1
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Srour N, Caron A, Michael NJ. Do POMC neurons have a sweet tooth for leptin? Special issue: Role of nutrients in nervous control of energy balance. Biochimie 2024; 223:179-187. [PMID: 36122808 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.09.006] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Coordinated detection of changes in metabolic state by the nervous system is fundamental for survival. Hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a critical role in integrating metabolic signals, including leptin levels. They also coordinate adaptative responses and thus represent an important relay in the regulation of energy balance. Despite a plethora of work documenting the effects of individual hormones, nutrients, and neuropeptides on POMC neurons, the importance for crosstalk and additive effects between such signaling molecules is still underexplored. The ability of the metabolic state and the concentrations of nutrients, such as glucose, to influence leptin's effects on POMC neurons appears critical for understanding the function and complexity of this regulatory network. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the effects of leptin on POMC neuron electrical excitability and discuss factors potentially contributing to variability in these effects, with a particular focus on the mouse models that have been developed and the importance of extracellular glucose levels. This review highlights the importance of the metabolic "environment" for determining hypothalamic neuronal responsiveness to metabolic cues and for determining the fundamental effects of leptin on the activity of hypothalamic POMC neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Srour
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Montreal Diabetes Research Center, QC, Canada.
| | - Natalie Jane Michael
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725 chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada; Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
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2
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Le Thuc O, García-Cáceres C. Obesity-induced inflammation: connecting the periphery to the brain. Nat Metab 2024; 6:1237-1252. [PMID: 38997442 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01079-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Obesity is often associated with a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state affecting the entire body. This sustained inflammatory state disrupts the coordinated communication between the periphery and the brain, which has a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis through humoural, nutrient-mediated, immune and nervous signalling pathways. The inflammatory changes induced by obesity specifically affect communication interfaces, including the blood-brain barrier, glymphatic system and meninges. Consequently, brain areas near the third ventricle, including the hypothalamus and other cognition-relevant regions, become susceptible to impairments, resulting in energy homeostasis dysregulation and an elevated risk of cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This Review explores the intricate communication between the brain and the periphery, highlighting the effect of obesity-induced inflammation on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ophélia Le Thuc
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Cristina García-Cáceres
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Diabetes Center at Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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3
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Fernández-Moncada I, Rodrigues RS, Fundazuri UB, Bellocchio L, Marsicano G. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors and their ever-expanding roles in brain energy processes. J Neurochem 2024; 168:693-703. [PMID: 37515372 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15922] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The brain requires large quantities of energy to sustain its functions. At the same time, the brain is isolated from the rest of the body, forcing this organ to develop strategies to control and fulfill its own energy needs. Likely based on these constraints, several brain-specific mechanisms emerged during evolution. For example, metabolically specialized cells are present in the brain, where intercellular metabolic cycles are organized to separate workload and optimize the use of energy. To orchestrate these strategies across time and space, several signaling pathways control the metabolism of brain cells. One of such controlling systems is the endocannabinoid system, whose main signaling hub in the brain is the type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor. CB1 receptors govern a plethora of different processes in the brain, including cognitive function, emotional responses, or feeding behaviors. Classically, the mechanisms of action of CB1 receptors on brain function had been explained by its direct targeting of neuronal synaptic function. However, new discoveries have challenged this view. In this review, we will present and discuss recent data about how a small fraction of CB1 receptors associated to mitochondrial membranes (mtCB1), are able to exert a powerful control on brain functions and behavior. mtCB1 receptors impair mitochondrial functions both in neurons and astrocytes. In the latter cells, this effect is linked to an impairment of astrocyte glycolytic function, resulting in specific behavioral outputs. Finally, we will discuss the potential implications of (mt)CB1 expression on oligodendrocytes and microglia metabolic functions, with the aim to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the role of (mt)CB1 receptors in brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui S Rodrigues
