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MORC protein family-related signature within human disease and cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1112. [PMID: 34839357 PMCID: PMC8627505 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04393-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The microrchidia (MORC) family of proteins is a highly conserved nuclear protein superfamily, whose members contain common domain structures (GHKL-ATPase, CW-type zinc finger and coiled-coil domain) yet exhibit diverse biological functions. Despite the advancing research in previous decades, much of which focuses on their role as epigenetic regulators and in chromatin remodeling, relatively little is known about the role of MORCs in tumorigenesis and pathogenesis. MORCs were first identified as epigenetic regulators and chromatin remodelers in germ cell development. Currently, MORCs are regarded as disease genes that are involved in various human disorders and oncogenes in cancer progression and are expected to be the important biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. A new paradigm of expanded MORC family function has raised questions regarding the regulation of MORCs and their biological role at the subcellular level. Here, we systematically review the progress of researching MORC members with respect to their domain architectures, diverse biological functions, and distribution characteristics and discuss the emerging roles of the aberrant expression or mutation of MORC family members in human disorders and cancer development. Furthermore, the illustration of related mechanisms of the MORC family has made MORCs promising targets for developing diagnostic tools and therapeutic treatments for human diseases, including cancers.
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Mundorf A, Koch J, Kubitza N, Wagner SC, Schmidt M, Gass P, Freund N. Morc1 as a potential new target gene in mood regulation: when and where to find in the brain. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2999-3005. [PMID: 34331083 PMCID: PMC8536634 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent animal and human studies connected the Morc family CW-type zinc finger 1 (Morc1) gene with early life stress and depression. Moreover, the Morc superfamily is related to epigenetic regulation in diverse nuclear processes. So far, the Morc1 gene was mainly studied in spermatogenesis, whereas its distribution and function in the brain are still unknown. In a first attempt to characterize Morc1 in the brain, we performed a Western Blot analysis as well as a real-time PCR analysis during different stages of development. Additionally, we detected Morc1 mRNA using real-time PCR in different mood-regulating brain areas in adult rats. We found that MORC1 protein as well as Morc1 mRNA is already expressed in the brain at embryonic day 14 and is stably expressed until adulthood. Furthermore, Morc1 mRNA is present in many important brain areas of mood regulation like the medial prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The ample distribution in the brain and its molecular structure as a zinc finger protein indicate that Morc1 might act as a transcription factor. This function and its expression in mood-regulating areas already in the early brain development turn Morc1 into a possible candidate gene for mediating early life stress and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute for Systems Medicine, Department of Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Koch
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Kubitza
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Selina C Wagner
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michaela Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim (ZI), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim (ZI), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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3
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MORC1 methylation and BDI are associated with microstructural features of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:91-97. [PMID: 33401128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) have frequently been reported in depressed patients. These parameters might prove to be a consistent finding in depression. In addition, peripheral DNA methylation of the MORC1 gene promoter showed stable associations with depression across independent samples. However, the question arises whether MORC1, supposedly acting as transcription factor, might also be involved in neurobiological alterations accompanying depression. This study further analyses the role of MORC1 in depression by investigating a potential correlation between peripheral MORC1 DNA methylation and neuronal structural properties previously associated with depression in humans. METHODS Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was assessed in 52 healthy participants. DNA was extracted from buccal cells and MORC1 methylation correlated with micro- and macrostructural properties derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). RESULTS MORC1 methylation was associated with volume reduction and neurite orientation dispersion and density markers in the hippocampus and mPFC. BDI was positively associated with neurite orientation dispersion and density markers in the hippocampus. LIMITATIONS The study was conducted in a small sample of healthy participants with subclinical depressive symptoms. Peripheral tissue was analyzed. CONCLUSION We found significant negative associations between peripheral MORC1 methylation and macro- and microstructural markers in the hippocampus and mPFC. Thus, MORC1 might be involved in neurobiological properties. Studies investigating neuronal methylation patterns of MORC1 are needed to support this hypothesis.
