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Dwyer GE, Johnsen E, Hugdahl K. NMDAR dysfunction and the regulation of dopaminergic transmission in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2024; 271:19-27. [PMID: 39002526 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence implicates dysfunction in N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This article illustrates how NMDAR dysfunction may give rise to many of the neurobiological phenomena frequently associated with schizophrenia with a particular focus on how NMDAR dysfunction affects the thalamic reticular nucleus (nRT) and pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg). Furthermore, this article presents a model for schizophrenia illustrating how dysfunction in the nRT may interrupt prefrontal regulation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, and how dysfunction in the PPTg may drive increased, irregular burst firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Eric Dwyer
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Erik Johnsen
- NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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2
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Xu QW, Larosa A, Wong TP. Roles of AMPA receptors in social behaviors. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2024; 16:1405510. [PMID: 39056071 PMCID: PMC11269240 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2024.1405510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As a crucial player in excitatory synaptic transmission, AMPA receptors (AMPARs) contribute to the formation, regulation, and expression of social behaviors. AMPAR modifications have been associated with naturalistic social behaviors, such as aggression, sociability, and social memory, but are also noted in brain diseases featuring impaired social behavior. Understanding the role of AMPARs in social behaviors is timely to reveal therapeutic targets for treating social impairment in disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. In this review, we will discuss the contribution of the molecular composition, function, and plasticity of AMPARs to social behaviors. The impact of targeting AMPARs in treating brain disorders will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wei Xu
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Amanda Larosa
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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3
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Huang D, Ovcharenko I. The contribution of silencer variants to human diseases. Genome Biol 2024; 25:184. [PMID: 38978133 PMCID: PMC11232194 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03328-1] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although disease-causal genetic variants have been found within silencer sequences, we still lack a comprehensive analysis of the association of silencers with diseases. Here, we profiled GWAS variants in 2.8 million candidate silencers across 97 human samples derived from a diverse panel of tissues and developmental time points, using deep learning models. RESULTS We show that candidate silencers exhibit strong enrichment in disease-associated variants, and several diseases display a much stronger association with silencer variants than enhancer variants. Close to 52% of candidate silencers cluster, forming silencer-rich loci, and, in the loci of Parkinson's-disease-hallmark genes TRIM31 and MAL, the associated SNPs densely populate clustered candidate silencers rather than enhancers displaying an overall twofold enrichment in silencers versus enhancers. The disruption of apoptosis in neuronal cells is associated with both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder and can largely be attributed to variants within candidate silencers. Our model permits a mechanistic explanation of causative SNP effects by identifying altered binding of tissue-specific repressors and activators, validated with a 70% of directional concordance using SNP-SELEX. Narrowing the focus of the analysis to individual silencer variants, experimental data confirms the role of the rs62055708 SNP in Parkinson's disease, rs2535629 in schizophrenia, and rs6207121 in type 1 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our results indicate that advances in deep learning models for the discovery of disease-causal variants within candidate silencers effectively "double" the number of functionally characterized GWAS variants. This provides a basis for explaining mechanisms of action and designing novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Huang
- Intramural Research Program, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ivan Ovcharenko
- Intramural Research Program, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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4
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He H, Long J, Song X, Li Q, Niu L, Peng L, Wei X, Zhang R. A connectome-wide association study of altered functional connectivity in schizophrenia based on resting-state fMRI. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:202-211. [PMID: 38924938 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant resting-state functional connectivity is a neuropathological feature of schizophrenia (SCZ). Prior investigations into functional connectivity abnormalities have primarily employed seed-based connectivity analysis, necessitating predefined seed locations. To address this limitation, a data-driven multivariate method known as connectome-wide association study (CWAS) has been proposed for exploring whole-brain functional connectivity. METHODS We conducted a CWAS analysis involving 46 patients with SCZ and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Multivariate distance matrix regression (MDMR) was utilized to identify key nodes in the brain. Subsequently, we conducted a follow-up seed-based connectivity analysis to elucidate specific connectivity patterns between regions of interest (ROIs). Additionally, we explored the spatial correlation between changes in functional connectivity and underlying molecular architectures by examining correlations between neurotransmitter/transporter distribution densities and functional connectivity. RESULTS MDMR revealed the right medial frontal gyrus and the left calcarine sulcus as two key nodes. Follow-up analysis unveiled hypoconnectivity between the right medial frontal superior gyrus and the right fusiform gyrus, as well as hypoconnectivity between the left calcarine sulcus and the right lingual gyrus in SCZ. Notably, a significant association between functional connectivity strength and positive symptom severity was identified. Furthermore, altered functional connectivity patterns suggested potential dysfunctions in the dopamine, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid systems. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidated reduced functional connectivity both within and between the medial frontal regions and the occipital cortex in patients with SCZ. Moreover, it indicated potential alterations in molecular architecture, thereby expanding current knowledge regarding neurobiological changes associated with SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huawei He
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jixin Long
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqi Song
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Li
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijing Niu
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lanxin Peng
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xinhua Wei
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PRC, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for PsychiatricDisorders, Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine for Qingzhi Diseases, PR China.
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Cameron D, Vinh NN, Prapaiwongs P, Perry EA, Walters JTR, Li M, O'Donovan MC, Bray NJ. Genetic Implication of Prenatal GABAergic and Cholinergic Neuron Development in Susceptibility to Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae083. [PMID: 38869145 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ganglionic eminences (GE) are fetal-specific structures that give rise to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)- and acetylcholine-releasing neurons of the forebrain. Given the evidence for GABAergic, cholinergic, and neurodevelopmental disturbances in schizophrenia, we tested the potential involvement of GE neuron development in mediating genetic risk for the condition. STUDY DESIGN We combined data from a recent large-scale genome-wide association study of schizophrenia with single-cell RNA sequencing data from the human GE to test the enrichment of schizophrenia risk variation in genes with high expression specificity for developing GE cell populations. We additionally performed the single nuclei Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with Sequencing (snATAC-Seq) to map potential regulatory genomic regions operating in individual cell populations of the human GE, using these to test for enrichment of schizophrenia common genetic variant liability and to functionally annotate non-coding variants-associated with the disorder. STUDY RESULTS Schizophrenia common variant liability was enriched in genes with high expression specificity for developing neuron populations that are predicted to form dopamine D1 and D2 receptor-expressing GABAergic medium spiny neurons of the striatum, cortical somatostatin-positive GABAergic interneurons, calretinin-positive GABAergic neurons, and cholinergic neurons. Consistent with these findings, schizophrenia genetic risk was concentrated in predicted regulatory genomic sequence mapped in developing neuronal populations of the GE. CONCLUSIONS Our study implicates prenatal development of specific populations of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in later susceptibility to schizophrenia, and provides a map of predicted regulatory genomic elements operating in cells of the GE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Cameron
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ngoc-Nga Vinh
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Parinda Prapaiwongs
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elizabeth A Perry
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - James T R Walters
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Meng Li
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael C O'Donovan
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas J Bray
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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6
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Nicosia N, Giovenzana M, Misztak P, Mingardi J, Musazzi L. Glutamate-Mediated Excitotoxicity in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Neurodevelopmental and Adult Mental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6521. [PMID: 38928227 PMCID: PMC11203689 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain wherein it controls cognitive functional domains and mood. Indeed, brain areas involved in memory formation and consolidation as well as in fear and emotional processing, such as the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala, are predominantly glutamatergic. To ensure the physiological activity of the brain, glutamatergic transmission is finely tuned at synaptic sites. Disruption of the mechanisms responsible for glutamate homeostasis may result in the accumulation of excessive glutamate levels, which in turn leads to increased calcium levels, mitochondrial abnormalities, oxidative stress, and eventually cell atrophy and death. This condition is known as glutamate-induced excitotoxicity and is considered as a pathogenic mechanism in several diseases of the central nervous system, including neurodevelopmental, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, these disorders share neuroplasticity impairments in glutamatergic brain areas, which are accompanied by structural remodeling of glutamatergic neurons. In the current narrative review, we will summarize the role of glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in both the pathophysiology and therapeutic interventions of neurodevelopmental and adult mental diseases with a focus on autism spectrum disorders, substance abuse, and psychiatric disorders. Indeed, glutamatergic drugs are under preclinical and clinical development for the treatment of different mental diseases that share glutamatergic neuroplasticity dysfunctions. Although clinical evidence is still limited and more studies are required, the regulation of glutamate homeostasis is attracting attention as a potential crucial target for the control of brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Nicosia
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Mattia Giovenzana
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
| | - Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (N.N.); (M.G.); (P.M.)
- Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 20900 Monza, Italy
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7
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Frei O, Hindley G, Shadrin AA, van der Meer D, Akdeniz BC, Hagen E, Cheng W, O'Connell KS, Bahrami S, Parker N, Smeland OB, Holland D, de Leeuw C, Posthuma D, Andreassen OA, Dale AM. Improved functional mapping of complex trait heritability with GSA-MiXeR implicates biologically specific gene sets. Nat Genet 2024; 56:1310-1318. [PMID: 38831010 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01771-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
While genome-wide association studies are increasingly successful in discovering genomic loci associated with complex human traits and disorders, the biological interpretation of these findings remains challenging. Here we developed the GSA-MiXeR analytical tool for gene set analysis (GSA), which fits a model for the heritability of individual genes, accounting for linkage disequilibrium across variants and allowing the quantification of partitioned heritability and fold enrichment for small gene sets. We validated the method using extensive simulations and sensitivity analyses. When applied to a diverse selection of complex traits and disorders, including schizophrenia, GSA-MiXeR prioritizes gene sets with greater biological specificity compared to standard GSA approaches, implicating voltage-gated calcium channel function and dopaminergic signaling for schizophrenia. Such biologically relevant gene sets, often with fewer than ten genes, are more likely to provide insights into the pathobiology of complex diseases and highlight potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Frei
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Guy Hindley
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexey A Shadrin
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dennis van der Meer
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bayram C Akdeniz
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Bioinformatics, Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Hagen
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Weiqiu Cheng
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kevin S O'Connell
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Shahram Bahrami
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nadine Parker
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav B Smeland
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dominic Holland
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Christiaan de Leeuw
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Danielle Posthuma
- Department of Complex Trait Genetics, Centre for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Centre for Precision Psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital & Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anders M Dale
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Uliana DL, Lisboa JRF, Gomes FV, Grace AA. The excitatory-inhibitory balance as a target for the development of novel drugs to treat schizophrenia. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116298. [PMID: 38782077 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The intricate balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I) in the brain plays a crucial role in normative information processing. Dysfunctions in the E/I balance have been implicated in various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia (SCZ). In particular, abnormalities in GABAergic signaling, specifically in parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons, have been consistently observed in SCZ pathophysiology. PV interneuron function is vital for maintaining an ideal E/I balance, and alterations in PV interneuron-mediated inhibition contribute to circuit deficits observed in SCZ, including hippocampus hyperactivity and midbrain dopamine system overdrive. While current antipsychotic medications primarily target D2 dopamine receptors and are effective primarily in treating positive symptoms, novel therapeutic strategies aiming to restore the E/I balance could potentially mitigate not only positive symptoms but also negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. This could involve, for instance, increasing the inhibitory drive onto excitatory neurons or decreasing the putative enhanced pyramidal neuron activity due to functional loss of PV interneurons. Compounds targeting the glycine site at glutamate NMDA receptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on PV interneurons that can increase PV interneuron drive, as well as drugs that increase the postsynaptic action of GABA, such as positive allosteric modulators of α5-GABA-A receptors, and decrease glutamatergic output, such as mGluR2/3 agonists, represent promising approaches. Preventive strategies aiming at E/I balance also represent a path to reduce the risk of transitioning to SCZ in high-risk individuals. Therefore, compounds with novel mechanisms targeting E/I balance provide optimism for more effective and tailored interventions in the management of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela L Uliana
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joao Roberto F Lisboa
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe V Gomes
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Anthony A Grace
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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9
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Liu Y, Yuan J, Dong Y, Jiang S, Zhang M, Zhao X. Interaction between Oligodendrocytes and Interneurons in Brain Development and Related Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3620. [PMID: 38612430 PMCID: PMC11011273 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
A variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders have recently been shown to be highly associated with the abnormal development and function of oligodendrocytes (OLs) and interneurons. OLs are the myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system (CNS), while interneurons are important neural types gating the function of excitatory neurons. These two types of cells are of great significance for the establishment and function of neural circuits, and they share similar developmental origins and transcriptional architectures, and interact with each other in multiple ways during development. In this review, we compare the similarities and differences in these two cell types, providing an important reference and further revealing the pathogenesis of related brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xianghui Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience, Air Force Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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10
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O'Brien JT, Jalilvand SP, Suji NA, Jupelly RK, Phensy A, Mwirigi JM, Elahi H, Price TJ, Kroener S. Elevations in the Mitochondrial Matrix Protein Cyclophilin D Correlate With Reduced Parvalbumin Expression in the Prefrontal Cortex of Patients With Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae016. [PMID: 38412332 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Cognitive deficits in schizophrenia are linked to dysfunctions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), including alterations in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons (PVIs). Redox dysregulation and oxidative stress may represent convergence points in the pathology of schizophrenia, causing dysfunction of GABAergic interneurons and loss of PV. Here, we show that the mitochondrial matrix protein cyclophilin D (CypD), a critical initiator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and modulator of the intracellular redox state, is altered in PVIs in schizophrenia. STUDY DESIGN Western blotting was used to measure CypD protein levels in postmortem DLPFC specimens of schizophrenic patients (n = 27) and matched comparison subjects with no known history of psychiatric or neurological disorders (n = 26). In a subset of this cohort, multilabel immunofluorescent confocal microscopy with unbiased stereological sampling methods were used to quantify (1) numbers of PVI across the cortical mantle (20 unaffected comparison, 14 schizophrenia) and (2) PV and CypD protein levels from PVIs in the cortical layers 2-4 (23 unaffected comparison, 18 schizophrenia). STUDY RESULTS In schizophrenic patients, the overall number of PVIs in the DLPFC was not significantly altered, but in individual PVIs of layers 2-4 PV protein levels decreased along a superficial-to-deep gradient when compared to unaffected comparison subjects. These laminar-specific PVI alterations were reciprocally linked to significant CypD elevations both in PVIs and total DLPFC gray matter. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support previously reported PVI anomalies in schizophrenia and suggest that CypD-mediated mPTP formation could be a potential contributor to PVI dysfunction in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T O'Brien
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Sophia P Jalilvand
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Neha A Suji
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Rohan K Jupelly
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Aarron Phensy
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Juliet M Mwirigi
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Hajira Elahi
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Sven Kroener
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
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11
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Holter KM, Lekander AD, Pierce BE, Sands LP, Gould RW. Use of Quantitative Electroencephalography to Inform Age- and Sex-Related Differences in NMDA Receptor Function Following MK-801 Administration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:237. [PMID: 38399452 PMCID: PMC10892193 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020237] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sex- and age-related differences in symptom prevalence and severity have been widely reported in patients with schizophrenia, yet the underlying mechanisms contributing to these differences are not well understood. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction contributes to schizophrenia pathology, and preclinical models often use NMDA receptor antagonists, including MK-801, to model all symptom clusters. Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) represents a translational approach to measure neuronal activity, identify targetable biomarkers in neuropsychiatric disorders and evaluate possible treatments. Abnormalities in gamma power have been reported in patients with schizophrenia and correspond to psychosis and cognitive impairment. Further, as gamma power reflects cortical glutamate and GABA signaling, it is highly sensitive to changes in NMDA receptor function, and NMDA receptor antagonists aberrantly increase gamma power in rodents and humans. To evaluate the role of sex and age on NMDA receptor function, MK-801 (0.03-0.3 mg/kg, SC) was administered to 3- and 9-month-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats that were implanted with wireless EEG transmitters to measure cortical brain function. MK-801-induced elevations in gamma power were observed in 3-month-old male and female and 9-month-old male rats. In contrast, 9-month-old female rats demonstrated blunted maximal elevations across a wide dose range. Importantly, MK-801-induced hyperlocomotor effects, a common behavioral screen used to examine antipsychotic-like activity, were similar across all groups. Overall, sex-by-age-related differences in gamma power support using qEEG as a translational tool to evaluate pathological progression and predict treatment response across a heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robert W. Gould
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA; (K.M.H.)
