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Hoisington ZW, Salvi A, Laguesse S, Ehinger Y, Shukla C, Phamluong K, Ron D. The Small G-Protein Rac1 in the Dorsomedial Striatum Promotes Alcohol-Dependent Structural Plasticity and Goal-Directed Learning in Mice. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1644232024. [PMID: 38886056 PMCID: PMC11255432 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1644-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The small G-protein Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) promotes the formation of filamentous actin (F-actin). Actin is a major component of dendritic spines, and we previously found that alcohol alters actin composition and dendritic spine structure in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). To examine if Rac1 contributes to these alcohol-mediated adaptations, we measured the level of GTP-bound active Rac1 in the striatum of mice following 7 weeks of intermittent access to 20% alcohol. We found that chronic alcohol intake activates Rac1 in the DMS of male mice. In contrast, Rac1 is not activated by alcohol in the NAc and DLS of male mice or in the DMS of female mice. Similarly, closely related small G-proteins are not activated by alcohol in the DMS, and Rac1 activity is not increased in the DMS by moderate alcohol or natural reward. To determine the consequences of alcohol-dependent Rac1 activation in the DMS of male mice, we inhibited endogenous Rac1 by infecting the DMS of mice with an adeno-associated virus (AAV) expressing a dominant negative form of the small G-protein (Rac1-DN). We found that overexpression of AAV-Rac1-DN in the DMS inhibits alcohol-mediated Rac1 signaling and attenuates alcohol-mediated F-actin polymerization, which corresponded with a decrease in dendritic arborization and spine maturation. Finally, we provide evidence to suggest that Rac1 in the DMS plays a role in alcohol-associated goal-directed learning. Together, our data suggest that Rac1 in the DMS plays an important role in alcohol-dependent structural plasticity and aberrant learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary W Hoisington
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
| | - Alexandra Salvi
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
| | - Sophie Laguesse
- GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, Liège 4000, Belgium
| | - Yann Ehinger
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
| | - Chhavi Shukla
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
| | - Khanhky Phamluong
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
| | - Dorit Ron
- Alcohol and Addiction Research Group, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94107
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Travaglianti S, Alotaibi A, Wong W, Abou-Gharbia M, Childers W, Sari Y. Effects of novel GLT-1 modulator, MC-100093, on neuroinflammatory and neurotrophic biomarkers in mesocorticolimbic brain regions of male alcohol preferring rats exposed chronically to ethanol. Brain Res Bull 2024; 211:110935. [PMID: 38570076 PMCID: PMC11056292 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol consumption can lead to increased extracellular glutamate concentrations in key reward brain regions, such as medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), and consequently leading to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Previous studies from our lab tested β-lactam antibiotics and novel beta-lactam non-antibiotic, MC-100093, and showed these β-lactam upregulated the major astrocytic glutamate transporter, GLT-1, and consequently reduced ethanol intake and normalized glutamate homeostasis. This present study tested the effects of novel synthetic β-lactam non-antibiotic drug, MC-100093, in chronic ethanol intake and neuroinflammatory and trophic factors in subregions of the NAc (NAc core and shell) and mPFC (Prelimbic, PL; and Infralimbic, IL) of male P rats. MC-100093 treatment reduced ethanol intake after 5-week drinking regimen. Importantly, MC-100093 attenuated ethanol-induced downregulation of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in these brain regions. In addition, MC-100093 attenuated ethanol-induced upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and HMGB1 in all these brain regions. Furthermore, MC-100093 treatment attenuated ethanol-induced increase in RAGE in these brain regions. MC-100093 prevented neuroinflammation caused by ethanol intake as well as increased neurotrophic factor in mesocorticolimbic brain regions. MC-100093 treatment reduced ethanol intake and this behavioral effect was associated with attenuation of reduced trophic factors and increased pro-inflammatory factors. MC-100093 is considered a small molecule that may have potential therapeutic effects for the treatment of the effects of chronic exposure to ethanol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Travaglianti
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ahmed Alotaibi
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Woonyen Wong
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Magid Abou-Gharbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Wayne Childers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
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Medeiros D, Ayala-Baylon K, Egido-Betancourt H, Miller E, Chapleau C, Robinson H, Phillips ML, Yang T, Longo FM, Li W, Pozzo-Miller L. A small-molecule TrkB ligand improves dendritic spine phenotypes and atypical behaviors in female Rett syndrome mice. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050612. [PMID: 38785269 PMCID: PMC11139040 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, which encodes methyl-CpG-binding protein 2, a transcriptional regulator of many genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF levels are lower in multiple brain regions of Mecp2-deficient mice, and experimentally increasing BDNF levels improve atypical phenotypes in Mecp2 mutant mice. Due to the low blood-brain barrier permeability of BDNF itself, we tested the effects of LM22A-4, a brain-penetrant, small-molecule ligand of the BDNF receptor TrkB (encoded by Ntrk2), on dendritic spine density and form in hippocampal pyramidal neurons and on behavioral phenotypes in female Mecp2 heterozygous (HET) mice. A 4-week systemic treatment of Mecp2 HET mice with LM22A-4 restored spine volume in MeCP2-expressing neurons to wild-type (WT) levels, whereas spine volume in MeCP2-lacking neurons remained comparable to that in neurons from female WT mice. Female Mecp2 HET mice engaged in aggressive behaviors more than WT mice, the levels of which were reduced to WT levels by the 4-week LM22A-4 treatment. These data provide additional support to the potential usefulness of novel therapies not only for RTT but also to other BDNF-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destynie Medeiros
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Karen Ayala-Baylon
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hailey Egido-Betancourt
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Eric Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Christopher Chapleau
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Holly Robinson
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mary L. Phillips
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Frank M. Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Hoisington ZW, Salvi A, Laguesse S, Ehinger Y, Shukla C, Phamluong K, Ron D. The small G-protein Rac1 in the dorsomedial striatum promotes alcohol-dependent structural plasticity and goal-directed learning in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.08.30.555562. [PMID: 37693512 PMCID: PMC10491244 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.30.555562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The small G-protein Rac1 promotes the formation of filamentous actin (F-Actin). Actin is a major component of dendritic spines, and we previously found that alcohol alters actin composition and dendritic spine structure in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). To examine if Rac1 contributes to these alcohol-mediated adaptations, we measured the level of GTP-bound active Rac1 in the striatum of mice following 7 weeks of intermittent access to 20% alcohol. We found that chronic alcohol intake activates Rac1 in the DMS of male mice. In contrast, Rac1 is not activated by alcohol in the NAc and DLS of male mice, or in the DMS of female mice. Similarly, closely related small G-proteins are not activated by alcohol in the DMS, and Rac1 activity is not increased in the DMS by moderate alcohol or natural reward. To determine the consequences of alcohol-dependent Rac1 activation in the DMS of male mice, we inhibited endogenous Rac1 by infecting the DMS of mice with an AAV expressing a dominant negative form of the small G-protein (Rac1-DN). We found that overexpression of AAV-Rac1-DN in the DMS inhibits alcohol-mediated Rac1 signaling and attenuates alcohol-mediated F-actin polymerization, which corresponded with a decrease in dendritic arborization and spine maturation. Finally, we provide evidence to suggest that Rac1 in the DMS plays a role in alcohol-associated goal-directed learning. Together, our data suggest that Rac1 in the DMS plays an important role in alcohol-dependent structural plasticity and aberrant learning. Significance Statement Addiction, including alcohol use disorder, is characterized by molecular and cellular adaptations that promote maladaptive behaviors. We found that Rac1 was activated by alcohol in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) of male mice. We show that alcohol-mediated Rac1 signaling is responsible for alterations in actin dynamics and neuronal morphology. We also present data to suggest that Rac1 is important for alcohol-associated learning processes. These results suggest that Rac1 in the DMS is an important contributor to adaptations that promote alcohol use disorder.