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Bölükbas I, Mundorf A, Freund N. Maternal separation in rats induces neurobiological and behavioral changes on the maternal side. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22431. [PMID: 33384453 PMCID: PMC7775452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The time after parturition is a sensitive period for mothers where they are prone to develop psychopathological symptoms. Studies investigating dams after separation from their pups (maternal separation, MS) showed that MS induces alterations similar to postpartum depression. This study aims to give further details on affected behavior and neurobiology of dams after MS. MS in rats from postnatal day 2-20 over four hours daily was performed. Upon reunion, maternal behavior, and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) of dams were measured. On the day of weaning, dams were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated-plus-maze and marble burying test. Then Morc1 mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and Nr3c1 encoding the glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the hippocampus were measured using real-time PCR to examine possible neurobiological correlates in psychopathology and social behavior. GABA and glutamate serum levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography as peripheral markers for stress-induced psychopathology. MS in dams increased maternal care towards pups even though both groups show high levels of maternal behavior even in late lactation. Furthermore, the emission of 50-kHz and 22-kHz USVs increased significantly. No differences in anxiety-like behavior were detected. MS further reduced Morc1 but not Nr3c1 expression. Serum GABA but not glutamate levels were significantly increased in separated dams. This study reinforces the benefit of investigating dams after MS for studying postpartum stress. Subclinical markers mainly connected to depression, namely Morc1 and GABA, proved to be useful allowing for earlier detection of symptoms of critical postpartum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bölükbas
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
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Thomas M, Coope A, Falkenberg C, Dunlop BW, Czamara D, Provencal N, Craighead WE, Mayberg HS, Nemeroff CB, Binder EB, Nieratschker V. Investigation of MORC1 DNA methylation as biomarker of early life stress and depressive symptoms. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 120:154-162. [PMID: 31683097 PMCID: PMC6866669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is associated with an increased risk of depression and this association may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. A previous epigenome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) study investigating human newborns and two animal models of ELS suggested that the epigenetic regulator MORC1 is differentially methylated following ELS. The ELS-induced DNAm alterations were long-lasting in the animal models. However, whether this finding is also transferable to humans experiencing ELS in childhood was not investigated. Further, MORC1 may provide a link between ELS and adult depression, as MORC1 DNAm and genetic variants were found to be associated with depressive symptoms in humans. In the present study, we investigated the validity of MORC1 DNAm as a biomarker of ELS in humans and its role in linking ELS to depression later in life by studying childhood maltreatment. We analyzed whole blood MORC1 DNAm in an adult cohort (N = 151) that was characterized for both the presence of depressive symptoms and childhood maltreatment. Further, we investigated the association between MORC1 DNAm, depressive symptoms and childhood maltreatment in two additional cohorts (N = 299, N = 310). Overall, our data do not indicate an association of MORC1 DNAm with childhood maltreatment. An association of MORC1 DNAm with depressive symptoms was present in all cohorts, but was inconsistent in the specific CpG sites associated and the direction of effect (Tuebingen cohort: standardized β = 0.16, unstandardized β = 0.01, 95% CI [-0.0004, -0.0179], p = 0.061, PReDICT cohort: standardized β = -0.12, unstandardized β = -0.01, 95% CI [-0.0258, -0.0003], p = 0.045), Grady cohort: standardized β = 0.16, unstandardized β = 0.008, 95% CI [0.0019, 0.0143], p = 0.01). Our study thus suggests that peripheral MORC1 DNAm cannot serve as biomarker of childhood maltreatment in adults, but does provide further indication for the association of MORC1 DNAm with depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72070, Tübingen, Germany; Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Andressa Coope
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Carolin Falkenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Boadie W. Dunlop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatriy, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Nadine Provencal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada,BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, 938 W 28th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - W. Edward Craighead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA
| | - Helen S. Mayberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA,Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy PI, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, 1601 Trinity St, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park, Atlanta, Georgia 30329, USA,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatriy, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstr. 14, 72070 Tübingen, Germany
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Maternal stress during pregnancy induces depressive-like behavior only in female offspring and correlates to their hippocampal Avp and Oxt receptor expression. Behav Brain Res 2018; 353:1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Mundorf A, Schmitz J, Güntürkün O, Freund N, Ocklenburg S. Methylation of MORC1: A possible biomarker for depression? J Psychiatr Res 2018; 103:208-211. [PMID: 29890506 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
