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Imamura F. Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the olfactory system development. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1408187. [PMID: 38818309 PMCID: PMC11138157 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1408187] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, are a prominent non-genetic cause of physical disabilities and brain damage in children. Alongside common symptoms like distinct facial features and neurocognitive deficits, sensory anomalies, including olfactory dysfunction, are frequently noted in FASD-afflicted children. However, the precise mechanisms underpinning the olfactory abnormalities induced by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) remain elusive. Utilizing rodents as a model organism with varying timing, duration, dosage, and administration routes of alcohol exposure, prior studies have documented impairments in olfactory system development caused by PAE. Many reported a reduction in the olfactory bulb (OB) volume accompanied by reduced OB neuron counts, suggesting the OB is a brain region vulnerable to PAE. In contrast, no significant olfactory system defects were observed in some studies, though subtle alterations might exist. These findings suggest that the timing, duration, and extent of fetal alcohol exposure can yield diverse effects on olfactory system development. To enhance comprehension of PAE-induced olfactory dysfunctions, this review summarizes key findings from previous research on the olfactory systems of offspring prenatally exposed to alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Imamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
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2
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Bariselli S, Lovinger DM. Corticostriatal Circuit Models of Cognitive Impairments Induced by Fetal Exposure to Alcohol. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:516-528. [PMID: 34281711 PMCID: PMC8463431 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder includes a group of diseases caused by fetal alcohol exposure (FAE). Patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder display heterogeneous socioemotional and cognitive deficits, particularly in the domain of executive function, that share symptoms with other neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite the availability of several preclinical models, the developmental brain defects causally linked to behavioral deficits induced by FAE remain poorly understood. Here, we first review the effects of FAE on corticostriatal development and its impact on both corticostriatal pathway function and cognitive abilities. We propose three non-mutually exclusive circuit models of corticostriatal dysfunctions to account for some of the FAE-induced cognitive deficits. One model posits that associative-sensorimotor imbalance causes hyper goal-directed behavior, and a second model implies that alteration of prefrontal-striatal behavioral suppression circuits results in loss of behavioral inhibition. A third model suggests that local striatal circuit deficits affect striatal neuronal ensemble function to impair action selection and performance. Finally, we discuss how preclinical approaches applied to these circuit models could offer potential rescue strategies for executive function deficits in patients with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano Bariselli
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD (20892-941),Center on Compulsive Behaviors, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - David M. Lovinger
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 5625 Fishers Lane, Bethesda, MD (20892-941),Corresponding author:
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3
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Chung DD, Pinson MR, Bhenderu LS, Lai MS, Patel RA, Miranda RC. Toxic and Teratogenic Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Development, Adolescence, and Adulthood. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168785. [PMID: 34445488 PMCID: PMC8395909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can have immediate and long-lasting toxic and teratogenic effects on an individual’s development and health. As a toxicant, alcohol can lead to a variety of physical and neurological anomalies in the fetus that can lead to behavioral and other impairments which may last a lifetime. Recent studies have focused on identifying mechanisms that mediate the immediate teratogenic effects of alcohol on fetal development and mechanisms that facilitate the persistent toxic effects of alcohol on health and predisposition to disease later in life. This review focuses on the contribution of epigenetic modifications and intercellular transporters like extracellular vesicles to the toxicity of PAE and to immediate and long-term consequences on an individual’s health and risk of disease.