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Khalifa FN, Hussein RF, Mekawy DM, Elwi HM, Alsaeed SA, Elnawawy Y, Shaheen SH. Potential role of the lncRNA "HOTAIR"/miRNA "206"/BDNF network in the alteration in expression of synaptic plasticity gene arc and BDNF level in sera of patients with heroin use disorder through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway compared to the controls. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:293. [PMID: 38334898 PMCID: PMC10858136 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heroin use disorder (HUD) is a seriously increasing health issue, accounting for most deaths among drug abusers. Studying non-coding ribonucleic acid gene expression among drug abusers is a promising approach, as it may be used in diagnosis and therapeutics. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS A total of 49 male heroin-dependent patients and 49 male control participants were recruited from Kasr Al Ainy Psychiatry and Addiction outpatient clinics, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University. Sera were gathered. qRT-PCR was utilized for the detection of gene expression of non-coding RNAs such as "HOX transcript antisense RNA" (HOTAIR), micro-RNA (miRNA-206), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), and Activity Regulated Cytoskeleton Associated Protein (Arc). Sera Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels were assessed using ELISA. Using a western blot made it possible to determine the protein expression of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR. RESULTS The study demonstrated that gene expressions of HOTAIR, AKT, PI3K, and Arc were considerably lowered between cases and controls, while gene expressions of miR-206 and mTOR1 were significantly raised. PI3K and AKT protein expressions were downregulated, while mTOR expressions were upregulated. BDNF levels were significantly decreased in some cases. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that decreased HOTAIR in HUD relieves miR-206 inhibition, which thus increases and affects downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR, ARC, and BDNF expression. This may be shared in addictive and relapsing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Nada Khalifa
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Riham F Hussein
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Dina M Mekawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Heba M Elwi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Shimaa Ahmed Alsaeed
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Yassmin Elnawawy
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Somaya H Shaheen
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Alainy Street, Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Xiao J. Thirty years of BDNF study in central myelination: From biology to therapy. J Neurochem 2023; 167:321-336. [PMID: 37747083 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Being the highest expressed neurotrophin in the mammalian brain, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to neural development and plasticity in both health and diseases. Following the discovery of BDNF by Yves-Alain Barde in 1982, the main feature of BDNF's activity in myelination was first described by Cellerino et al. in 1997. Since then, genetic manipulation of the BDNF-encoding gene and its receptors in murine models has revealed the contribution of BDNF to the myelinating process in the central nervous system (CNS). The series of BDNF or receptor mouse mutants as well as the BDNF polymorphism in humans have provided new insights into the roles that BDNF signaling plays in myelination in a complex manner. 2024 marks the 30th year of BDNF's research in myelination. Here, we share our perspective on the 30-year history of BDNF in the field of CNS myelination from phenotyping to therapeutic development, focusing on genetic evidence regarding the mechanism by which BDNF regulates myelin formation and repair in the CNS. This review also discusses the current hypotheses of BDNF's action on CNS myelination: axonal- and oligodendroglial-driven mechanisms, which may be ultimately activity-dependent. Last, this review raises the challenges and opportunities of developing BDNF-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, opening unanswered questions for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Xiao
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
- School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Benzerouk F, Gierski F, Lannoy S, Barrière S, Schmid F, Papillon CA, Houchi H, DeWever E, Quaglino V, Naassila M, Kaladjian A. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism moderates the relationship between impulsivity, negative emotions, and binge drinking intensity in university students. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:505-511. [PMID: 37334438 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on the genetic factors involved in binge drinking (BD) and its associated traits are very rare. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate differences in the association between impulsivity, emotion regulation and BD in a sample of young adults according to the rs6265/Val66Met variant in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, a well-known candidate gene in alcohol use disorders. We recruited 226 university students (112 women), aged between 18 and 25 years old, from two centers in France. The participants completed measures related to alcohol consumption, depression severity, state anxiety levels, impulsivity (UPPS-P), and difficulties in emotion regulation [Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)]. The relationship between the BD score and the clinical characteristics in the BDNF genotype groups was assessed by partial correlation analyses and moderation analyses. The partial correlation analyses showed that, in the Val/Val genotype group, the BD score was positively related to UPPS-P Lack of Premeditation and Sensation Seeking scores. In the Met carriers group, the BD score was positively related to UPPS-P Positive Urgency, lack of Premeditation, lack of Perseverance and Sensation Seeking scores and to Clarity score of the DERS. Moreover, the BD score was positively associated with depression severity and state anxiety scores. The moderation analyses revealed that BDNF Val/Met genotype moderated the relationship between several clinical variables and BD. The results of the present study support the hypothesis of common and specific vulnerability factors regarding impulsivity and emotion regulation difficulties associated with BD according to this BDNF rs6265 polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Benzerouk
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France; Cognition Health Society Laboratory (C2S-EA 6e291), 51100 Reims, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Marne Public Mental Health Institution & Reims University Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
- Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Paris, France
- Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences, INSERM UMRS 1247, University of Picardy Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Fabien Gierski
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France; Cognition Health Society Laboratory (C2S-EA 6e291), 51100 Reims, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Marne Public Mental Health Institution & Reims University Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
- Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Paris, France
- Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences, INSERM UMRS 1247, University of Picardy Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Séverine Lannoy
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298-0126, United States
| | - Sarah Barrière
- Department of Psychiatry, Marne Public Mental Health Institution & Reims University Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
| | - Franca Schmid
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France; Cognition Health Society Laboratory (C2S-EA 6e291), 51100 Reims, France
| | - Charles-Antoine Papillon
- Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences, INSERM UMRS 1247, University of Picardy Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Hakim Houchi
- Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences, INSERM UMRS 1247, University of Picardy Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Elodie DeWever
- CRP-CPO Laboratory (EA7273), Jules Verne Picardie University, 80025 Amiens, France
| | - Véronique Quaglino
- CRP-CPO Laboratory (EA7273), Jules Verne Picardie University, 80025 Amiens, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Paris, France
- Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences, INSERM UMRS 1247, University of Picardy Jules Verne, 80054 Amiens, France
| | - Arthur Kaladjian
- University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne, 51100 Reims, France; Cognition Health Society Laboratory (C2S-EA 6e291), 51100 Reims, France
- Department of Psychiatry, Marne Public Mental Health Institution & Reims University Hospital, 51100 Reims, France
- Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Paris, France
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Ateaque S, Merkouris S, Barde YA. Neurotrophin signalling in the human nervous system. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1225373. [PMID: 37470055 PMCID: PMC10352796 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1225373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on neurotrophins and their tyrosine kinase receptors, with an emphasis on their relevance to the function and dysfunction in the human nervous system. It also deals with measurements of BDNF levels and highlights recent findings from our laboratory on TrkB and TrkC signalling in human neurons. These include ligand selectivity and Trk activation by neurotrophins and non-neurotrophin ligands. The ligand-induced down-regulation and re-activation of Trk receptors is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ateaque
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Spyros Merkouris
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Yves-Alain Barde
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Jaehne EJ, McInerney E, Sharma R, Genders SG, Djouma E, van den Buuse M. A Rat Model of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism Shows Attenuated Motivation for Alcohol Self-Administration and Diminished Propensity for Cue-Induced Relapse in Females. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:799. [PMID: 37372084 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in alcohol use disorder. The Val66Met polymorphism is a common variant of the BDNF gene (rs6265) which reduces activity-dependent BDNF release, and has been suggested as a risk factor for psychiatric disorders and substance use. Using an operant self-administration paradigm, this study aimed to investigate ethanol preference and ethanol seeking in a novel rat model of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, Val68Met rats. Male and female BDNF Val68Met rats of three genotypes (Val/Val, Val/Met and Met/Met) were trained to lever press for a 10% ethanol solution. There was no effect of Val68Met genotype on acquisition of stable response to ethanol or its extinction. Met/Met rats of both sexes had a slight, but significantly lower breakpoint during progressive ratio sessions while female rats with the Met/Met genotype demonstrated a lower propensity for reinstatement of responding to cues. There were no effects of Val68Met genotype on anxiety-like behaviour or locomotor activity. In conclusion, Met/Met rats showed lower motivation to continue to press for a reward, and also a decreased propensity to relapse, suggesting a possible protective effect of the Met/Met genotype against alcohol use disorder, at least in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Jaehne
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Elizabeth McInerney
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Ronan Sharma
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Shannyn G Genders
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Elvan Djouma
- Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- Department of Psychology, Counselling and Therapy, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3052, Australia
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Buhusi M, Griffin D, Buhusi CV. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met Genotype Modulates Latent Inhibition: Relevance for Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:626-634. [PMID: 36484490 PMCID: PMC10154718 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Latent inhibition (LI) is a measure of selective attention and learning relevant to Schizophrenia (SZ), with 2 abnormality poles: Disrupted LI in acute SZ, thought to underlie positive symptoms, and persistent LI (PLI) in schizotypy and chronic SZ under conditions where normal participants fail to show LI. We hypothesized that Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)-Met genotype shifts LI toward the PLI pole. STUDY DESIGN We investigated the role of BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism and neural activation in regions involved in LI in mice, and the interaction between the BDNF and CHL1, a gene associated with SZ. STUDY RESULTS No LI differences occurred between BDNF-wild-type (WT) (Val/Val) and knock-in (KI) (Met/Met) mice after weak conditioning. Chronic stress or stronger conditioning disrupted LI in WT but not KI mice. Behavior correlated with activation in infralimbic and orbitofrontal cortices, and nucleus accumbens. Examination of LI in CHL1-KO mice revealed no LI with no Met alleles (BDNF-WTs), PLI in CHL1-WT mice with 1 Met allele (BDNF-HETs), and PLI in both CHL1-WTs and CHL1-KOs with 2 Met alleles (BDNF-KIs), suggesting a shift to LI persistence with the number of BDNF-Met alleles in the CHL1 model of acute SZ. CONCLUSIONS Results support a role for BDNF polymorphisms in gene-gene and gene-environment interactions relevant to SZ. BDNF-Met allele may reduce expression of some acute SZ symptoms, and may increase expression of negative symptoms in individuals with chronic SZ. Evaluation of (screening for) SZ phenotypes associated with mutations at a particular locus (eg, CHL1), may be masked by strong effects at different loci (eg, BDNF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Buhusi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Department Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Daniel Griffin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Department Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Catalin V Buhusi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Department Psychology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
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11
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Peregud DI, Baronets VY, Terebilina NN, Gulyaeva NV. Role of BDNF in Neuroplasticity Associated with Alcohol Dependence. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2023; 88:404-416. [PMID: 37076286 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297923030094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Chronic alcohol consumption is characterized by disturbances of neuroplasticity. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is believed to be critically involved in this process. Here we aimed to review actual experimental and clinical data related to BDNF participation in neuroplasticity in the context of alcohol dependence. As has been shown in experiments with rodents, alcohol consumption is accompanied by the brain region-specific changes of BDNF expression and by structural and behavioral impairments. BDNF reverses aberrant neuroplasticity observed during alcohol intoxication. According to the clinical data parameters associated with BDNF demonstrate close correlation with neuroplastic changes accompanying alcohol dependence. In particular, the rs6265 polymorphism within the BDNF gene is associated with macrostructural changes in the brain, while peripheral BDNF concentration may be associated with anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Thus, BDNF is involved in the mechanisms of alcohol-induced changes of neuroplasticity, and polymorphisms within the BDNF gene and peripheral BDNF concentration may serve as biomarkers, diagnostic or prognostic factors in treatment of alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danil I Peregud
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Drug Addiction" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119002, Russia.
