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Chesworth R, Visini G, Karl T. Impaired extinction of operant cocaine in a genetic mouse model of schizophrenia risk. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023:10.1007/s00213-023-06386-8. [PMID: 37233814 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with schizophrenia have high rates of comorbid substance use problems. One potential explanation for this comorbidity is similar neuropathophysiology in substance use and schizophrenia, which may arise from shared genetic risk factors between the two disorders. Here we investigated if genetic risk for schizophrenia could affect drug reward and reinforcement for cocaine in an established mouse model of genetic risk for schizophrenia, the neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mouse. METHODS We examined drug-induced locomotor sensitization and conditioned place preference for several cocaine doses (5, 10, 20, 30 mg/kg) in male adult Nrg1 TM HET and wild-type-like (WT) littermates. We also investigated intravenous self-administration of and motivation for cocaine (doses 0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/kg/infusion), as well as extinction and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine. In a follow-up experiment, we examined self-administration, extinction and cue-induced reinstatement of a natural reward, oral sucrose. RESULTS Cocaine preference was similar between Nrg1 TM HET mice and WT littermates at all doses tested. Locomotor sensitization to cocaine was not affected by Nrg1 genotype at any dose. Although self-administration and motivation for cocaine was unaffected, extinction of cocaine self-administration was impaired in Nrg1 TM HET compared to WT controls, and cue-induced reinstatement was greater in Nrg1 mutants in the middle of the reinstatement session. Sucrose self-administration and extinction thereof was not affected by genotype, but inactive lever responding was elevated during cue-induced reinstatement for operant sucrose in Nrg1 TM HET mice compared to WTs. DISCUSSION These results suggest impaired response inhibition for cocaine in Nrg1 TM HET mice and suggests Nrg1 mutation may contribute to behaviours which can limit control over cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.
| | - Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Nouh RA, Kamal A, Abdelnaser A. Cannabinoids and Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Therapeutic Potentials and Safety Concerns. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15041151. [PMID: 37111637 PMCID: PMC10146800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15041151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated condition in which the immune system attacks myelinated axons in the central nervous system (CNS), destroying both myelin and axons to varying degrees. Several environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors influence the risk of developing the disease and how well it responds to treatment. Cannabinoids have recently sparked renewed interest in their therapeutic applications, with growing evidence for their role in symptom control in MS. Cannabinoids exert their roles through the endogenous cannabinoid (ECB) system, with some reports shedding light on the molecular biology of this system and lending credence to some anecdotal medical claims. The double nature of cannabinoids, which cause both positive and negative effects, comes from their actions on the same receptor. Several mechanisms have been adopted to evade this effect. However, there are still numerous limitations to using cannabinoids to treat MS patients. In this review, we will explore and discuss the molecular effect of cannabinoids on the ECB system, the various factors that affect the response to cannabinoids in the body, including the role of gene polymorphism and its relation to dosage, assessing the positive over the adverse effects of cannabinoids in MS, and finally, exploring the possible functional mechanism of cannabinoids in MS and the current and future progress of cannabinoid therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roua A. Nouh
- Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Kamal
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Suez University, P.O. Box 43518, Suez 43533, Egypt
| | - Anwar Abdelnaser
- Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, School of Sciences and Engineering, The American University in Cairo, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
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Verweij KJH, Vink JM, Abdellaoui A, Gillespie NA, Derks EM, Treur JL. The genetic aetiology of cannabis use: from twin models to genome-wide association studies and beyond. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:489. [PMID: 36411281 PMCID: PMC9678872 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02215-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is among the most widely consumed psychoactive substances worldwide. Individual differences in cannabis use phenotypes can partly be explained by genetic differences. Technical and methodological advances have increased our understanding of the genetic aetiology of cannabis use. This narrative review discusses the genetic literature on cannabis use, covering twin, linkage, and candidate-gene studies, and the more recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs), as well as the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Not only do we focus on the insights that these methods have provided on the genetic aetiology of cannabis use, but also on how they have helped to clarify the relationship between cannabis use and co-occurring traits, such as the use of other substances and mental health disorders. Twin studies have shown that cannabis use is moderately heritable, with higher heritability estimates for more severe phases of use. Linkage and candidate-gene studies have been largely unsuccessful, while GWASs so far only explain a small portion of the heritability. Dozens of genetic variants predictive of cannabis use have been identified, located in genes such as CADM2, FOXP2, and CHRNA2. Studies that applied multivariate methods (twin models, genetic correlation analysis, polygenic score analysis, genomic structural equation modelling, Mendelian randomisation) indicate that there is considerable genetic overlap between cannabis use and other traits (especially other substances and externalising disorders) and some evidence for causal relationships (most convincingly for schizophrenia). We end our review by discussing implications of these findings and suggestions for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin J. H. Verweij
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline M. Vink
- grid.5590.90000000122931605Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Thomas van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Abdel Abdellaoui
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nathan A. Gillespie
- grid.224260.00000 0004 0458 8737Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavior Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh St, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23219 USA
| | - Eske M. Derks
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Translational Neurogenomics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, 300 Herston Road, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Jorien L. Treur
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Visini G, Brown S, Weston-Green K, Shannon Weickert C, Chesworth R, Karl T. The effects of preventative cannabidiol in a male neuregulin 1 mouse model of schizophrenia. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1010478. [PMID: 36406747 PMCID: PMC9669370 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1010478] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with antipsychotic-like properties, however it’s potential to prevent schizophrenia development has not been thoroughly investigated. Brain maturation during adolescence creates a window where CBD could potentially limit the development of schizophrenia. The neuregulin 1 transmembrane domain heterozygous (Nrg1 TM HET) mutant mouse shows face, predictive, and construct validity for schizophrenia. Here we sought to determine if CBD given in adolescence could prevent the development of the schizophrenia-relevant phenotype, as well as susceptibility to the psychoactive cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Nrg1 TM HET mice. Adolescent male Nrg1 mutants and wild type-like (WT) animals were administered 30 mg/kg CBD i.p. daily for seven weeks, and were tested for locomotion, social behavior, sensorimotor gating and cognition, and sensitivity to acute THC-induced behaviors. GAD67, GluA1, and NMDAR1 protein levels were measured in the hippocampus, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. Chronic adolescent CBD increased locomotion in animals regardless of genotype, was anxiolytic, and increased social behavior when animals were tested for their acute THC response. CBD did not alleviate the schizophrenia-relevant hyperlocomotive phenotype of Nrg1 mutants, nor deficits in social behaviors. Nrg1 mutant mice treated with CBD and THC showed no habituation to a startle pulse, suggesting CBD increased vulnerability to the startle habituation-reducing effects of THC in mutant mice. CBD increased levels of GluA1, but reduced levels of GAD67 in the hippocampus of Nrg1 mutants. These results suggest adolescent CBD is not effective as a preventative of schizophrenia-relevant behavioral deficits in mutants and may actually contribute to pathological changes in the brain that increase sensitivity to THC in particular behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Visini
