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Machado-Pereira M, Saraiva C, Bernardino L, Cristóvão AC, Ferreira R. Argonaute-2 protects the neurovascular unit from damage caused by systemic inflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:11. [PMID: 34991639 PMCID: PMC8740421 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02324-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain vasculature plays a pivotal role in the inflammatory process by modulating the interaction between blood cells and the neurovascular unit. Argonaute-2 (Ago2) has been suggested as essential for endothelial survival but its role in the brain vasculature or in the endothelial-glial crosstalk has not been addressed. Thus, our aim was to clarify the significance of Ago2 in the inflammatory responses elicited by these cell types. METHODS Mouse primary cultures of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes and microglia were used to evaluate cellular responses to the modulation of Ago2. Exposure of microglia to endothelial cell-conditioned media was used to assess the potential for in vivo studies. Adult mice were injected intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (2 mg/kg) followed by three daily intraperitoneal injections of Ago2 (0.4 nM) to assess markers of endothelial disruption, glial reactivity and neuronal function. RESULTS Herein, we demonstrated that LPS activation disturbed the integrity of adherens junctions and downregulated Ago2 in primary brain endothelial cells. Exogenous treatment recovered intracellular Ago2 above control levels and recuperated vascular endothelial-cadherin expression, while downregulating LPS-induced nitric oxide release. Primary astrocytes did not show a significant change in Ago2 levels or response to the modulation of the Ago2 system, although endogenous Ago2 was shown to be critical in the maintenance of tumor necrosis factor-α basal levels. LPS-activated primary microglia overexpressed Ago2, and Ago2 silencing contained the inflammatory response to some extent, preventing interleukin-6 and nitric oxide release. Moreover, the secretome of Ago2-modulated brain endothelial cells had a protective effect over microglia. The intraperitoneal injection of LPS impaired blood-brain barrier and neuronal function, while triggering inflammation, and the subsequent systemic administration of Ago2 reduced or normalized endothelial, glial and neuronal markers of LPS damage. This outcome likely resulted from the direct action of Ago2 over the brain endothelium, which reestablished glial and neuronal function. CONCLUSIONS Ago2 could be regarded as a putative therapeutic agent, or target, in the recuperation of the neurovascular unit in inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Machado-Pereira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Saraiva
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Present Address: Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 7 Avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, 4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Liliana Bernardino
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Cristóvão
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- NeuroSoV, UBImedical, EM506, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Raquel Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d’Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- CEDOC, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, 130, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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Jupp B, Sawiak SJ, van der Veen B, Lemstra S, Toschi C, Barlow RL, Pekcec A, Bretschneider T, Nicholson JR, Robbins TW, Dalley JW. Diminished Myoinositol in Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex Modulates the Endophenotype of Impulsivity. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3392-3402. [PMID: 31897490 PMCID: PMC7197196 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Maladaptive impulsivity manifests in a variety of disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, and substance use disorder. However, the etiological mechanisms of impulsivity remain poorly understood. In the present study, we used in-vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to investigate neurometabolite content in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum of rats exhibiting low- versus high-impulsive (LI, HI) behavior on a visual attentional task. We validated our 1H-MRS findings using regionally resolved ex-vivo mass spectroscopy, transcriptomics, and site-directed RNA interference in the ventromedial PFC. We report a significant reduction in myoinositol levels in the PFC but not the striatum of HI rats compared with LI rats. Reduced myoinositol content was localized to the infralimbic (IL) cortex, where significant reductions in transcript levels of key proteins involved in the synthesis and recycling of myoinositol (IMPase1) were also present. Knockdown of IMPase1in the IL cortex increased impulsivity in nonimpulsive rats when the demand on inhibitory response control was increased. We conclude that diminished myoinositol levels in ventromedial PFC causally mediate a specific form of impulsivity linked to vulnerability for stimulant addiction in rodents. Myoinositol and related signaling substrates may thus offer novel opportunities for treating neuropsychiatric disorders comorbid with impulsive symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Jupp
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Steve J Sawiak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Suzanne Lemstra
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Chiara Toschi
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Rebecca L Barlow
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Anton Pekcec
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Tom Bretschneider
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Janet R Nicholson
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Trevor W Robbins
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK,Department of Psychiatry, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK,Address correspondence to Professor Jeffrey W. Dalley, Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EB, UK.