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
| | - Valeria Yu Baronets
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Drug Addiction" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119002, Russia
| | - Natalia N Terebilina
- Federal State Budgetary Institution "V. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Drug Addiction" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119002, Russia
| | - Natalia V Gulyaeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117485, Russia
- Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry of Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, 115419, Russia
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Moffat JJ, Sakhai SA, Hoisington ZW, Ehinger Y, Ron D. The BDNF Val68Met polymorphism causes a sex specific alcohol preference over social interaction and also acute tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of alcohol, a phenotype driven by malfunction of BDNF in the ventral hippocampus of male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:303-317. [PMID: 36622381 PMCID: PMC9879818 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Valine 66 to Methionine human polymorphism results in impaired activity-dependent BDNF release and has been linked to psychiatric disorders including depression and anxiety. We previously showed that male knock-in mice carrying the mouse Methionine homolog (Met68BDNF) exhibit excessive and compulsive alcohol drinking behaviors as compared to the wild-type Val68BDNF mice. OBJECTIVE Here, we set out to determine the potential mechanism for the heightened and compulsive alcohol drinking phenotypes detected in Met68BDNF mice. RESULTS We found that male, but not female Met68BDNF mice exhibit social anxiety-like behaviors. We further show that male Met68BDNF mice exhibit a preference for alcohol over social interaction. In contrast, alcohol place preference without an alternative social reward, is similar in male Met68BDNF and Val68BDNF mice. Since the Met68BDNF mice show social anxiety phenotypes, we tested whether alcohol reliefs anxiety similarly in Met68BDNF and Val68BDNF mice and found that male, but not female Met68BDNF mice are insensitive to the acute anxiolytic action of alcohol. Finally, we show that this acute tolerance to alcohol-dependent anxiolysis can be restored by overexpressing wild-type Val68BDNF in the ventral hippocampus (vHC) of Met68BDNF mice. CONCLUSIONS Together, our results suggest that excessive alcohol drinking in the Met68BDNF may be attributed, in part, to heighted social anxiety and a lack of alcohol-dependent anxiolysis, a phenotype that is associated with malfunction of BDNF signaling in the vHC of male Met68BDNF mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Moffat
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0663, USA
| | - Samuel A Sakhai
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0663, USA
| | - Zachary W Hoisington
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0663, USA
| | - Yann Ehinger
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0663, USA
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, BOX 0663, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0663, USA.
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13
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Lu X, Liu H, Cai Z, Hu Z, Ye M, Gu Y, Wang Y, Wang D, Lu Q, Shen Z, Shen X, Huang C. ERK1/2-dependent BDNF synthesis and signaling is required for the antidepressant effect of microglia stimulation. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 106:147-160. [PMID: 35995236 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressed mice have lower numbers of microglia in the dentate gyrus (DG). Reversal of this decline by a single low dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may have antidepressant effects, but there is little information on the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. It is known that impairment of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling is involved in the development of depression. Here, we used a combination of neutralizing antibodies, mutant mice, and pharmacological approaches to test the role of BDNF-tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling in the DG in the effect of microglial stimulation. Our results suggest that inhibition of BDNF signaling by infusion of an anti-BDNF antibody, the BDNF receptor antagonist K252a, or knock-in of the mutant BDNF Val68Met allele abolished the antidepressant effect of LPS in chronically stressed mice. Increased BDNF synthesis in DG, mediated by extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling but not protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, was essential for the antidepressant effect of microglial stimulation. These results suggest that increased BDNF synthesis through activation of ERK1/2 caused by a single LPS injection and subsequent TrkB signaling are required for the antidepressant effect of hippocampal microglial stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Yancheng First Hospital, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, #66 Renmin South Road, Yancheng 224006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zixuan Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhichao Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Minxiu Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Gu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nantong Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, #60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxia Shen
- Department of Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, #2088 Tiaoxi East Road, Huzhou 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinhua Shen
- Department of Psychosomatic and Psychiatric Diseases, Huzhou Third Municipal Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, #2088 Tiaoxi East Road, Huzhou 313000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Nordvall G, Forsell P, Sandin J. Neurotrophin-targeted therapeutics: A gateway to cognition and more? Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103318. [PMID: 35850433 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), are small proteins expressed in the brain and peripheral tissues, which regulate several key aspects of neuronal function, including neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection, but also programmed cell death. This broad range of effects is a result of a complex downstream signaling pathway, with differential spatial and temporal activation patterns further diversifying their physiological effects. Alterations in neurotrophin levels, or known polymorphisms in neurotrophin genes, have been linked to a variety of disorders, including depression and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Historically, their therapeutic potential in these disorders has been hampered by the lack of suitable tool molecules for clinical studies. However, recent advancements have led to the development of new therapeutic candidates, which are now in clinical testing.
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Katner SN, Sentir AM, Steagall KB, Ding ZM, Wetherill L, Hopf FW, Engleman EA. Modeling Aversion Resistant Alcohol Intake in Indiana Alcohol-Preferring (P) Rats. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081042. [PMID: 36009105 PMCID: PMC9406111 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With the substantial social and medical burden of addiction, there is considerable interest in understanding risk factors that increase the development of addiction. A key feature of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is compulsive alcohol (EtOH) drinking, where EtOH drinking becomes “inflexible” after chronic intake, and animals, such as humans with AUD, continue drinking despite aversive consequences. Further, since there is a heritable component to AUD risk, some work has focused on genetically-selected, EtOH-preferring rodents, which could help uncover critical mechanisms driving pathological intake. In this regard, aversion-resistant drinking (ARD) takes >1 month to develop in outbred Wistar rats (and perhaps Sardinian-P EtOH-preferring rats). However, ARD has received limited study in Indiana P-rats, which were selected for high EtOH preference and exhibit factors that could parallel human AUD (including front-loading and impulsivity). Here, we show that P-rats rapidly developed compulsion-like responses for EtOH; 0.4 g/L quinine in EtOH significantly reduced female and male intake on the first day of exposure but had no effect after one week of EtOH drinking (15% EtOH, 24 h free-choice paradigm). Further, after 4−5 weeks of EtOH drinking, males but not females showed resistance to even higher quinine (0.5 g/L). Thus, P-rats rapidly developed ARD for EtOH, but only males developed even stronger ARD with further intake. Finally, rats strongly reduced intake of quinine-adulterated water after 1 or 5 weeks of EtOH drinking, suggesting no changes in basic quinine sensitivity. Thus, modeling ARD in P-rats may provide insight into mechanisms underlying genetic predispositions for compulsive drinking and lead to new treatments for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N. Katner
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Alena M. Sentir
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kevin B. Steagall
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Zheng-Ming Ding
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine and Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Frederic W. Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Eric A. Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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16
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Novel biological insights into the common heritable liability to substance involvement: a multivariate genome-wide association study. Biol Psychiatry 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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17
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Latomme J, Calders P, Van Waelvelde H, Mariën T, De Craemer M. The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in the Relation between Physical Activity and Executive Functioning in Children. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9050596. [PMID: 35626772 PMCID: PMC9139511 DOI: 10.3390/children9050596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can improve children’s executive functioning (EF), which might be caused by increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This study investigated whether acute and/or chronic PA leads to increased BDNF levels and enhanced EF in children. Methods: In total, 47 children (mean age 9.69 ± 0.60; 46.8% boys) participated. Children performed a maximal exercise test to measure acute PA. Before and after, BDNF was collected and EF was measured. Chronic PA was proxy-reported. Repeated Measures ANOVAs were performed to study the effect of acute PA on BDNF and EF. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediation effect of BDNF on the association between chronic PA and BDNF. Results: A borderline significant effect of acute PA on BDNF was found (F = 3.32, p = 0.075) with an increase in BDNF (+29.58 pg/mL) after acute PA. A significant effect was found for performance on inhibition tasks (Flanker (accuracy +5.67%, p = 0.034) and Go/No-Go (+0.15%, p = 0.022)). No effect of acute PA was found on the EF outcomes. No significant correlation between chronic PA and EFs nor BDNF was found. Conclusions: Acute PA might increase BDNF and improve some EFs (i.e., inhibition) in children. Chronic PA was not associated with EF nor BDNF. Trial Registration Number: NCT02503579.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Latomme
- Department of Movement and Sports Sciences, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +329-264-6299
| | - Patrick Calders
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Hilde Van Waelvelde
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Tineke Mariën
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Marieke De Craemer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (P.C.); (H.V.W.); (T.M.); (M.D.C.)