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Samara Brown
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Katrina Weston-Green
- School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Rose Chesworth,
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Tim Karl,
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Sakala K, Kasearu K, Katus U, Veidebaum T, Harro J. Association between platelet MAO activity and lifetime drug use in a longitudinal birth cohort study. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:327-337. [PMID: 35001146 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-06035-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity, a marker of central serotonergic capacity, has been associated with a variety of problem behaviours. However, studies on platelet MAO activity and addictive drugs have not consistently linked MAO activity with addiction or reported to predict illicit substance use initiation or frequency. OBJECTIVES Platelet MAO activity and illicit drug use was examined in a longitudinal birth cohort study. METHODS The sample included both birth cohorts (original n = 1238) of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. Longitudinal association from age 15 to 25 years between platelet MAO activity and lifetime drug use was analysed by mixed-effects regression models. Differences at ages 15, 18 and 25 were analysed by t-test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to assess the association between platelet MAO activity and the age of drug use initiation. RESULTS Male subjects who reported at least one drug use event had lower platelet MAO activity compared to nonusers, both in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Males with low platelet MAO activity had started to use drugs at a younger age. Moreover, in male subjects who had experimented with illicit drugs only once in lifetime, low platelet MAO activity was also associated with higher risk at a younger age. In females, platelet MAO activity was not associated with drug use. CONCLUSION In males, low platelet MAO activity is associated with drug abuse primarily owing to risk-taking at early age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katre Sakala
- Department of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia.,Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.,School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Narva Road 29, 10120, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kairi Kasearu
- Institute of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tartu, Lossi 36, 51003, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Urmeli Katus
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- Department of Chronic Diseases, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Narva Road 29, 10120, Tallinn, Estonia. .,Chair of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, University of Tartu, Ravila 14a, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Parks C, Rogers CM, Prins P, Williams RW, Chen H, Jones BC, Moore BM, Mulligan MK. Genetic Modulation of Initial Sensitivity to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Among the BXD Family of Mice. Front Genet 2021; 12:659012. [PMID: 34367237 PMCID: PMC8343140 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.659012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptor 1 activation by the major psychoactive component in cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), produces motor impairments, hypothermia, and analgesia upon acute exposure. In previous work, we demonstrated significant sex and strain differences in acute responses to THC following administration of a single dose (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) inbred mice. To determine the extent to which these differences are heritable, we quantified acute responses to a single dose of THC (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in males and females from 20 members of the BXD family of inbred strains derived by crossing and inbreeding B6 and D2 mice. Acute THC responses (initial sensitivity) were quantified as changes from baseline for: 1. spontaneous activity in the open field (mobility), 2. body temperature (hypothermia), and 3. tail withdrawal latency to a thermal stimulus (antinociception). Initial sensitivity to the immobilizing, hypothermic, and antinociceptive effects of THC varied substantially across the BXD family. Heritability was highest for mobility and hypothermia traits, indicating that segregating genetic variants modulate initial sensitivity to THC. We identified genomic loci and candidate genes, including Ndufs2, Scp2, Rps6kb1 or P70S6K, Pde4d, and Pten, that may control variation in THC initial sensitivity. We also detected strong correlations between initial responses to THC and legacy phenotypes related to intake or response to other drugs of abuse (cocaine, ethanol, and morphine). Our study demonstrates the feasibility of mapping genes and variants modulating THC responses in the BXDs to systematically define biological processes and liabilities associated with drug use and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Parks
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Agriculture, Biology and Health Sciences, Cameron University, Lawton, OK, United States
| | - Chris M. Rogers
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Pjotr Prins
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Robert W. Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Byron C. Jones
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Bob M. Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Megan K. Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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Chesworth R, Rosa-Porto R, Yao S, Karl T. Sex-specific sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced schizophrenia-relevant behaviours in neuregulin 1 type III overexpressing mice. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:50-64. [PMID: 33274671 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120967870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene-environment interactions contribute to schizophrenia aetiology. Neuregulin 1 is a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, and elevated expression of type III neuregulin 1 mRNA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is observed in patients with a core risk haplotype. A mouse model of type III Nrg1 overexpression (Nrg1 III tg) possesses face and construct validity for schizophrenia; however, the sensitivity of these transgenic mice to environmental risk factors relevant to schizophrenia is unknown. AIMS To determine sensitivity of Nrg1 III tg mice to the psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) in schizophrenia and addiction-relevant behavioural tests. METHODS We examined behavioural responses of adult male and female Nrg1 III tg mice METH (1-3 mg/kg) in schizophrenia-relevant paradigms (drug-induced locomotion, sensorimotor gating) and drug reward (conditioned place preference). RESULTS Male Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced stereotypies, yet showed a greater negative impact of METH on prepulse inhibition compared with wild type-like males. In contrast, female Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced locomotion than wild type-like females, while sensorimotor gating was similarly impaired by METH between the genotypes. There were no genotype differences for METH reward, or anxiety-like and exploratory behaviours. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that overexpression of Nrg1 type III modulates schizophrenia-relevant behaviours, and may help to explain increased sensitivity to the psychoactive effects of METH in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | | | - Sofia Yao
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Australia