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Mahnke AH, Adams AM, Wang AZ, Miranda RC. Toxicant and teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol. CURRENT OPINION IN TOXICOLOGY 2019; 14:29-34. [PMID: 32864517 DOI: 10.1016/j.cotox.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in growth, cognitive, and behavioral deficits due to the toxicant and teratogenic effects of alcohol. Alcohol is an unusual toxicant, because, unlike other toxicants, it is consumed and has biological effects in the millimolar range. Cerebral cortical development is particularly vulnerable to both alcohol's acute and long-term reprogramming effects. Recent evidence suggests that neuroinflammation may be a persistent result of prenatal alcohol exposure and that modes of cellular communication capable of carrying miRNAs, such as extracellular vesicles, may be an integral part of long-term changes to cellular communication and inflammation following in utero alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H Mahnke
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Amy M Adams
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Andrew Z Wang
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
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5
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Diao S, Yang H, Cao Y, Yang D, Fan Z. IGF2 enhanced the osteo-/dentinogenic and neurogenic differentiation potentials of stem cells from apical papilla. J Oral Rehabil 2019; 47 Suppl 1:55-65. [PMID: 31291686 DOI: 10.1111/joor.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In dental tissue engineering, niche is important for maintaining stem cell function and regenerating the dental tissues. However, there is limited knowledge for the growth factors in niche to maintain the function of stem cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of IGF2, a growth factor in stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs) niche, on differentiation and proliferation potentials of SCAPs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Recombinant human IGF2 protein (rhIGF2) was used. Cell counting kit-8 assay, Carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, quantitative calcium analysis, immunofluorescence staining and real-time RT-PCR were performed to investigate the cell proliferation and differentiation potentials of SCAPs. And proteomic analysis was used to identify the differential secreted proteins. RESULTS By ALP activity assay, we found that 5 ng/mL rhIGF2 might be the optimal concentration for treatment. Then, Alizarin Red staining, quantitative calcium analysis and osteogenesis-related gene expression results showed that 5 ng/mL rhIGF2 could enhance the osteo-/dentinogenic differentiation potentials in SCAPs. Immunofluorescence staining and real-time RT-PCR results showed that neurogenic markers were significantly induced by 5 ng/mL rhIGF2 in SCAPs. Then, CCK-8 assay and CFSE assay results showed that 5 ng/mL rhIGF2 could enhance the cell proliferation in SCAPs. Furthermore, proteomic analysis showed that IGF2 could induce some secreted proteins which function related to the osteogenesis, neurogenesis and cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our results identified that IGF2 might be the potential mediator in niche to promote SCAP function and dental tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Diao
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatric dentistry, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Haoqing Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Yangyang Cao
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Department of Pediatric dentistry, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhipeng Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling and Stem Cells Therapy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Tooth Regeneration and Function Reconstruction, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
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Hicks SD, Miller MW. Ethanol-induced DNA repair in neural stem cells is transforming growth factor β1-dependent. Exp Neurol 2019; 317:214-225. [PMID: 30853389 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Following neurotoxic damage, cells repair their DNA, and survive or undergo apoptosis. This study tests the hypothesis that ethanol induces a DNA damage response (DDR) in neural stem cells (NSCs) that promotes excision repair (ER) and this repair is influenced by the growth factor environment. Non-immortalized NSCs treated with fibroblast growth factor 2 or transforming growth factor (TGF) β1 were exposed to ethanol. Ethanol increased total DNA damage, reactive oxygen species, and oxidized DNA bases. TGFβ1 potentiated these toxic effects. Transcriptional analyses of cultured NSCs revealed ethanol-induced increases in transcripts related to the DDR (e.g., Hus1 and p53), base ER (e.g., Mutyh and Nthl1), and nucleotide ER (e.g., Xpc), particularly in the presence of TGFβ1. Expression and activity of ER proteins were affected by ethanol. Similar changes occurred in proliferating cells of ethanol-treated mouse fetuses. Ethanol-induced DNA repair in NSCs depends on the ambient growth factors. Gene products for DNA repair in stem cells are among the first biomarkers identifying fetal alcohol-induced damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Hicks
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton NY 13902, Cortland NY 13045, and Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Michael W Miller
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York - Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton NY 13902, Cortland NY 13045, and Syracuse, NY 13210, USA; Department of Anatomy, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Middletown, NY 10940, USA; Research Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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7