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12
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Kline CL, Suzuki T, Simmonite M, Taylor SF. Catatonia is associated with higher rates of negative affect amongst patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Schizophr Res 2024; 263:208-213. [PMID: 36114099 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Catatonia is a complex syndrome encompassing motor, behavioral, and affective symptoms seen in a significant proportion of patients with schizophrenia. There is growing evidence to suggest affective dysregulation is a salient feature of both catatonia and schizophrenia. To test the hypothesis of a linkage between affective dysregulation and catatonia in schizophrenia, we searched electronic medical records from 36,839 patients with schizophrenia, using anxiety and depression diagnoses as proxies for affective dysregulation. Catatonia was found in 4.7 % of the cohort. Analyses indicated that catatonia was significantly associated with both anxiety and depression co-morbidities: schizophrenia patients with catatonia were 1.71 times more likely to have anxiety and 1.80 times more likely to have depression than those without catatonia. Benzodiazepine usage was also 7.73 times more common in schizophrenia patients with a catatonia diagnosis than without that diagnosis. Taken together, the findings could be related to GABAergic dysfunction underlying schizophrenia, catatonia, and affective dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Kline
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Takakuni Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Molly Simmonite
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stephan F Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Ryding M, Mikkelsen AW, Nissen MS, Nilsson AC, Blaabjerg M. Pathophysiological Effects of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Encephalitides. Cells 2023; 13:15. [PMID: 38201219 PMCID: PMC10778077 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of autoantibody targets in autoimmune encephalitides presents a challenge for understanding cellular and humoral pathophysiology, and the development of new treatment strategies. Thus, current treatment aims at autoantibody removal and immunosuppression, and is primarily based on data generated from other autoimmune neurological diseases and expert consensus. There are many subtypes of autoimmune encephalitides, which now entails both diseases with autoantibodies targeting extracellular antigens and classical paraneoplastic syndromes with autoantibodies targeting intracellular antigens. Here, we review the current knowledge of molecular and cellular effects of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, and evaluate the evidence behind the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of autoantibodies in autoimmune encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Ryding
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne With Mikkelsen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | | | - Anna Christine Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
| | - Morten Blaabjerg
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Neurobiology Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark;
- Brain Research—Inter Disciplinary Guided Excellence (BRIDGE), 5000 Odense, Denmark
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Cameron D, Vinh NN, Prapaiwongs P, Perry EA, Walters JTR, Li M, O’Donovan MC, Bray NJ. Genetic implication of prenatal GABAergic and cholinergic neuron development in susceptibility to schizophrenia. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.14.23299948. [PMID: 38168283 PMCID: PMC10760267 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.23299948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background The ganglionic eminences are fetal-specific structures that give rise to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)- and acetylcholine- releasing neurons of the forebrain. Given evidence for GABAergic and cholinergic disturbances in schizophrenia, as well as an early neurodevelopmental component to the disorder, we tested the potential involvement of developing cells of the ganglionic eminences in mediating genetic risk for the condition. Study Design We combined data from a recent large-scale genome-wide association study of schizophrenia with single cell RNA sequencing data from the human ganglionic eminences to test enrichment of schizophrenia risk variation in genes with high expression specificity for particular developing cell populations within these structures. We additionally performed the single nuclei Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with Sequencing (snATAC-Seq) to map potential regulatory genomic regions operating in individual cell populations of the human ganglionic eminences, using these to additionally test for enrichment of schizophrenia common genetic variant liability and to functionally annotate non-coding variants associated with the disorder. Study Results Schizophrenia common variant liability was enriched in genes with high expression specificity for developing neuron populations that are predicted to form dopamine D1 and D2 receptor expressing GABAergic medium spiny neurons of the striatum, cortical somatostatin-positive GABAergic interneurons, calretinin-positive GABAergic neurons and cholinergic neurons. Consistent with these findings, schizophrenia genetic risk was also concentrated in predicted regulatory genomic sequence mapped in developing neuronal populations of the ganglionic eminences. Conclusions Our study provides evidence for a role of prenatal GABAergic and cholinergic neuron development in later susceptibility to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Cameron
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ngoc-Nga Vinh
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Parinda Prapaiwongs
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Perry
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - James T. R. Walters
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Meng Li
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C. O’Donovan
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. Bray
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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15
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Kolar D, Krajcovic B, Kleteckova L, Kuncicka D, Vales K, Brozka H. Review: Genes Involved in Mitochondrial Physiology Within 22q11.2 Deleted Region and Their Relevance to Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2023; 49:1637-1653. [PMID: 37379469 PMCID: PMC10686339 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbad066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS Schizophrenia is associated with altered energy metabolism, but the cause and potential impact of these metabolic changes remain unknown. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) represents a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, which is associated with the loss of several genes involved in mitochondrial physiology. Here we examine how the haploinsufficiency of these genes could contribute to the emergence of schizophrenia in 22q11.2DS. STUDY DESIGN We characterize changes in neuronal mitochondrial function caused by haploinsufficiency of mitochondria-associated genes within the 22q11.2 region (PRODH, MRPL40, TANGO2, ZDHHC8, SLC25A1, TXNRD2, UFD1, and DGCR8). For that purpose, we combine data from 22q11.2DS carriers and schizophrenia patients, in vivo (animal models) and in vitro (induced pluripotent stem cells, IPSCs) studies. We also review the current knowledge about seven non-coding microRNA molecules located in the 22q11.2 region that may be indirectly involved in energy metabolism by acting as regulatory factors. STUDY RESULTS We found that the haploinsufficiency of genes of interest is mainly associated with increased oxidative stress, altered energy metabolism, and calcium homeostasis in animal models. Studies on IPSCs from 22q11.2DS carriers corroborate findings of deficits in the brain energy metabolism, implying a causal role between impaired mitochondrial function and the development of schizophrenia in 22q11.2DS. CONCLUSIONS The haploinsufficiency of genes within the 22q11.2 region leads to multifaceted mitochondrial dysfunction with consequences to neuronal function, viability, and wiring. Overlap between in vitro and in vivo studies implies a causal role between impaired mitochondrial function and the development of schizophrenia in 22q11.2DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kolar
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Branislav Krajcovic
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Daniela Kuncicka
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Vales
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Brozka
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Griffiths K, Smart SE, Barker GJ, Deakin B, Lawrie SM, Lewis S, Lythgoe DJ, Pardiñas AF, Singh K, Semple S, Walters JTR, Williams SR, Egerton A, MacCabe JH. Treatment resistance NMDA receptor pathway polygenic score is associated with brain glutamate in schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2023; 260:152-159. [PMID: 37657282 PMCID: PMC10873209 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of glutamate neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and may be particularly relevant in severe, treatment-resistant symptoms. The underlying mechanism may involve hypofunction of the NMDA receptor. We investigated whether schizophrenia-related pathway polygenic scores, composed of genetic variants within NMDA receptor encoding genes, are associated with cortical glutamate in schizophrenia. Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) glutamate was measured in 70 participants across 4 research sites using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Two NMDA receptor gene sets were sourced from the Molecular Signatories Database and NMDA receptor pathway polygenic scores were constructed using PRSet. The NMDA receptor pathway polygenic scores were weighted by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, and associations with ACC glutamate were tested. We then tested whether NMDA receptor pathway polygenic scores with SNPs weighted by associations with non-treatment-resistant schizophrenia were associated with ACC glutamate. A higher NMDA receptor complex pathway polygenic score was significantly associated with lower ACC glutamate (β = -0.25, 95 % CI = -0.49, -0.02, competitive p = 0.03). When SNPs were weighted by associations with non-treatment-resistant schizophrenia, there was no association between the NMDA receptor complex pathway polygenic score and ACC glutamate (β = 0.05, 95 % CI = -0.18, 0.27, competitive p = 0.79). These results provide initial evidence of an association between common genetic variation implicated in NMDA receptor function and ACC glutamate levels in schizophrenia. This association was specific to when the NMDA receptor complex pathway polygenic score was weighted by SNP associations with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Griffiths