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Parks C, Jones BC, Moore BM, Mulligan MK. Sex and Strain Variation in Initial Sensitivity and Rapid Tolerance to Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2020; 5:231-245. [PMID: 32923660 PMCID: PMC7480727 DOI: 10.1089/can.2019.0047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: For cannabis and other drugs of abuse, initial response and/or tolerance to drug effects can predict later dependence and problematic use. Our objective is to identify sex and genetic (strain) differences in initial response and rapid tolerance to Δ9–tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, between highly genetically divergent inbred mouse strains—C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2). Experimental Approach: Sex and strain responses relative to baseline were quantified following daily exposure (i.p.) to 10 mg/kg THC or vehicle (VEH) over the course of 5 days. Dependent measures included hypothermia (decreased body temperature) and ataxia (decreased spontaneous activity in the open field), and antinociception (increase in tail withdrawal latency to a thermal stimulus). Initial sensitivity to THC was defined as the difference in response between baseline and day 1. Rapid tolerance to THC was defined as the difference in response between days 1 and 2. Results: B6 exhibited greater THC-induced motor activity suppression and initial sensitivity to ataxia relative to the D2 strain. Females demonstrated greater levels of THC-induced hypothermia and initial sensitivity relative to males. Higher levels of THC-induced antinociception and initial sensitivity were observed for D2 relative to B6. Rapid tolerance to THC was observed for hypothermia and antinociception. Much less tolerance was observed for THC-induced ataxia. D2 exhibited rapid tolerance to THC-induced hypothermia and antinociception at time points associated with peak THC initial response. Likewise, at the peak initial THC response time point, females demonstrated greater levels of rapid tolerance to hypothermic effects relative to males. Conclusions: Both sex and genetic factors drive variation in initial response and rapid tolerance to the ataxic, antinociceptive, and hypothermic effects of THC. As these traits directly result from THC activation of the cannabinoid receptor 1, gene variants between B6 and D2 in cannabinoid signaling pathways are likely to mediate strain differences in response to THC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cory Parks
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Byron C Jones
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Bob M Moore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
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Ledonne A, Mercuri NB. On the Modulatory Roles of Neuregulins/ErbB Signaling on Synaptic Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:ijms21010275. [PMID: 31906113 PMCID: PMC6981567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuregulins (NRGs) are a family of epidermal growth factor-related proteins, acting on tyrosine kinase receptors of the ErbB family. NRGs play an essential role in the development of the nervous system, since they orchestrate vital functions such as cell differentiation, axonal growth, myelination, and synapse formation. They are also crucially involved in the functioning of adult brain, by directly modulating neuronal excitability, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. Here, we provide a review of the literature documenting the roles of NRGs/ErbB signaling in the modulation of synaptic plasticity, focusing on evidence reported in the hippocampus and midbrain dopamine (DA) nuclei. The emerging picture shows multifaceted roles of NRGs/ErbB receptors, which critically modulate different forms of synaptic plasticity (LTP, LTD, and depotentiation) affecting glutamatergic, GABAergic, and DAergic synapses, by various mechanisms. Further, we discuss the relevance of NRGs/ErbB-dependent synaptic plasticity in the control of brain processes, like learning and memory and the known involvement of NRGs/ErbB signaling in the modulation of synaptic plasticity in brain’s pathological conditions. Current evidence points to a central role of NRGs/ErbB receptors in controlling glutamatergic LTP/LTD and GABAergic LTD at hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses, as well as glutamatergic LTD in midbrain DA neurons, thus supporting that NRGs/ErbB signaling is essential for proper brain functions, cognitive processes, and complex behaviors. This suggests that dysregulated NRGs/ErbB-dependent synaptic plasticity might contribute to mechanisms underlying different neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Ledonne
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, no 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3906-501703160; Fax: +3906-501703307
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano, no 64, 00143 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier no 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Shah I, Al-Dabbagh B, Salem AE, Hamid SAA, Muhammad N, Naughton DP. A review of bioanalytical techniques for evaluation of cannabis (Marijuana, weed, Hashish) in human hair. BMC Chem 2019; 13:106. [PMID: 31428743 PMCID: PMC6694587 DOI: 10.1186/s13065-019-0627-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabis products (marijuana, weed, hashish) are among the most widely abused psychoactive drugs in the world, due to their euphorigenic and anxiolytic properties. Recently, hair analysis is of great interest in analytical, clinical, and forensic sciences due to its non-invasiveness, negligible risk of infection and tampering, facile storage, and a wider window of detection. Hair analysis is now widely accepted as evidence in courts around the world. Hair analysis is very feasible to complement saliva, blood tests, and urinalysis. In this review, we have focused on state of the art in hair analysis of cannabis with particular attention to hair sample preparation for cannabis analysis involving pulverization, extraction and screening techniques followed by confirmatory tests (e.g., GC–MS and LC–MS/MS). We have reviewed the literature for the past 10 years’ period with special emphasis on cannabis quantification using mass spectrometry. The pros and cons of all the published methods have also been discussed along with the prospective future of cannabis analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iltaf Shah
- 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAEU, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bayan Al-Dabbagh
- 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAEU, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Alaa Eldin Salem
- 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAEU, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Saber A A Hamid
- 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAEU, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Neak Muhammad
- 1Department of Chemistry, College of Science, UAEU, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Declan P Naughton
- 2School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Surrey, UK
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Lan T, Yang B, Zhang X, Wang T, Lu Q. Statistical Methods and Software for Substance Use and Dependence Genetic Research. Curr Genomics 2019; 20:172-183. [PMID: 31929725 PMCID: PMC6935956 DOI: 10.2174/1389202920666190617094930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial substance use disorders and related health conditions emerged dur-ing the mid-20th century and continue to represent a remarkable 21st century global burden of disease. This burden is largely driven by the substance-dependence process, which is a complex process and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. During the past few decades, a great deal of pro-gress has been made in identifying genetic variants associated with Substance Use and Dependence (SUD) through linkage, candidate gene association, genome-wide association and sequencing studies. METHODS Various statistical methods and software have been employed in different types of SUD ge-netic studies, facilitating the identification of new SUD-related variants. CONCLUSION In this article, we review statistical methods and software that are currently available for SUD genetic studies, and discuss their strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tong Wang
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Tel/ Fax: ++1-517-353-8623; E-mails: ;
| | - Qing Lu
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA; Tel/ Fax: ++1-517-353-8623; E-mails: ;
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Genetic Factors in Cannabinoid Use and Dependence. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1162:129-150. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21737-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Ledonne A, Mercuri NB. mGluR1-Dependent Long Term Depression in Rodent Midbrain Dopamine Neurons Is Regulated by Neuregulin 1/ErbB Signaling. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:346. [PMID: 30327588 PMCID: PMC6174199 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence demonstrates that the neurotrophic factor Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and its receptors, ErbB tyrosine kinases, modulate midbrain dopamine (DA) transmission. We have previously reported that NRG1/ErbB signaling is essential for proper metabotropic glutamate receptors 1 (mGluR1) functioning in midbrain DA neurons, thus the functional interaction between ErbB receptors and mGluR1 regulates neuronal excitation and in vivo striatal DA release. While it is widely recognized that mGluR1 play a pivotal role in long-term modifications of synaptic transmission in several brain areas, specific mGluR1-dependent forms of synaptic plasticity in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) DA neurons have not been described yet. Here, first we aimed to detect and characterize mGluR1-dependent glutamatergic long-term depression (LTD) in SNpc DA neurons. Second, we tested the hypothesis that endogenous ErbB signaling, by affecting mGluR1, fine-tunes glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in DA cells. We found that either pharmacological or synaptic activation of mGluR1 causes an LTD of AMPAR-mediated transmission in SNpc DA neurons from mice and rat slices, which is reliant on endogenous NRG1/ErbB signaling. Indeed, LTD is counteracted by a broad spectrum ErbB inhibitor. Moreover, the intracellular injection of pan-ErbB- or ErbB2 inhibitors inside DA neurons reduces mGluR1-dependent LTD, suggesting an involvement of ErbB2/ErbB4-containing receptors. Interestingly, exogenous NRG1 fosters LTD expression during minimal mGluRI activation. These results enlarge our cognizance on mGluR1 relevance in the induction of a novel form of long-term synaptic plasticity in SNpc DA neurons and describe a new NRG1/ErbB-dependent mechanism shaping glutamatergic transmission in DA cells. This might have important implications either in DA-dependent behaviors and learning/memory processes or in DA-linked diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Ledonne