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Comasco E, Rangmar J, Eriksson UJ, Oreland L. Neurological and neuropsychological effects of low and moderate prenatal alcohol exposure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 28470828 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Several explanations for the diverse results in research on foetal alcohol spectrum disorders or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder might be at hand: timing, amount and patterns of alcohol exposure, as well as complex epigenetic responses. The genetic background of the offspring and its interaction with other prenatal and post-natal environmental cues are likely also of importance. In the present report, key findings about the possible effects of low and moderate doses of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the offspring are reviewed and plausible mechanisms discussed. Special focus is put on the serotonergic system within developmental and gene-environment frameworks. The review also suggests guidelines for future studies and also summarizes some of to-be-answered questions of relevance to clinical practice. Contradictory findings and paucity of studies on the effects of exposure to low alcohol levels during foetal life for the offspring's neuropsychological development call for large prospective studies, as well as for studies including neuroimaging and multi-omics analyses to dissect the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol exposure-related phenotypes and to identify biomarkers. Finally, it remains to be investigated whether any safe threshold of alcohol drinking during pregnancy can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - J. Rangmar
- Department of Psychology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - U. J. Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - L. Oreland
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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Cunningham LA, Newville J, Li L, Tapia P, Allan AM, Valenzuela CF. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Leads to Enhanced Serine 9 Phosphorylation of Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) in the Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus of Adult Mouse. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:1907-1916. [PMID: 28865114 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to evaluate the expression and serine 9 phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK-3β) within the adult hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in a preclinical mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. GSK-3β is a multifunctional kinase that modulates many hippocampal processes affected by gestational alcohol, including synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis. GSK-3β is a constitutively active kinase that is negatively regulated by phosphorylation at the serine 9 residue. METHODS We utilized a well-characterized limited access "drinking-in-the-dark" paradigm of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and measured p(Ser9)GSK-3β and total GSK-3β within adult DG by Western blot analysis. In addition, we evaluated the expression pattern of both p(Ser9)GSK-3β and total GSK-3β within the adult hippocampal dentate of PAE and control mice using high-resolution confocal microscopy. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate a marked 2.0-fold elevation of p(Ser9)GSK-3β in PAE mice, concomitant with a more moderate 36% increase in total GSK-3β. This resulted in an approximate 63% increase in the p(Ser9)GSK-3β/GSK-3β ratio. Immunostaining revealed robust GSK-3β expression within Cornu Ammonis (CA) pyramidal neurons, hilar mossy cells, and a subset of GABAergic interneurons, with low levels of expression within hippocampal progenitors and dentate granule cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that PAE may lead to a long-term disruption of GSK-3β signaling within the DG, and implicate mossy cells, GABAergic interneurons, and CA primary neurons as major targets of this dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Anna Cunningham
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Jessie Newville
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Phillip Tapia
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - Andrea M Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
| | - C Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, (LAC, JN, LL, PT, AMA, CFV), University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM
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9
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Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Affects Progenitor Cell Numbers in Olfactory Bulbs and Dentate Gyrus of Vervet Monkeys. Brain Sci 2016; 6:brainsci6040052. [PMID: 27801790 PMCID: PMC5187566 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci6040052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol exposure (FAE) alters hippocampal cell numbers in rodents and primates, and this may be due, in part, to a reduction in the number or migration of neuronal progenitor cells. The olfactory bulb exhibits substantial postnatal cellular proliferation and a rapid turnover of newly formed cells in the rostral migratory pathway, while production and migration of postnatal neurons into the dentate gyrus may be more complex. The relatively small size of the olfactory bulb, compared to the hippocampus, potentially makes this structure ideal for a rapid analysis. This study used the St. Kitts vervet monkey (Chlorocebus sabeus) to (1) investigate the normal developmental sequence of post-natal proliferation in the olfactory bulb and dentate gyrus and (2) determine the effects of naturalistic prenatal ethanol exposure on proliferation at three different ages (neonate, five months and two years). Using design-based stereology, we found an age-related decrease of actively proliferating cells in the olfactory bulb and dentate gyrus for both control and FAE groups. Furthermore, at the neonatal time point, the FAE group had fewer actively proliferating cells as compared to the control group. These data are unique with respect to fetal ethanol effects on progenitor proliferation in the primate brain and suggest that the olfactory bulb may be a useful structure for studies of cellular proliferation.