New findings identified the MORC1 gene as a link between early life stress and major depression. In this study, MORC1 methylation was investigated in 60 healthy human adults (30 women, 30 men) between 19 and 33 years of age. For analysis, DNA was isolated from buccal cells. The results show that DNA methylation in the MORC1 promoter region significantly correlates with the Beck Depression Inventory score in the examined non-clinical population. Sum score of birth complications, however, seems to correlate negatively with methylation. These findings further confirm that MORC1 is a stress sensitive gene and a possible biomarker for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Judith Schmitz
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Onur Güntürkün
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Ocklenburg
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department Biopsychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, 44780 Bochum, Germany
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Nitrogen narcosis induced by repetitive hyperbaric nitrogen oxygen mixture exposure impairs long-term cognitive function in newborn mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196611. [PMID: 29698458 PMCID: PMC5919656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human beings are exposed to compressed air or a nitrogen-oxygen mixture, they will produce signs and symptoms of nitrogen narcosis such as amnesia or even loss of memory, which may be disappeared once back to the normobaric environment. This study was designed to investigate the effect of nitrogen narcosis induced by repetitive hyperbaric nitrogen-oxygen mixture exposure on long-term cognitive function in newborn mice and the underlying mechanisms. The electroencephalogram frequency was decreased while the amplitude was increased in a pressure-dependent manner during 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 MPa (million pascal) nitrogen-oxygen mixture exposures in adult mice. Nitrogen narcosis in postnatal days 7-9 mice but not in adult mice induced by repetitive hyperbaric exposure prolonged the latency to find the platform and decreased the number of platform-site crossovers during Morris water maze tests, and reduced the time in the center during the open field tests. An increase in the expression of cleaved caspase-3 in the hippocampus and cortex were observed immediately on the first day after hyperbaric exposure, and this lasted for seven days. Additionally, nitrogen narcosis induced loss of the dendritic spines but not of the neurons, which may mainly account for the cognitive dysfunction. Nitrogen narcosis induced long-term cognitive and emotional dysfunction in the postnatal mice but not in the adult mice, which may result from neuronal apoptosis and especially reduction of dendritic spines of neurons.
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Impact of prenatal stress on the dyadic behavior of mothers and their 6-month-old infants during a play situation: role of different dimensions of stress. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 124:1251-1260. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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10
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Otrokocsi L, Kittel Á, Sperlágh B. P2X7 Receptors Drive Spine Synapse Plasticity in the Learned Helplessness Model of Depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20. [PMID: 28633291 PMCID: PMC5632310 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is characterized by structural and functional abnormalities of cortical and limbic brain areas, including a decrease in spine synapse number in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Recent studies highlighted that both genetic and pharmacological invalidation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2rx7) leads to antidepressant-like phenotype in animal experiments; however, the impact of P2rx7 on depression-related structural changes in the hippocampus is not clarified yet. METHODS Effects of genetic deletion of P2rx7s on depressive-like behavior and spine synapse density in the dentate gyrus were investigated using the learned helplessness mouse model of depression. RESULTS We demonstrate that in wild-type animals, inescapable footshocks lead to learned helplessness behavior reflected in increased latency and number of escape failures to subsequent escapable footshocks. This behavior is accompanied with downregulation of mRNA encoding P2rx7 and decrease of spine synapse density in the dentate gyrus as determined by electron microscopic stereology. In addition, a decrease in synaptopodin but not in PSD95 and NR2B/GluN2B protein level was also observed under these conditions. Whereas the absence of P2rx7 was characterized by escape deficit, no learned helpless behavior is observed in these animals. Likewise, no decrease in spine synapse number and synaptopodin protein levels was detected in response to inescapable footshocks in P2rx7-deficient animals. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest the endogenous activation of P2rx7s in the learned helplessness model of depression and decreased plasticity of spine synapses in P2rx7-deficient mice might explain the resistance of these animals to repeated stressful stimuli.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Dendritic Spines/metabolism
- Dendritic Spines/ultrastructure
- Dentate Gyrus/metabolism
- Dentate Gyrus/ultrastructure
- Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism
- Depressive Disorder, Major/pathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein/metabolism
- Down-Regulation
- Electroshock
- Escape Reaction/physiology
- Helplessness, Learned
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Microfilament Proteins/metabolism
- Neuronal Plasticity/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Random Allocation
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Receptors, Purinergic P2X7/genetics
- Receptors, Purinergic P2X7/metabolism
