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Liu Q, Ding X, Wang Y, Chu H, Guan Y, Li M, Sun K. Artemisinin reduces PTSD-like symptoms, improves synaptic plasticity, and inhibits apoptosis in rats subjected to single prolonged stress. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1303123. [PMID: 38379899 PMCID: PMC10876839 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1303123] [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: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by symptoms of panic and anxiety, depression, impaired cognitive functioning, and difficulty in social interactions. While the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine artemisinin (AR) on PTSD is unknown, its therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated by studies on models of multiple neurological disorders. This study aimed to extend such findings by investigating the effects of AR administration on a rat model of PTSD induced by a regimen of single prolonged stress (SPS). After rats were subjected to the SPS protocol, AR was administered and its impact on PTSD-like behaviors was evaluated. In the present study, rats were subjected to a multitude of behavioral tests to evaluate behaviors related to anxiety, memory function, and social interactions. The expression of hippocampal synaptic plasticity-related proteins was detected using Western blot and immunofluorescence. The ultrastructure of synapses was observed under transmission electron microscopy. The apoptosis of hippocampal neurons was examined with Western blot, TUNEL staining, and HE staining. The results showed that AR administration alleviated the PTSD-like phenotypes in SPS rats, including behavior indicative of anxiety, cognitive deficits, and diminished sociability. AR administration was further observed to improve synaptic plasticity and inhibit neuronal apoptosis in SPS rats. These findings suggest that administering AR after the onset of severe traumatic events may alleviate anxiety, cognitive deficits, and impaired social interaction, improve synaptic plasticity, and diminish neuronal apoptosis. Hence, the present study provides evidence for AR's potential as a multi-target agent in the treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kuisheng Sun
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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2
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Azargoonjahromi A. The role of epigenetics in anxiety disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9625-9636. [PMID: 37804465 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08787-6] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are extremely common psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur with other physical and mental disorders. The pathophysiology of ADs is multifaceted and involves intricate connections among biological elements, environmental stimuli, and psychological mechanisms. Recent discoveries have highlighted the significance of epigenetics in bridging the gap between multiple risk factors that contribute to ADs and expanding our understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying ADs. Epigenetics is the study of how changes in the environment and behavior can have an impact on gene function. Indeed, researchers have found that epigenetic mechanisms can affect how genes are activated or inactivated, as well as whether they are expressed. Such mechanisms may also affect how ADs form and are protected. That is, the bulk of pharmacological trials evaluating epigenetic treatments for the treatment of ADs have used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), yielding promising outcomes in both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will provide an outline of how epigenetic pathways can be used to treat ADs or lessen their risk. It will also present the findings from preclinical and clinical trials that are currently available on the use of epigenetic drugs to treat ADs.
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Zhu Z, Huang X, Du M, Wu C, Fu J, Tan W, Wu B, Zhang J, Liao ZB. Recent advances in the role of miRNAs in post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2630-2644. [PMID: 37340171 PMCID: PMC10615752 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is usually considered a psychiatric disorder upon emotional trauma. However, with the rising number of conflicts and traffic accidents around the world, the incidence of PTSD has skyrocketed along with traumatic brain injury (TBI), a complex neuropathological disease due to external physical force and is also the most common concurrent disease of PTSD. Recently, the overlap between PTSD and TBI is increasingly attracting attention, as it has the potential to stimulate the emergence of novel treatments for both conditions. Of note, treatments exploiting the microRNAs (miRNAs), a well-known class of small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), have rapidly gained momentum in many nervous system disorders, given the miRNAs' multitudinous and key regulatory role in various biological processes, including neural development and normal functioning of the nervous system. Currently, a wealth of studies has elucidated the similarities of PTSD and TBI in pathophysiology and symptoms; however, there is a dearth of discussion with respect to miRNAs in both PTSD and TBI. In this review, we summarize the recent available studies of miRNAs in PTSD and TBI and discuss and highlight promising miRNAs therapeutics for both conditions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuekang Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Mengran Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chenrui Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiayuanyuan Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Weilin Tan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Biying Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Z B Liao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Torres-Rodríguez O, Rivera-Escobales Y, Castillo-Ocampo Y, Velazquez B, Colón M, Porter JT. Purinergic P2X7 receptor-mediated inflammation precedes PTSD-related behaviors in rats. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:107-118. [PMID: 36822379 PMCID: PMC10106407 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence has linked increased peripheral pro-inflammatory cytokines with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. However, whether inflammation contributes to or is a consequence of PTSD is still unclear. Previous research shows that stress can activate purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) on microglia to induce inflammation and behavioral changes. In this investigation, we examined whether P2X7Rs contribute to the development of PTSD-like behaviors induced by single prolonged stress (SPS) exposure in rats. Consistent with the literature, exposing adult male and female rats to SPS produced a PTSD-like phenotype of impaired fear extinction and extinction of cue-induced center avoidance one week after exposure. Next, we examined if inflammation precedes the behavioral manifestations. Three days after SPS exposure, increased inflammatory cytokines were found in the blood and hippocampal microglia showed increased expression of the P2X7R, IL-1β, and TNF-α, suggesting increased peripheral and central inflammation before the onset of impaired fear extinction. In addition, SPS-exposed animals with impaired fear extinction recall also had more Iba1-positive microglia expressing the P2X7R in the ventral hippocampus. To determine whether P2X7Rs contribute to the PTSD-related behaviors induced by SPS exposure, we gave ICV infusions of the P2X7R antagonist, A-438079, for one week starting the day of SPS exposure. Blocking P2X7Rs prevented the SPS-induced impaired fear extinction and extinction of cue-induced center avoidance in male and female rats, suggesting that SPS activates P2X7Rs which increase inflammation to produce a PTSD-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Torres-Rodríguez
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732
| | - Yesenia Rivera-Escobales
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732
| | - Yesenia Castillo-Ocampo
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732
| | - Bethzaly Velazquez
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732
| | - María Colón
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732
| | - James T Porter
- Dept of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00732.