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sophie E Smart
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Gareth J Barker
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Bill Deakin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | | | - Shon Lewis
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester M25 3BL, UK
| | - David J Lythgoe
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Antonio F Pardiñas
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Krishna Singh
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Scott Semple
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - James T R Walters
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Stephen R Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alice Egerton
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - James H MacCabe
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London SE5 8AF, UK; NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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17
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Gawande DY, S Narasimhan KK, Shelkar GP, Pavuluri R, Stessman HAF, Dravid SM. GluN2D Subunit in Parvalbumin Interneurons Regulates Prefrontal Cortex Feedforward Inhibitory Circuit and Molecular Networks Relevant to Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:297-309. [PMID: 37004850 PMCID: PMC10524289 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parvalbumin interneuron (PVI) activity synchronizes the medial prefrontal cortex circuit for normal cognitive function, and its impairment may contribute to schizophrenia (SZ). NMDA receptors in PVIs participate in these activities and form the basis for the NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis of SZ. However, the role of the GluN2D subunit, which is enriched in PVIs, in regulating molecular networks relevant to SZ is unknown. METHODS Using electrophysiology and a mouse model with conditional deletion of GluN2D from PVIs (PV-GluN2D knockout [KO]), we examined the cell excitability and neurotransmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. Histochemical, RNA sequencing analysis and immunoblotting were conducted to understand molecular mechanisms. Behavioral analysis was conducted to test cognitive function. RESULTS PVIs in the medial prefrontal cortex were found to express putative GluN1/2B/2D receptors. In a PV-GluN2D KO model, PVIs were hypoexcitable, whereas pyramidal neurons were hyperexcitable. Excitatory neurotransmission was higher in both cell types in PV-GluN2D KO, whereas inhibitory neurotransmission showed contrasting changes, which could be explained by reduced somatostatin interneuron projections and increased PVI projections. Genes associated with GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) synthesis, vesicular release, and uptake as well as those involved in formation of inhibitory synapses, specifically GluD1-Cbln4 and Nlgn2, and regulation of dopamine terminals were downregulated in PV-GluN2D KO. SZ susceptibility genes including Disc1, Nrg1, and ErbB4 and their downstream targets were also downregulated. Behaviorally, PV-GluN2D KO mice showed hyperactivity and anxiety behavior and deficits in short-term memory and cognitive flexibility. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that GluN2D in PVIs serves as a point of convergence of pathways involved in the regulation of GABAergic synapses relevant to SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Y Gawande
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | | | - Gajanan P Shelkar
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ratnamala Pavuluri
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Holly A F Stessman
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Shashank M Dravid
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.
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18
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Farsi Z, Sheng M. Molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia: Insights from human genetics. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 81:102731. [PMID: 37245257 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide; however, its etiology is poorly understood at the molecular and neurobiological levels. A particularly important advance in recent years is the discovery of rare genetic variants associated with a greatly increased risk of developing schizophrenia. These primarily loss-of-function variants are found in genes that overlap with those implicated by common variants and are involved in the regulation of glutamate signaling, synaptic function, DNA transcription, and chromatin remodeling. Animal models harboring mutations in these large-effect schizophrenia risk genes show promise in providing additional insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Farsi
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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19
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Pagano J, Landi S, Stefanoni A, Nardi G, Albanesi M, Bauer HF, Pracucci E, Schön M, Ratto GM, Boeckers TM, Sala C, Verpelli C. Shank3 deletion in PV neurons is associated with abnormal behaviors and neuronal functions that are rescued by increasing GABAergic signaling. Mol Autism 2023; 14:28. [PMID: 37528484 PMCID: PMC10394945 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00557-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, and autistic-like behaviors and is primarily caused by haploinsufficiency of SHANK3 gene. Currently, there is no specific treatment for PMS, highlighting the need for a better understanding of SHANK3 functions and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms in the brain. We hypothesize that SHANK3 haploinsufficiency may lead to alterations in the inhibitory system, which could be linked to the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance observed in models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Investigation of these neuropathological features may shed light on the pathogenesis of PMS and potential therapeutic interventions. METHODS We recorded local field potentials and visual evoked responses in the visual cortex of Shank3∆11-/- mice. Then, to understand the impact of Shank3 in inhibitory neurons, we generated Pv-cre+/- Shank3Fl/Wt conditional mice, in which Shank3 was deleted in parvalbumin-positive neurons. We characterized the phenotype of this murine model and we compared this phenotype before and after ganaxolone administration. RESULTS We found, in the primary visual cortex, an alteration of the gain control of Shank3 KO compared with Wt mice, indicating a deficit of inhibition on pyramidal neurons. This alteration was rescued after the potentiation of GABAA receptor activity by Midazolam. Behavioral analysis showed an impairment in grooming, memory, and motor coordination of Pv-cre+/- Shank3Fl/Wt compared with Pv-cre+/- Shank3Wt/Wt mice. These deficits were rescued with ganaxolone, a positive modulator of GABAA receptors. Furthermore, we demonstrated that treatment with ganaxolone also ameliorated evocative memory deficits and repetitive behavior of Shank3 KO mice. LIMITATIONS Despite the significant findings of our study, some limitations remain. Firstly, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the link between Shank3 deletion in PV neurons and behavioral alterations need further investigation. Additionally, the impact of Shank3 on other classes of inhibitory neurons requires further exploration. Finally, the pharmacological activity of ganaxolone needs further characterization to improve our understanding of its potential therapeutic effects. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence that Shank3 deletion leads to an alteration in inhibitory feedback on cortical pyramidal neurons, resulting in cortical hyperexcitability and ASD-like behavioral problems. Specifically, cell type-specific deletion of Shank3 in PV neurons was associated with these behavioral deficits. Our findings suggest that ganaxolone may be a potential pharmacological approach for treating PMS, as it was able to rescue the behavioral deficits in Shank3 KO mice. Overall, our study highlights the importance of investigating the role of inhibitory neurons and potential therapeutic interventions in neurodevelopmental disorders such as PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Pagano
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Via Follereau 3, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Landi
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessia Stefanoni
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Via Follereau 3, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nardi
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marica Albanesi
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Helen F Bauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Enrico Pracucci
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gian Michele Ratto
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
- NEST, Istituto Nanoscienze-CNR and Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- DZNE, Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carlo Sala
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Via Follereau 3, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- CNR, Neuroscience Institute, Via Follereau 3, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Milan, Italy.