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neuroscience, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Hryhorowicz S, Walczak M, Zakerska-Banaszak O, Słomski R, Skrzypczak-Zielińska M. Pharmacogenetics of Cannabinoids. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2018; 43:1-12. [PMID: 28534260 PMCID: PMC5794848 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-017-0416-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although the application of medical marijuana and cannabinoid drugs is controversial, it is a part of modern-day medicine. The list of diseases in which cannabinoids are promoted as a treatment is constantly expanding. Cases of significant improvement in patients with a very poor prognosis of glioma or epilepsy have already been described. However, the occurrence of side effects is still difficult to estimate, and the current knowledge of the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids is still insufficient. In our opinion, the answers to many questions and concerns regarding the medical use of cannabis can be provided by pharmacogenetics. Knowledge based on proteins and molecules involved in the transport, action, and metabolism of cannabinoids in the human organism leads us to predict candidate genes which variations are responsible for the presence of the therapeutic and side effects of medical marijuana and cannabinoid-based drugs. We can divide them into: receptor genes-CNR1, CNR2, TRPV1, and GPR55, transporters-ABCB1, ABCG2, SLC6A, biotransformation, biosynthesis, and bioactivation proteins encoded by CYP3A4, CYP2C19, CYP2C9, CYP2A6, CYP1A1, COMT, FAAH, COX2, ABHD6, ABHD12 genes, and also MAPK14. This review organizes the current knowledge in the context of cannabinoids pharmacogenetics according to individualized medicine and cannabinoid drugs therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Hryhorowicz
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Michal Walczak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Oliwia Zakerska-Banaszak
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ryszard Słomski
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences, Dojazd 11, 60-632, Poznan, Poland
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15
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Lloyd D, Talmage D, Shannon Weickert C, Karl T. Reduced type III neuregulin 1 expression does not modulate the behavioural sensitivity of mice to acute Δ 9 -tetrahydrocannabinol (D 9 -THC). Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 170:64-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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16
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Chesworth R, Long LE, Weickert CS, Karl T. The Endocannabinoid System across Postnatal Development in Transmembrane Domain Neuregulin 1 Mutant Mice. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:11. [PMID: 29467679 PMCID: PMC5808294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of cannabis is a well-established component risk factor for schizophrenia, particularly in adolescent individuals with genetic predisposition for the disorder. Alterations to the endocannabinoid system have been found in the prefrontal cortex of patients with schizophrenia. Thus, we assessed whether molecular alterations exist in the endocannabinoid signalling pathway during brain development in a mouse model for the schizophrenia risk gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1). We analysed transcripts encoding key molecules of the endocannabinoid system in heterozygous transmembrane domain Nrg1 mutant mice (Nrg1 TM HET), which is known to have increased sensitivity to cannabis exposure. Tissue from the prelimbic cortex and hippocampus of male and female Nrg1 TM HET mice and wild type-like littermates was collected at postnatal days (PNDs) 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49, and 161. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was conducted to assess mRNA levels of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and enzymes for the synthesis and breakdown of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol [i.e., diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα), monoglyceride lipase (MGLL), and α/β-hydrolase domain-containing 6 (ABHD6)]. No sex differences were found for any transcripts in either brain region; thus, male and female data were pooled. Hippocampal and cortical mRNA expression of DAGLα, MGLL, and ABHD6 increased until PND 21-35 and then decreased and stabilised for the rest of postnatal development. Hippocampal CB1R mRNA expression increased until PND 21 and decreased after this age. Expression levels of these endocannabinoid markers did not differ in Nrg1 TM HET compared to control mice at any time point. Here, we demonstrate dynamic changes in the developmental trajectory of several key endocannabinoid system transcripts in the mouse brain, which may correspond with periods of endocannabinoid system maturation. Nrg1 TM HET mutation did not alter the developmental trajectory of the endocannabinoid markers assessed, suggesting that other mechanisms may be responsible for the exaggerated cannabinoid susceptibility in these mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Leonora E Long
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Cynthia Shannon Weickert
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia.,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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17
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Henry KL. Fathers' Alcohol and Cannabis Use Disorder and Early Onset of Drug Use by Their Children. J Stud Alcohol Drugs 2017; 78:458-462. [PMID: 28499114 DOI: 10.15288/jsad.2017.78.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The unique influence of fathers' alcohol and cannabis use disorder on children's onset of use of these same substances has been rarely studied. A clear understanding of family history in this context is important for the development of family-based prevention initiatives aimed at delaying the onset of substance use among children. METHOD Prospective, longitudinal, and intergenerational data on 274 father-child dyads were used. Logistic regression models were estimated to assess the association between fathers' lifetime incidence of an alcohol and cannabis use disorder and children's onset of use of these same substances at or before age 15. RESULTS The children of fathers who met the criteria for a lifetime cannabis use disorder were more likely to initiate use of alcohol (odds ratio = 6.71, 95% CI [1.92, 23.52]) and cannabis (odds ratio = 8.13, 95% CI [2.07, 31.95]) by age 15, when background covariates and presence of a lifetime alcohol use disorder were controlled for. No unique effect of fathers' alcohol use disorder on children's onset of alcohol and cannabis use was observed. CONCLUSIONS Fathers' lifetime cannabis use disorder had a unique and robust association with children's uptake of alcohol and cannabis by age 15. Future research is needed to identify the mediating mechanisms that link fathers' disorder with children's early onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly L Henry
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
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18
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19
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Chesworth R, Karl T. Molecular Basis of Cannabis-Induced Schizophrenia-Relevant Behaviours: Insights from Animal Models. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0120-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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20
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Silveira MM, Arnold JC, Laviolette SR, Hillard CJ, Celorrio M, Aymerich MS, Adams WK. Seeing through the smoke: Human and animal studies of cannabis use and endocannabinoid signalling in corticolimbic networks. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:380-395. [PMID: 27639448 PMCID: PMC5350061 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Public opinion surrounding the recreational use and therapeutic potential of cannabis is shifting. This review describes new work examining the behavioural and neural effects of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system, highlighting key regions within corticolimbic brain circuits. First, we consider the role of human genetic factors and cannabis strain chemotypic differences in contributing to interindividual variation in the response to cannabinoids, such as THC, and review studies demonstrating that THC-induced impairments in decision-making processes are mediated by actions at prefrontal CB1 receptors. We further describe evidence that signalling through prefrontal or ventral hippocampal CB1 receptors modulates mesolimbic dopamine activity, aberrations of which may contribute to emotional processing deficits in schizophrenia. Lastly, we review studies suggesting that endocannabinoid tone in the amygdala is a critical regulator of anxiety, and report new data showing that FAAH activity is integral to this response. Together, these findings underscore the importance of cannabinoid signalling in the regulation of cognitive and affective behaviours, and encourage further research given their social, political, and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mason M Silveira
