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Zhang YR, Wu BS, Chen SD, Yang L, Deng YT, Guo Y, Wu XR, Liu WS, Kang JJ, Feng JF, Cheng W, Yu JT. Whole exome sequencing analyses identified novel genes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 39129223 DOI: 10.1002/alz.14181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The heritability of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is estimated to be 58%-79%. However, known genes can only partially explain the heritability. METHODS Here, we conducted gene-based exome-wide association study (ExWAS) of rare variants and single-variant ExWAS of common variants, utilizing data of 54,569 clinically diagnosed/proxy AD and related dementia (ADRD) and 295,421 controls from the UK Biobank. RESULTS Gene-based ExWAS identified 11 genes predicting a higher ADRD risk, including five novel ones, namely FRMD8, DDX1, DNMT3L, MORC1, and TGM2, along with six previously reported ones, SORL1, GRN, PSEN1, ABCA7, GBA, and ADAM10. Single-variant ExWAS identified two ADRD-associated novel genes, SLCO1C1 and NDNF. The identified genes were predominantly enriched in amyloid-β process pathways, microglia, and brain regions like hippocampus. The druggability evidence suggests that DDX1, DNMT3L, TGM2, SLCO1C1, and NDNF could be effective drug targets. DISCUSSION Our study contributes to the current body of evidence on the genetic etiology of ADRD. HIGHLIGHTS Gene-based analyses of rare variants identified five novel genes for Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD), including FRMD8, DDX1, DNMT3L, MORC1, and TGM2. Single-variant analyses of common variants identified two novel genes for ADRD, including SLCO1C1 and NDNF. The identified genes were predominantly enriched in amyloid-β process pathways, microglia, and brain regions like hippocampus. DDX1, DNMT3L, TGM2, SLCO1C1, and NDNF could be effective drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Zhang
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bang-Sheng Wu
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Dong Chen
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue-Ting Deng
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin-Rui Wu
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Shi Liu
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ju-Jiao Kang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Feng Feng
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Fudan ISTBI-ZJNU Algorithm Centre for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
- Department of Computer Science, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Wei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Fudan ISTBI-ZJNU Algorithm Centre for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
| | - Jin-Tai Yu
- Department of Neurology and National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Edelmann S, Balaji J, Pasche S, Wiegand A, Nieratschker V. DNA Methylation of PXDN Is Associated with Early-Life Adversity in Adult Mental Disorders. Biomolecules 2024; 14:976. [PMID: 39199364 PMCID: PMC11353138 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080976] [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: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is characterized by exposure to traumatic events during early periods of life, particularly involving emotional, sexual and/or physical adversities during childhood. Mental disorders are strongly influenced by environmental and lifestyle-related risk factors including ELA. However, the molecular link between ELA and the risk of an adult mental disorder is still not fully understood. Evidence is emerging that long-lasting changes in the epigenetic processes regulating gene expression, such as DNA methylation, play an important role in the biological mechanisms linking ELA and mental disorders. Based on a recent study, we analyzed the DNA methylation of a specific CpG site within the gene PXDN-cg10888111-in blood in the context of ELA across a set of psychiatric disorders, namely Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and its potential contribution to their pathogenesis. We found significant hypermethylation in mentally ill patients with high levels of ELA compared to patients with low levels of ELA, whereas cg10888111 methylation in healthy control individuals was not affected by ELA. Further investigations revealed that this effect was driven by the MDD cohort. Providing a direct comparison of cg10888111 DNA methylation in blood in the context of ELA across three mental disorders, our results indicate the role of PXDN regulation in the response to ELA in the pathogenesis of mental disorders, especially MDD. Further studies will be needed to validate these results and decipher the corresponding biological network that is involved in the transmission of ELA to an adult mental disorder in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Edelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jeysri Balaji
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Pasche
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ariane Wiegand
- Max Planck Fellow Group Precision Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Paoli C, Misztak P, Mazzini G, Musazzi L. DNA Methylation in Depression and Depressive-Like Phenotype: Biomarker or Target of Pharmacological Intervention? Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2267-2291. [PMID: 35105292 PMCID: PMC9890294 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220201084536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, the third leading global cause of disability. Regarding aetiopathogenetic mechanisms involved in the onset of depressive disorders, the interaction between genetic vulnerability traits and environmental factors is believed to play a major role. Although much is still to be elucidated about the mechanisms through which the environment can interact with genetic background shaping the disease risk, there is a general agreement about a key role of epigenetic marking. In this narrative review, we focused on the association between changes in DNA methylation patterns and MDD or depressive-like phenotype in animal models, as well as mechanisms of response to antidepressant drugs. We discussed studies presenting DNA methylation changes at specific genes of interest and profiling analyses in both patients and animal models of depression. Overall, we collected evidence showing that DNA methylation could not only be considered as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology but could also help in predicting antidepressant treatment efficacy. Finally, we discussed the hypothesis that specific changes in DNA methylation signature could play a role in aetiopathogenetic processes as well as in the induction of antidepressant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Paoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Huang D, Wang L, Wu Y, Qin X, Du G, Zhou Y. Metabolomics Based on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Dissect the Mechanisms of Chaigui Granules for Treating Depression. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:8466-8482. [PMID: 35309492 PMCID: PMC8928523 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chaigui granules were a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation with antidepressant effects derived from a famous antidepressant prescription. It was of great significance to clarify the antidepressant mechanism of Chaigui granules for the clinical application of this drug. In this study, a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) depression model was successfully established, and behavioral indicators were used to evaluate the antidepressant effect. Second, the CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+/CD8+ levels were detected in peripheral blood. Meanwhile, the amount of inflammatory cytokines was determined in serum. Correspondingly, LC/MS-based peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) metabolomics was used to investigate vital metabolic pathways participating in the antidepressive effects of Chaigui granules. Finally, bioinformatics technology was further employed to discover the potential antidepressant mechanism of Chaigui granules regulating the immune system. The results suggested that the administration of Chaigui granules significantly improved CUMS-induced depressive symptoms. Chaigui granules could improve immune function by regulating T lymphocyte subsets, increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine levels of IL-2 and IL-10, and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In addition, metabolomics results of PBMCs showed that Chaigui granules improved 14 of the 25 potential biomarkers induced by CUMS. Metabolic pathway analyses indicated that purine metabolism was the critical metabolic pathway regulated by Chaigui granules. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that 13 key biomarkers were related to immune-related indicators. The metabolite-gene network of 13 key biomarkers was investigated by using bioinformatics. The investigation showed that 10 targets (5'-nucleotidase ecto; 5'-nucleotidase, cytosolic IB; 5'-nucleotidase, cytosolic II; etc.), mainly belong to the purine metabolism, might be potential targets for Chaigui granules to exert their antidepressant effects by improving immune function impairment. Together, our results suggested that Chaigui granules might exert antidepressant effects by improving immune function and regulating the purine metabolic pathway in PBMCs. This work used PBMCs metabolomics as an entry point to study the antidepressant mechanism of Chaigui granules, which provided a new way to elucidate the mechanism of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Huang
- Modern
Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of
Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM
of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Liwen Wang
- Modern
Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of
Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM
of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yanfei Wu
- Department
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, First Hospital
of Shanxi Medical University, Yingze District, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuemei Qin
- Modern
Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of
Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM
of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Modern
Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of
Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM
of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Institute
of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical
Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, P. R. China
| | - Yuzhi Zhou
- Modern
Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of
Chemical Biology and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
- Key
Laboratory of Effective Substances Research and Utilization in TCM
of Shanxi Province, Shanxi University, 92 Wucheng Road, Xiaodian District, Taiyuan 030006, Shanxi, P. R. China
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Demarchi L, Pawluski JL, Bosch OJ. The brain oxytocin and corticotropin-releasing factor systems in grieving mothers: What we know and what we need to learn. Peptides 2021; 143:170593. [PMID: 34091013 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The bond between a mother and her child is the strongest bond in nature. Consequently, the loss of a child is one of the most stressful and traumatic life events that causes Prolonged Grief Disorder in up to 94 % of bereaved parents. While both parents are affected, mothers are of higher risk to develop mental health complications; yet, very little research has been done to understand the impact of the loss of a child, stillbirth and pregnancy loss on key neurobiological systems. The emotional impact of losing a child, e.g., Prolonged Grief Disorder, is likely accompanied by dysregulations in neural systems important for mental health. Among those are the neuropeptides contributing to attachment and stress processing. In this review, we present evidence for the involvement of the brain oxytocin (OXT) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) systems, which both play a role in maternal behavior and the stress response, in the neurobiology of grief in mothers from a behavioral and molecular point of view. We will draw conclusions from reviewing relevant animal and human studies. However, the paucity of research on the tragic end to an integral bond in a female's life calls for the need and responsibility to conduct further studies on mothers experiencing the loss of a child both in the clinic and in appropriate animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Demarchi
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Jodi L Pawluski
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S, 1085 Rennes, France.
