol effectively elicited place conditioning. In the prefrontal cortex, the acetylation of H3K9 and htr3a mRNA expression in the htr3a promoter region were significantly higher in the ethanol group than in the saline group. The histone deacetylase inhibitor sodium butyrate potentiated the effects of ethanol on htr3a mRNA expression and enhanced ethanol-induced conditioned place preferences. These results suggest that ethanol upregulates htr3a levels through mechanisms involving H3K9 acetylation, and that histone acetylation may be a therapeutic target for treating ethanol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Xu
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xuebing Liu
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Townsend Family Laboratories, Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of British, Columbia 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Guanbai Zhang
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ruiling Zhang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
| | - Tieqiao Liu
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Wei Hao
- Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China ; Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, Henan Province, China
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Ledesma JC, Aragon CMG. Acquisition and reconditioning of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference in mice is blocked by the H₂O₂ scavenger alpha lipoic acid. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2013; 226:673-85. [PMID: 22885873 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2831-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the co-substrate used by catalase to metabolize ethanol to acetaldehyde in the brain. This centrally formed acetaldehyde has been involved in several ethanol-related behaviors. OBJECTIVES The present research evaluated the effect of the H2O2 scavenger, alpha lipoic acid (LA), on the acquisition and reconditioning of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). METHODS Mice received pairings of a distinctive floor stimulus (CS+) associated with intraperitoneal injections of ethanol (2.5 g/kg). On alternate days, animals received pairings of a different floor stimulus (CS-) associated with saline injections. A different group of animals received pairings with the (CS-) associated with saline injections, and on alternate days they received LA (100 mg/kg) injected 30 min prior to ethanol (2.5 g/kg) administration paired with the (CS+). A preference test assessed the effect of LA on the acquisition of ethanol-induced CPP. A similar procedure was followed to study the effect of LA on the acquisition of cocaine- and morphine-induced CPP. A separate experiment evaluated the effect of LA on the reconditioning of ethanol-induced CPP. In addition, we investigated the consequence of LA administration on central H2O2 levels. RESULTS LA selectively blocked the acquisition of ethanol-induced CPP. Moreover, this compound impaired the reconditioning of ethanol-induced CPP. Additionally, we found that LA diminished H2O2 levels in the brain. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that a decline in H2O2 availability by LA might impede the formation of brain ethanol-derived acetaldehyde by catalase, which results in an impairment of the rewarding properties of ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Ledesma
- Area de Psicobiologia, Universitat Jaume I, Avenida Sos Baynat s/n, 12071, Castellón, Spain
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Groblewski PA, Cunningham CL. Repeated microinjections into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) impair extinction of conditioned place preference in mice. Behav Brain Res 2012; 230:299-303. [PMID: 22342490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.01.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Revised: 12/29/2011] [Accepted: 01/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is important for extinction of many behaviors including conditioned place preference (CPP). We examined the effects of intra-mPFC inactivation (with bupivacaine) on extinction of ethanol-induced CPP in mice. Injections of both bupivacaine and vehicle impaired extinction whereas no-surgery control mice extinguished normally. Consistent with recently reported effects of mPFC lesions, these data suggest that extinction was impaired by excessive mPFC damage induced by repeated intracranial infusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Groblewski
- Dept. of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
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Font L, Cunningham CL. Post-retrieval propranolol treatment does not modulate reconsolidation or extinction of ethanol-induced conditioned place preference. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 101:222-30. [PMID: 22285323 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The reconsolidation hypothesis posits that established emotional memories, when reactivated, become labile and susceptible to disruption. Post-retrieval injection of propranolol (PRO), a nonspecific β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, impairs subsequent retention performance of a cocaine- and a morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), implicating the noradrenergic system in the reconsolidation processes of drug-seeking behavior. An important question is whether post-retrieval PRO disrupts memory for the drug-cue associations, or instead interferes with extinction. In the present study, we evaluated the role of the β-adrenergic system on the reconsolidation and extinction of ethanol-induced CPP. Male DBA/2J mice were trained using a weak or a strong conditioning procedure, achieved by varying the ethanol conditioning dose (1 or 2 g/kg) and the number of ethanol trials (2 or 4). After acquisition of ethanol CPP, animals were given a single post-retrieval injection of PRO (0, 10 or 30 mg/kg) and tested for memory reconsolidation 24 h later. Also, after the first reconsolidation test, mice received 18 additional 15-min choice extinction tests in which PRO was injected immediately after every test. Contrary to the prediction of the reconsolidation hypothesis, a single PRO injection after the retrieval test did not modify subsequent memory retention. In addition, repeated post-retrieval administration of PRO did not interfere with extinction of CPP in mice. Overall, our data suggest that the β-adrenergic receptor does not modulate the associative processes underlying ethanol CPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Font
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Besheer J, Fisher KR, Cannady R, Grondin JJM, Hodge CW. Intra-amygdala inhibition of ERK(1/2) potentiates the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. Behav Brain Res 2011; 228:398-405. [PMID: 22209853 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2011] [Revised: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK(1/2)) has been implicated in modulating drug seeking behavior and is a target of alcohol and other drugs of abuse. Given that the discriminative stimulus (subjective/interoceptive) effects of drugs are determinants of abuse liability and can influence drug seeking behavior, we examined the role of ERK(1/2) in modulating the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. Using drug discrimination procedures, rats were trained to discriminate a moderate intragastric (IG) alcohol dose (1g/kg) versus water (IG). Following an alcohol (1g/kg) discrimination session phosphorylated ERK(1/2) (pERK(1/2)) immunoreactivity (IR) was significantly elevated in the amygdala, but not the nucleus accumbens. Therefore, we hypothesized that intra-amygdala inhibition of ERK(1/2) would disrupt expression of the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol. However, intra-amygdala or accumbens administration of the MEK/ERK(1/2) inhibitor U0126 (1 and 3μg) had no effect on the discriminative stimulus effects of the training dose of alcohol (1g/kg). Contrary to our hypothesis, intra-amygdala infusion of U0126 (3μg) potentiated the discriminative stimulus effects of a low alcohol dose (0.5g/kg) and had no effect following nucleus accumbens infusion. Importantly, site-specific inhibition of pERK(1/2) in each brain region was confirmed. Therefore, the increase in pERK(1/2) IR in the amygdala following systemic alcohol administration may be reflective of the widespread effects of alcohol on the brain (activation/inhibition of brain circuits), whereas the site specific microinjection studies confirmed functional involvement of intra-amygdala ERK(1/2). These findings show that activity of the ERK signaling pathway in the amygdala can influence the discriminative stimulus effects of alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Groblewski PA, Ryabinin AE, Cunningham CL. Activation and role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in extinction of ethanol-induced associative learning in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2011; 97:37-46. [PMID: 21951632 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2011.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been shown to be integrally involved in extinction of a number of associative behaviors, its role in extinction of alcohol (ethanol)-induced associative learning has received little attention. Previous reports have provided evidence supporting a role for the mPFC in acquisition and extinction of amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats, however, it remains unknown if this region is necessary for extinction of ethanol (EtOH)-induced associative learning in mice. Using immunohistochemical analysis of phosphorylated and unphosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), the current set of experiments first showed that the prelimbic (PL) and infralimbic (IL) subregions of the mPFC exhibited dynamic responses in phosphorylation of CREB to a Pavlovian-conditioned, EtOH-paired cue. Interestingly, CREB phosphorylation within these regions was sensitive to manipulations of the EtOH-cue contingency-that is, the cue-induced increase of pCREB in both the PL and IL was absent following extinction. In order to confirm a functional role of the mPFC in regulating the extinction process, we then showed that electrolytic lesions of the mPFC following acquisition blocked subsequent extinction of EtOH-CPP. Together, these experiments indicate a role for the PL and IL subregions of the mPFC in processing changes of the EtOH-cue contingency, as well as in regulating extinction of EtOH-induced associative learning in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Groblewski
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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