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Michael FM, Chandran P, Chandramohan K, Iyer K, Jayaraj K, Sundaramoorthy R, Venkatachalam S. Prospects of siRNA cocktails as tools for modifying multiple gene targets in the injured spinal cord. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2019; 244:1096-1110. [PMID: 31461324 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219871868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene silencing through RNA interference (RNAi) has been touted as a boon for identifying potential therapies for difficult-to-treat pathologies. In this regard, siRNA-mediated gene silencing for tackling the multifaceted pathophysiology of spinal cord injury seemed promising. The genes caspase 3 and sarm1 were targeted in the present study, using siRNAs in a rodent model of spinal cord injury, as the feasibility of concomitant silencing of more than one gene had not been previously attempted. The results indicated meager benefits in terms of functional recovery and tissue preservation. Interestingly, differential transfection efficiencies due to the heterogeneous nature of cells in the spinal cord along with variability in efficacy based on time of intervention affected the reproducibility of this approach. Complex gene interactions and inadequacies in molecular evaluation strategies further complicated the interpretation of the outcome. If these glitches are resolved through further research, gene therapy in general and RNAi, in particular, may become a mainstay approach for treating contusion spinal cord injury.Impact statementGene therapy has reached the level of clinical trials. However, safety and efficacy are yet to be confirmed. The present study tested the prospects of gene silencing using siRNAs in a rat model of spinal cord injury. Some noteworthy observations include the effective and long-lasting silencing effects of siRNAs, inhibition of one gene's expression resulting in silencing of multiple genes in associated pathways, possibility of targeting more than one gene through siRNA cocktails, and differential gene silencing effects based on temporal changes in their expression patterns. It is argued that differential uptake of siRNAs by cells as observed and limitations in the analysis methods available can skew interpretations. Thus, this study may serve as a cautionary tale indicating that gene silencing using siRNAs for spinal cord injury can be a potential therapy, but practical issues are to be addressed in order to ensure consistency and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Mary Michael
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Preeja Chandran
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Khaviyaa Chandramohan
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Krithika Iyer
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Kevin Jayaraj
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Revathidevi Sundaramoorthy
- Department of Genetics, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
| | - Sankar Venkatachalam
- Department of Anatomy, Dr. Arcot Lakshmanasamy Mudaliar Postgraduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Taramani Campus, Chennai 600 113, India
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Hegde AN, Smith SG. Recent developments in transcriptional and translational regulation underlying long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 26:307-317. [PMID: 31416904 PMCID: PMC6699410 DOI: 10.1101/lm.048769.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Formation of long-term synaptic plasticity that underlies long-term memory requires new protein synthesis. Years of research has elucidated some of the transcriptional and translational mechanisms that contribute to the production of new proteins. Early research on transcription focused on the transcription factor cAMP-responsive element binding protein. Since then, other transcription factors, such as the Nuclear Receptor 4 family of proteins that play a role in memory formation and maintenance have been identified. In addition, several studies have revealed details of epigenetic mechanisms consisting of new types of chemical alterations of DNA such as hydroxymethylation, and various histone modifications in long-term synaptic plasticity and memory. Our understanding of translational control critical for memory formation began with the identification of molecules that impinge on the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions of mRNAs and continued with the appreciation for local translation near synaptic sites. Lately, a role for noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs in regulating translation factors and other molecules critical for memory has been found. This review describes the past research in brief and mainly focuses on the recent work on molecular mechanisms of transcriptional and translational regulation that form the underpinnings of long-term synaptic plasticity and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok N Hegde
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia 31061, USA
| | - Spencer G Smith
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, Georgia 31061, USA
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Oswald F, Klöble P, Ruland A, Rosenkranz D, Hinz B, Butter F, Ramljak S, Zechner U, Herlyn H. The FOXP2-Driven Network in Developmental Disorders and Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:212. [PMID: 28798667 PMCID: PMC5526973 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription repressor FOXP2 is a crucial player in nervous system evolution and development of humans and songbirds. In order to provide an additional insight into its functional role we compared target gene expression levels between human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) stably overexpressing FOXP2 cDNA of either humans or the common chimpanzee, Rhesus monkey, and marmoset, respectively. RNA-seq led to identification of 27 genes with differential regulation under the control of human FOXP2, which were previously reported to have FOXP2-driven and/or songbird song-related expression regulation. RT-qPCR and Western blotting indicated differential regulation of additional 13 new target genes in response to overexpression of human FOXP2. These genes may