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Neumann AM, Britsch S. Molecular Genetics of Acquired Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomolecules 2024; 14:669. [PMID: 38927072 PMCID: PMC11202058 DOI: 10.3390/biom14060669] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An epilepsy diagnosis reduces a patient's quality of life tremendously, and it is a fate shared by over 50 million people worldwide. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is largely considered a nongenetic or acquired form of epilepsy that develops in consequence of neuronal trauma by injury, malformations, inflammation, or a prolonged (febrile) seizure. Although extensive research has been conducted to understand the process of epileptogenesis, a therapeutic approach to stop its manifestation or to reliably cure the disease has yet to be developed. In this review, we briefly summarize the current literature predominately based on data from excitotoxic rodent models on the cellular events proposed to drive epileptogenesis and thoroughly discuss the major molecular pathways involved, with a focus on neurogenesis-related processes and transcription factors. Furthermore, recent investigations emphasized the role of the genetic background for the acquisition of epilepsy, including variants of neurodevelopmental genes. Mutations in associated transcription factors may have the potential to innately increase the vulnerability of the hippocampus to develop epilepsy following an injury-an emerging perspective on the epileptogenic process in acquired forms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
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2
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Hall AM, Kamei N, Shao M, Mun HS, Chen K, Chen Y, Baram TZ. Inhibition of Neuron-Restrictive Silencing Factor (REST/NRSF) Chromatin Binding Attenuates Epileptogenesis. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0006-24.2024. [PMID: 38641413 PMCID: PMC11103648 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0006-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which brain insults lead to subsequent epilepsy remain unclear. Insults including trauma, stroke, infections, and long seizures (status epilepticus, SE) increase the nuclear expression and chromatin binding of the neuron-restrictive silencing factor/RE-1 silencing transcription factor (NRSF/REST). REST/NRSF orchestrates major disruption of the expression of key neuronal genes, including ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors, potentially contributing to epileptogenesis. Accordingly, transient interference with REST/NRSF chromatin binding after an epilepsy-provoking SE suppressed spontaneous seizures for the 12 d duration of a prior study. However, whether the onset of epileptogenesis was suppressed or only delayed has remained unresolved. The current experiments determined if transient interference with REST/NRSF chromatin binding prevented epileptogenesis enduringly or, alternatively, slowed epilepsy onset. Epileptogenesis was elicited in adult male rats via systemic kainic acid-induced SE (KA-SE). We then determined if decoy, NRSF-binding-motif oligodeoxynucleotides (NRSE-ODNs), given twice following KA-SE (1) prevented REST/NRSF binding to chromatin, using chromatin immunoprecipitation, or (2) prevented the onset of spontaneous seizures, measured with chronic digital video-electroencephalogram. Blocking NRSF function transiently after KA-SE significantly lengthened the latent period to a first spontaneous seizure. Whereas this intervention did not influence the duration and severity of spontaneous seizures, total seizure number and seizure burden were lower in the NRSE-ODN compared with scrambled-ODN cohorts. Transient interference with REST/NRSF function after KA-SE delays and moderately attenuates insult-related hippocampal epilepsy, but does not abolish it. Thus, the anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic actions of NRSF are but one of the multifactorial mechanisms generating epilepsy in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Hall
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Manlin Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Hyun-Seung Mun
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Kevin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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3
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AlRuwaili R, Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Ali NH, Alexiou A, Papadakis M, Saad HM, Batiha GES. The Possible Role of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor in Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:533-547. [PMID: 38006577 PMCID: PMC10884085 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-04064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterized by repeated seizures. Despite of that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of epileptogenesis and epilepsy, BDNF may have a neuroprotective effect against epilepsy. Thus, the goal of the present review was to highlight the protective and detrimental roles of BDNF in epilepsy. In this review, we also try to find the relation of BDNF with other signaling pathways and cellular processes including autophagy, mTOR pathway, progranulin (PGN), and α-Synuclein (α-Syn) which negatively and positively regulate BDNF/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) signaling pathway. Therefore, the assessment of BDNF levels in epilepsy should be related to other neuronal signaling pathways and types of epilepsy in both preclinical and clinical studies. In conclusion, there is a strong controversy concerning the potential role of BDNF in epilepsy. Therefore, preclinical, molecular, and clinical studies are warranted in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed AlRuwaili
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, ALmustansiriyia University, P.O. Box 14132, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Naif H Ali
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- University Centre for Research & Development, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh-Ludhiana Highway, Mohali, Punjab, India
- Department of Research & Development, Funogen, Athens, Greece
- Department of Research & Development, AFNP Med, Wien, 1030, Austria
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, 2770, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Heusnerstrasse 40, 42283, Wuppertal, Germany.
| | - Hebatallah M Saad
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, 51744, Egypt.