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Centre and Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Steven R Laviolette
- Addiction Research Group and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cecilia J Hillard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Marta Celorrio
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - María S Aymerich
- Program of Neurosciences, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Science, University of Navarra, Pamplona 31008, Spain; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona 31008, Spain
| | - Wendy K Adams
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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21
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Hodgson K, Almasy L, Knowles EEM, Kent JW, Curran JE, Dyer TD, Göring HHH, Olvera RL, Woolsey MD, Duggirala R, Fox PT, Blangero J, Glahn DC. The genetic basis of the comorbidity between cannabis use and major depression. Addiction 2017; 112:113-123. [PMID: 27517884 PMCID: PMC5148647 DOI: 10.1111/add.13558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS While the prevalence of major depression is elevated among cannabis users, the role of genetics in this pattern of comorbidity is not clear. This study aimed to estimate the heritability of cannabis use and major depression, quantify the genetic overlap between these two traits and localize regions of the genome that segregate in families with cannabis use and major depression. DESIGN Family-based univariate and bivariate genetic analysis. SETTING San Antonio, Texas, USA. PARTICIPANTS Genetics of Brain Structure and Function study (GOBS) participants: 1284 Mexican Americans from 75 large multi-generation families and an additional 57 genetically unrelated spouses. MEASUREMENTS Phenotypes of life-time history of cannabis use and major depression, measured using the semistructured MINI-Plus interview. Genotypes measured using ~1 M single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on Illumina BeadChips. A subselection of these SNPs were used to build multi-point identity-by-descent matrices for linkage analysis. FINDINGS Both cannabis use [h2 = 0.614, P = 1.00 × 10-6 , standard error (SE) = 0.151] and major depression (h2 = 0.349, P = 1.06 × 10-5 , SE = 0.100) are heritable traits, and there is significant genetic correlation between the two (ρg = 0.424, P = 0.0364, SE = 0.195). Genome-wide linkage scans identify a significant univariate linkage peak for major depression on chromosome 22 [logarithm of the odds (LOD) = 3.144 at 2 centimorgans (cM)], with a suggestive peak for cannabis use on chromosome 21 (LOD = 2.123 at 37 cM). A significant pleiotropic linkage peak influencing both cannabis use and major depression was identified on chromosome 11 using a bivariate model (LOD = 3.229 at 112 cM). Follow-up of this pleiotropic signal identified a SNP 20 kb upstream of NCAM1 (rs7932341) that shows significant bivariate association (P = 3.10 × 10-5 ). However, this SNP is rare (seven minor allele carriers) and does not drive the linkage signal observed. CONCLUSIONS There appears to be a significant genetic overlap between cannabis use and major depression among Mexican Americans, a pleiotropy that appears to be localized to a region on chromosome 11q23 that has been linked previously to these phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hodgson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT,Correspondence to Karen Hodgson Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Laura Almasy
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - Emma E. M. Knowles
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Jack W. Kent
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | - Joanne E. Curran
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - Thomas D. Dyer
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - Harald H. H. Göring
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - Rene L. Olvera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Mary D. Woolsey
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Ravi Duggirala
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - Peter T. Fox
- Research Imaging Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, South Texas Veterans Health System, 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX
| | - John Blangero
- South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio & University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX
| | - David C. Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, Olin Neuropsychiatric Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
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Vaht M, Laas K, Kiive E, Parik J, Veidebaum T, Harro J. A functional neuregulin-1 gene variant and stressful life events: Effect on drug use in a longitudinal population-representative cohort study. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:54-61. [PMID: 27353026 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116655979] [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] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuregulin 1 gene is a susceptibility gene for substance dependence. A functional polymorphism (SNP8NRG243177/rs6994992; C/T) in the promoter region of the brain-specific type IV neuregulin-1 gene ( NRG1) has been associated with psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) that often present higher odds of smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use. This study assessed the association of the NRG1 genotype with drug use and possible interaction with stressful life events (SLEs). METHODS The database of the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study (beginning in 1998) was used. Cohorts of children initially 9 years old ( n=583; followed up at 15 and 18 years) and 15 years old ( n=593; followed up at 18 and 25 years) provided self-reports on alcohol, tobacco and illicit substance use and SLEs. Psychiatric assessment based on DSM-IV was carried out on the older birth cohort at age 25 to assess the lifetime presence of substance use disorders. NRG1 rs6994992 was genotyped in all participants by TaqMan® Pre-Designed SNP Genotyping Assay on the Applied Biosystems ViiA™ 7 Real-Time PCR System. The minor (T) allele frequency was 0.37. RESULTS NRG1 rs6994992 C/C homozygotes, especially those who had experienced more SLEs, were more likely to develop alcohol use disorders by young adulthood, were generally more active consumers of tobacco products, and had more likely used illicit drugs. In T allele carriers, SLEs had a negligible effect on substance use. CONCLUSIONS In humans, NRG1 genotype is associated with substance use, and this relationship is moderated by adverse life events, with a gain-of-function allele being protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariliis Vaht
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kariina Laas
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Evelyn Kiive
- 2 Division of Special Education, Department of Education, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jüri Parik
- 3 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Toomas Veidebaum
- 4 National Institute for Health Development, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jaanus Harro
- 1 Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, Estonian Centre of Behavioural and Health Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Gene × Environment Interactions in Schizophrenia: Evidence from Genetic Mouse Models. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2173748. [PMID: 27725886 PMCID: PMC5048038 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2173748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of gene × environment, as well as epistatic interactions in schizophrenia, has provided important insight into the complex etiopathologic basis of schizophrenia. It has also increased our understanding of the role of susceptibility genes in the disorder and is an important consideration as we seek to translate genetic advances into novel antipsychotic treatment targets. This review summarises data arising from research involving the modelling of gene × environment interactions in schizophrenia using preclinical genetic models. Evidence for synergistic effects on the expression of schizophrenia-relevant endophenotypes will be discussed. It is proposed that valid and multifactorial preclinical models are important tools for identifying critical areas, as well as underlying mechanisms, of convergence of genetic and environmental risk factors, and their interaction in schizophrenia.