be directly regulated by FOXP2 considering numerous matches of established FOXP2-binding motifs as well as publicly available FOXP2-ChIP-seq reads within their putative promoters. Ontology analysis of the new and reproduced targets, along with their interactors in a network, revealed an enrichment of terms relating to cellular signaling and communication, metabolism and catabolism, cellular migration and differentiation, and expression regulation. Notably, terms including the words "neuron" or "axonogenesis" were also enriched. Complementary literature screening uncovered many connections to human developmental (autism spectrum disease, schizophrenia, Down syndrome, agenesis of corpus callosum, trismus-pseudocamptodactyly, ankyloglossia, facial dysmorphology) and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, Lewy body dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Links to deafness and dyslexia were detected, too. Such relations existed for single proteins (e.g., DCDC2, NURR1, PHOX2B, MYH8, and MYH13) and groups of proteins which conjointly function in mRNA processing, ribosomal recruitment, cell-cell adhesion (e.g., CDH4), cytoskeleton organization, neuro-inflammation, and processing of amyloid precursor protein. Conspicuously, many links pointed to an involvement of the FOXP2-driven network in JAK/STAT signaling and the regulation of the ezrin-radixin-moesin complex. Altogether, the applied phylogenetic perspective substantiated FOXP2's importance for nervous system development, maintenance, and functioning. However, the study also disclosed new regulatory pathways that might prove to be useful for understanding the molecular background of the aforementioned developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Oswald
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - Patricia Klöble
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - André Ruland
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - David Rosenkranz
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Bastian Hinz
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular BiologyMainz, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center MainzMainz, Germany
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Zentrum für HumangenetikFrankfurt, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
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6
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Perez JD, Rubinstein ND, Dulac C. New Perspectives on Genomic Imprinting, an Essential and Multifaceted Mode of Epigenetic Control in the Developing and Adult Brain. Annu Rev Neurosci 2016; 39:347-84. [PMID: 27145912 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-061010-113708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian evolution entailed multiple innovations in gene regulation, including the emergence of genomic imprinting, an epigenetic regulation leading to the preferential expression of a gene from its maternal or paternal allele. Genomic imprinting is highly prevalent in the brain, yet, until recently, its central roles in neural processes have not been fully appreciated. Here, we provide a comprehensive survey of adult and developmental brain functions influenced by imprinted genes, from neural development and wiring to synaptic function and plasticity, energy balance, social behaviors, emotions, and cognition. We further review the widespread identification of parental biases alongside monoallelic expression in brain tissues, discuss their potential roles in dosage regulation of key neural pathways, and suggest possible mechanisms underlying the dynamic regulation of imprinting in the brain. This review should help provide a better understanding of the significance of genomic imprinting in the normal and pathological brain of mammals including humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio D Perez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
| | - Nimrod D Rubinstein
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
| | - Catherine Dulac
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138;
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7
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Garza-Manero S, Pichardo-Casas I, Arias C, Vaca L, Zepeda A. Selective distribution and dynamic modulation of miRNAs in the synapse and its possible role in Alzheimer's Disease. Brain Res 2013; 1584:80-93. [PMID: 24355599 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that control a wide range of functions in the cell. They act as post-transcriptional gene regulators throughout in development and in adulthood, although recent evidence suggests their potential role in the onset and development of various diseases and neuropathologies. In neurons miRNAs seem to play a key role as regulators of synaptic function. Synapses are vulnerable structures in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, synaptic loss has been described as an early event in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). MicroRNA-mediated gene silencing represents a candidate event for the repression of specific mRNAs and protein synthesis that could account for synaptic dysfunction. In this work, we review the participation of miRNAs in synaptic function and consider their possible role in synaptic alterations in AD. First we review the biogenesis of miRNAs and their role as post-transcriptional regulators. Then we discuss recently published data on the distribution of miRNAs in the brain as well as their role in dynamic regulation at the synapse. In the second part, we briefly introduce the reader to AD, focusing on synaptic alterations in the progression of the pathology. Then we discuss possible implications of miRNAs in the associated synaptic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Garza-Manero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 04510, México, DF, Mexico.
| | - Israel Pichardo-Casas
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 04510 México, DF, Mexico.
| | - Clorinda Arias
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 04510, México, DF, Mexico.
| | - Luis Vaca
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 04510 México, DF, Mexico.
| | - Angélica Zepeda
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 04510, México, DF, Mexico.