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10
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Selvaraj P, Xiao L, Lee C, Murthy SRK, Cawley NX, Lane M, Merchenthaler I, Ahn S, Loh YP. Neurotrophic Factor-α1: A Key Wnt-β-Catenin Dependent Anti-Proliferation Factor and ERK-Sox9 Activated Inducer of Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Differentiation to Astrocytes in Neurodevelopment. Stem Cells 2016; 35:557-571. [PMID: 27709799 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic neurodevelopment involves inhibition of proliferation of multipotent neural stem cells (NSCs) followed by differentiation into neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes to form the brain. We have identified a new neurotrophic factor, NF-α1, which inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of NSC/progenitors derived from E13.5 mouse cortex. Inhibition of proliferation of these cells was mediated through negatively regulating the Wnt pathway and decreasing β-catenin. NF-α1 induced differentiation of NSCs to astrocytes by enhancing Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) expression through activating the ERK1/2-Sox9 signaling pathway. Cultured E13.5 cortical stem cells from NF-α1-knockout mice showed decreased astrocyte numbers compared to wild-type mice, which was rescued by treatment with NF-α1. In vivo, immunocytochemistry of brain sections and Western blot analysis of neocortex of mice showed a gradual increase of NF-α1 expression from E14.5 to P1 and a surge of GFAP expression at P1, the time of increase in astrogenesis. Importantly, NF-α1-Knockout mice showed ∼49% fewer GFAP positive astrocytes in the neocortex compared to WT mice at P1. Thus, NF-α1 is critical for regulating antiproliferation and cell fate determination, through differentiating embryonic stem cells to GFAP-positive astrocytes for normal neurodevelopment. Stem Cells 2017;35:557-571.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lan Xiao
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheol Lee
- Unit on Developmental Neurogenetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Niamh X Cawley
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Malcolm Lane
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Istvan Merchenthaler
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sohyun Ahn
- Unit on Developmental Neurogenetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Y Peng Loh
- Section on Cellular Neurobiology, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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RNA Sequencing Reveals the Alteration of the Expression of Novel Genes in Ethanol-Treated Embryoid Bodies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149976. [PMID: 26930486 PMCID: PMC4773011 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a collective term representing fetal abnormalities associated with maternal alcohol consumption. Prenatal alcohol exposure and related anomalies are well characterized, but the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is not well characterized. In this present study, our aim is to profile important genes that regulate cellular development during fetal development. Human embryonic carcinoma cells (NCCIT) are cultured to form embryoid bodies and then treated in the presence and absence of ethanol (50 mM). We employed RNA sequencing to profile differentially expressed genes in the ethanol-treated embryoid bodies from NCCIT vs. EB, NCCIT vs. EB+EtOH and EB vs. EB+EtOH data sets. A total of 632, 205 and 517 differentially expressed genes were identified from NCCIT vs. EB, NCCIT vs. EB+EtOH and EB vs. EB+EtOH, respectively. Functional annotation using bioinformatics tools reveal significant enrichment of differential cellular development and developmental disorders. Furthermore, a group of 42, 15 and 35 transcription factor-encoding genes are screened from all of the differentially expressed genes obtained from NCCIT vs. EB, NCCIT vs. EB+EtOH and EB vs. EB+EtOH, respectively. We validated relative gene expression levels of several transcription factors from these lists by quantitative real-time PCR. We hope that our study substantially contributes to the understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the pathology of alcohol-mediated anomalies and ease further research.
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12
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Tyler CR, Allan AM. Prenatal alcohol exposure alters expression of neurogenesis-related genes in an ex vivo cell culture model. Alcohol 2014; 48:483-92. [PMID: 24954023 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to long-lasting changes in functional and genetic programs of the brain, which may underlie behavioral alterations seen in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Aberrant fetal programming during gestational alcohol exposure is a possible mechanism by which alcohol imparts teratogenic effects on the brain; however, current methods used to investigate the effects of alcohol on development often rely on either direct application of alcohol in vitro or acute high doses in vivo. In this study, we used our established moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model, resulting in maternal blood alcohol content of approximately 20 mM, and subsequent ex vivo cell culture to assess expression of genes related to neurogenesis. Proliferating and differentiating neural progenitor cell culture conditions were established from telencephalic tissue derived from embryonic day (E) 15-17 tissue exposed to alcohol via maternal drinking throughout pregnancy. Gene expression analysis on mRNA derived in vitro was performed using a microarray, and quantitative PCR was conducted for genes to validate the microarray. Student's t tests were performed for statistical comparison of each exposure under each culture condition using a 95% confidence interval. Eleven percent of genes on the array had significantly altered mRNA expression in the prenatal alcohol-exposed neural progenitor culture under proliferating conditions. These include reduced expression of Adora2a, Cxcl1, Dlg4, Hes1, Nptx1, and Vegfa and increased expression of Fgf13, Ndn, and Sox3; bioinformatics analysis indicated that these genes are involved in cell growth and proliferation. Decreased levels of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a were also found under proliferating conditions. Under differentiating conditions, 7.3% of genes had decreased mRNA expression; these include Cdk5rap3, Gdnf, Hey2, Heyl, Pard6b, and Ptn, which are associated with survival and differentiation as indicated by bioinformatics analysis. This study is the first to use chronic low to moderate PAE, to more accurately reflect maternal alcohol consumption, and subsequent neural progenitor cell culture to demonstrate that PAE throughout gestation alters expression of genes involved in neural development and embryonic neurogenesis.