- Synapses/metabolism
- Synapses/ultrastructure
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilla Otrokocsi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi, Dr Kittel, Dr Sperlágh); János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of PhD Studies, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi)
| | - Ágnes Kittel
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi, Dr Kittel, Dr Sperlágh); János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of PhD Studies, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi)
- Correspondence: Ágnes Kittel, PhD, DSc, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, H-1083 Budapest, Szigony u. 43., Hungary ()
| | - Beáta Sperlágh
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi, Dr Kittel, Dr Sperlágh); János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University School of PhD Studies, Budapest, Hungary (Ms Otrokocsi)
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11
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Busch R, Baldus M, Vogt MA, Berger SM, Bartsch D, Gass P, von Bohlen Und Halbach O. Effects of p75NTR deficiency on cholinergic innervation of the amygdala and anxiety-like behavior. J Neurochem 2017; 141:461-471. [PMID: 28266720 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a low-affinity receptor that is capable of binding neurotrophins. Two different p75NTR knockout mouse lines are available either with a deletion in Exon III (p75NTRExIII-/- ) or in Exon IV (p75NTRExIV-/- ). In p75NTRExIII knockout mice, only the full-length p75NTR is deleted, whereas in p75NTRExIV knockout mice, the full-length as well as the truncated isoform of the receptor is deleted. Deletion of p75NTR has been shown to affect, among others, the septohippocampal cholinergic innervation pattern and neuronal plasticity within the hippocampus. We hypothesize that deletion of p75NTR also alters the morphology and physiology of a further key structure of the limbic system, the amygdala. Our results indicate that deletion of p75NTR also increases cholinergic innervation in the basolateral amygdala in adult as well as aged p75NTRExIII-/- and p75NTRExIV-/- mice. The p75NTRExIV-/- mice did not display altered long-term potentiation (LTP) in the basolateral amygdala as compared to age-matched control littermates. However, p75NTRExIII-/- mice display stronger LTP in the basolateral amygdala compared to age-matched controls. Bath-application of K252a (a trk antagonist) did not inhibit the induction of LTP in the basolateral amygdala, but reduced the level of LTP in p75NTRExIII-/- mice to levels seen in respective controls. Moreover, p75NTRExIII-/- mice display altered behavior in the dark/light box. Thus, deletion of p75NTR in mice leads to physiological and morphological changes in the amygdala and altered behavior that is linked to the limbic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Busch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Friedrich-Löffler Straße-23c, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marian Baldus
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Friedrich-Löffler Straße-23c, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Miriam A Vogt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefan M Berger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Dusan Bartsch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Central Institute of Mental Health and Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Oliver von Bohlen Und Halbach
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Friedrich-Löffler Straße-23c, Greifswald, Germany
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Koch A, Kang HG, Steinbrenner J, Dempsey DA, Klessig DF, Kogel KH. MORC Proteins: Novel Players in Plant and Animal Health. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2017; 8:1720. [PMID: 29093720 PMCID: PMC5651269 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2017.01720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Microrchidia (MORC) proteins comprise a family of proteins that have been identified in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are defined by two hallmark domains: a GHKL-type ATPase and an S5 fold. MORC proteins in plants were first discovered via a genetic screen for Arabidopsis mutants compromised for resistance to a viral pathogen. Subsequent studies expanded their role in plant immunity and revealed their involvement in gene silencing and transposable element repression. Emerging data suggest that MORC proteins also participate in pathogen-induced chromatin remodeling and epigenetic gene regulation. In addition, biochemical analyses recently demonstrated that plant MORCs have topoisomerase II (topo II)-like DNA modifying activities that may be important for their function. Interestingly, animal MORC proteins exhibit many parallels with their plant counterparts, as they have been implicated in disease development and gene silencing. In addition, human MORCs, like plant MORCs, bind salicylic acid and this inhibits some of their topo II-like activities. In this review, we will focus primarily on plant MORCs, although relevant comparisons with animal MORCs will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Koch
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute for Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Hong-Gu Kang
- Department of Biology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, United States
| | - Jens Steinbrenner
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute for Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Daniel F. Klessig
- Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, Ithaca, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Daniel F. Klessig
| | - Karl-Heinz Kogel
- Centre for BioSystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Institute for Phytopathology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Karl-Heinz Kogel
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Yin X, Guven N, Dietis N. Stress-based animal models of depression: Do we actually know what we are doing? Brain Res 2016; 1652:30-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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14