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18
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Dremencov E, Jezova D, Barak S, Gaburjakova J, Gaburjakova M, Kutna V, Ovsepian SV. Trophic factors as potential therapies for treatment of major mental disorders. Neurosci Lett 2021; 764:136194. [PMID: 34433100 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding major advances in psychotherapeutics, their efficacy and specificity remain limited. The slow onset of beneficial outcomes and numerous adverse effects of widely used medications remain of chief concern, warranting in-depth studies. The majority of frontline therapies are thought to enhance the endogenous monoaminergic drive, to initiate a cascade of molecular events leading to lasting functional and structural plasticity. They also involve alterations in trophic factor signalling, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), VGF (non-acronymic), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and others. In several major mental disorders, emerging data suggest protective and restorative effects of trophic factors in preclinical models, when applied on their own. Antidepressant outcomes of VGF and FGF2, for instance, were shown in experimental animals, while BDNF and GDNF prove useful in the treatment of addiction, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders. The main challenge with the effective translation of these and other findings in the clinic is the knowledge gap in action mechanisms with potential risks, as well as the lack of effective platforms for validation under clinical settings. Herein, we review the state-of-the-art and advances in the therapeutic use of trophic factors in several major neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliyahu Dremencov
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Segev Barak
- School of Psychological Sciences and the Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jana Gaburjakova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marta Gaburjakova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Center of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Kutna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Topolová 748, 250 67 Klecany, Czech Republic
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Egervari G, Siciliano CA, Whiteley EL, Ron D. Alcohol and the brain: from genes to circuits. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:1004-1015. [PMID: 34702580 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use produces wide-ranging and diverse effects on the central nervous system. It influences intracellular signaling mechanisms, leading to changes in gene expression, chromatin remodeling, and translation. As a result of these molecular alterations, alcohol affects the activity of neuronal circuits. Together, these mechanisms produce long-lasting cellular adaptations in the brain that in turn can drive the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). We provide an update on alcohol research, focusing on multiple levels of alcohol-induced adaptations, from intracellular changes to changes in neural circuits. A better understanding of how alcohol affects these diverse and interlinked mechanisms may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and to the development of much-needed novel and efficacious treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Egervari
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Cody A Siciliano
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Addiction Research, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
| | - Ellanor L Whiteley
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Mo M, Fu XY, Zhang XL, Zhang SC, Zhang HQ, Wu L, Li JL, Zhou L. Association of Plasma Pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (proBDNF)/Mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (mBDNF) Levels with BDNF Gene Val66Met Polymorphism in Alcohol Dependence. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e930421. [PMID: 34415897 PMCID: PMC8406813 DOI: 10.12659/msm.930421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previous study, we reported that pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF) was involved in the pathology of alcohol dependence, and the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Val66Met was located at the prodomain of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF). This polymorphism has been reported to affect intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF. Our present research investigated the relationships between the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in patients with alcohol dependence. MATERIAL AND METHODS The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped in 59 alcohol-dependent patients and 37 age- and sex-matched controls, and the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all participants. RESULTS No association was found between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and alcohol dependence (P>0.05). In comparison with the control group, the level of plasma proBDNF in the alcohol-dependence group was notably increased (Z=-2.228, P=0.026), while the level of mBDNF was remarkedly decreased (Z=-2.014, P=0.044). In the alcohol-dependence group, significant associations were not found between the Val66Met polymorphisms and proBDNF and mBDNF plasma levels (P>0.05). The plasma level of proBDNF was positively correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month (r=0.344, P=0.008) and drinking history (r=0.317, P=0.014), while the plasma level of mBDNF had negative effects (r=-0.361, P=0.005, with the average daily alcohol consumption; r=-0.427, P=0.001, with drinking history). CONCLUSIONS The BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism does not appear to affect the secretion of proBDNF and mBDNF in Chinese patients with alcohol dependence. Furthermore, this study reconfirmed that the plasma levels of proBDNF and mBDNF were correlated with the average daily alcohol consumption in the last month and with drinking history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Mo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Xi-Yue Fu
- School of Basic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Xu-Lan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Shao-Chuan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Hai-Qing Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Jia-Lei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China (mainland)
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Ehinger Y, Zhang Z, Phamluong K, Soneja D, Shokat KM, Ron D. Brain-specific inhibition of mTORC1 eliminates side effects resulting from mTORC1 blockade in the periphery and reduces alcohol intake in mice. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4407. [PMID: 34315870 PMCID: PMC8316332 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24567-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) affects a large portion of the population. Unfortunately, efficacious medications to treat the disease are limited. Studies in rodents suggest that mTORC1 plays a crucial role in mechanisms underlying phenotypes such as heavy alcohol intake, habit, and relapse. Thus, mTORC1 inhibitors, which are used in the clinic, are promising therapeutic agents to treat AUD. However, chronic inhibition of mTORC1 in the periphery produces undesirable side effects, which limit their potential use for the treatment of AUD. To overcome these limitations, we designed a binary drug strategy in which male mice were treated with the mTORC1 inhibitor RapaLink-1 together with a small molecule (RapaBlock) to protect mTORC1 activity in the periphery. We show that whereas RapaLink-1 administration blocked mTORC1 activation in the liver, RapaBlock abolished the inhibitory action of Rapalink-1. RapaBlock also prevented the adverse side effects produced by chronic inhibition of mTORC1. Importantly, co-administration of RapaLink-1 and RapaBlock inhibited alcohol-dependent mTORC1 activation in the nucleus accumbens and attenuated alcohol seeking and drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Ehinger
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ziyang Zhang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Khanhky Phamluong
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Drishti Soneja
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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22
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Siomek-Gorecka A, Dlugosz A, Czarnecki D. The Molecular Basis of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Genetics, Epigenetics, and Nutrition in AUD: An Amazing Triangle. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084262. [PMID: 33924016 PMCID: PMC8072802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a very common and complex disease, as alcohol is the most widely used addictive drug in the world. This disorder has an enormous impact on public health and social and private life, and it generates a huge number of social costs. Alcohol use stimulates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responses and is the cause of many physical and social problems (especially liver disease and cancer), accidental injury, and risky sexual behavior. For years, researchers have been trying to identify the genetic basis of alcohol use disorder, the molecular mechanisms responsible for its development, and an effective form of therapy. Genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to the development of AUD, and the expression of genes is a complicated process that depends on epigenetic modulations. Dietary nutrients, such as vitamins, may serve as one these modulators, as they have a direct impact on epigenomes. In this review, we connect gathered knowledge from three emerging fields-genetics, epigenetics, and nutrition-to form an amazing triangle relating to alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Siomek-Gorecka
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-095 Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-52-585-37-48
| | - Anna Dlugosz
- Department of Engineering and Chemical and Food Analytics, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, UTP University of Science and Technology, 85-326 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Damian Czarnecki
- Department of Preventive Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, L. Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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Ehinger Y, Phamluong K, Darevesky D, Welman M, Moffat JJ, Sakhai SA, Whiteley EL, Berger AL, Laguesse S, Farokhnia M, Leggio L, Lordkipanidzé M, Ron D. Differential correlation of serum BDNF and microRNA content in rats with rapid or late onset of heavy alcohol use. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12890. [PMID: 32135570 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Heavy alcohol use reduces the levels of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex of rodents through the upregulation of microRNAs (miRs) targeting BDNF mRNA. In humans, an inverse correlation exists between circulating blood levels of BDNF and the severity of psychiatric disorders including alcohol abuse. Here, we set out to determine whether a history of heavy alcohol use produces comparable alterations in the blood of rats. We used an intermittent access to 20% alcohol using the two-bottle choice paradigm (IA20%2BC) and measured circulating levels of BDNF protein and miRs targeting BDNF in the serum of Long-Evans rats before and after 8 weeks of excessive alcohol intake. We observed that the drinking profile of heavy alcohol users is not unified, whereas 70% of the rats gradually escalate their alcohol intake (late onset), and 30% of alcohol users exhibit a very rapid onset of drinking (rapid onset). We found that serum BDNF levels are negatively correlated with alcohol intake in both rapid onset and late onset rats. In contrast, increased expression of the miRs targeting BDNF, miR30a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR191-5p and miR206-3p, was detected only in the rapid onset rats. Finally, we report that the alcohol-dependent molecular changes are not due to alterations in platelet number. Together, these data suggest that rats exhibit both late and rapid onset of alcohol intake. We further show that heavy alcohol use produces comparable changes in BDNF protein levels in both groups. However, circulating microRNAs are responsive to alcohol only in the rapid onset rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Ehinger
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Khanhky Phamluong
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - David Darevesky
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Melanie Welman
- Research Center Montreal Heart Institute Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Jeffrey J. Moffat
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Samuel A. Sakhai
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Ellanor L. Whiteley
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Anthony L. Berger
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Sophie Laguesse
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program Baltimore Maryland
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program Baltimore Maryland
- Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program National Institutes of Health Baltimore Maryland
- Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences Brown University Providence Rhode Island
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research National Institutes of Health Bethesda Maryland
| | - Marie Lordkipanidzé
- Research Center Montreal Heart Institute Montreal Quebec Canada
- Faculty of Pharmacy University of Montreal Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology University of California, San Francisco San Francisco California
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24
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Alcohol. Alcohol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816793-9.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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25
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Brain-Derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met induces female-specific changes in impulsive behaviour and alcohol self-administration in mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113090. [PMID: 33358916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorders are a debilitating neuropsychiatric condition, however it remains unclear why some individuals are at greater risk of substance use disorders than others and what genetic factors determine such individual differences. Impulsivity appears a promising candidate endophenotype to bridge the gap between genetic risk and addiction. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and in particular the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism, has been suggested to be involved in both impulsivity and substance use disorders, however results so far have been inconsistent. To investigate the role of BDNF, and more specifically the BDNFVal66Met polymorphism, in both impulsivity and operant alcohol self-administration using the same animal model. Separate cohorts of humanized Val66Met transgenic mice were assessed for either trait impulsivity in the 5-choice serial reaction time (5-CSRT) touchscreen task, or propensity towards obtaining ethanol in an operant paradigm. It was found that female hBDNFVal/Val mice exhibited both greater impulsivity compared to hBDNFMet/Met mice of the same sex as shown by a higher number of premature responses at one of three increased inter-trial intervals tested in the 5-CSRT task, and a greater propensity toward stable ethanol self-administration relative to male mice of the same genotype in the operant paradigm. By contrast, male mice showed no difference between genotypes in impulsivity or stable ethanol self-administration. The hBDNFMet/Met genotype appears to sex-specifically alter aspects of both impulsive behaviour and addiction propensity. These results suggest that impulse behaviour may be a possible predictor of addiction risk.