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13
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Khalid O, Kim JJ, Kim HS, Hoang M, Tu TG, Elie O, Lee C, Vu C, Horvath S, Spigelman I, Kim Y. Gene expression signatures affected by alcohol-induced DNA methylomic deregulation in human embryonic stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2014; 12:791-806. [PMID: 24751885 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2014.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2013] [Revised: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells, especially human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), are useful models to study molecular mechanisms of human disorders that originate during gestation. Alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) consumption during pregnancy causes a variety of prenatal and postnatal disorders collectively referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). To better understand the molecular events leading to FASDs, we performed a genome-wide analysis of EtOH's effects on the maintenance and differentiation of hESCs in culture. Gene Co-expression Network Analysis showed significant alterations in gene profiles of EtOH-treated differentiated or undifferentiated hESCs, particularly those associated with molecular pathways for metabolic processes, oxidative stress, and neuronal properties of stem cells. A genome-wide DNA methylome analysis revealed widespread EtOH-induced alterations with significant hypermethylation of many regions of chromosomes. Undifferentiated hESCs were more vulnerable to EtOH's effect than their differentiated counterparts, with methylation on the promoter regions of chromosomes 2, 16 and 18 in undifferentiated hESCs most affected by EtOH exposure. Combined transcriptomic and DNA methylomic analysis produced a list of differentiation-related genes dysregulated by EtOH-induced DNA methylation changes, which likely play a role in EtOH-induced decreases in hESC pluripotency. DNA sequence motif analysis of genes epigenetically altered by EtOH identified major motifs representing potential binding sites for transcription factors. These findings should help in deciphering the precise mechanisms of alcohol-induced teratogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Khalid
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hyun-Sung Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael Hoang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Thanh G Tu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Omid Elie
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Connie Lee
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Catherine Vu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics and Biostatistics, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Box 957088, 4357A Gonda Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Igor Spigelman
- Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 63-078 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yong Kim
- Laboratory of Stem Cell & Cancer Epigenetic Research, School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-041 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Division of Oral Biology & Medicine, UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 73-022 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, 8-684 Factor Building, Box 951781, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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14
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Tingling JD, Bake S, Holgate R, Rawlings J, Nagsuk PP, Chandrasekharan J, Schneider SL, Miranda RC. CD24 expression identifies teratogen-sensitive fetal neural stem cell subpopulations: evidence from developmental ethanol exposure and orthotopic cell transfer models. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69560. [PMID: 23894503 PMCID: PMC3718834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ethanol is a potent teratogen. Its adverse neural effects are partly mediated by disrupting fetal neurogenesis. The teratogenic process is poorly understood, and vulnerable neurogenic stages have not been identified. Identifying these is a prerequisite for therapeutic interventions to mitigate effects of teratogen exposures. Methods We used flow cytometry and qRT-PCR to screen fetal mouse-derived neurosphere cultures for ethanol-sensitive neural stem cell (NSC) subpopulations, to study NSC renewal and differentiation. The identity of vulnerable NSC populations was validated in vivo, using a maternal ethanol exposure model. Finally, the effect of ethanol exposure on the ability of vulnerable NSC subpopulations to integrate into the fetal neurogenic environment was assessed following ultrasound guided, adoptive transfer. Results Ethanol decreased NSC mRNAs for c-kit, Musashi-1and GFAP. The CD24+ NSC population, specifically the CD24+CD15+ double-positive subpopulation, was selectively decreased by ethanol. Maternal ethanol exposure also resulted in decreased fetal forebrain CD24 expression. Ethanol pre-exposed CD24+ cells exhibited increased proliferation, and deficits in cell-autonomous and cue-directed neuronal differentiation, and following orthotopic transplantation into naïve fetuses, were unable to integrate into neurogenic niches. CD24depleted cells retained neurosphere regeneration capacity, but following ethanol exposure, generated increased numbers of CD24+ cells relative to controls. Conclusions Neuronal lineage committed CD24+ cells exhibit specific vulnerability, and ethanol exposure persistently impairs this population’s cell-autonomous differentiation capacity. CD24+ cells may additionally serve as quorum sensors within neurogenic niches; their loss, leading to compensatory NSC activation, perhaps depleting renewal capacity. These data collectively advance a mechanistic hypothesis for teratogenesis leading to microencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Tingling