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Unai B Fundazuri
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
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4
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Leon S, Simon V, Lee TH, Steuernagel L, Clark S, Biglari N, Lesté-Lasserre T, Dupuy N, Cannich A, Bellocchio L, Zizzari P, Allard C, Gonzales D, Le Feuvre Y, Lhuillier E, Brochard A, Nicolas JC, Teillon J, Nikolski M, Marsicano G, Fioramonti X, Brüning JC, Cota D, Quarta C. Single cell tracing of Pomc neurons reveals recruitment of 'Ghost' subtypes with atypical identity in a mouse model of obesity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3443. [PMID: 38658557 PMCID: PMC11043070 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47877-2] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus contains a remarkable diversity of neurons that orchestrate behavioural and metabolic outputs in a highly plastic manner. Neuronal diversity is key to enabling hypothalamic functions and, according to the neuroscience dogma, it is predetermined during embryonic life. Here, by combining lineage tracing of hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) neurons with single-cell profiling approaches in adult male mice, we uncovered subpopulations of 'Ghost' neurons endowed with atypical molecular and functional identity. Compared to 'classical' Pomc neurons, Ghost neurons exhibit negligible Pomc expression and are 'invisible' to available neuroanatomical approaches and promoter-based reporter mice for studying Pomc biology. Ghost neuron numbers augment in diet-induced obese mice, independent of neurogenesis or cell death, but weight loss can reverse this shift. Our work challenges the notion of fixed, developmentally programmed neuronal identities in the mature hypothalamus and highlight the ability of specialised neurons to reversibly adapt their functional identity to adult-onset obesogenic stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Leon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Vincent Simon
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas H Lee
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Lukas Steuernagel
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Samantha Clark
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nasim Biglari
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Nathalie Dupuy
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Astrid Cannich
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Zizzari
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Allard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Delphine Gonzales
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yves Le Feuvre
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Emeline Lhuillier
- University of Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, INSERM, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, U1297, 31400, France; GeT-Santé, Plateforme Génome et Transcriptome, GenoToul, Toulouse, France
| | - Alexandre Brochard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean Charles Nicolas
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jérémie Teillon
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INSERM, BIC, US4, UAR 3420, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Macha Nikolski
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Xavier Fioramonti
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Department of Neuronal Control of Metabolism, Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD) University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- National Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carmelo Quarta
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, F-33000, Bordeaux, France.
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Allard C, Miralpeix C, López-Gambero AJ, Cota D. mTORC1 in energy expenditure: consequences for obesity. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:239-251. [PMID: 38225400 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00934-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (sometimes referred to as the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1; mTORC1) orchestrates cellular metabolism in response to environmental energy availability. As a result, at the organismal level, mTORC1 signalling regulates the intake, storage and use of energy by acting as a hub for the actions of nutrients and hormones, such as leptin and insulin, in different cell types. It is therefore unsurprising that deregulated mTORC1 signalling is associated with obesity. Strategies that increase energy expenditure offer therapeutic promise for the treatment of obesity. Here we review current evidence illustrating the critical role of mTORC1 signalling in the regulation of energy expenditure and adaptive thermogenesis through its various effects in neuronal circuits, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle. Understanding how mTORC1 signalling in one organ and cell type affects responses in other organs and cell types could be key to developing better, safer treatments targeting this pathway in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Allard
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | | | | | - Daniela Cota
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.