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Liran M, Rahamim N, Ron D, Barak S. Growth Factors and Alcohol Use Disorder. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a039271. [PMID: 31964648 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic growth factors were originally characterized for their support in neuronal differentiation, outgrowth, and survival during development. However, it has been acknowledged that they also play a vital role in the adult brain. Abnormalities in growth factors have been implicated in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). This work focuses on the interaction between alcohol and growth factors. We review literature suggesting that several growth factors play a unique role in the regulation of alcohol consumption, and that breakdown in these growth factor systems is linked to the development of AUD. Specifically, we focus on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), and insulin growth factor 1 (IGF-1). We also review the literature on the potential role of midkine (MDK) and pleiotrophin (PTN) and their receptor, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), in AUD. We show that alcohol alters the expression of these growth factors or their receptors in brain regions previously implicated in addiction, and that manipulations on these growth factors and their downstream signaling can affect alcohol-drinking behaviors in animal models. We conclude that there is a need for translational and clinical research to assess the therapeutic potential of new pharmacotherapies targeting these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirit Liran
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nofar Rahamim
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, California 94143-0663, USA
| | - Segev Barak
- Department of Neurobiology, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.,School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
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27
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Portelli J, Farokhnia M, Deschaine SL, Battista JT, Lee MR, Li X, Ron D, Leggio L. Investigating the link between serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and behavioral measures in anxious alcohol-dependent individuals. Alcohol 2020; 89:75-83. [PMID: 32798692 PMCID: PMC7722014 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a role in different neurophysiological processes, including those involved in alcohol- and anxiety-related behaviors. Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that chronic excessive alcohol use leads to a downregulation of BDNF production in the periphery and in the brain. In addition, a decrease in BDNF concentrations in the blood has been reported to be associated with increased anxiety levels. Non-treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent individuals with high trait anxiety were studied to assess whether serum BDNF concentrations may be linked to self-reported levels of alcohol drinking, anxiety, and other behavioral measures. Participants had a current diagnosis of alcohol dependence, high trait anxiety score, and were not seeking treatment for alcohol dependence or anxiety. A fasting blood sample was collected from each participant and serum BDNF was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Behavioral data were collected on the same day, including measures of alcohol drinking, craving, dependence severity, and anxiety. Bivariate correlations were run between BDNF levels and behavioral measures. Serum BDNF concentrations were negatively correlated with average drinks per drinking days (r = -0.41, p = 0.02) and positively correlated with obsessive-compulsive drinking scale (r = 0.48, p = 0.007) and state-trait anxiety inventory (r = 0.52, p = 0.003) scores. These findings shed light on the possible role of the BDNF system in the neurobiology of alcohol- and anxiety-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanelle Portelli
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mehdi Farokhnia
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States; Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sara L Deschaine
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jillian T Battista
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Mary R Lee
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Xiaobai Li
- Biostatistics and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Lorenzo Leggio
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Bethesda, MD, United States; Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States; Medication Development Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, United States; Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
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28
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Engleman EA, Ingraham CM, Rodd ZA, Murphy JM, McBride WJ, Ding ZM. The reinforcing effects of ethanol within the prelimbic cortex and ethanol drinking: Involvement of local dopamine D 2 receptor-mediated neurotransmission. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108165. [PMID: 32688071 PMCID: PMC7431019 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified important mesolimbic regions in supporting the reinforcing effects of ethanol. However, the involvement of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), another key region within the mesocorticolimbic system, in ethanol reinforcement has been understudied. The objective of the current study was to examine the role of the prelimbic (PL) cortex sub-region of the mPFC in ethanol reinforcement and drinking. Intracranial self-administration was used to examine the reinforcing effects of ethanol within the PL cortex. Quantitative microdialysis was used to measure basal extracellular DA concentrations and clearance in the PL cortex following chronic ethanol drinking. In addition, the involvement of dopamine (DA) D2 receptors within the PL cortex on the reinforcing effects of ethanol and ethanol drinking was determined. Ethanol was dose-dependent self-administered into the PL cortex, with significantly more infusions elicited by 100-200 mg% ethanol than vehicle. Co-infusion of the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride significantly reduced ethanol self-administration. Chronic ethanol drinking significantly elevated basal extracellular DA concentrations without altering DA clearance. Microinjection of sulpiride into the PL cortex selectively reduced ethanol, but not saccharine, drinking. These results indicate that the PL cortex supported the reinforcing effects of ethanol, and that ethanol drinking enhanced basal DA neurotransmission within the PL cortex. In addition, D2 receptor antagonism within the PL cortex reduced ethanol self-administration and drinking. Collectively, these findings revealed important DA mechanisms within the PL cortex in mediating ethanol reinforcement and drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Cynthia M Ingraham
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Zachary A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - James M Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - William J McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Zheng-Ming Ding
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 355 West 16th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States; Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, 700 HMC Crescent Road, Hershey, PA 17033, United States.
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29
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Bird CW, Barber MJ, Martin J, Mayfield JJ, Valenzuela CF. The mouse-equivalent of the human BDNF VAL66MET polymorphism increases dorsal hippocampal volume and does not interact with developmental ethanol exposure. Alcohol 2020; 86:17-24. [PMID: 32224221 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A relatively common polymorphism in the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Val66Met, which corresponds to Val68Met in mice) has been shown to modulate cognitive function and vulnerability to mental health disorders. This substitution impairs trafficking and activity-dependent release of BDNF. A number of studies with both humans and transgenic mice suggest that carriers of the Met allele have deficits in the structure and/or function of the hippocampal formation. Using a relatively new transgenic mouse model of this polymorphism, we recently demonstrated that it modulates the effects of developmental ethanol exposure in the hippocampus. Here, we further characterized the effect of this polymorphism on hippocampal morphology and its interaction with ethanol vapor exposure during the 2nd and 3rd trimester equivalents of human pregnancy. We found that BDNFmet/met mice have slightly larger hippocampal volumes than BDNFval/val mice. Ethanol vapor exposure during the 2nd and 3rd trimester equivalents of human pregnancy increased hippocampal volume in a single hippocampal subregion, the CA1 stratum radiatum. Ethanol exposure did not interact with BDNF genotype to affect volume in any hippocampal subregion. These results suggest that the Val66Met polymorphism does not reduce hippocampal size (i.e., it rather increases it slightly) or increase susceptibility to prenatal ethanol exposure-induced structural hippocampal damage during adulthood.
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30
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Cannady R, Nimitvilai-Roberts S, Jennings SD, Woodward JJ, Mulholland PJ. Distinct Region- and Time-Dependent Functional Cortical Adaptations in C57BL/6J Mice after Short and Prolonged Alcohol Drinking. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0077-20.2020. [PMID: 32439714 PMCID: PMC7307629 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0077-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol (ethanol) use disorder is associated with changes in frontal cortical areas including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) that contribute to cognitive deficits, uncontrolled drinking, and relapse. Acute ethanol exposure reduces intrinsic excitability of lateral OFC (lOFC) neurons, while chronic exposure and long-term drinking influence plasticity of intrinsic excitability and function of glutamatergic synapses. However, the time course that these adaptations occur across a history of ethanol drinking is unknown. The current study examined whether short-term and long-term voluntary ethanol consumption using an intermittent access paradigm would alter the biophysical properties of deep-layer pyramidal neurons in the ACC and lOFC. Neuronal spiking varied in the ACC with an initial increase in evoked firing after 1 d of drinking followed by a decrease in firing in mice that consumed ethanol for one week. No difference in lOFC spike number was observed between water controls and 1-d ethanol drinking mice, but mice that consumed ethanol for one week or more showed a significant increase in evoked firing. Voluntary ethanol drinking for 4 weeks also produced a total loss of ethanol inhibition of lOFC neurons. There was no effect of drinking on excitatory or inhibitory synaptic events in ACC or lOFC neurons across all time points in this model. Overall, these results demonstrate that voluntary drinking alters neuronal excitability in the ACC and lOFC in distinct ways and on a different time scale that may contribute to the impairment of prefrontal cortex-dependent behaviors observed in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah D Jennings
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - John J Woodward
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
| | - Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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31
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Hogarth SJ, Djouma E, van den Buuse M. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Enhances Cue-Conditioned Alcohol Reinstatement in Rats. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10050270. [PMID: 32369970 PMCID: PMC7287665 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10050270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a detrimental disease that develops through chronic ethanol exposure. Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression has been associated with AUD and alcohol addiction, however the effects of activation of BDNF signalling in the brain on voluntary alcohol intake reinstatement and relapse are unknown. We therefore trained male and female Sprague Dawley rats in operant chambers to self-administer a 10% ethanol solution. Following baseline acquisition and progressive ratio (PR) analysis, rats were split into drug and vehicle groups during alcohol lever extinction. The animals received two weeks of daily IP injection of either the BDNF receptor, TrkB, agonist, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), or vehicle. During acquisition of alcohol self-administration, males had significantly higher absolute numbers of alcohol-paired lever presses and a higher PR breakpoint. However, after adjusting for body weight, the amount of ethanol was not different between the sexes and the PR breakpoint was higher in females than males. Following extinction, alcohol-primed reinstatement in male rats was not altered by pretreatment with 7,8-DHF when adjusted for body weight. In contrast, in female rats, the weight-adjusted potential amount of ethanol, but not absolute numbers of active lever presses, was significantly enhanced by 7,8-DHF treatment during reinstatement. Analysis of spontaneous locomotor activity in automated photocell cages suggested that the effect of 7,8-DHF was not associated with hyperactivity. These results suggest that stimulation of the TrkB receptor may contribute to reward craving and relapse in AUD, particularly in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Hogarth
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, VIC, Australia;
| | - Elvan Djouma
- School of Life Sciences, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, VIC, Australia;
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, VIC, Australia;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia
- The College of Public Health, Medicinal and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University Townsville, Townsville 4811, QLD, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-3-9479-5257
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32
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Kozlov EM, Grechko AV, Chegodaev YS, Wu WK, Orekhov AN. Contribution of Neurotrophins to the Immune System Regulation and Possible Connection to Alcohol Addiction. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9040063. [PMID: 32231011 PMCID: PMC7235771 DOI: 10.3390/biology9040063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The first references to neurotrophic factors date back to the middle of the 20th century when the nerve growth factor (NGF) was first discovered. Later studies delivered a large amount of data on neurotrophic factors. However, many questions regarding neurotrophin signaling still remain unanswered. One of the principal topics in neurotrophin research is their role in the immune system regulation. Another important research question is the possible involvement of neurotrophin signaling in the pathological processes associated with alcoholism. Among known neurotrophins, NT-4 remains the least studied and appears to be involved in alcoholism and chronic stress pathogenesis. In this review we discuss known neurotrophin signaling cascades mediated by different neurotrophin receptors, as well as provide a generalization of the data regarding the influence of neurotrophins NGF, BDNF, and NT-4 on the immune system and their potential contribution to the pathogenesis of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii M. Kozlov
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Biotechnology of Bacteriophages G.N. Gabrichevsky Moscow Research Institute for Epidemiology and Microbiology, 125212 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Andrey V. Grechko
- Federal Scientific Clinical Center for Resuscitation and Rehabilitation, 109240 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Yegor S. Chegodaev
- I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 119146 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Wei-Kai Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Alexander N. Orekhov
- Laboratory of Infection Pathology and Molecular Microecology, Institute of Human Morphology, 117418 Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-903-169-08-66
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Thomas AW, Delevich K, Chang I, Wilbrecht L. Variation in early life maternal care predicts later long range frontal cortex synapse development in mice. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 41:100737. [PMID: 31786477 PMCID: PMC6994474 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2019.100737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Empirical and theoretical work suggests that early postnatal experience may inform later developing synaptic connectivity to adapt the brain to its environment. We hypothesized that early maternal experience may program the development of synaptic density on long range frontal cortex projections. To test this idea, we used maternal separation (MS) to generate environmental variability and examined how MS affected 1) maternal care and 2) synapse density on virally-labeled long range axons of offspring reared in MS or control conditions. We found that MS and variation in maternal care predicted bouton density on dorsal frontal cortex axons that terminated in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and dorsomedial striatum (DMS) with more, fragmented care associated with higher density. The effects of maternal care on these distinct axonal projections of the frontal cortex were manifest at different ages. Maternal care measures were correlated with frontal cortex → BLA bouton density at mid-adolescence postnatal (P) day 35 and frontal cortex → DMS bouton density in adulthood (P85). Meanwhile, we found no evidence that MS or maternal care affected bouton density on ascending orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) or BLA axons that terminated in the dorsal frontal cortices. Our data show that variation in early experience can alter development in a circuit-specific and age-dependent manner that may be relevant to understanding the effects of early life adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wren Thomas
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Kristen Delevich
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720 USA
| | - Irene Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Linda Wilbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720 USA.