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shameena Bake
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rhonda Holgate
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jeremy Rawlings
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Phillips P. Nagsuk
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jayashree Chandrasekharan
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sarah L. Schneider
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rajesh C. Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- Women’s Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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15
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Veazey KJ, Carnahan MN, Muller D, Miranda RC, Golding MC. Alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations to developmentally crucial genes regulating neural stemness and differentiation. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:1111-22. [PMID: 23488822 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From studies using a diverse range of model organisms, we now acknowledge that epigenetic changes to chromatin structure provide a plausible link between environmental teratogens and alterations in gene expression leading to disease. Observations from a number of independent laboratories indicate that ethanol (EtOH) has the capacity to act as a powerful epigenetic disruptor and potentially derail the coordinated processes of cellular differentiation. In this study, we sought to examine whether primary neurospheres cultured under conditions maintaining stemness were susceptible to alcohol-induced alterations in the histone code. We focused our studies on trimethylated histone 3 lysine 4 and trimethylated histone 3 lysine 27, as these are 2 of the most prominent posttranslational histone modifications regulating stem cell maintenance and neural differentiation. METHODS Primary neurosphere cultures were maintained under conditions promoting the stem cell state and treated with EtOH for 5 days. Control and EtOH-treated cellular extracts were examined using a combination of quantitative RT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation techniques. RESULTS We find that the regulatory regions of genes controlling both neural precursor cell identity and processes of differentiation exhibited significant declines in the enrichment of the chromatin marks examined. Despite these widespread changes in chromatin structure, only a small subset of genes including Dlx2, Fabp7, Nestin, Olig2, and Pax6 displayed EtOH-induced alterations in transcription. Unexpectedly, the majority of chromatin-modifying enzymes examined including members of the Polycomb Repressive Complex displayed minimal changes in expression and localization. Only transcripts encoding Dnmt1, Uhrf1, Ehmt1, Ash2 l, Wdr5, and Kdm1b exhibited significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that primary neurospheres maintained as stem cells in vitro are susceptible to alcohol-induced perturbation of the histone code and errors in the epigenetic program. These observations indicate that alterations to chromatin structure may represent a crucial component of alcohol teratogenesis and progress toward a better understanding of the developmental origins of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylee J Veazey
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
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16
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Abstract
Epigenetic medicine is still in its infancy. To date, only a handful of diseases have documented epigenetic correlates upstream of gene regulation including cancer, developmental syndromes and late-onset diseases. The finding that epigenetic markers are dynamic and heterogeneous at tissue and cellular levels, combined with recent identification of a new form of functionally distinct DNA methylation has opened a wider window for investigators to pry into the epigenetic world. It is anticipated that many diseases will be elucidated through this epigenetic inquiry. In this review, we discuss the normal course of DNA methylation during development, taking alcohol as a demonstrator of the epigenetic impact of environmental factors in disease etiology, particularly the growth retardation and neurodevelopmental deficits of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisol Resendiz
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, MS508, Indiana University School Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Nail C Öztürk
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, MS508, Indiana University School Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Anatomy, Mersin University School of Medicine, Turkey
| | - Feng C Zhou
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, MS508, Indiana University School Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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17