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6
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Junaid M, Choe HK, Kondoh K, Lee EJ, Lim SB. Unveiling Hypothalamic Molecular Signatures via Retrograde Viral Tracing and Single-Cell Transcriptomics. Sci Data 2023; 10:861. [PMID: 38049462 PMCID: PMC10696032 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-023-02789-6] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the importance of hypothalamic neurocircuits in regulating homeostatic and survival-related behaviors, our understanding of the intrinsic molecular identities of neural components involved in these complex multi-synaptic interactions remains limited. In this study, we constructed a Cre recombinase-dependent pseudorabies virus (PRVs) capable of crossing synapses, coupled with transcriptome analysis of single upstream neurons post-infection. By utilizing this retrograde nuclear Connect-seq (nuConnect-seq) approach, we generated a single nuclei RNA-seq (snRNA-seq) dataset of 1,533 cells derived from the hypothalamus of CRH-IRES-Cre (CRH-Cre) mice. To ensure the technical validity of our nuConnect-seq dataset, we employed a label transfer technique against an integrated reference dataset of postnatal mouse hypothalamus comprising 152,524 QC-passed cells. The uniqueness of our approach lies in the integration of diverse datasets for validation, providing a more nuanced diversity of hypothalamic cell types. The presented validated dataset may deepen our understanding of hypothalamic neurocircuits and underscore the essential role of comprehensive integrated transcriptomic data for technical validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Junaid
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea
| | - Han Kyoung Choe
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Korea
| | - Kunio Kondoh
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Homeostatic Regulation, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Eun Jeong Lee
- Department of Brain Science, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea.
| | - Su Bin Lim
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, 16499, Korea.
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7
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Srour N, Lavoie O, Khouma A, Minbashi Moeini M, Plamondon J, Kinkead R, Michael NJ, Caron A. Electrophysiological Comparison of Definitive Pro-opiomelanocortin Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus and the Retrochiasmatic Area of Male and Female Mice. Neuroscience 2023; 530:95-107. [PMID: 37619768 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.08.024] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-expressing neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) are considered a major site of leptin action. Due to increasing evidence that POMC neurons are highly heterogeneous and indications that the conventional molecular tools to study their functions have important limitations, a reassessment of leptin's effects on definitive POMC neurons is needed. POMC neurons are also expressed in the retrochiasmatic area (RCA), where their function is poorly understood. Furthermore, the response of POMC neurons to leptin in females is largely unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the differences in leptin responsiveness of POMC neurons in the ARC and the RCA using a mouse model allowing adult-inducible fluorescent labeling. We performed whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology on 154 POMC neurons from male and female mice. We confirmed and extended the model by which leptin depolarizes POMC neurons, in both the ARC and the RCA. Furthermore, we characterized the electrophysiological properties of an underappreciated subpopulation representing ∼10% of hypothalamic POMC neurons that are inhibited by leptin. We also provide evidence that sex does not appear to be a major determinant of basal properties and leptin responsiveness of POMC neurons, but that females are overall less responsive to leptin compared to males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nader Srour
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Olivier Lavoie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Axelle Khouma
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Moein Minbashi Moeini
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | | | - Richard Kinkead
- Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Natalie J Michael
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
| | - Alexandre Caron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada; Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Norberto S, Assalin HB, Guadagnini D, Tobar N, Boer PA, Kang MC, Saad MJA, Kim YB, Prada PO. CLK2 in GABAergic neurons is critical in regulating energy balance and anxiety-like behavior in a gender-specific fashion. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1172835. [PMID: 37635967 PMCID: PMC10449579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1172835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cdc2-like kinase (CLK2) is a member of CLK kinases expressed in hypothalamic neurons and is activated in response to refeeding, leptin, or insulin. Diet-induced obesity and leptin receptor-deficient db/db mice lack CLK2 signal in the hypothalamic neurons. The neurotransmiter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is among the most prevalent in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the hypothalamus. Given the abundance of GABA-expressing neurons and their potential influence on regulating energy and behavioral homeostasis, we aimed to explore whether the deletion of CLK2 in GABAergic neurons alters energy homeostasis and behavioral and cognitive functions in both genders of mice lacking CLK2 in Vgat-expressing neurons (Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP) on chow diet. Methods We generated mice lacking Clk2 in Vgat-expressing neurons (Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP) by mating Clk2loxP/loxP mice with Vgat-IRES-Cre transgenic mice and employed behavior, and physiological tests, and molecular approaches to investigate