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Amini J, Beyer C, Zendedel A, Sanadgol N. MAPK Is a Mutual Pathway Targeted by Anxiety-Related miRNAs, and E2F5 Is a Putative Target for Anxiolytic miRNAs. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030544. [PMID: 36979479 PMCID: PMC10046777 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders (ARDs) are chronic neuropsychological diseases and the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. As dysregulation of microRNAs (miRs) are observed in the pathological course of neuropsychiatric disorders, the present study aimed to introduce miRs that underlie anxiety processing in the brain. First, we collected the experimentally confirmed anxiety-related miRNAs (ARmiRs), predicted their target transcripts, and introduced critical cellular pathways with key commune hub genes. As a result, we have found nine anxiolytic and ten anxiogenic ARmiRs. The anxiolytic miRs frequently target the mRNA of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (Acsl4), AFF4-AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (Aff4), and Krüppel like transcription factor 4 (Klf4) genes, where miR-34b-5p and miR-34c-5p interact with all of them. Moreover, the anxiogenic miRs frequently target the mRNA of nine genes; among them, only two miR (miR-142-5p and miR-218-5p) have no interaction with the mRNA of trinucleotide repeat-containing adaptor 6B (Tnrc6b), and miR-124-3p interacts with all of them where MAPK is the main signaling pathway affected by both anxiolytic and anxiogenic miR. In addition, the anxiolytic miR commonly target E2F transcription factor 5 (E2F5) in the TGF-β signaling pathway, and the anxiogenic miR commonly target Ataxin 1 (Atxn1), WASP-like actin nucleation promoting factor (Wasl), and Solute Carrier Family 17 Member 6 (Slc17a6) genes in the notch signaling, adherence junction, and synaptic vesicle cycle pathways, respectively. Taken together, we conclude that the most important anxiolytic (miR-34c, Let-7d, and miR-17) and anxiogenic (miR-19b, miR-92a, and 218) miR, as hub epigenetic modulators, potentially influence the pathophysiology of anxiety, primarily via interaction with the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, the role of E2F5 as a novel putative target for anxiolytic miRNAs in ARDs disorders deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Amini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd 94149-75516, Iran
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Adib Zendedel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Li Q, Zhang J, Gao Z, Zhang Y, Gu J. Gut microbiota-induced microRNA-206-3p increases anxiety-like behaviors by inhibiting expression of Cited2 and STK39. Microb Pathog 2023; 176:106008. [PMID: 36736544 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorder is highly prevalent worldwide and represents a chronic and functionally disabling condition, with high levels of psychological stress characterized by cognitive and physiological symptoms. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical significance of gut microbiota regulating microRNA (miR)-206-3p as a biomarker in the anxiety-like behaviors. METHODS Initially, bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict the related factors for gut microbiota affecting anxiety-like behaviors. Next, the anxiety-like behaviors in mice were measured by multiple experiments. Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were utilized to measure the levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neutrophil expressed (NE) in brain tissues and serum and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB) phosphorylation in brain tissues of germ-free (GF) mice. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was employed to verify the relationship between miR-206-3p and Cbp/p300 interacting transactivator with Glu/Asp rich carboxy-terminal domain 2 (Cited2)/serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39). Ectopic expression and depletion experiments of miR-206-3p were conducted to determine the expression of miR-206-3p and mRNA and protein levels of Cited2, and STK39 in HT22 cells and brain tissues. Finally, transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to observe the effects of miR-206-3p on hippocampal mitochondria and synapses. RESULTS Gut microbiota could elevate miR-206-3p expression in brain tissues to increase the anxiety-like behaviors. GF mice displayed the increased levels of 5-HT, BDNF, and NE in brain tissues and serum and CREB phosphorylation in brain tissues. Cited2/STK39 was identified as the target genes of miR-206-3p. Upregulated miR-206-3p increased anxiety-like behaviors by promoting degeneration of mitochondria and synapses in hippocampus via downregulation of Cited2 and STK39. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the key findings of the current study demonstrate that gut microbiota aggravated anxiety-like behaviors via the miR-206-3p/Cited2/STK39 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Zhitao Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jingyang Gu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
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Wisłowska-Stanek A, Lehner M, Tomczuk F, Gawryluk A, Kołosowska K, Sułek A, Krząśnik P, Sobolewska A, Wawer A, Płaźnik A, Skórzewska A. The effects of the recurrent social isolation stress on fear extinction and dopamine D 2 receptors in the amygdala and the hippocampus. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:119-127. [PMID: 36385611 PMCID: PMC9889440 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00430-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study assessed the influence of recurrent social isolation stress on the aversive memory extinction and dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) expression in the amygdala and the hippocampus subnuclei. We also analyzed the expression of epigenetic factors potentially associated with fear extinction: miRNA-128 and miRNA-142 in the amygdala. METHODS Male adult fear-conditioned rats had three episodes of 48 h social isolation stress before each fear extinction session in weeks intervals. Ninety minutes after the last extinction session, the D2R expression in the nuclei of the amygdala and the hippocampus (immunocytochemical technique), and mRNA levels for D2R in the amygdala were assessed (PCR). Moreover, we evaluated the levels of miRNA-128 and miRNA-142 in the amygdala. RESULTS It was found that recurrent social isolation stress decreased the fear extinction rate. The extinguished isolated rats were characterized by higher expression of D2R in the CA1 area of the hippocampus compared to the extinguished and the control rats. In turn, the isolated group presented higher D2R immunoreactivity in the CA1 area compared to the extinguished, the control, and the extinguished isolated animals. Moreover, the extinguished animals had higher expression of D2R in the central amygdala than the control and the extinguished isolated rats. These changes were accompanied by the increase in miRNA-128 level in the amygdala in the extinguished isolated rats compared to the control, the extinguished, and the isolated rats. Moreover, the extinguished rats had lower expression of miRNA-128 compared to the control and the isolated animals. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that social isolation stress impairs aversive memory extinction and coexists with changes in the D2R expression in the amygdala and hippocampus and increased expression of miRNA-128 in the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Tomczuk
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gawryluk
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Laboratory of Neuroplasticity, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kołosowska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Sułek
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Krząśnik
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adriana Wawer
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adam Płaźnik
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
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Abdolahi S, Zare-Chahoki A, Noorbakhsh F, Gorji A. A Review of Molecular Interplay between Neurotrophins and miRNAs in Neuropsychological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6260-6280. [PMID: 35916975 PMCID: PMC9463196 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02966-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Various neurotrophins (NTs), including nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4, promote cellular differentiation, survival, and maintenance, as well as synaptic plasticity, in the peripheral and central nervous system. The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other small non-coding RNAs, as regulators of gene expression, is pivotal for the appropriate control of cell growth and differentiation. There are positive and negative loops between NTs and miRNAs, which exert modulatory effects on different signaling pathways. The interplay between NTs and miRNAs plays a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological and pathological brain procedures. Emerging evidence suggests the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of the interactions between NTs and miRNAs in several neuropsychological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and drug abuse. Here, we review current data regarding the regulatory interactions between NTs and miRNAs in neuropsychological disorders, for which novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic strategies are emerging. Targeting NTs-miRNAs interactions for diagnostic or therapeutic approaches needs to be validated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdolahi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Zare-Chahoki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Gorji
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Neurology and Institute for Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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Nie PY, Tong L, Li MD, Fu CH, Peng JB, Ji LL. miR-142 downregulation alleviates rat PTSD-like behaviors, reduces the level of inflammatory cytokine expression and apoptosis in hippocampus, and upregulates the expression of fragile X mental retardation protein. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:17. [PMID: 33407653 PMCID: PMC7788709 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-02064-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background FMRP is a selective mRNA-binding protein that regulates protein synthesis at synapses, and its loss may lead to the impairment of trace fear memory. Previously, we found that FMRP levels in the hippocampus of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were decreased. However, the mechanism underlying these changes remains unclear. Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. The experimental groups were treated with the single-prolonged stress (SPS) procedure and injected with a lentivirus-mediated inhibitor of miR-142-5p. Behavior test as well as morphology and molecular biology experiments were performed to detect the effect of miR-142 downregulation on PTSD, which was further verified by in vitro experiments. Results We found that silence of miRNA-142 (miR-142), an upstream regulator of FMRP, could alleviate PTSD-like behaviors of rats exposed to the SPS paradigm. MiR-142 silence not only decreased the levels of proinflammatory mediators, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, but also increased the expressive levels of synaptic proteins including PSD95 and synapsin I in the hippocampus, which was one of the key brain regions associated with PTSD. We further detected that miR-142 silence also downregulated the transportation of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) into the nuclei of neurons and might further affect the morphology of neurons. Conclusions The results revealed miR-142 downregulation could alleviate PTSD-like behaviors through attenuating neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of SPS rats by binding to FMRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Yin Nie