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Veazey KJ, Muller D, Golding MC. Prenatal alcohol exposure and cellular differentiation: a role for Polycomb and Trithorax group proteins in FAS phenotypes? Alcohol Res 2013; 35:77-85. [PMID: 24313167 PMCID: PMC3860417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to alcohol significantly alters the developmental trajectory of progenitor cells and fundamentally compromises tissue formation (i.e., histogenesis). Emerging research suggests that ethanol can impair mammalian development by interfering with the execution of molecular programs governing differentiation. For example, ethanol exposure disrupts cellular migration, changes cell-cell interactions, and alters growth factor signaling pathways. Additionally, ethanol can alter epigenetic mechanisms controlling gene expression. Normally, lineage-specific regulatory factors (i.e., transcription factors) establish the transcriptional networks of each new cell type; the cell's identity then is maintained through epigenetic alterations in the way in which the DNA encoding each gene becomes packaged within the chromatin. Ethanol exposure can induce epigenetic changes that do not induce genetic mutations but nonetheless alter the course of fetal development and result in a large array of patterning defects. Two crucial enzyme complexes--the Polycomb and Trithorax proteins--are central to the epigenetic programs controlling the intricate balance between self-renewal and the execution of cellular differentiation, with diametrically opposed functions. Prenatal ethanol exposure may disrupt the functions of these two enzyme complexes, altering a crucial aspect of mammalian differentiation. Characterizing the involvement of Polycomb and Trithorax group complexes in the etiology of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders will undoubtedly enhance understanding of the role that epigenetic programming plays in this complex disorder.
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18
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Valenzuela CF, Morton RA, Diaz MR, Topper L. Does moderate drinking harm the fetal brain? Insights from animal models. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:284-92. [PMID: 22402065 PMCID: PMC3348364 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 01/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Although public health campaigns advise pregnant women to abstain from ethanol, drinking during pregnancy is pervasive. Here, we highlight recent studies that have clearly demonstrated long-lasting neurobehavioral deficits in the offspring of laboratory animals exposed to moderate levels of ethanol during development. Alterations in learning, memory, motor coordination, social behavior, and stress responses were identified in these animals. Increased vulnerability to substance abuse was also demonstrated. These behavioral alterations have been associated with impairments in neurotransmitter systems, neuromodulators, and/or synaptic plasticity in several brain regions. With this review we hope to contribute to a better appreciation of the potential effects of developmental exposure to moderate ethanol levels, leading to better interventions aimed at relieving fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fernando Valenzuela
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
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19
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Akers KG, Kushner SA, Leslie AT, Clarke L, van der Kooy D, Lerch JP, Frankland PW. Fetal alcohol exposure leads to abnormal olfactory bulb development and impaired odor discrimination in adult mice. Mol Brain 2011; 4:29. [PMID: 21736737 PMCID: PMC3148973 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-4-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy exhibit widespread brain abnormalities and a complex array of behavioral disturbances. Here, we used a mouse model of fetal alcohol exposure to investigate relationships between brain abnormalities and specific behavioral alterations during adulthood. Results Mice drank a 10% ethanol solution throughout pregnancy. When fetal alcohol-exposed offspring reached adulthood, we used high resolution MRI to conduct a brain-wide screen for structural changes and found that the largest reduction in volume occurred in the olfactory bulbs. Next, we tested adult mice in an associative olfactory task and found that fetal alcohol exposure impaired discrimination between similar odors but left odor memory intact. Finally, we investigated olfactory bulb neurogenesis as a potential mechanism by performing an in vitro neurosphere assay, in vivo labeling of new cells using BrdU, and in vivo labeling of new cells using a transgenic reporter system. We found that fetal alcohol exposure decreased the number of neural precursor cells in the subependymal zone and the number of new cells in the olfactory bulbs during the first few postnatal weeks. Conclusions Using a combination of techniques, including structural brain imaging, in vitro and in vivo cell detection methods, and behavioral testing, we found that fetal alcohol exposure results in smaller olfactory bulbs and impairments in odor discrimination that persist into adulthood. Furthermore, we found that these abnormalities in olfactory bulb structure and function may arise from deficits in the generation of new olfactory bulb neurons during early postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine G Akers
- Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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