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20
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Vinnakota C, Hudson MR, Jones NC, Sundram S, Hill RA. Potential Roles for the GluN2D NMDA Receptor Subunit in Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11835. [PMID: 37511595 PMCID: PMC10380280 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411835] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has been proposed to underlie schizophrenia symptoms. This theory arose from the observation that administration of NMDAR antagonists, which are compounds that inhibit NMDAR activity, reproduces behavioural and molecular schizophrenia-like phenotypes, including hallucinations, delusions and cognitive impairments in healthy humans and animal models. However, the role of specific NMDAR subunits in these schizophrenia-relevant phenotypes is largely unknown. Mounting evidence implicates the GluN2D subunit of NMDAR in some of these symptoms and pathology. Firstly, genetic and post-mortem studies show changes in the GluN2D subunit in people with schizophrenia. Secondly, the psychosis-inducing effects of NMDAR antagonists are blunted in GluN2D-knockout mice, suggesting that the GluN2D subunit mediates NMDAR-antagonist-induced psychotomimetic effects. Thirdly, in the mature brain, the GluN2D subunit is relatively enriched in parvalbumin (PV)-containing interneurons, a cell type hypothesized to underlie the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Lastly, the GluN2D subunit is widely and abundantly expressed early in development, which could be of importance considering schizophrenia is a disorder that has its origins in early neurodevelopment. The limitations of currently available therapies warrant further research into novel therapeutic targets such as the GluN2D subunit, which may help us better understand underlying disease mechanisms and develop novel and more effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Vinnakota
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Matthew R Hudson
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Mental Health Program, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
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21
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Sigvard AK, Bojesen KB, Ambrosen KS, Nielsen MØ, Gjedde A, Tangmose K, Kumakura Y, Edden R, Fuglø D, Jensen LT, Rostrup E, Ebdrup BH, Glenthøj BY. Dopamine Synthesis Capacity and GABA and Glutamate Levels Separate Antipsychotic-Naïve Patients With First-Episode Psychosis From Healthy Control Subjects in a Multimodal Prediction Model. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:500-509. [PMID: 37519478 PMCID: PMC10382695 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Disturbances in presynaptic dopamine activity and levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate plus glutamine collectively may have a role in the pathophysiology of psychosis, although separately they are poor diagnostic markers. We tested whether these neurotransmitters in combination improve the distinction of antipsychotic-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis from healthy control subjects. Methods We included 23 patients (mean age 22.3 years, 9 male) and 20 control subjects (mean age 22.4 years, 8 male). We determined dopamine metabolism in the nucleus accumbens and striatum from 18F-fluorodopa (18F-FDOPA) positron emission tomography. We measured GABA levels in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and glutamate plus glutamine levels in the ACC and left thalamus with 3T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We used binominal logistic regression for unimodal prediction when we modeled neurotransmitters individually and for multimodal prediction when we combined the 3 neurotransmitters. We selected the best combination based on Akaike information criterion. Results Individual neurotransmitters failed to predict group. Three triple neurotransmitter combinations significantly predicted group after Benjamini-Hochberg correction. The best model (Akaike information criterion 48.5) carried 93.5% of the cumulative model weight. It reached a classification accuracy of 83.7% (p = .003) and included dopamine synthesis capacity (Ki4p) in the nucleus accumbens (p = .664), GABA levels in the ACC (p = .019), glutamate plus glutamine levels in the thalamus (p = .678), and the interaction term Ki4p × GABA (p = .016). Conclusions Our multimodal approach proved superior classification accuracy, implying that the pathophysiology of patients represents a combination of neurotransmitter disturbances rather than aberrations in a single neurotransmitter. Particularly aberrant interrelations between Ki4p in the nucleus accumbens and GABA values in the ACC appeared to contribute diagnostic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne K. Sigvard
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirsten Borup Bojesen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen S. Ambrosen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Ødegaard Nielsen
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Albert Gjedde
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karen Tangmose
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yoshitaka Kumakura
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Japan
| | - Richard Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- FM. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dan Fuglø
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Thorbjørn Jensen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Egill Rostrup
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bjørn H. Ebdrup
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birte Yding Glenthøj
- Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research & Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research, Mental Health Center, Glostrup, Copenhagen University Hospital – Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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22
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Deriha K, Hashimoto E, Ukai W, Marchisella F, Nishimura E, Hashiguchi H, Tayama M, Ishii T, Riva MA, Kawanishi C. Reduced sociability in a prenatal immune activation model: Modulation by a chronic blonanserin treatment through the amygdala-hippocampal axis. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 164:209-220. [PMID: 37379611 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The environmental disturbances in a critical neurodevelopmental period exert organizational effects on brain intrinsic plasticity including excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission those can cause the onset of psychiatric illness. We previously reported that treatment of neural precursor cells with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 induced reduction of GABAergic interneuron differentiation, and these changes recovered by atypical antipsychotic blonanserin treatment in vitro. However, it remains unclear how this treatment affects neural circuit changes in hippocampus and amygdala, which might contribute to the prevention of onset process of schizophrenia. To elucidate the pathogenic/preventive mechanisms underlying prenatal environmental adversity-induced schizophrenia in more detail, we administered poly (I:C) followed by antipsychotics and examined alterations in social/cognitive behaviors, GABA/glutamate-related gene expressions with cell density and E/I ratio, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) transcript levels, particularly in limbic areas. Treatment with antipsychotic blonanserin ameliorated impaired social/cognitive behaviors and increased parvalbumin (PV)-positive (+) cell density and its mRNA levels as well as Bdnf with long 3'UTR mRNA levels, particularly in the dorsal hippocampus, in rats exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA). Low dose of blonanserin and haloperidol altered GABA and glutamate-related mRNA levels, the E/I ratio, and Bdnf long 3'UTR mRNA levels in the ventral hippocampus and amygdala, but did not attenuate behavioral impairments. These results strongly implicate changes in PV expression, PV(+) GABAergic interneuron density, and Bdnf long 3'UTR expression levels, particularly in the dorsal hippocampus, in the pathophysiology and treatment responses of MIA-induced schizophrenia and highlight the therapeutic potential of blonanserin for developmental stress-related schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Deriha
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Eri Hashimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Wataru Ukai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan; Department of Institutional Research, Center for Medical Education, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Francesca Marchisella
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences University of Milan Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Emi Nishimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Hanako Hashiguchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Masaya Tayama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
| | - Takao Ishii
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan; Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608556, Japan
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences University of Milan Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Chiaki Kawanishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo Medical University, S-1, W-16, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, 0608543, Japan.
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23
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Dong B, Yue Y, Dong H, Wang Y. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction as a potential contributor to the progression and manifestation of many neurological disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1174738. [PMID: 37396784 PMCID: PMC10308130 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1174738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDA) are glutamate-gated ion channels critical for synaptic transmission and plasticity. A slight variation of NMDAR expression and function can result in devastating consequences, and both hyperactivation and hypoactivation of NMDARs are detrimental to neural function. Compared to NMDAR hyperfunction, NMDAR hypofunction is widely implicated in many neurological disorders, such as intellectual disability, autism, schizophrenia, and age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, NMDAR hypofunction is associated with the progression and manifestation of these diseases. Here, we review the underlying mechanisms of NMDAR hypofunction in the progression of these neurological disorders and highlight that targeting NMDAR hypofunction is a promising therapeutic intervention in some neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yue
- School of Psychology, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Han Dong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuehui Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Geriatrics Clinical Research Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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24
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Musselman M, Huynh E, Kelshikar R, Lee E, Malik M, Faden J. Potassium channel modulators and schizophrenia: an overview of investigational drugs. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023. [PMID: 37247333 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2219385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Schizophrenia is severe mental illness comprised of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Existing pharmacologic options exert their actions on the dopamine receptor but are largely ineffective at treating negative and cognitive symptoms. Alternative pharmacologic options that do not act directly on the dopamine receptor are being investigated, including potassium channel modulators. It has been hypothesized that dysfunctional fast-spiking parvalbumin-positive GABA interneurons, regulated by Kv 3.1 and Kv 3.2 potassium channels, contribute to the symptoms of schizophrenia, making potassium channels an area of clinical interest. AREAS COVERED This review will highlight potassium channel modulators for the treatment of schizophrenia, with a focus on AUT00206. Background on Kv3.1 and Kv3.2 potassium channels will be explored. Our search strategy included a literature review utilizing PubMed, Clinicaltrials.gov, and sources available on the manufacturer's website. EXPERT OPINION Initial data on potassium channel modulators is promising, however, further study is needed, and existing evidence is limited. Early data suggests that dysfunctional GABA interneurons can be ameliorated through modulators of Kv3.1 and Kv3.2 channels. AUT00206 has been shown to improve dopaminergic dysfunction induced by ketamine and PCP, improve resting gamma power in patients with schizophrenia, impact dopamine synthesis capacity in a subgroup of individuals with schizophrenia, and affect reward anticipation-related neural activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Musselman