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Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a large family of proteins that transduce extracellular signals to the inside of the cell to ultimately affect important cellular functions such as cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration. They are expressed in the nervous system and can regulate behavior through modulation of neuronal and glial function. As a result, RTKs are implicated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders such as depression and addiction. Evidence has emerged that 5 RTKs (tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), RET proto-oncogene (RET), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)) modulate alcohol drinking and other behaviors related to alcohol addiction. RTKs are considered highly "druggable" targets and small-molecule inhibitors of RTKs have been developed for the treatment of various conditions, particularly cancer. These kinases are therefore attractive targets for the development of new pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD). This review will examine the preclinical evidence describing TrkB, RET, ALK, FGFR, and EGFR modulation of alcohol drinking and other behaviors relevant to alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Hamada
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry and Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 West Taylor Street, MC 912, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, USA.
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35
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Morisot N, Phamluong K, Ehinger Y, Berger AL, Moffat JJ, Ron D. mTORC1 in the orbitofrontal cortex promotes habitual alcohol seeking. eLife 2019; 8:51333. [PMID: 31820733 PMCID: PMC6959998 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) plays an important role in dendritic translation and in learning and memory. We previously showed that heavy alcohol use activates mTORC1 in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) of rodents (Laguesse et al., 2017a). Here, we set out to determine the consequences of alcohol-dependent mTORC1 activation in the OFC. We found that inhibition of mTORC1 activity in the OFC attenuates alcohol seeking and restores sensitivity to outcome devaluation in rats that habitually seek alcohol. In contrast, habitual responding for sucrose was unaltered by mTORC1 inhibition, suggesting that mTORC1’s role in habitual behavior is specific to alcohol. We further show that inhibition of GluN2B in the OFC attenuates alcohol-dependent mTORC1 activation, alcohol seeking and habitual responding for alcohol. Together, these data suggest that the GluN2B/mTORC1 axis in the OFC drives alcohol seeking and habit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Morisot
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Khanhky Phamluong
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Yann Ehinger
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Anthony L Berger
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Moffat
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
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Houck CA, Carron CR, Millie LA, Grahame NJ. Innate and Acquired Quinine-Resistant Alcohol, but not Saccharin, Drinking in Crossed High-Alcohol-Preferring Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2421-2430. [PMID: 31509609 PMCID: PMC6824957 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol consumption despite aversive consequences is often a key component of an alcoholism diagnosis. Free-choice alcohol consumption despite bitter quinine adulteration in rodents has been seen following several months of free-choice drinking, but there has been little study of whether prolonged access to other palatable substances such as saccharin yields quinine resistance. Selectively bred crossed high-alcohol-preferring (cHAP) mice average blood alcohol levels of over 250 mg/dl during free-choice access, considerably higher than other models. We hypothesized that higher intakes would yield more rapid development of quinine-resistant alcohol (QRA) drinking and quinine-resistant saccharin (QRS) drinking. METHODS All experiments used male and female cHAP mice. Experiment 1 compared mice with either 0 or 5 weeks of alcohol drinking history, testing varying (0.032, 0.10, 0.32 g/l) quinine concentrations in ethanol. Experiment 2 examined whether innate QR may exist, comparing animals with a 1 or zero day of drinking history. Experiment 3 examined the effect of varying histories (0, 2, or 5 weeks) of free-choice 10% alcohol drinking on QR alcohol consumption at high quinine concentrations. Finally, Experiment 4 investigated the development of QRS drinking. RESULTS We found that we could not detect a history effect in commonly used quinine concentrations, indicating that cHAP mice are innately quinine resistant to 0.10 g/l quinine. However, we were able to determine that a 2-week drinking history was sufficient to induce QRA drinking in cHAP mice at extremely high quinine concentrations (0.74 and 0.32 g/l). However, the history effect was specific to QRA, a saccharin drinking history, did not yield QRS drinking. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that an alcohol drinking history induces maladaptive behaviors, such as drinking in spite of negative consequences, a pattern not seen with saccharin. Furthermore, a strong genetic predisposition to drink may promote an innate aversion resistance compared with commonly used inbred strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa A Houck
- From the, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Claire R Carron
- From the, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lauren A Millie
- From the, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Nicholas J Grahame
- From the, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Olsen D, Kaas M, Lundhede J, Molgaard S, Nykjær A, Kjolby M, Østergaard SD, Glerup S. Reduced Alcohol Seeking and Withdrawal Symptoms in Mice Lacking the BDNF Receptor SorCS2. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:499. [PMID: 31156431 PMCID: PMC6533533 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by repetitive and uncontrolled intake of alcohol with severe consequences for affected individuals, their families and society as a whole. Numerous studies have implicated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) activity in the neurobiology underlying AUD. The BDNF signaling mechanism is complex and depends on two receptor systems, TrkB and p75NTR, which appear to have opposite effects on alcohol seeking behavior in animal models. We recently discovered that the sortilin-related receptor SorCS2 forms complexes with both TrkB and p75NTR and is important for BDNF activity in the developing and adult CNS. Moreover, the SORCS2 gene was recently identified as the top association signal for severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Hence, we speculated that SorCS2 deficient mice would have an altered response to alcohol. The role of SorCS2 in the acute and adapted response to alcohol was therefore investigated by comparing SorCS2 knockout (Sorcs2-/- ) mice to wild type (WT) mice in three paradigms modeling alcohol sensitivity and consumption; alcohol-induced conditioned place preference, two-bottle choice test as well as the behavioral response to alcohol withdrawal. We found that, when compared to the WT mice, (I) Sorcs2-/- mice displayed complete lack of alcohol-induced place preference, (II) when given free choice between water and alcohol, Sorcs2-/- mice consumed less alcohol, and (III) Sorcs2-/- mice showed no handling-induced convulsion in response to alcohol withdrawal following extended alcohol exposure. Taken together, these results show that lack of the alcohol withdrawal risk gene Sorcs2 results in abnormal behavioral response to alcohol in mice. Consequently, SorCS2 may play an important role in the molecular pathways underlying AUD and complications associated with alcohol withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Olsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mathias Kaas
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jesper Lundhede
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Molgaard
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Nykjær
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, DANDRITE - Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Danish National Research Foundation Center PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mads Kjolby
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Biomedicine, Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, DANDRITE - Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Danish Diabetes Academy, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren D Østergaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark.,The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Simon Glerup
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Bird CW, Baculis BC, Mayfield JJ, Chavez GJ, Ontiveros T, Paine DJ, Marks AJ, Gonzales AL, Ron D, Valenzuela CF. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor VAL68MET polymorphism modulates how developmental ethanol exposure impacts the hippocampus. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 18:e12484. [PMID: 29691979 PMCID: PMC6291361 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes a wide range of deficits known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Many factors determine vulnerability to developmental alcohol exposure including timing and pattern of exposure, nutrition and genetics. Here, we characterized how a prevalent single nucleotide polymorphism in the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (val66met) modulates FASDs severity. This polymorphism disrupts BDNF's intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion, and has been linked to increased incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. We hypothesized that developmental ethanol (EtOH) exposure more severely affects mice carrying this polymorphism. We used transgenic mice homozygous for either valine (BDNFval/val ) or methionine (BDNFmet/met ) in residue 68, equivalent to residue 66 in humans. To model EtOH exposure during the second and third trimesters of human pregnancy, we exposed mice to EtOH in vapor chambers during gestational days 12 to 19 and postnatal days 2 to 9. We found that EtOH exposure reduces cell layer volume in the dentate gyrus and the CA1 hippocampal regions of BDNFmet/met but not BDNFval/val mice during the juvenile period (postnatal day 15). During adulthood, EtOH exposure reduced anxiety-like behavior and disrupted trace fear conditioning in BDNFmet/met mice, with most effects observed in males. EtOH exposure reduced adult neurogenesis only in the ventral hippocampus of BDNFval/val male mice. These studies show that the BDNF val66met polymorphism modulates, in a complex manner, the effects of developmental EtOH exposure, and identify a novel genetic risk factor that may regulate FASDs severity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clark W. Bird
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Brian C. Baculis
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Jacob J. Mayfield
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Glenna J. Chavez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Tiahna Ontiveros
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Dana J. Paine
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Aaron J. Marks
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Alicia L. Gonzales
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, U.S.A
| | - C. Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A