energy metabolism and behavior phenotype of both genders. Results and discussion We showed that deletion of CLK2 in GABAergic neurons increased adiposity and food intake in females. The mechanisms behind these effects were likely due, at least in part, to hypothalamic insulin resistance and upregulation of hypothalamic Npy and Agrp expression. Besides normal insulin and pyruvate sensitivity, Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP females were glucose intolerant. Male Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice showed an increased energy expenditure (EE). Risen EE may account for avoiding weight and fat mass gain in male Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice. Vgat-Cre; Clk2loxP/loxP mice had no alteration in cognition or memory functions in both genders. Interestingly, deleting CLK2 in GABAergic neurons changed anxiety-like behavior only in females, not males. These findings suggest that CLK2 in GABAergic neurons is critical in regulating energy balance and anxiety-like behavior in a gender-specific fashion and could be a molecular therapeutic target for combating obesity associated with psychological disorders in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sónia Norberto
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Balan Assalin
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Dioze Guadagnini
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Natália Tobar
- Department of Radiology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Aline Boer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fetal Programming Laboratory, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Min-Cheol Kang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Research Group of Food Processing, Korea Food Research Instute, Jeollabuk-do, Wanju, Republic of Korea
| | - Mario Jose Abdalla Saad
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Young-Bum Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Patricia Oliveira Prada
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medical Science, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, SP, Brazil
- Max-Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Köln, Germany
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9
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Haspula D, Cui Z. Neurochemical Basis of Inter-Organ Crosstalk in Health and Obesity: Focus on the Hypothalamus and the Brainstem. Cells 2023; 12:1801. [PMID: 37443835 PMCID: PMC10341274 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131801] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Precise neural regulation is required for maintenance of energy homeostasis. Essential to this are the hypothalamic and brainstem nuclei which are located adjacent and supra-adjacent to the circumventricular organs. They comprise multiple distinct neuronal populations which receive inputs not only from other brain regions, but also from circulating signals such as hormones, nutrients, metabolites and postprandial signals. Hence, they are ideally placed to exert a multi-tier control over metabolism. The neuronal sub-populations present in these key metabolically relevant nuclei regulate various facets of energy balance which includes appetite/satiety control, substrate utilization by peripheral organs and glucose homeostasis. In situations of heightened energy demand or excess, they maintain energy homeostasis by restoring the balance between energy intake and expenditure. While research on the metabolic role of the central nervous system has progressed rapidly, the neural circuitry and molecular mechanisms involved in regulating distinct metabolic functions have only gained traction in the last few decades. The focus of this review is to provide an updated summary of the mechanisms by which the various neuronal subpopulations, mainly located in the hypothalamus and the brainstem, regulate key metabolic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanush Haspula
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zhenzhong Cui
- Mouse Metabolism Core, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
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10
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Li H, Xu Y, Jiang Y, Jiang Z, Otiz-Guzman J, Morrill JC, Cai J, Mao Z, Xu Y, Arenkiel BR, Huang C, Tong Q. The melanocortin action is biased toward protection from weight loss in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2200. [PMID: 37069175 PMCID: PMC10110624 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37912-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortin action is well perceived for its ability to regulate body weight bidirectionally with its gain of function reducing body weight and loss of function promoting obesity. However, this notion cannot explain the difficulty in identifying effective therapeutics toward treating general obesity via activation of the melanocortin action. Here, we provide evidence that altered melanocortin action is only able to cause one-directional obesity development. We demonstrate that chronic inhibition of arcuate neurons expressing proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or paraventricular hypothalamic neurons expressing melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) causes massive obesity. However, chronic activation of these neuronal populations failed to reduce body weight. Furthermore, gain of function of the melanocortin action through overexpression of MC4R, POMC or its derived peptides had little effect on obesity prevention or reversal. These results reveal a bias of the melanocortin action towards protection of weight loss and provide a neural basis behind the well-known, but mechanistically ill-defined, predisposition to obesity development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongli Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Xu
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyan Jiang
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhiying Jiang
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Joshua Otiz-Guzman
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jessie C Morrill