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Tong
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming-Da Li
- Department of 1st Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chang-Hai Fu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jun-Bo Peng
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Li Ji
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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10
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Beversdorf DQ, Sohl K, Levitskiy D, Tennant P, Goin-Kochel RP, Shaffer RC, Confair A, Middleton FA, Hicks SD. Saliva RNA Biomarkers of Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Children With Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Potential Implications for Precision Medicine. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:824933. [PMID: 35126215 PMCID: PMC8811462 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.824933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common in children with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A limited understanding of the biologic factors that predispose this population to GI disorders has prevented development of individualized therapies to address this important medical issue. The goal of the current study was to determine if elements of the salivary micro-transcriptome could provide insight into the biologic perturbations unique to children with ASD-related GI disturbance. This cohort study included 898 children (ages 18-73 months) with ASD, non-ASD developmental delay (DD), or typical development (TD). The saliva micro-transcriptome of each child was assessed with RNA-seq. Outputs were aligned to microbial and human databases. A Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare levels of 1821 micro-transcriptome features across neurodevelopmental status (ASD, DD, or TD) and GI presence or absence. An ANOVA was also used to compare micro-transcriptome levels among GI sub-groups (constipation, reflux, food intolerance, other GI condition, no GI condition), and to identify RNAs that differed among children taking three common GI medications (probiotics, reflux medication, or laxatives). Relationships between features identified in ANOVA testing were examined for associations with scores on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, 2nd Edition (ADOS-2) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. GI disturbance rates were higher among children with ASD than peers with TD but were similar to those with DD. Five piwi-interacting RNAs and three microbial RNAs displayed an interaction between developmental status and GI disturbance. Fifty-seven salivary RNAs differed between GI sub-groups-with microRNA differences between food intolerance and reflux groups being most common. Twelve microRNAs displayed an effect of GI disturbance and showed association with GI medication uses and measures of behavior. These 12 microRNAs displayed enrichment for 13 physiologic pathways, including metabolism/digestion long-term depression, and neurobiology of addiction. This study identifies salivary micro-transcriptome features with differential expression among children with ASD-related GI disturbance. A subset of the RNAs displays relationships with treatment modality and are associated with autistic behaviors. The pathobiologic targets of the micro-transcriptome markers may serve as targets for individualized therapeutic interventions aimed at easing pain and behavioral difficulties seen in ASD-related GI disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristin Sohl
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | | | - Robin P Goin-Kochel
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics and Autism, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rebecca C Shaffer
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alexandra Confair
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, The State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Steven D Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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Fu J, Guo O, Zhen Z, Zhen J. Essential Functions of the Transcription Factor Npas4 in Neural Circuit Development, Plasticity, and Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:603373. [PMID: 33335473 PMCID: PMC7736240 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.603373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling from the synapse to nucleus is mediated by the integration and propagation of both membrane potential changes (postsynaptic potentials) and intracellular second messenger cascades. The electrical propagation of postsynaptic potentials allows for rapid neural information processing, while propagating second messenger pathways link synaptic activity to the transcription of genes required for neuronal survival and adaptive changes (plasticity) underlying circuit formation and learning. The propagation of activity-induced calcium signals to the cell nucleus is a major synapse-to-nucleus communication pathway. Neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) is a recently discovered calcium-dependent transcription factor that regulates the activation of genes involved in the homeostatic regulation of excitatory–inhibitory balance, which is critical for neural circuit formation, function, and ongoing plasticity, as well as for defense against diseases such as epilepsy. Here, we summarize recent findings on the neuroprotective functions of Npas4 and the potential of Npas4 as a therapeutic target for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Fu
- Department of Emergency Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ouyang Guo
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhihang Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Junli Zhen
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurology of Hebei Province, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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