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Bohnsack JP, Teppen T, Kyzar EJ, Dzitoyeva S, Pandey SC. The lncRNA BDNF-AS is an epigenetic regulator in the human amygdala in early onset alcohol use disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:34. [PMID: 30728347 PMCID: PMC6365546 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent alcohol drinking is known to contribute to the development and severity of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) later in adulthood. Recent studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are critical for brain development and synaptic plasticity. One such lncRNA is natural occurring brain-derived neurotrophic factor antisense (BDNF-AS) that has been shown to regulate BDNF expression. The role of BDNF-AS lncRNA in the molecular mechanisms of AUD is unknown. Here, we evaluated the expression and functional role of BDNF-AS in postmortem amygdala of either early onset or late onset alcoholics (individuals who began drinking before or after 21 years of age, respectively) and age-matched control subjects. BDNF-AS expression is increased in early onset but not in late onset AUD amygdala and appears to be regulated epitranscriptomically via decreased N6-methyladenosine on BDNF-AS. Upregulation of BDNF-AS is associated with a significant decrease in BDNF expression and increased recruitment of EZH2, which deposits repressive H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at regulatory regions in the BDNF gene in the early onset AUD group. Drinking during adolescence also contributed to significant decreases in activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC) expression which also appeared to be mediated by increased EZH2 deposition of repressive H3K27me3 at the ARC synaptic activity response element. These results suggest an important role for BDNF-AS in the regulation of synaptic plasticity via epigenetic reprogramming in the amygdala of AUD subjects who began drinking during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Peyton Bohnsack
- 0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Tara Teppen
- 0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.9Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Evan J. Kyzar
- 0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.9Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Svetlana Dzitoyeva
- 0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Subhash C. Pandey
- 0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.280892.9Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,0000 0001 2175 0319grid.185648.6Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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Mitra S, Behbahani H, Eriksdotter M. Innovative Therapy for Alzheimer's Disease-With Focus on Biodelivery of NGF. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:38. [PMID: 30804738 PMCID: PMC6370742 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with abnormal protein modification, inflammation and memory impairment. Aggregated amyloid beta (Aβ) and phosphorylated tau proteins are medical diagnostic features. Loss of memory in AD has been associated with central cholinergic dysfunction in basal forebrain, from where the cholinergic circuitry projects to cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Various reports link AD progression with declining activity of cholinergic neurons in basal forebrain. The neurotrophic molecule, nerve growth factor (NGF), plays a major role in the maintenance of cholinergic neurons integrity and function, both during development and adulthood. Numerous studies have also shown that NGF contributes to the survival and regeneration of neurons during aging and in age-related diseases such as AD. Changes in neurotrophic signaling pathways are involved in the aging process and contribute to cholinergic and cognitive decline as observed in AD. Further, gradual dysregulation of neurotrophic factors like NGF and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been reported during AD development thus intensifying further research in targeting these factors as disease modifying therapies against AD. Today, there is no cure available for AD and the effects of the symptomatic treatment like cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) and memantine are transient and moderate. Although many AD treatment studies are being carried out, there has not been any breakthrough and new therapies are thus highly needed. Long-term effective therapy for alleviating cognitive impairment is a major unmet need. Discussion and summarizing the new advancements of using NGF as a potential therapeutic implication in AD are important. In summary, the intent of this review is describing available experimental and clinical data related to AD therapy, priming to gain additional facts associated with the importance of NGF for AD treatment, and encapsulated cell biodelivery (ECB) as an efficient tool for NGF delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumonto Mitra
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Homira Behbahani
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Maria Eriksdotter
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.,Aging Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Berkel TDM, Zhang H, Teppen T, Sakharkar AJ, Pandey SC. Essential Role of Histone Methyltransferase G9a in Rapid Tolerance to the Anxiolytic Effects of Ethanol. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 22:292-302. [PMID: 30590608 PMCID: PMC6441132 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tolerance to ethanol-induced anxiolysis promotes alcohol intake, thus contributing to alcohol use disorder development. Recent studies implicate histone deacetylase-mediated histone H3K9 deacetylation in regulating neuropeptide Y expression during rapid ethanol tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol. Furthermore, the histone methyltransferase, G9a, and G9a-mediated H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) have recently emerged as regulators of addiction and anxiety; however, their role in rapid ethanol tolerance is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of G9a-mediated H3K9me2 in neuropeptide Y expression during rapid ethanol tolerance. METHODS Adult male rats were administered one injection of n-saline followed by single acute ethanol injection (1 g/kg) 24 hours later (ethanol group) or 2 injections (24 hours apart) of either n-saline (saline group) or ethanol (tolerance group). Anxiety-like behaviors and global and Npy-specific G9a and H3K9me2 levels in the amygdala were measured. Effects of G9a inhibitor (UNC0642) treatment on behavioral and epigenetic measures were also examined. RESULTS Acute ethanol produced anxiolysis and decreased global H3K9me2 and G9a protein levels in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala as well as decreased occupancy levels of H3K9me2 and G9a near a putative binding site for cAMP-response element binding protein on the Npy gene. Two identical doses of ethanol produced no behavioral or epigenetic changes relative to controls, indicating development of rapid ethanol tolerance. Interestingly, treatment with UNC0642, before the second ethanol dose reversed rapid ethanol tolerance, decreased global H3K9me2 and increased neuropeptide Y levels in the central and medial nucleus of the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate amygdaloid G9a-mediated H3K9me2 mechanisms in regulating rapid tolerance to the anxiolytic effects of ethanol via neuropeptide Y expression regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffani D M Berkel
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huaibo Zhang
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Tara Teppen
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amul J Sakharkar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois,Correspondence: Subhash C. Pandey, PhD, Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1601 West Taylor Street (m/c 912), Chicago, IL 60612 ()
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Ali Shariati M, Kumar V, Yang T, Chakraborty C, Barres BA, Longo FM, Liao YJ. A Small Molecule TrkB Neurotrophin Receptor Partial Agonist as Possible Treatment for Experimental Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. Curr Eye Res 2018; 43:1489-1499. [PMID: 30273053 PMCID: PMC10710940 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2018.1508726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activation of its high affinity receptor tropomyosin kinase (Trk) B promote retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) survival following injury. In this study, we tested the effects of LM22A-4, a small molecule TrkB receptor-specific partial agonist, on RGC survival in vitro and in experimental nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), the most common acute optic neuropathy in those older than 50 years. METHODS We assessed drug effects on immunopanned, cultured RGCs and calculated RGC survival and assessed TrkB receptor activation by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase translocation. To assess effects in vivo, we induced murine AION and treated the animals with one intravitreal injection and three-week systemic treatment. We measured drug effects using serial spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and quantified retinal Brn3A+ RGC density three weeks after ischemia. RESULTS In vitro, LM22A-4 significantly increased the survival of cultured RGCs at day 2 (95% CI control: 8.4-13.6; LM22A-4: 23.7-30.3; BDNF: 24.3-29.9; P ≤ 0.0001), similar to the effect of the endogenous TrkB receptor ligand BDNF. There was also significant nuclear and cytoplasmic translocation of MAP kinase (95% CI control: 0.9-6.8; LM22A-4: 38.8-84.4; BDNF: 64.0-93.0; P = 0.0002), a known downstream event of TrkB receptor activation. Following AION, LM22A-4 treatment led to significant preservation of the ganglion cell complex (95% CI: AION-PBS: 66.8-70.7%; AION-LM22A-4: 70.0-73.1; P = 0.03) and total retinal thickness (95% CI: AION-PBS: 185-196%; AION-LM22A-4: 195-203; P = 0.002) as measured by OCT compared with non-treated eyes. There was also significant rescue of the Brn3A+ RGC density on morphometric analysis of whole mount retinae (95% CI control: 2360-2629; AION-PBS: 1647-2008 cells/mm2; AION-LM22A-4: 1958-2216 cells/mm2; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS TrkB receptor partial agonist LM22A-4 promoted survival of cultured RGCs in vitro by TrkB receptor activation, and treatment in vivo led to increased survival of RGCs after optic nerve ischemia, providing support that LM22A-4 may be effective therapy to treat ischemic optic neuropathy. ABBREVIATIONS AION: anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, BDNF: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GCC: ganglion cell complex, MAP: mitogen-activated protein, OCT: spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, OD: right eye, ON: optic nerve, ONH: optic nerve head, OS: left eye, RGC: retinal ganglion cell; Trk: tropomyosin kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ali Shariati
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Varun Kumar
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Tao Yang
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | | | - Ben Anthony Barres
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Frank Michael Longo
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
| | - Yaping Joyce Liao
- a Departments of Ophthalmology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
- b Neurobiology , Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford , CA , USA
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Deep sequencing and miRNA profiles in alcohol-induced neuroinflammation and the TLR4 response in mice cerebral cortex. Sci Rep 2018; 8:15913. [PMID: 30374194 PMCID: PMC6206094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34277-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol abuse can induce brain injury and neurodegeneration, and recent evidence shows the participation of immune receptors toll-like in the neuroinflammation and brain damage. We evaluated the role of miRNAs as potential modulators of the neuroinflammation associated with alcohol abuse and the influence of the TLR4 response. Using mice cerebral cortex and next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified miRNAs that were differentially expressed in the chronic alcohol-treated versus untreated WT or TLR4-KO mice. We observed a differentially expression of miR-183 Cluster (C) (miR-96/-182/-183), miR-200a and miR-200b, which were down-regulated, while mirR-125b was up-regulated in alcohol-treated WT versus (vs.) untreated mice. These miRNAs modulate targets genes related to the voltage-gated sodium channel, neuron hyperexcitability (Nav1.3, Trpv1, Smad3 and PP1-γ), as well as genes associated with innate immune TLR4 signaling response (Il1r1, Mapk14, Sirt1, Lrp6 and Bdnf). Functional enrichment of the miR-183C and miR-200a/b family target genes, revealed neuroinflammatory pathways networks involved in TLR4 signaling and alcohol abuse. The changes in the neuroinflammatory targets genes associated with alcohol abuse were mostly abolished in the TLR4-KO mice. Our results show the relationship between alcohol intake and miRNAs expression and open up new therapeutically targets to prevent deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain.