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Hong G, Qiu H, Wang C, Jadhav G, Wang H, Tickner J, He W, Xu J. The Emerging Role of MORC Family Proteins in Cancer Development and Bone Homeostasis. J Cell Physiol 2016; 232:928-934. [PMID: 27791268 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Microrchidia (MORC or MORC family CW-type zinc finger protein), a highly conserved nuclear protein superfamily, is an interesting new player in signaling-dependent chromatin remodeling and epigenetic regulation. MORC family proteins consist of MORC1, MORC2, MORC3, and MORC4 which display common structural determinants such as CW-type zinc finger and coiled-coil domains. They also exhibit unique structural motifs and tissue-specific expression profiles. MORC1 was first discovered as a key regulator for male meiosis and spermatogenesis. Accumulating biochemical and functional analyses unveil MORC proteins as key regulators for cancer development. More recently, using an ENU mutagenesis mouse model, MORC3 was found to play a role in regulating bone and calcium homeostasis. Here we discuss recent research progress on the emerging role of MORC proteins in cancer development and bone metabolism. Unravelling the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which MORC proteins carry out their functions in a tissue specific manner are important subjects for future investigation. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 928-934, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoju Hong
- The National Key Discipline and the Orthopedic Laboratory, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Heng Qiu
- School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gaurav Jadhav
- School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Haibin Wang
- The National Key Discipline and the Orthopedic Laboratory, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jennifer Tickner
- School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Wei He
- The National Key Discipline and the Orthopedic Laboratory, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthopedics, First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiake Xu
- The National Key Discipline and the Orthopedic Laboratory, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.,School of Pathology Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) and Gray Matter Volume in Bipolar Disorder. Eur Psychiatry 2016; 40:33-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionBipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by grey matter (GM) volumes reduction. Neurotrophic factors have been suggested to play a role in the neuroprogressive changes during the illness course. In particular peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a potential biomarker related to disease activity and neuroprogression in BD. The aim of our study was to investigate if serum levels of BDNF are associated with GM volumes in BD patients and healthy controls (HC).MethodsWe studied 36 inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD type I and 17 HC. Analysis of variance was performed to investigate the effect of diagnosis on GM volumes in the whole brain. Threshold for significance was P < 0.05, Family Wise Error (FWE) corrected for multiple comparisons. All the analyses were controlled for the effect of nuisance covariates known to influence GM volumes, such as age, gender and lithium treatment.ResultsBD patients showed significantly higher serum BDNF levels compared with HC. Reduced GM volumes in BD patients compared to HC were observed in several brain areas, encompassing the caudate head, superior temporal gyrus, insula, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. The interaction analysis between BDNF levels and diagnosis showed a significant effect in the middle frontal gyrus. HC reported higher BDNF levels associated with higher GM volumes, whereas no association between BDNF and GM volumes was observed in BD.DiscussionOur study seems to suggest that although the production of BDNF is increased in BD possibly to prevent and repair neural damage, its effects could be hampered by underlying neuroinflammatory processes interfering with the neurodevelopmental role of BDNF.
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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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Saavedra K, Molina-Márquez AM, Saavedra N, Zambrano T, Salazar LA. Epigenetic Modifications of Major Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17081279. [PMID: 27527165 PMCID: PMC5000676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic disease whose neurological basis and pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Initially, it was proposed that genetic variations were responsible for the development of this disease. Nevertheless, several studies within the last decade have provided evidence suggesting that environmental factors play an important role in MDD pathophysiology. Alterations in epigenetics mechanism, such as DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA expression could favor MDD advance in response to stressful experiences and environmental factors. The aim of this review is to describe genetic alterations, and particularly altered epigenetic mechanisms, that could be determinants for MDD progress, and how these alterations may arise as useful screening, diagnosis and treatment monitoring biomarkers of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Saavedra
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Ana María Molina-Márquez
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Nicolás Saavedra
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Tomás Zambrano
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
| | - Luis A Salazar
- Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
- Millennium Institute for Research in Depression and Personality (MIDAP), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile.
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