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Richter L, Pugh BS, Ball SA. Assessing the risk of marijuana use disorder among adolescents and adults who use marijuana. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2016; 43:247-260. [PMID: 27292878 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2016.1164711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The changing political and social climate surrounding marijuana use, coupled with the fact that available estimates of marijuana use disorder prevalence are outdated and do not adequately represent adolescents, underscore the need for up-to-date and comprehensive prevalence estimates of marijuana use disorder. OBJECTIVES To provide recent national estimates of marijuana use disorder as a function of usage patterns, age, and other sociodemographic, substance use, and mental health variables. METHODS Analyses of data from the 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health examined the prevalence of marijuana use disorder among respondents (N = 55,271) with various sociodemographic, substance use, and mental health characteristics. Logistic and multinomial regression analyses examined the correlates of marijuana use disorder as a function of these variables, with a special focus on age. RESULTS In 2014, 3.49% of lifetime, 11.62% of past-year, and 15.32% of past-30-day marijuana users met DSM-IV criteria for a marijuana use disorder; rates among youth generally were at least double those of adults across reported time frame and intensity of use. Regression analyses indicated that young age, black race/ethnicity, greater intensity of use, current tobacco/nicotine use, and alcohol and other drug use disorders were associated with increased odds of a marijuana use disorder. CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of marijuana users, especially youth, are at risk for having a marijuana use disorder, even at relatively low levels of use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Richter
- a The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse , New York , NY , USA
| | - Brandie S Pugh
- a The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse , New York , NY , USA
| | - Samuel A Ball
- a The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse , New York , NY , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
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Sherva R, Wang Q, Kranzler H, Zhao H, Koesterer R, Herman A, Farrer LA, Gelernter J. Genome-wide Association Study of Cannabis Dependence Severity, Novel Risk Variants, and Shared Genetic Risks. JAMA Psychiatry 2016; 73:472-80. [PMID: 27028160 PMCID: PMC4974817 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2016.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cannabis dependence (CAD) is a serious problem worldwide and is of growing importance in the United States because cannabis is increasingly available legally. Although genetic factors contribute substantially to CAD risk, at present no well-established specific genetic risk factors for CAD have been elucidated. OBJECTIVE To report findings for DSM-IV CAD criteria from association analyses performed in large cohorts of African American and European American participants from 3 studies of substance use disorder genetics. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This genome-wide association study for DSM-IV CAD criterion count was performed in 3 independent substance dependence cohorts (the Yale-Penn Study, Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment [SAGE], and International Consortium on the Genetics of Heroin Dependence [ICGHD]). A referral sample and volunteers recruited in the community and from substance abuse treatment centers included 6000 African American and 8754 European American participants, including some from small families. Participants from the Yale-Penn Study were recruited from 2000 to 2013. Data were collected for the SAGE trial from 1990 to 2007 and for the ICGHD from 2004 to 2009. Data were analyzed from January 2, 2013, to November 9, 2015. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Criterion count for DSM-IV CAD. RESULTS Among the 14 754 participants, 7879 were male, 6875 were female, and the mean (SD) age was 39.2 (10.2) years. Three independent regions with genome-wide significant single-nucleotide polymorphism associations were identified, considering the largest possible sample. These included rs143244591 (β = 0.54, P = 4.32 × 10-10 for the meta-analysis) in novel antisense transcript RP11-206M11.7;rs146091982 (β = 0.54, P = 1.33 × 10-9 for the meta-analysis) in the solute carrier family 35 member G1 gene (SLC35G1); and rs77378271 (β = 0.29, P = 2.13 × 10-8 for the meta-analysis) in the CUB and Sushi multiple domains 1 gene (CSMD1). Also noted was evidence of genome-level pleiotropy between CAD and major depressive disorder and for an association with single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes associated with schizophrenia risk. Several of the genes identified have functions related to neuronal calcium homeostasis or central nervous system development. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These results are the first, to our knowledge, to identify specific CAD risk alleles and potential genetic factors contributing to the comorbidity of CAD with major depression and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sherva
- Section of Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Qian Wang
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Henry Kranzler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 4Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs (VA) Stars and Stripes Healthcare Network, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphi
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut5Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, West Haven, Connecticut6Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut7VA Coop
| | - Ryan Koesterer
- Section of Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Aryeh Herman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Section of Biomedical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts9Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts10Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School
| | - Joel Gelernter
- VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, West Haven, Connecticut8Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut13Department of Psychiatry, VA Connecticut Healthcare Center, Yale University School of Medicine, West Hav
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Mackey S, Kan KJ, Chaarani B, Alia-Klein N, Batalla A, Brooks S, Cousijn J, Dagher A, de Ruiter M, Desrivieres S, Feldstein Ewing SW, Goldstein RZ, Goudriaan AE, Heitzeg MM, Hutchison K, Li CSR, London ED, Lorenzetti V, Luijten M, Martin-Santos R, Morales AM, Paulus MP, Paus T, Pearlson G, Schluter R, Momenan R, Schmaal L, Schumann G, Sinha R, Sjoerds Z, Stein DJ, Stein EA, Solowij N, Tapert S, Uhlmann A, Veltman D, van Holst R, Walter H, Wright MJ, Yucel M, Yurgelun-Todd D, Hibar DP, Jahanshad N, Thompson PM, Glahn DC, Garavan H, Conrod P. Genetic imaging consortium for addiction medicine: From neuroimaging to genes. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2015; 224:203-23. [PMID: 26822360 PMCID: PMC4820288 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2015.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Since the sample size of a typical neuroimaging study lacks sufficient statistical power to explore unknown genomic associations with brain phenotypes, several international genetic imaging consortia have been organized in recent years to pool data across sites. The challenges and achievements of these consortia are considered here with the goal of leveraging these resources to study addiction. The authors of this review have joined together to form an Addiction working group within the framework of the ENIGMA project, a meta-analytic approach to multisite genetic imaging data. Collectively, the Addiction working group possesses neuroimaging and genomic data obtained from over 10,000 subjects. The deadline for contributing data to the first round of analyses occurred at the beginning of May 2015. The studies performed on this data should significantly impact our understanding of the genetic and neurobiological basis of addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Mackey
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA.