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
| | - Eric Huynh
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
| | - Rachana Kelshikar
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
| | - Eric Lee
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
| | - Mohammed Malik
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
| | - Justin Faden
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Suite 305B, Philadelphia PA 19125, USA
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25
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Righes Marafiga J, Baraban SC. Cell therapy for neurological disorders: Progress towards an embryonic medial ganglionic eminence progenitor-based treatment. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1177678. [PMID: 37123353 PMCID: PMC10140420 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1177678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairment of development, migration, or function of inhibitory interneurons are key features of numerous circuit-based neurological disorders, such as epilepsy. From a therapeutic perspective, symptomatic treatment of these disorders often relies upon drugs or deep brain stimulation approaches to provide a general enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibition. A more effective strategy to target these pathological circuits and potentially provide true disease-modifying therapy, would be to selectively add new inhibitory interneurons into these circuits. One such strategy, using embryonic medial ganglionic (MGE) progenitor cells as a source of a unique sub-population of interneurons, has already proven effective as a cell transplantation therapy in a variety of preclinical models of neurological disorders, especially in mouse models of acquired epilepsy. Here we will discuss the evolution of this interneuron-based transplantation therapy in acquired epilepsy models, with an emphasis on the recent adaptation of MGE progenitor cells for xenotransplantation into larger mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseane Righes Marafiga
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Scott C. Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
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26
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Chamberlin LA, Yang SS, McEachern EP, Lucas JTM, McLeod Ii OW, Rolland CA, Mack NR, Ferguson BR, Gao WJ. Pharmacogenetic activation of parvalbumin interneurons in the prefrontal cortex rescues cognitive deficits induced by adolescent MK801 administration. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01576-6. [PMID: 37041206 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01576-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia (SZ) present a significant clinical burden. They are treatment resistant and are the primary predictor of functional outcomes. Although the neural mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear, pathological GABAergic signaling likely plays an essential role. Perturbations with parvalbumin (PV)-expressing fast-spiking (FS) interneurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are consistently found in post-mortem studies of patients with SZ, as well as in animal models. Our studies have shown decreased prefrontal synaptic inhibition and PV immunostaining, along with working memory and cognitive flexibility deficits in the MK801 model. To test the hypothesized association between PV cell perturbations and impaired cognition in SZ, we activated prefrontal PV cells by using an excitatory DREADD viral vector with a PV promoter to rescue the cognitive deficits induced by adolescent MK801 administration in female rats. We found that targeted pharmacogenetic upregulation of prefrontal PV interneuron activity can restore E/I balance and improve cognition in the MK801 model. Our findings support the hypothesis that the reduced PV cell activity levels disrupt GABA transmission, resulting in the disinhibition of excitatory pyramidal cells. This disinhibition leads to an elevated prefrontal excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance that could be causal for cognitive impairments. Our study provides novel insights into the causal role of PV cells in cognitive function and has clinical implications for understanding the pathophysiology and management of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda A Chamberlin
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- MD/PhD program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sha-Sha Yang
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Department of Neurology, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Erin P McEachern
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joshua T M Lucas
- MD program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Owen W McLeod Ii
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Claire A Rolland
- Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy R Mack
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brielle R Ferguson
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- 2 Blackfan circle, Cetern for Life Science, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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27
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Liu H, Caballero-Florán RN, Hergenreder T, Yang T, Hull JM, Pan G, Li R, Veling MW, Isom LL, Kwan KY, Huang ZJ, Fuerst PG, Jenkins PM, Ye B. DSCAM gene triplication causes excessive GABAergic synapses in the neocortex in Down syndrome mouse models. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002078. [PMID: 37079499 PMCID: PMC10118173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). A major challenge in DS research is to identify the HSA21 genes that cause specific symptoms. Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) is encoded by a HSA21 gene. Previous studies have shown that the protein level of the Drosophila homolog of DSCAM determines the size of presynaptic terminals. However, whether the triplication of DSCAM contributes to presynaptic development in DS remains unknown. Here, we show that DSCAM levels regulate GABAergic synapses formed on neocortical pyramidal neurons (PyNs). In the Ts65Dn mouse model for DS, where DSCAM is overexpressed due to DSCAM triplication, GABAergic innervation of PyNs by basket and chandelier interneurons is increased. Genetic normalization of DSCAM expression rescues the excessive GABAergic innervations and the increased inhibition of PyNs. Conversely, loss of DSCAM impairs GABAergic synapse development and function. These findings demonstrate excessive GABAergic innervation and synaptic transmission in the neocortex of DS mouse models and identify DSCAM overexpression as the cause. They also implicate dysregulated DSCAM levels as a potential pathogenic driver in related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Liu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - René N. Caballero-Florán
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ty Hergenreder
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Tao Yang
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jacob M. Hull
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Geng Pan
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ruonan Li
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Macy W. Veling
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lori L. Isom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kenneth Y. Kwan
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Z. Josh Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University Pratt School of Engineering, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Peter G. Fuerst
- University of Idaho, Department of Biological Sciences, Moscow, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Jenkins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Bing Ye
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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28
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Seah C, Huckins LM, Brennand KJ. Stem Cell Models for Context-Specific Modeling in Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:642-650. [PMID: 36658083 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies reveal the complex polygenic architecture underlying psychiatric disorder risk, but there is an unmet need to validate causal variants, resolve their target genes(s), and explore their functional impacts on disorder-related mechanisms. Disorder-associated loci regulate transcription of target genes in a cell type- and context-specific manner, which can be measured through expression quantitative trait loci. In this review, we discuss methods and insights from context-specific modeling of genetically and environmentally regulated expression. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell type and organoid models have uncovered context-specific psychiatric disorder associations by investigating tissue-, cell type-, sex-, age-, and stressor-specific genetic regulation of expression. Techniques such as massively parallel reporter assays and pooled CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) screens make it possible to functionally fine-map genome-wide association study loci and validate their target genes at scale. Integration of disorder-associated contexts with these patient-specific human induced pluripotent stem cell models makes it possible to uncover gene by environment interactions that mediate disorder risk, which will ultimately improve our ability to diagnose and treat psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Seah
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York
| | - Laura M Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
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29
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Vaquero-Rodríguez A, Ortuzar N, Lafuente JV, Bengoetxea H. Enriched environment as a nonpharmacological neuroprotective strategy. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:553-560. [PMID: 37309729 PMCID: PMC10350798 DOI: 10.1177/15353702231171915] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The structure and functions of the central nervous system are influenced by environmental stimuli, which also play an important role in brain diseases. Enriched environment (EE) consists of producing modifications in the environment of standard laboratory animals to induce an improvement in their biological conditions. This paradigm promotes transcriptional and translational effects that result in ameliorated motor, sensory, and cognitive stimulation. EE has been shown to enhance experience-dependent cellular plasticity and cognitive performance in animals housed under these conditions compared with animals housed under standard conditions. In addition, several studies claim that EE induces nerve repair by restoring functional activities through morphological, cellular, and molecular adaptations in the brain that have clinical relevance in neurological and psychiatric disorders. In fact, the effects of EE have been studied in different animal models of psychiatric and neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, ischemic brain injury, or traumatic brain injury, delaying the onset and progression of a wide variety of symptoms of these disorders. In this review, we analyze the action of EE focused on diseases of the central nervous system and the translation to humans to develop a bridge to its application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Vaquero-Rodríguez
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Naiara Ortuzar