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, 77030, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Cai
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, 77030, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhengmei Mao
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, and Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Qingchun Tong
- Brown Foundation of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center & UTHealth Graduate School for Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Health Science at Houston, 77030, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy of McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Yu M, Bean JC, Liu H, He Y, Yang Y, Cai X, Yu K, Pei Z, Liu H, Tu L, Conde KM, Wang M, Li Y, Yin N, Zhang N, Han J, Scarcelli NA, Xu P, He Y, Xu Y, Wang C. SK3 in POMC neurons plays a sexually dimorphic role in energy and glucose homeostasis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:170. [PMID: 36210455 PMCID: PMC9549684 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00907-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons play a sexually dimorphic role in body weight and glucose balance. However, the mechanisms for the sex differences in POMC neuron functions are not fully understood. RESULTS We detected small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) current in POMC neurons. Secondary analysis of published single-cell RNA-Seq data showed that POMC neurons abundantly express SK3, one SK channel subunit. To test whether SK3 in POMC neurons regulates POMC neuron functions on energy and glucose homeostasis, we used a Cre-loxP strategy to delete SK3 specifically from mature POMC neurons. POMC-specific deletion of SK3 did not affect body weight in either male or female mice. Interestingly, male mutant mice showed not only decreased food intake but also decreased physical activity, resulting in unchanged body weight. Further, POMC-specific SK3 deficiency impaired glucose balance specifically in female mice but not in male mice. Finally, no sex differences were detected in the expression of SK3 and SK current in total POMC neurons. However, we found higher SK current but lower SK3 positive neuron population in male POMC neurons co-expressing estrogen receptor α (ERα) compared to that in females. CONCLUSION These results revealed a sexually dimorphic role of SK3 in POMC neurons in both energy and glucose homeostasis independent of body weight control, which was associated with the sex difference of SK current in a subpopulation of POMC + ERα + neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Yu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Jonathan C. Bean
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Hailan Liu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yang He
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Xing Cai
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Kaifan Yu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Zhou Pei
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Longlong Tu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Kristine M. Conde
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Mengjie Wang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Yongxiang Li
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Na Yin
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Junying Han
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Nikolas A. Scarcelli
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Yanlin He
- grid.64337.350000 0001 0662 7451Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Brain glycemic and metabolism control department, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808 USA
| | - Yong Xu
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XChildren’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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12
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Benevento M, Hökfelt T, Harkany T. Ontogenetic rules for the molecular diversification of hypothalamic neurons. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:611-627. [PMID: 35906427 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-022-00615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is an evolutionarily conserved endocrine interface that, among other roles, links central homeostatic control to adaptive bodily responses by releasing hormones and neuropeptides from its many neuronal subtypes. In its preoptic, anterior, tuberal and mammillary subdivisions, a kaleidoscope of magnocellular and parvocellular neuroendocrine command neurons, local-circuit neurons, and neurons that project to extrahypothalamic areas are intermingled in partially overlapping patches of nuclei. Molecular fingerprinting has produced data of unprecedented mass and depth to distinguish and even to predict the synaptic and endocrine competences, connectivity and stimulus selectivity of many neuronal modalities. These new insights support eminent studies from the past century but challenge others on the molecular rules that shape the developmental segregation of hypothalamic neuronal subtypes and their use of morphogenic cues for terminal differentiation. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing studies with those of mouse genetics and endocrinology to describe key stages of hypothalamus development, including local neurogenesis, the direct terminal differentiation of glutamatergic neurons, transition cascades for GABAergic and GABAergic cell-derived dopamine cells, waves of local neuronal migration, and sequential enrichment in neuropeptides and hormones. We particularly emphasize how transcription factors determine neuronal identity and, consequently, circuit architecture, and whether their deviations triggered by environmental factors and hormones provoke neuroendocrine illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Benevento
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum 7D, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular Neurosciences, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicum 7D, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.