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, AlBeheira, 22511, Egypt.
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4
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Chen S, Huang M, Xu D, Li M. Epigenetic regulation in epilepsy: A novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2024; 173:105657. [PMID: 38145842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with excessive and abnormal neuronal discharges. Epileptogenesis is usually involved in neuropathological processes such as ion channel dysfunction, neuronal injury, inflammatory response, synaptic plasticity, gliocyte proliferation and mossy fiber sprouting, currently the pathogenesis of epilepsy is not yet completely understood. A growing body of studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) are also involved in epilepsy. Through epigenetic studies, we found that the synaptic dysfunction, nerve damage, cognitive dysfunction and brain development abnormalities are affected by epigenetic regulation of epilepsy-related genes in patients with epilepsy. However, the functional roles of epigenetics in pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy are still to be explored. Therefore, profiling the array of genes that are epigenetically dysregulated in epileptogenesis is likely to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of epilepsy and may for the amelioration of these serious human conditions provide novel insight into therapeutic strategies and diagnostic biomarkers for epilepsy to improve serious human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Da Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
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Yu X, Yang H, Lv H, Lu H, Zhao H, Xu Z. Age-Dependent Phenomena of 6-Hz Corneal Kindling Model in Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03934-x. [PMID: 38214837 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03934-x] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have acknowledged disparities in epilepsy-related disease processes between young and aged animals, little is known about how epilepsy changes from young adulthood to middle age. This study investigates the impact of aging on 6-Hz corneal kindling in young-adult mice and middle-aged mice. We found that the kindling acquisition of the 6-Hz corneal kindling model was delayed in middle-aged mice when compared to young-adult mice. While the seizure stage and incidence of generalized seizures (GS) were similar between the two age groups, the duration of GS in the kindled middle-aged mice was shorter than that in the kindled young-adult mice. Besides, all kindled mice, regardless of age, were resistant to phenytoin sodium (PHT), valproate sodium (VPA), and lamotrigine (LGT), whereas middle-aged mice exhibited higher levetiracetam (LEV) resistance compared to young-adult mice. Both age groups of kindled mice displayed hyperactivity and impaired memory, which are common behavioral characteristics associated with epilepsy. Furthermore, middle-aged mice displayed more pronounced astrogliosis in the hippocampus. Additionally, the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) was lower in middle-aged mice than in young-adult mice prior to kindling. These data demonstrate that both the acquisition and expression of 6-Hz corneal kindling are attenuated in middle-aged mice, while hippocampal astrogliosis and pharmacological resistance are more pronounced in this age group. These results underscore the importance of considering age-related factors when utilizing the 6-Hz corneal kindling model in mice of varying age groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Yu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No.548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Han Yang
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No.548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - HongJie Lv
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No.548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haimei Lu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No.548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huawei Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhenghao Xu
- Laboratory of Rheumatology & Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, No.548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Rheumatology of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Chitolina R, Gallas-Lopes M, Reis CG, Benvenutti R, Stahlhofer-Buss T, Calcagnotto ME, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review. Epilepsy Res 2023; 197:107236. [PMID: 37801749 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Chitolina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thailana Stahlhofer-Buss
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Neuroquímica da Excitabilidade Neuronal e Plasticidade Sináptica (NNNESP Lab), Departamento de bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Nassar A, Satarker S, Gurram PC, Upadhya D, Fayaz SM, Nampoothiri M. Repressor Element-1 Binding Transcription Factor (REST) as a Possible Epigenetic Regulator of Neurodegeneration and MicroRNA-Based Therapeutic Strategies. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5557-5577. [PMID: 37326903 PMCID: PMC10471693 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03437-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDD) have grabbed significant scientific consideration due to their fast increase in prevalence worldwide. The specific pathophysiology of the disease and the amazing changes in the brain that take place as it advances are still the top issues of contemporary research. Transcription factors play a decisive role in integrating various signal transduction pathways to ensure homeostasis. Disruptions in the regulation of transcription can result in various pathologies, including NDD. Numerous microRNAs and epigenetic transcription factors have emerged as candidates for determining the precise etiology of NDD. Consequently, understanding by what means transcription factors are regulated and how the deregulation of transcription factors contributes to neurological dysfunction is important to the therapeutic targeting of pathways that they modulate. RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) also named neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) has been studied in the pathophysiology of NDD. REST was realized to be a part of a neuroprotective element with the ability to be tuned and influenced by numerous microRNAs, such as microRNAs 124, 132, and 9 implicated in NDD. This article looks at the role of REST and the influence of various microRNAs in controlling REST function in the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD) disease. Furthermore, to therapeutically exploit the possibility of targeting various microRNAs, we bring forth an overview of drug-delivery systems to modulate the microRNAs regulating REST in NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajmal Nassar
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Sairaj Satarker
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Prasada Chowdari Gurram
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Centre for Molecular Neurosciences, Kasturba Medical College Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - S M Fayaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Madhavan Nampoothiri
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India.
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Chmielewska N, Wawer A, Wicik Z, Osuch B, Maciejak P, Szyndler J. miR-9a-5p expression is decreased in the hippocampus of rats resistant to lamotrigine: A behavioural, molecular and bioinformatics assessment. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109425. [PMID: 36709037 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The major obstacle in developing new treatment strategies for refractory epilepsy is the complexity and poor understanding of its mechanisms. Utilizing the model of lamotrigine-resistant seizures, we evaluated whether changes in the expression of sodium channel subunits are responsible for the diminished responsiveness to lamotrigine (LTG) and if miRNAs, may also be associated. Male rats were administered LTG (5 mg/kg) before each stimulation during kindling acquisition. Challenge stimulation following LTG exposure (30 mg/kg) was performed to confirm resistance in fully kindled rats. RT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA levels of sodium channel subunits (SCN1A, SCN2A, and SCN3A) and miRNAs (miR-155-5p, miR-30b-5p, miR-137-3p, miR-342-5p, miR-301a-3p, miR-212-3p, miR-9a-5p, and miR-133a-3p). Western blot analysis was utilized to measure Nav1.2 protein, and bioinformatics tools were used to perform target prediction and enrichment analysis for miR-9a-5p, the only affected miRNA according to the responsiveness to LTG. Amygdala kindling seizures downregulated Nav1.2, miR-137-3p, miR-342-5p, miR-155-5p, and miR-9a-5p as well as upregulated miR-212-3p. miR-9a-5p was the only molecule decreased in rats resistant to LTG. The bioinformatic assessment and disease enrichment analysis revealed that miR-9a-5p targets expressed with high confidence in the hippocampus are the most significantly associated with epilepsy. Due to the miR-9a-5p dysregulation, major pathways affected are neurotrophic processes, neurotransmission, inflammatory response, cell proliferation and apoptosis. Interaction network analysis identified LTG target SCN2A as interacting with highest number of genes regulated by miR-9-5p. Further studies are needed to propose specific genes and miRNAs responsible for diminished responsiveness to LTG. miR-9a-5p targets, like KCNA4, KCNA2, CACNB2, SCN4B, KCNC1, should receive special attention in them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Chmielewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9 Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Adriana Wawer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zofia Wicik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Bartosz Osuch
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9 Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego 9 Street, 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Szyndler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B Street, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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9
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Sun Q, Xu W, Piao J, Su J, Ge T, Cui R, Yang W, Li B. Transcription factors are potential therapeutic targets in epilepsy. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4875-4885. [PMID: 36065764 PMCID: PMC9549512 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Academics generally believe that imbalance between excitation and inhibition of the nervous system is the root cause of epilepsy. However, the aetiology of epilepsy is complex, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Many studies have shown that epilepsy is closely related to genetic factors. Additionally, the involvement of a variety of tumour‐related transcription factors in the pathogenesis of epilepsy has been confirmed, which also confirms the heredity of epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the existing research on a variety of transcription factors and epilepsy and present relevant evidence related to transcription factors that may be targets in epilepsy. This information is of great significance for revealing the in‐depth molecular and cellular mechanisms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihan Sun