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Harkaitz Bengoetxea
- Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48940 Leioa, Spain
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
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30
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Herzog LE, Wang L, Yu E, Choi S, Farsi Z, Song BJ, Pan JQ, Sheng M. Mouse mutants in schizophrenia risk genes GRIN2A and AKAP11 show EEG abnormalities in common with schizophrenia patients. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:92. [PMID: 36914641 PMCID: PMC10011509 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02393-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous psychiatric disorder with a strong genetic basis, whose etiology and pathophysiology remain poorly understood. Exome sequencing studies have uncovered rare, loss-of-function variants that greatly increase risk of schizophrenia [1], including loss-of-function mutations in GRIN2A (aka GluN2A or NR2A, encoding the NMDA receptor subunit 2A) and AKAP11 (A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 11). AKAP11 and GRIN2A mutations are also associated with bipolar disorder [2], and epilepsy and developmental delay/intellectual disability [1, 3, 4], respectively. Accessible in both humans and rodents, electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings offer a window into brain activity and display abnormal features in schizophrenia patients. Does loss of Grin2a or Akap11 in mice also result in EEG abnormalities? We monitored EEG in heterozygous and homozygous knockout Grin2a and Akap11 mutant mice compared with their wild-type littermates, at 3- and 6-months of age, across the sleep/wake cycle and during auditory stimulation protocols. Grin2a and Akap11 mutants exhibited increased resting gamma power, attenuated auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) at gamma frequencies, and reduced responses to unexpected auditory stimuli during mismatch negativity (MMN) tests. Sleep spindle density was reduced in a gene dose-dependent manner in Akap11 mutants, whereas Grin2a mutants showed increased sleep spindle density. The EEG phenotypes of Grin2a and Akap11 mutant mice show a variety of abnormal features that overlap considerably with human schizophrenia patients, reflecting systems-level changes caused by Grin2a and Akap11 deficiency. These neurophysiologic findings further substantiate Grin2a and Akap11 mutants as genetic models of schizophrenia and identify potential biomarkers for stratification of schizophrenia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea E Herzog
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Lei Wang
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Eunah Yu
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Soonwook Choi
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zohreh Farsi
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Bryan J Song
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jen Q Pan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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31
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Singh M, Sapkota K, Sakimura K, Kano M, Cowell RM, Overstreet-Wadiche L, Hablitz JJ, Nakazawa K. Maturation of GABAergic Synaptic Transmission From Neocortical Parvalbumin Interneurons Involves N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Recruitment of Cav2.1 Channels. Neuroscience 2023; 513:38-53. [PMID: 36682446 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction during brain development is likely to contribute to the manifestation of schizophrenia (SCZ) in young adulthood. The cellular targets of NMDAR hypofunction appear to be at least in part corticolimbic fast-spiking (FS) interneurons. However, functional alterations in parvalbumin (PV)-positive FS interneurons following NMDAR hypofunction are poorly understood. Paired patch-clamp recordings from murine cortical PV interneurons and pyramidal neurons revealed that genetic deletion of NMDAR subunit Grin1 in prospective PV interneurons before the second postnatal week impaired evoked- and synchronized-GABA release. Whereas intrinsic excitability and spiking characteristics were also disturbed by Grin1 deletion, neither restoring their excitability by K+ channel blockade nor increasing extracellular Ca2+ rescued the GABA release. GABA release was also insensitive to the Cav2.1 channel antagonist ω-agatoxin IVA. Heterozygous deletion of Cacna1a gene (encoding Cav2.1) in PV interneurons produced a similar GABA release phenotype as the Grin1 mutants. Treatment with the Cav2.1/2.2 channel agonist GV-58 augmented somatic Ca2+ currents and GABA release in Cacna1a-haploinsufficient PV interneurons, but failed to enhance GABA release in the Grin1-deleted PV interneurons. Taken together, our results suggest that Grin1 deletion in prospective PV interneurons impairs proper maturation of membrane excitability and Cav2.1-recruited evoked GABA release. This may increase synaptic excitatory/inhibitory ratio in principal neurons, contributing to the emergence of SCZ-like phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahendra Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Kiran Sapkota
- Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8585, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Rita M Cowell
- Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | | | - John J Hablitz
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Kazu Nakazawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Scientific Platforms, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Bienboire-Frosini C, Marcet-Rius M, Orihuela A, Domínguez-Oliva A, Mora-Medina P, Olmos-Hernández A, Casas-Alvarado A, Mota-Rojas D. Mother-Young Bonding: Neurobiological Aspects and Maternal Biochemical Signaling in Altricial Domesticated Mammals. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13030532. [PMID: 36766424 PMCID: PMC9913798 DOI: 10.3390/ani13030532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mother-young bonding is a type of early learning where the female and their newborn recognize each other through a series of neurobiological mechanisms and neurotransmitters that establish a behavioral preference for filial individuals. This process is essential to promote their welfare by providing maternal care, particularly in altricial species, animals that require extended parental care due to their limited neurodevelopment at birth. Olfactory, auditory, tactile, and visual stimuli trigger the neural integration of multimodal sensory and conditioned affective associations in mammals. This review aims to discuss the neurobiological aspects of bonding processes in altricial mammals, with a focus on the brain structures and neurotransmitters involved and how these influence the signaling during the first days of the life of newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare Department, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Agustín Orihuela
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca 62209, Mexico
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Patricia Mora-Medina
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán Izcalli 54740, Mexico
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernández
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Casas-Alvarado
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Xochimilco Campus, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
- Correspondence:
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Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Harpagophytum procumbens Prevents Oxidative Stress In Vitro and Amphetamine-Induced Alterations in Mice Behavior. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1716-1727. [PMID: 36648708 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03846-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Microglial activation has been associated to the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases, such as schizophrenia, and can occur during inflammation and oxidative stress. Pharmacological treatment is associated with severe side effects, and studies for use of plant extracts may offer alternatives with lower toxicity. Harpagophytum procumbens (HP) is a plant known for its anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we characterized the ethyl acetate fraction of HP (EAF HP) by ESI-ToF-MS and investigated the effects EAF HP in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced inflammation model on microglial cells (BV-2 lineage). MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide), DCFH-DA (2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate) and cell cycle flow cytometer analysis were performed. In vivo was investigated the amphetamine-induced psychosis model through behavioral (locomotor and exploratory activities, stereotypies and working memory) and biochemical (DCFH-DA oxidation and protein thiols) parameters in cortex and striatum of mice. EAF HP reduced activation and proliferation of microglial cells in 48 h (300 µg/mL) and in 72 h after treatments (50-500 µg/mL). Reactive oxygen species levels were lower at the concentration of 100 µg/mL EAF HP. We detected a modulatory effect on the cell cycle, with reduction of cells in S and G2/M phases. In mice, the pre-treatment with EAF HP, for 7 days, protected against positive and cognitive symptoms, as well as stereotypies induced by amphetamine. No oxidative stress was observed in this amphetamine-induced model of psychosis. Such findings suggest that EAF HP can modulate the dopaminergic neurotransmission and be a promising adjuvant in the treatment of locomotor alterations, cognitive deficits, and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Cameron D, Mi D, Vinh NN, Webber C, Li M, Marín O, O'Donovan MC, Bray NJ. Single-Nuclei RNA Sequencing of 5 Regions of the Human Prenatal Brain Implicates Developing Neuron Populations in Genetic Risk for Schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 93:157-166. [PMID: 36150908 PMCID: PMC10804933 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While a variety of evidence supports a prenatal component in schizophrenia, there are few data regarding the cell populations involved. We sought to identify cells of the human prenatal brain mediating genetic risk for schizophrenia by integrating cell-specific gene expression measures generated through single-nuclei RNA sequencing with recent large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) and exome sequencing data for the condition. METHODS Single-nuclei RNA sequencing was performed on 5 brain regions (frontal cortex, ganglionic eminence, hippocampus, thalamus, and cerebellum) from 3 fetuses from the second trimester of gestation. Enrichment of schizophrenia common variant genetic liability and rare damaging coding variation was assessed in relation to gene expression specificity within each identified cell population. RESULTS Common risk variants were prominently enriched within genes with high expression specificity for developing neuron populations within the frontal cortex, ganglionic eminence, and hippocampus. Enrichments were largely independent of genes expressed in neuronal populations of the adult brain that have been implicated in schizophrenia through the same methods. Genes containing an excess of rare damaging variants in schizophrenia had higher expression specificity for developing glutamatergic neurons of the frontal cortex and hippocampus that were also enriched for common variant liability. CONCLUSIONS We found evidence for a distinct contribution of prenatal neuronal development to genetic risk for schizophrenia, involving specific populations of developing neurons within the second-trimester fetal brain. Our study significantly advances the understanding of the neurodevelopmental origins of schizophrenia and provides a resource with which to investigate the prenatal antecedents of other psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Cameron
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Da Mi
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ngoc-Nga Vinh
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Webber
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Meng Li
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Marín
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael C O'Donovan
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J Bray