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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Mundorf A, Koch J, Kubitza N, Wagner SC, Schmidt M, Gass P, Freund N. Morc1 as a potential new target gene in mood regulation: when and where to find in the brain. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2999-3005. [PMID: 34331083 PMCID: PMC8536634 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06171-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent animal and human studies connected the Morc family CW-type zinc finger 1 (Morc1) gene with early life stress and depression. Moreover, the Morc superfamily is related to epigenetic regulation in diverse nuclear processes. So far, the Morc1 gene was mainly studied in spermatogenesis, whereas its distribution and function in the brain are still unknown. In a first attempt to characterize Morc1 in the brain, we performed a Western Blot analysis as well as a real-time PCR analysis during different stages of development. Additionally, we detected Morc1 mRNA using real-time PCR in different mood-regulating brain areas in adult rats. We found that MORC1 protein as well as Morc1 mRNA is already expressed in the brain at embryonic day 14 and is stably expressed until adulthood. Furthermore, Morc1 mRNA is present in many important brain areas of mood regulation like the medial prefrontal cortex, the nucleus accumbens, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus, and the amygdala. The ample distribution in the brain and its molecular structure as a zinc finger protein indicate that Morc1 might act as a transcription factor. This function and its expression in mood-regulating areas already in the early brain development turn Morc1 into a possible candidate gene for mediating early life stress and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.,Institute for Systems Medicine, Department of Medicine, MSH Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Koch
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Kubitza
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Selina C Wagner
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Michaela Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim (ZI), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim (ZI), Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Experimentelle Und Molekulare Psychiatrie, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
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MORC1 methylation and BDI are associated with microstructural features of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:91-97. [PMID: 33401128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) have frequently been reported in depressed patients. These parameters might prove to be a consistent finding in depression. In addition, peripheral DNA methylation of the MORC1 gene promoter showed stable associations with depression across independent samples. However, the question arises whether MORC1, supposedly acting as transcription factor, might also be involved in neurobiological alterations accompanying depression. This study further analyses the role of MORC1 in depression by investigating a potential correlation between peripheral MORC1 DNA methylation and neuronal structural properties previously associated with depression in humans. METHODS Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was assessed in 52 healthy participants. DNA was extracted from buccal cells and MORC1 methylation correlated with micro- and macrostructural properties derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). RESULTS MORC1 methylation was associated with volume reduction and neurite orientation dispersion and density markers in the hippocampus and mPFC. BDI was positively associated with neurite orientation dispersion and density markers in the hippocampus. LIMITATIONS The study was conducted in a small sample of healthy participants with subclinical depressive symptoms. Peripheral tissue was analyzed. CONCLUSION We found significant negative associations between peripheral MORC1 methylation and macro- and microstructural markers in the hippocampus and mPFC. Thus, MORC1 might be involved in neurobiological properties. Studies investigating neuronal methylation patterns of MORC1 are needed to support this hypothesis.