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenbo Xu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingjing Piao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyun Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongtong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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mTOR and HDAC2 are simultaneously activated during electrically induced kindling of seizures. Epilepsy Res 2022; 185:106991. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Wang X, Hu Z, Zhong K. The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Epileptogenesis: an Update. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:758232. [PMID: 34899313 PMCID: PMC8661413 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.758232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, which is characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, is one of the most common and serious chronic neurological diseases in the world. 30% patients failed to control seizures with multiple anti-seizure epileptic drugs, leading to serious outcomes. The pathogenesis of epilepsy is very complex and remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), as a member of the neurotrophic factor family, is considered to play an important role in the survival, growth and differentiation of neurons during the development of the central nervous system. Recent years, a series of studies have reported that BDNF can maintain the function of the nervous system and promotes the regeneration of neurons after injury, which is believed to be closely related to epileptogenesis. However, two controversial views (BDNF inhibits or promotes epileptogenesis) still exist. Thus, this mini-review focuses on updating the new evidence of the role of BDNF in epileptogenesis and discussing the possibility of BDNF as an underlying target for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhe Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kai Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
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Butler-Ryan R, Wood IC. The functions of repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor in models of epileptogenesis and post-ischemia. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1135-1150. [PMID: 33813634 PMCID: PMC8272694 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00719-2] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a debilitating neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures for which 30% of patients are refractory to current treatments. The genetic and molecular aetiologies behind epilepsy are under investigation with the goal of developing new epilepsy medications. The transcriptional repressor REST (Repressor Element 1-Silencing Transcription factor) is a focus of interest as it is consistently upregulated in epilepsy patients and following brain insult in animal models of epilepsy and ischemia. This review analyses data from different epilepsy models and discusses the contribution of REST to epileptogenesis. We propose that in healthy brains REST acts in a protective manner to homeostatically downregulate increases in excitability, to protect against seizure through downregulation of BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and its receptor, TrkB (Tropomyosin receptor kinase B). However, in epilepsy patients and post-seizure, REST may increase to a larger degree, which allows downregulation of the glutamate receptor subunit GluR2. This leads to AMPA glutamate receptors lacking GluR2 subunits, which have increased permeability to Ca2+, causing excitotoxicity, cell death and seizure. This concept highlights therapeutic potential of REST modulation through gene therapy in epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Butler-Ryan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, The University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Ian C. Wood
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, The University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
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13
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Pogoda A, Chmielewska N, Maciejak P, Szyndler J. Transcriptional Dysregulation in Huntington's Disease: The Role in Pathogenesis and Potency for Pharmacological Targeting. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2783-2806. [PMID: 32628586 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200705225821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes a critical cell regulatory protein, huntingtin (Htt). The expansion of cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeats causes improper folding of functional proteins and is an initial trigger of pathological changes in the brain. Recent research has indicated that the functional dysregulation of many transcription factors underlies the neurodegenerative processes that accompany HD. These disturbances are caused not only by the loss of wild-type Htt (WT Htt) function but also by the occurrence of abnormalities that result from the action of mutant Htt (mHtt). In this review, we aim to describe the role of transcription factors that are currently thought to be strongly associated with HD pathogenesis, namely, RE1-silencing transcription factor, also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF), forkhead box proteins (FOXPs), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1a (PGC1α), heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1), and nuclear factor κ light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF- κB). We also take into account the role of these factors in the phenotype of HD as well as potential pharmacological interventions targeting the analyzed proteins. Furthermore, we considered whether molecular manipulation resulting in changes in transcription factor function may have clinical potency for treating HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Pogoda
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Zwirki i Wigury Street 61, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Chmielewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego Street 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Sobieskiego Street 9, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janusz Szyndler
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology CePT, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha Street 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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