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Simmons DA. Modulating Neurotrophin Receptor Signaling as a Therapeutic Strategy for Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2018; 6:303-325. [PMID: 29254102 PMCID: PMC5757655 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder caused by CAG repeat expansions in the IT15 gene which encodes the huntingtin (HTT) protein. Currently, no treatments capable of preventing or slowing disease progression exist. Disease modifying therapeutics for HD would be expected to target a comprehensive set of degenerative processes given the diverse mechanisms contributing to HD pathogenesis including neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and transcription dysregulation. A major contributor to HD-related degeneration is mutant HTT-induced loss of neurotrophic support. Thus, neurotrophin (NT) receptors have emerged as therapeutic targets in HD. The considerable overlap between NT signaling networks and those dysregulated by mutant HTT provides strong theoretical support for this approach. This review will focus on the contributions of disrupted NT signaling in HD-related neurodegeneration and how targeting NT receptors to augment pro-survival signaling and/or to inhibit degenerative signaling may combat HD pathologies. Therapeutic strategies involving NT delivery, peptidomimetics, and the targeting of specific NT receptors (e.g., Trks or p75NTR), particularly with small molecule ligands, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Increasing Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in medial prefrontal cortex selectively reduces excessive drinking in ethanol dependent mice. Neuropharmacology 2018; 140:35-42. [PMID: 30056122 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The neurotrophin Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in a number of neuropsychiatric disorders, including alcohol use disorder. Studies have shown that BDNF activity in cortical regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) mediates various ethanol-related behaviors. We previously reported a significant down-regulation in Bdnf mRNA in mPFC following chronic ethanol exposure compared to control mice. The present study was conducted to extend these findings by examining whether chronic ethanol treatment reduces BDNF protein expression in mPFC and whether reversing this deficit via direct injection of BDNF or viral-mediated overexpression of BDNF in mPFC alters voluntary ethanol consumption in dependent and nondependent mice. Repeated cycles of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure was employed to model ethanol dependence, which produces robust escalation of ethanol intake. Results indicated that CIE treatment significantly increased ethanol intake and this was accompanied by a significant decrease in BDNF protein in mPFC that lasted at least 72 h after CIE exposure. In a separate study, once dependence-related increased drinking was established, bilateral infusion of BDNF (0, 0.25, 0.50 μg) into mPFC significantly decreased ethanol intake in a dose-related manner in dependent mice but did not affect moderate drinking in nondependent mice. In a third study, viral-mediated overexpression of BDNF in mPFC prevented escalation of drinking in dependent mice but did not alter intake in nondependent mice. Collectively, these results provide evidence that adaptations in cortical (mPFC) BDNF activity resulting from chronic ethanol exposure play a role in mediating excessive ethanol drinking associated with dependence.
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Vandenberg A, Lin WC, Tai LH, Ron D, Wilbrecht L. Mice engineered to mimic a common Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene show greater sensitivity to reversal in environmental contingencies. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 34:34-41. [PMID: 29909248 PMCID: PMC6596311 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A new line of mice,Val68Met, mimic human BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. New knock-in BDNF Met mice reverse more efficiently than Val in two separate tasks. Supports theory that BDNF Met allele confers greater sensitivity to the environment. Reversal performance can be dissociated from go/no-go and extinction performance. Phenotypes differ between newer and older BDNF Val66Met mouse models.
A common human polymorphism in the gene that encodes brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Val66Met, is considered a marker of vulnerability for mental health issues and has been associated with cognitive impairment. An alternate framework has been proposed in which “risk alleles” are reinterpreted as “plasticity alleles” that confer vulnerability in adverse environments and positive effects in neutral or positive environments (Belsky et al., 2009). These frameworks produce divergent predictions for tests of learning and cognitive flexibility. Here, we examined multiple aspects of learning and cognitive flexibility in a relatively new BDNF Val66Met mouse model (BDNF Val68Met, Warnault et al., 2016), including multiple choice discrimination and reversal, go/no-go learning and reversal, and appetitive extinction learning. We found that mice homozygous for the Met allele show more efficient reversal learning in two different paradigms, but learn at rates comparable to Val homozygotes on the multiple choice discrimination task, a go/no-go task, and in appetitive extinction. Our results dissociate reversal performance from go/no-go learning and appetitive extinction and support the plasticity allele framework that suggests BDNF Met carriers are potentially more sensitive to changes in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Vandenberg
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wan Chen Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Lung-Hao Tai
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Dorit Ron
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Linda Wilbrecht
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA; Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720 USA.
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Tsai SJ. Critical Issues in BDNF Val66Met Genetic Studies of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:156. [PMID: 29867348 PMCID: PMC5962780 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the brain. Its Val66Met polymorphism (refSNP Cluster Report: rs6265) is a common and functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting the activity-dependent release of BDNF. BDNF Val66Met transgenic mice have been generated, which may provide further insight into the functional impact of this polymorphism in the brain. Considering the important role of BDNF in brain function, more than 1,100 genetic studies have investigated this polymorphism in the past 15 years. Although these studies have reported some encouraging positive findings initially, most of the findings cannot be replicated in following studies. These inconsistencies in BDNF Val66Met genetic studies may be attributed to many factors such as age, sex, environmental factors, ethnicity, genetic model used for analysis, and gene–gene interaction, which are discussed in this review. We also discuss the results of recent studies that have reported the novel functions of this polymorphism. Because many BDNF polymorphisms and non-genetic factors have been implicated in the complex traits of neuropsychiatric diseases, the conventional genetic association-based method is limited to address these complex interactions. Future studies should apply data mining and machine learning techniques to determine the genetic role of BDNF in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Li W, Bellot-Saez A, Phillips ML, Yang T, Longo FM, Pozzo-Miller L. A small-molecule TrkB ligand restores hippocampal synaptic plasticity and object location memory in Rett syndrome mice. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:837-845. [PMID: 28679669 PMCID: PMC5536912 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein-2 (MECP2), a transcriptional regulator of many genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF levels are reduced in RTT autopsy brains and in multiple brain areas of Mecp2-deficient mice. Furthermore, experimental interventions that increase BDNF levels improve RTT-like phenotypes in Mecp2 mutant mice. Here, we characterized the actions of a small-molecule ligand of the BDNF receptor TrkB in hippocampal function in Mecp2 mutant mice. Systemic treatment of female Mecp2 heterozygous (HET) mice with LM22A-4 for 4 weeks improved hippocampal-dependent object location memory and restored hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). Mechanistically, LM22A-4 acts to dampen hyperactive hippocampal network activity, reduce the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), and reduce the frequency of spontaneous tetrodotoxin-resistant Ca2+ signals in Mecp2 mutant hippocampal neurons, making them comparable to those features observed in wild-type neurons. Together, these observations indicate that LM22A-4 is a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of hippocampal dysfunction in RTT. Editors' choice: The brain-penetrant BDNF loop domain mimetic LM22A-4 improves synaptic plasticity and spatial discrimination memory in Rett syndrome mice, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of hippocampal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Alba Bellot-Saez
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mary L Phillips
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Lee RS, Oswald LM, Wand GS. Early Life Stress as a Predictor of Co-Occurring Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Alcohol Res 2018; 39:147-159. [PMID: 31198654 PMCID: PMC6561395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
During the critical developmental periods of childhood when neural plasticity is high, exposure to early life stress (ELS) or trauma may lead to enduring changes in physiological stress systems and enhanced vulnerability for psychopathological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adulthood. Clinical and preclinical studies have sought to understand the possible mechanisms linking ELS, PTSD, and AUD. Preclinical studies have employed animal models of stress to recapitulate PTSD-like behavioral deficits and alcohol dependence, providing a basic framework for identifying common physiological mechanisms that may underlie these disorders. Clinical studies have documented ELS-related endocrine dysregulation and genetic variations associated with PTSD and AUD, as well as disruption in crucial neural circuitry throughout the corticomesolimbic region. Despite limitations and challenges, both types of studies have implicated three interrelated mechanisms: hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and glucocorticoid signaling dysregulation, genetics, and epigenetics. ELS exposure leads to disruption of HPA axis function and glucocorticoid signaling, both of which affect homeostatic cortisol levels. However, individual response to ELS depends on genetic variations at specific genes that moderate HPA axis and brain function, thus influencing susceptibility or resilience to psychopathologies. Epigenetic-influenced pathways also are emerging as a powerful force in helping to create the PTSD and AUD phenotypes. Dysregulation of the HPA axis has an epigenetic effect on genes that regulate the HPA axis itself, as well as on brain-specific processes such as neurodevelopment and neurotransmitter regulation. These studies are only beginning to elucidate the underpinnings of ELS, PTSD, and AUD. Larger human cohorts, identification of additional genetic determinants, and better animal models capable of recapitulating the symptoms of PTSD and AUD are needed.
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Targeting the intracellular signaling "STOP" and "GO" pathways for the treatment of alcohol use disorders. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1727-1743. [PMID: 29654346 PMCID: PMC5949137 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4882-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, research has identified the molecular and neural substrates underlying the transition of moderate "social" consumption of alcohol to the characteristic alcohol use disorder (AUD) phenotypes including excessive and compulsive alcohol use which we define in the review as the GO signaling pathways. In addition, growing evidence points to the existence of molecular mechanisms that keep alcohol consumption in check and that confer resilience for the development of AUD which we define herein as the STOP signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on examples of the GO and the STOP intracellular signaling pathways and discuss our current knowledge of how manipulations of these pathways may be used for the treatment of AUD.
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