| | - Kees-Jan Kan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Bader Chaarani
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Nelly Alia-Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Albert Batalla
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Brooks
- Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Janna Cousijn
- Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alain Dagher
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Michiel de Ruiter
- Department of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna E Goudriaan
- Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mary M Heitzeg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kent Hutchison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Edythe D London
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Valentina Lorenzetti
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Maartje Luijten
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rocio Martin-Santos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelica M Morales
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin P Paulus
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Tomas Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Godfrey Pearlson
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Renée Schluter
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reza Momenan
- Section on Brain Electrophysiology and Imaging, Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, USA
| | - Lianne Schmaal
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rajita Sinha
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zsuzsika Sjoerds
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elliot A Stein
- Intramural Research Program-Neuroimaging Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nadia Solowij
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Tapert
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Anne Uhlmann
- Department of Psychiatry and MRC Unit on Anxiety & Stress Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dick Veltman
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruth van Holst
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitatsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Murat Yucel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Monash Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neurosciences and Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Deborah Yurgelun-Todd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Derrek P Hibar
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Neda Jahanshad
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - Paul M Thompson
- Department of Neurology, Imaging Genetics Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Marina del Rey, CA, USA
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Patricia Conrod
- Department of Psychiatry, Université de Montreal, CHU Ste Justine Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
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27
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Ayhan Y, McFarland R, Pletnikov MV. Animal models of gene-environment interaction in schizophrenia: A dimensional perspective. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 136:1-27. [PMID: 26510407 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia has long been considered as a disorder with multifactorial origins. Recent discoveries have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of the disease. However, even with the increase of identified risk variants, heritability estimates suggest an important contribution of non-genetic factors. Various environmental risk factors have been proposed to play a role in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia. These include season of birth, maternal infections, obstetric complications, adverse events at early childhood, and drug abuse. Despite the progress in identification of genetic and environmental risk factors, we still have a limited understanding of the mechanisms whereby gene-environment interactions (G × E) operate in schizophrenia and psychoses at large. In this review we provide a critical analysis of current animal models of G × E relevant to psychotic disorders and propose that dimensional perspective will advance our understanding of the complex mechanisms of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yavuz Ayhan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Turkey
| | - Ross McFarland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, USA; Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA.
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28
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Chohan TW, Boucher AA, Spencer JR, Kassem MS, Hamdi AA, Karl T, Fok SY, Bennett MR, Arnold JC. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 modulates the effects of stress on sensorimotor gating, dendritic morphology, and HPA axis activity in adolescent mice. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:1272-84. [PMID: 24442851 PMCID: PMC4193694 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbt193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Genetic variation in neuregulin 1 (NRG1) increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and may help predict which high-risk individuals will transition to psychosis. NRG1 also modulates sensorimotor gating, a schizophrenia endophenotype. We used an animal model to demonstrate that partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 interacts with stress to promote neurobehavioral deficits of relevance to schizophrenia. Nrg1 heterozygous (HET) mice displayed greater acute stress-induced anxiety-related behavior than wild-type (WT) mice. Repeated stress in adolescence disrupted the normal development of higher prepulse inhibition of startle selectively in Nrg1 HET mice but not in WT mice. Further, repeated stress increased dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) selectively in Nrg1 HET mice. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 also modulated the adaptive response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to repeated stress, with Nrg1 HET displaying a reduced repeated stress-induced level of plasma corticosterone than WT mice. Our results demonstrate that Nrg1 confers vulnerability to repeated stress-induced sensorimotor gating deficits, dendritic spine growth in the mPFC, and an abberant endocrine response in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq W. Chohan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Aurelie A. Boucher
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jarrah R. Spencer
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mustafa S. Kassem
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Areeg A. Hamdi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Sandra Y. Fok
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maxwell R. Bennett
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, 94-100 Mallett Street, Sydney, Australia; tel: +61-2-9351-0812, e-mail:
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29
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O'Tuathaigh CMP, Gantois I, Waddington JL. Genetic dissection of the psychotomimetic effects of cannabinoid exposure. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 52:33-40. [PMID: 24239593 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis use is an established risk factor for the development of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. Factors that may mediate susceptibility to the psychosis-inducing effects of cannabis include the age at onset of first cannabis use, genetic predisposition, as well as interaction with other environmental risk variables. Clinical and preclinical genetic studies provide increasing evidence that, in particular, genes encoding proteins implicated in dopamine signalling are implicated in the cannabis-psychosis association. In the present review, we focus on both human and animal studies which have focused on identifying the neuronal basis of these interactions. We conclude that further studies are required to provide greater mechanistic insight into the long-term and neurodevelopmental effects of cannabis use, with implications for improved understanding of the cannabis-psychosis relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm M P O'Tuathaigh
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland; School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - John L Waddington
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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30
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Genome-wide association study of opioid dependence: multiple associations mapped to calcium and potassium pathways. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 76:66-74. [PMID: 24143882 PMCID: PMC3992201 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of two populations, African-American and European-American (AA, EA) for opioid dependence (OD) in three sets of subjects, to identify pathways, genes, and alleles important in OD risk. METHODS The design employed three phases (on the basis of separate sample collections). Phase 1 included our discovery GWAS dataset consisting of 5697 subjects (58% AA) diagnosed with opioid and/or other substance dependence and control subjects. Subjects were genotyped with the Illumina OmniQuad microarray, yielding 890,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) suitable for analysis. Additional genotypes were imputed with the 1000 Genomes reference panel. Top-ranked findings were further evaluated in Phase 2 by incorporating information from the publicly available Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment dataset, with GWAS data from 4063 subjects (32% AA). In Phase 3, the most significant SNPs from Phase 2 were genotyped in 2549 independent subjects (32% AA). Analyses were performed with case-control and ordinal trait designs. RESULTS Most significant results emerged from the AA subgroup. Genome-wide-significant associations (p < 5.0 × 10(-8)) were observed with SNPs from multiple loci-KCNG2*rs62103177 was most significant after combining results from datasets in every phase of the study. The most compelling results were obtained with genes involved in potassium signaling pathways (e.g., KCNC1 and KCNG2). Pathway analysis also implicated genes involved in calcium signaling and long-term potentiation. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to identify risk variants for OD with GWAS. Our results strongly implicate risk pathways and provide insights into novel therapeutic and prevention strategies and might biologically bridge OD and other non-substance dependence psychiatric traits where similar pathways have been implicated.