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Parade SH, Huffhines L, Daniels TE, Stroud LR, Nugent NR, Tyrka AR. A systematic review of childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation: candidate gene and epigenome-wide approaches. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:134. [PMID: 33608499 PMCID: PMC7896059 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is a major risk factor for chronic and severe mental and physical health problems across the lifespan. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that maltreatment is associated with epigenetic changes that may subsequently serve as mechanisms of disease. The current review uses a systematic approach to identify and summarize the literature related to childhood maltreatment and alterations in DNA methylation in humans. A total of 100 empirical articles were identified in our systematic review of research published prior to or during March 2020, including studies that focused on candidate genes and studies that leveraged epigenome-wide data in both children and adults. Themes arising from the literature, including consistent and inconsistent patterns of results, are presented. Several directions for future research, including important methodological considerations for future study design, are discussed. Taken together, the literature on childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation underscores the complexity of transactions between the environment and biology across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie H Parade
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Lindsay Huffhines
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Teresa E Daniels
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Laura R Stroud
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nicole R Nugent
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Bölükbas I, Mundorf A, Freund N. Maternal separation in rats induces neurobiological and behavioral changes on the maternal side. Sci Rep 2020; 10:22431. [PMID: 33384453 PMCID: PMC7775452 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-80087-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The time after parturition is a sensitive period for mothers where they are prone to develop psychopathological symptoms. Studies investigating dams after separation from their pups (maternal separation, MS) showed that MS induces alterations similar to postpartum depression. This study aims to give further details on affected behavior and neurobiology of dams after MS. MS in rats from postnatal day 2-20 over four hours daily was performed. Upon reunion, maternal behavior, and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) of dams were measured. On the day of weaning, dams were tested for anxiety-like behavior in the elevated-plus-maze and marble burying test. Then Morc1 mRNA in the medial prefrontal cortex and Nr3c1 encoding the glucocorticoid receptor mRNA in the hippocampus were measured using real-time PCR to examine possible neurobiological correlates in psychopathology and social behavior. GABA and glutamate serum levels were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography as peripheral markers for stress-induced psychopathology. MS in dams increased maternal care towards pups even though both groups show high levels of maternal behavior even in late lactation. Furthermore, the emission of 50-kHz and 22-kHz USVs increased significantly. No differences in anxiety-like behavior were detected. MS further reduced Morc1 but not Nr3c1 expression. Serum GABA but not glutamate levels were significantly increased in separated dams. This study reinforces the benefit of investigating dams after MS for studying postpartum stress. Subclinical markers mainly connected to depression, namely Morc1 and GABA, proved to be useful allowing for earlier detection of symptoms of critical postpartum stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Bölükbas
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Annakarina Mundorf
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Nadja Freund
- Division of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44780, Bochum, Germany
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Xu Q, Jiang M, Gu S, Wang F, Yuan B. Early Life Stress Induced DNA Methylation of Monoamine Oxidases Leads to Depressive-Like Behavior. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:582247. [PMID: 33015076 PMCID: PMC7505948 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.582247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is coming to be the regarded as one of the leading causes for human disabilities. Due to its complicated pathological process, the etiology is still unclear and the treatment is still targeting at the monoamine neurotransmitters. Early life stress has been known as a major cause for MDD, but how early life stress affects adult monoaminergic activity is not clear either. Recently, DNA methylation is considered to be the key mechanism of epigenetics and might play a role in early life stress induced mental illness. DNA methylation is an enzymatic covalent modification of DNA, has been one of the main epigenetic mechanisms investigated. The metabolic enzyme for the monoamine neurotransmitters, monoamine oxidases A/B (MAO A/MAO B) are the prime candidates for the investigation into the role of DNA methylation in mental disorders. In this review, we will review recent advances about the structure and physiological function of monoamine oxidases (MAO), brief narrative other factors include stress induced changes, early life stress, perinatal depression (PD) relationship with other epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, microRNA (miRNA). This review will shed light on the epigenetic changes involved in MDD, which may provide potential targets for future therapeutics in depression pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyue Xu
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingchen Jiang
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Simeng Gu
- Department of Psychology, Jiangsu University Medical School, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Fushun Wang
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Yuan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Pediatric Respiratory Disease, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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