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13
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Shine JM, O’Callaghan C, Walpola IC, Wainstein G, Taylor N, Aru J, Huebner B, John YJ. Understanding the effects of serotonin in the brain through its role in the gastrointestinal tract. Brain 2022; 145:2967-2981. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The neuromodulatory arousal system imbues the nervous system with the flexibility and robustness required to facilitate adaptive behaviour. While there are well-understood mechanisms linking dopamine, noradrenaline and acetylcholine to distinct behavioural states, similar conclusions have not been as readily available for serotonin. Fascinatingly, despite clear links between serotonergic function and cognitive capacities as diverse as reward processing, exploration, and the psychedelic experience, over 95% of the serotonin in the body is released in the gastrointestinal tract, where it controls digestive muscle contractions (peristalsis). Here, we argue that framing neural serotonin as a rostral extension of the gastrointestinal serotonergic system dissolves much of the mystery associated with the central serotonergic system. Specifically, we outline that central serotonin activity mimics the effects of a digestion/satiety circuit mediated by hypothalamic control over descending serotonergic nuclei in the brainstem. We review commonalities and differences between these two circuits, with a focus on the heterogeneous expression of different classes of serotonin receptors in the brain. Much in the way that serotonin-induced peristalsis facilitates the work of digestion, serotonergic influences over cognition can be reframed as performing the work of cognition. Extending this analogy, we argue that the central serotonergic system allows the brain to arbitrate between different cognitive modes as a function of serotonergic tone: low activity facilitates cognitive automaticity, whereas higher activity helps to identify flexible solutions to problems, particularly if and when the initial responses fail. This perspective sheds light on otherwise disparate capacities mediated by serotonin, and also helps to understand why there are such pervasive links between serotonergic pathology and the symptoms of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ishan C Walpola
- Prince of Wales Hospital , Randwick, New South Wales , Australia
| | | | | | - Jaan Aru
- University of Tartu , Tartu , Estonia
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14
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Forgetting in obesity: The pregnenolone link. Cell Metab 2022; 34:187-188. [PMID: 35108507 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is often diagnosed in people with obesity and associated metabolic disorders. In the latest issue of Cell Metabolism, Ramírez et al. highlight an impaired production of the neurosteroid pregnenolone in the hypothalamus as a mechanism for obesity-induced cognitive impairment in both rodent models and patients with obesity.
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15
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Lin S, Du Y, Xia Y, Xie Y, Xiao L, Wang G. Advances in optogenetic studies of depressive-like behaviors and underlying neural circuit mechanisms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:950910. [PMID: 36159933 PMCID: PMC9492959 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.950910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS The neural circuit mechanisms underlying depression remain unclear. Recently optogenetics has gradually gained recognition as a novel technique to regulate the activity of neurons with light stimulation. Scientists are now transferring their focus to the function of brain regions and neural circuits in the pathogenic progress of depression. Deciphering the circuitry mechanism of depressive-like behaviors may help us better understand the symptomatology of depression. However, few studies have summarized current progress on optogenetic researches into the neural circuit mechanisms of depressive-like behaviors. AIMS This review aimed to introduce fundamental characteristics and methodologies of optogenetics, as well as how this technique achieves specific neuronal control with spatial and temporal accuracy. We mainly summarized recent progress in neural circuit discoveries in depressive-like behaviors using optogenetics and exhibited the potential of optogenetics as a tool to investigate the mechanism and possible optimization underlying antidepressant treatment such as ketamine and deep brain stimulation. METHODS A systematic review of the literature published in English mainly from 2010 to the present in databases was performed. The selected literature is then categorized and summarized according to their neural circuits and depressive-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Many important discoveries have been made utilizing optogenetics. These findings support optogenetics as a powerful and potential tool for studying depression. And our comprehension to the etiology of depression and other psychiatric disorders will also be more thorough with this rapidly developing technique in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiwei Du
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yujie Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yumeng Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Gaohua Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Institute of Neuropsychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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