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31
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Greydanus DE, Hawver EK, Greydanus MM, Merrick J. Marijuana: current concepts(†). Front Public Health 2013; 1:42. [PMID: 24350211 PMCID: PMC3859982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2013.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Marijuana (cannabis) remains a controversial drug in the twenty-first century. This paper considers current research on use of Cannabis sativa and its constituents such as the cannabinoids. Topics reviewed include prevalence of cannabis (pot) use, other drugs consumed with pot, the endocannabinoid system, use of medicinal marijuana, medical adverse effects of cannabis, and psychiatric adverse effects of cannabis use. Treatment of cannabis withdrawal and dependence is difficult and remains mainly based on psychological therapy; current research on pharmacologic management of problems related to cannabis consumption is also considered. The potential role of specific cannabinoids for medical benefit will be revealed as the twenty-first century matures. However, potential dangerous adverse effects from smoking marijuana are well known and should be clearly taught to a public that is often confused by a media-driven, though false message and promise of benign pot consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University School of Medicine , Kalamazoo, MI , USA
| | - Elizabeth K Hawver
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University School of Medicine , Kalamazoo, MI , USA
| | - Megan M Greydanus
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University School of Medicine , Kalamazoo, MI , USA
| | - Joav Merrick
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development , Jerusalem , Israel ; Health Services, Division for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Ministry of Social Affairs and Social Services , Jerusalem , Israel ; Division of Pediatrics, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Mt. Scopus Campus , Jerusalem , Israel ; Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky College of Medicine , Lexington, KY , USA
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32
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Karl T. Neuregulin 1: a prime candidate for research into gene-environment interactions in schizophrenia? Insights from genetic rodent models. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:106. [PMID: 23966917 PMCID: PMC3744031 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a multi-factorial disease characterized by a high heritability and environmental risk factors. In recent years, an increasing number of researchers worldwide have started investigating the “two-hit hypothesis” of schizophrenia predicting that genetic and environmental risk factors (GxE) interactively cause the development of the disorder. This work is starting to produce valuable new animal models and reveal novel insights into the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This mini review will focus on recent advancements in the field made by challenging mutant and transgenic rodent models for the schizophrenia candidate gene neuregulin 1 (NRG1) with particular environmental factors. It will outline results obtained from mouse and rat models for various Nrg1 isoforms/isoform types (e.g., transmembrane domain Nrg1, Type II Nrg1), which have been exposed to different forms of stress (acute versus chronic, restraint versus social) and housing conditions (standard laboratory versus minimally enriched housing). These studies suggest Nrg1 as a prime candidate for GxE interactions in schizophrenia rodent models and that the use of rodent models will enable a better understanding of GxE interactions and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia Randwick, NSW, Australia ; Schizophrenia Research Institute Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia ; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales NSW, Australia
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Spencer JR, Darbyshire KME, Boucher AA, Kashem MA, Long LE, McGregor IS, Karl T, Arnold JC. Novel molecular changes induced by Nrg1 hypomorphism and Nrg1-cannabinoid interaction in adolescence: a hippocampal proteomic study in mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:15. [PMID: 23447498 PMCID: PMC3581856 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is linked to an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and cannabis dependence. Mice that are hypomorphic for Nrg1 (Nrg1 HET mice) display schizophrenia-relevant behavioral phenotypes and aberrant expression of serotonin and glutamate receptors. Nrg1 HET mice also display idiosyncratic responses to the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). To gain traction on the molecular pathways disrupted by Nrg1 hypomorphism and Nrg1-cannabinoid interactions we conducted a proteomic study. Adolescent wildtype (WT) and Nrg1 HET mice were exposed to repeated injections of vehicle or THC and their hippocampi were submitted to 2D gel proteomics. Comparison of WT and Nrg1 HET mice identified proteins linked to molecular changes in schizophrenia that have not been previously associated with Nrg1. These proteins are involved in vesicular release of neurotransmitters such as SNARE proteins; enzymes impacting serotonergic neurotransmission, and proteins affecting growth factor expression. Nrg1 HET mice treated with THC expressed a distinct protein expression signature compared to WT mice. Replicating prior findings, THC caused proteomic changes in WT mice suggestive of greater oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. We have previously observed that THC selectively increased hippocampal NMDA receptor binding of adolescent Nrg1 HET mice. Here we observed outcomes consistent with heightened NMDA-mediated glutamatergic neurotransmission. This included differential expression of proteins involved in NMDA receptor trafficking to the synaptic membrane; lipid raft stabilization of synaptic NMDA receptors; and homeostatic responses to dampen excitotoxicity. These findings uncover novel proteins altered in response to Nrg1 hypomorphism and Nrg1-cannabinoid interactions that improves our molecular understanding of Nrg1 signaling and Nrg1-mediated genetic vulnerability to the neurobehavioral effects of cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarrah R Spencer
- Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Karl T, Arnold JC. What does a mouse tell us about neuregulin 1-cannabis interactions? Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:18. [PMID: 23447438 PMCID: PMC3581817 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The link between cannabis and psychosis has been debated although there is substantial epidemiological evidence showing that cannabis increases the risk of psychosis. It has been hypothesized that schizophrenia patients carrying particular risk genes might be more sensitive to the psychosis-inducing effects of cannabis than other patients and healthy test subjects. Here we review the effects of cannabinoids on a mutant mouse model for the schizophrenia candidate gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1). The studies suggest a complex interaction between cannabis and Nrg1: the neuro-behavioral effects of cannabinoids were different in Nrg1 mutant and control mice and depended on exposure time, sex, and age of test animals. This research provides the first evidence of complex cannabis-Nrg1 interactions suggesting Nrg1 as a prime target for future clinical investigations. Furthermore, it highlights that animal model research can broaden our understanding of the complex multi-factorial etiology of schizophrenia. Finally, the findings are important to preventive psychiatry: if the genes that confer genetic vulnerability to cannabis-induced psychosis were identified patients at-high risk could be forewarned of the potential dangers of cannabis abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia Randwick, NSW, Australia ; Schizophrenia Research Institute Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia ; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales NSW, Australia
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