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Nunez YO, Mayfield RD. Understanding Alcoholism Through microRNA Signatures in Brains of Human Alcoholics. Front Genet 2012; 3:43. [PMID: 22514554 PMCID: PMC3322338 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2012.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in the fields of genomics and genetics in the last decade have identified a large number of genes that can potentially influence alcohol-drinking behavior in humans as well as animal models. Consequently, the task of identifying efficient molecular targets that could be used to develop effective therapeutics against the disease has become increasingly daunting. One of the reasons for this is the fact that each of the many alcohol-responsive genes only contributes a small effect to the overall mechanism and disease phenotype, as is characteristic of complex traits. Current research trends are hence shifting toward the analysis of gene networks rather than emphasizing individual genes. The discovery of microRNAs and their mechanisms of action on regulation of transcript level and protein translation have made evident the utility of these small non-coding RNA molecules that act as central coordinators of multiple cross-communicating cellular pathways. Cells exploit the fact that a single microRNA can target hundreds of mRNA transcripts and that a single mRNA transcript can be simultaneously targeted by distinct microRNAs, to ensure fine-tuned and/or redundant control over a large number of cellular functions. By the same token, we can use these properties of microRNAs to develop novel, targeted strategies to combat complex disorders. In this review, we will focus on recent discoveries of microRNA signatures in brain of human alcoholics supporting the hypothesis that changes in gene expression and regulation by microRNAs are responsible for long-term neuroadaptations occurring during development of alcoholism. We also discuss insights into the potential modulation of epigenetic regulators by a subset of microRNAs. Taken together, microRNA activity may be controlling many of the cellular mechanisms already known to be involved in the development of alcoholism, and suggests potential targets for the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yury O Nunez
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX, USA
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Kye MJ, Neveu P, Lee YS, Zhou M, Steen JA, Sahin M, Kosik KS, Silva AJ. NMDA mediated contextual conditioning changes miRNA expression. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24682. [PMID: 21931811 PMCID: PMC3171446 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured the expression of 187 miRNAs using quantitative real time PCR in the hippocampal CA1 region of contextually conditioned mice and cultured embryonic rat hippocampal neurons after neuronal stimulation with either NMDA or bicuculline. Many of the changes in miRNA expression after these three types of stimulation were similar. Surprisingly, the expression level of half of the 187 measured miRNAs was changed in response to contextual conditioning in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner. Genes that control miRNA biogenesis and components of the RISC also exhibited activity induced expression changes and are likely to contribute to the widespread changes in the miRNA profile. The widespread changes in miRNA expression are consistent with the finding that genes up-regulated by contextual conditioning have longer 3′ UTRs and more predicted binding sites for miRNAs. Among the miRNAs that changed their expression after contextual conditioning, several inhibit inhibitors of the mTOR pathway. These findings point to a role for miRNAs in learning and memory that includes mTOR-dependent modulation of protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Kye
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
- The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Pierre Neveu
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Psychology, Brain Research Institute, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Miou Zhou
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Psychology, Brain Research Institute, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Judith A. Steen
- The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kenneth S. Kosik
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Alcino J. Silva
- Departments of Neurobiology, Psychiatry and Psychology, Brain Research Institute, Integrative Center for Learning and Memory, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
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Smalheiser NR, Lugli G, Thimmapuram J, Cook EH, Larson J. Endogenous siRNAs and noncoding RNA-derived small RNAs are expressed in adult mouse hippocampus and are up-regulated in olfactory discrimination training. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2011; 17:166-181. [PMID: 21045079 PMCID: PMC3004058 DOI: 10.1261/rna.2123811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We previously proposed that endogenous siRNAs may regulate synaptic plasticity and long-term gene expression in the mammalian brain. Here, a hippocampal-dependent task was employed in which adult mice were trained to execute a nose-poke in a port containing one of two simultaneously present odors in order to obtain a reward. Mice demonstrating olfactory discrimination training were compared to pseudo-training and nose-poke control groups; size-selected hippocampal RNA was subjected to Illumina deep sequencing. Sequences that aligned uniquely and exactly to the genome without uncertain nucleotide assignments, within exons or introns of MGI annotated genes, were examined further. The data confirm that small RNAs having features of endogenous siRNAs are expressed in brain; that many of them derive from genes that regulate synaptic plasticity (and have been implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases); and that hairpin-derived endo-siRNAs and the 20- to 23-nt size class of small RNAs show a significant increase during an early stage of training. The most abundant putative siRNAs arose from an intronic inverted repeat within the SynGAP1 locus; this inverted repeat was a substrate for dicer in vitro, and SynGAP1 siRNA was specifically associated with Argonaute proteins in vivo. Unexpectedly, a dramatic increase with training (more than 100-fold) was observed for a class of 25- to 30-nt small RNAs derived from specific sites within snoRNAs and abundant noncoding RNAs (Y1 RNA, RNA component of mitochondrial RNAse P, 28S rRNA, and 18S rRNA). Further studies are warranted to characterize the role(s) played by endogenous siRNAs and noncoding RNA-derived small RNAs in learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil R Smalheiser
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA.
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Pietrzykowski AZ. The role of microRNAs in drug addiction: a big lesson from tiny molecules. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2010; 91:1-24. [PMID: 20813238 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(10)91001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a multifactorial disease of unclear molecular underpinnings. Currently, we are witnessing a major shift in our understanding of the functional elements of the genome, which could help us to discover novel insights into the nature of alcoholism. In humans, the vast majority of the genome encodes non-protein-coding DNA with unclear function. Recent research has started to unveil this mystery by describing the functional relevance of microRNAs, and examining which genes are regulated by non-protein-coding DNA. Here, I describe alcohol regulation of microRNAs and provide examples of microRNAs that control the expression of alcohol-relevant genes. Emphasis is put on the potential of microRNAs in explaining the polygenic nature of alcoholism and prospects of microRNA research and future directions of this burgeoning field.
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