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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Juza R, Musilek K, Mezeiova E, Soukup O, Korabecny J. Recent advances in dopamine D 2 receptor ligands in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:55-211. [PMID: 36111795 DOI: 10.1002/med.21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine is a biologically active amine synthesized in the central and peripheral nervous system. This biogenic monoamine acts by activating five types of dopamine receptors (D1-5 Rs), which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. Antagonists and partial agonists of D2 Rs are used to treat schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, depression, and anxiety. The typical pharmacophore with high D2 R affinity comprises four main areas, namely aromatic moiety, cyclic amine, central linker and aromatic/heteroaromatic lipophilic fragment. From the literature reviewed herein, we can conclude that 4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl), 4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-, 4-(benzo[b]thiophen-4-yl)-1-substituted piperazine, and 4-(6-fluorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-yl)piperidine moieties are critical for high D2 R affinity. Four to six atoms chains are optimal for D2 R affinity with 4-butoxyl as the most pronounced one. The bicyclic aromatic/heteroaromatic systems are most frequently occurring as lipophilic appendages to retain high D2 R affinity. In this review, we provide a thorough overview of the therapeutic potential of D2 R modulators in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In addition, this review summarizes current knowledge about these diseases, with a focus on the dopaminergic pathway underlying these pathologies. Major attention is paid to the structure, function, and pharmacology of novel D2 R ligands, which have been developed in the last decade (2010-2021), and belong to the 1,4-disubstituted aromatic cyclic amine group. Due to the abundance of data, allosteric D2 R ligands and D2 R modulators from patents are not discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radomir Juza
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Musilek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Mezeiova
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Soukup
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Korabecny
- Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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36
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Johnstone S, Lowe DJE, Kozak-Bidzinski K, Sanches M, Castle DJ, Rabin JS, Rabin RA, George TP. Neurocognitive moderation of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) effects on cannabis use in schizophrenia: a preliminary analysis. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:99. [PMCID: PMC9668838 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a promising treatment for cannabis use disorder in schizophrenia; however, gaps in the literature remain as to the potential role of neurocognitive functioning in treatment response. We evaluated the moderating role of select cognitive functions including baseline executive functioning, verbal memory, and sustained attention, and we explore the mediating role of changes in task performance on changes in cannabis use in both active and sham rTMS groups. Participants underwent high-frequency (20 Hz) rTMS applied to the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex 5x/week for 4 weeks. Weekly self-report of cannabis use and semi-quantitative urinary carboxy-tetrahydrocannabinol levels were recorded. A neurocognitive battery assessing verbal memory, visuospatial working memory, verbal working memory, sustained attention, delayed discounting, and complex planning was administered pre- and post-treatment. Better baseline performance on tasks assessing sustained attention, delayed discounting, and complex planning moderated the extent to which participants in the active group reduced cannabis use. There were no significant indirect pathways between treatment, changes in neuropsychological performance, and changes in cannabis use; however, active rTMS improved complex planning and sustained attention. These preliminary findings suggest that there is a moderating role of sustained attention, delayed discounting, and complex planning on the effects of rTMS on cannabis use. Further, mediation models suggest rTMS may exert direct effects on cannabis use independent of its effects on cognitive functioning in people with SCZ. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03189810.
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Peters KZ, Naneix F. The role of dopamine and endocannabinoid systems in prefrontal cortex development: Adolescence as a critical period. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:939235. [PMID: 36389180 PMCID: PMC9663658 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.939235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex plays a central role in the control of complex cognitive processes including action control and decision making. It also shows a specific pattern of delayed maturation related to unique behavioral changes during adolescence and allows the development of adult cognitive processes. The adolescent brain is extremely plastic and critically vulnerable to external insults. Related to this vulnerability, adolescence is also associated with the emergence of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders involving alterations of prefrontal functions. Within prefrontal microcircuits, the dopamine and the endocannabinoid systems have widespread effects on adolescent-specific ontogenetic processes. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the maturation of the dopamine system and the endocannabinoid system in the prefrontal cortex during adolescence. We discuss how they interact with GABA and glutamate neurons to modulate prefrontal circuits and how they can be altered by different environmental events leading to long-term neurobiological and behavioral changes at adulthood. Finally, we aim to identify several future research directions to help highlight gaps in our current knowledge on the maturation of these microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Zara Peters
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
| | - Fabien Naneix
- The Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Fabien Naneix
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38
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Benesh JL, Mueller TM, Meador-Woodruff JH. AMPA receptor subunit localization in schizophrenia anterior cingulate cortex. Schizophr Res 2022; 249:16-24. [PMID: 32014361 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia suggests that altered glutamatergic transmission occurs in this illness, although precise mechanisms of dysregulation remain elusive. AMPA receptors (AMPARs), a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptor, are the main facilitators of fast, excitatory neurotransmission in the brain, and changes in AMPAR number or composition at synapses can regulate synaptic strength and plasticity. Prior evidence of abnormal expression of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs) in schizophrenia suggests defective trafficking of AMPARs, which we propose could lead to altered AMPAR expression at excitatory synapses. To test this hypothesis, we isolated subcellular fractions enriched for endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and synapses from anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) from schizophrenia (N = 18) and comparison (N = 18) subjects, and measured glutamate receptor subunits (GluA1, GluA2, GluA3, GluA4, NR1, NR2A, NR2B, and NR3A) and TARP member γ2 (stargazin) in homogenates and subcellular fractions by western blot analysis. We found decreased expression of stargazin and an increased ratio of GluA2:stargazin in ACC homogenates, while in the synapse fraction we identified a decrease in GluA1 and reduced ratios of GluA1:stargazin and GluA1:GluA2 in schizophrenia. The amount of stargazin in the ER fraction was not different, but the relative amount of ER/Total stargazin was increased in schizophrenia. Together, these findings suggest that associations between stargazin and AMPA subunits are abnormal, potentially affecting forward trafficking or synaptic stability of GluA1-containing AMPARs. These data provide evidence that altered interactions with trafficking proteins may contribute to glutamate dysregulation in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana L Benesh
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, 1720 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America
| | - Toni M Mueller
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, 1720 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America.
| | - James H Meador-Woodruff
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, 1720 2nd Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35294, United States of America
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de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Austin MC, De Simone G, Barone A. Rational and Translational Implications of D-Amino Acids for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: From Neurobiology to the Clinics. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070909. [PMID: 35883465 PMCID: PMC9312470 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia has been conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with synaptic alterations and aberrant cortical–subcortical connections. Antipsychotics are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment and nearly all share the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, whereas glutamatergic abnormalities are not targeted by the presently available therapies. D-amino acids, acting as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulators, have emerged in the last few years as a potential augmentation strategy in those cases of schizophrenia that do not respond well to antipsychotics, a condition defined as treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), affecting almost 30–40% of patients, and characterized by serious cognitive deficits and functional impairment. In the present systematic review, we address with a direct and reverse translational perspective the efficacy of D-amino acids, including D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, in poor responders. The impact of these molecules on the synaptic architecture is also considered in the light of dendritic spine changes reported in schizophrenia and antipsychotics’ effect on postsynaptic density proteins. Moreover, we describe compounds targeting D-amino acid oxidase and D-aspartate oxidase enzymes. Finally, other drugs acting at NMDAR and proxy of D-amino acids function, such as D-cycloserine, sarcosine, and glycine, are considered in the light of the clinical burden of TRS, together with other emerging molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7463673 or +39-081-7463884 or +39-3662745592; Fax: +39-081-7462644
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark C. Austin
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Program, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Annarita Barone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
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Takashima H, Terada T, Bunai T, Matsudaira T, Obi T, Ouchi Y. In vivo Illustration of Altered Dopaminergic and GABAergic Systems in Early Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurol 2022; 13:880407. [PMID: 35655619 PMCID: PMC9152017 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.880407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Changes in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) function are noted in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have some non-motor impairments. However, dopamine-related GABA function and GABA-related cognitive changes are still unclear. Methods Thirteen drug-naive early-stage PD patients underwent a series of PET scans with [11C]flumazenil(FMZ) and [11C]CFT. The [11C]FMZ binding potential (BPND) derived from a Logan plot analysis was compared between PD patients and age-matched controls. The [11C]CFT radioactivity relative to the cerebellar counterpart was estimated as a semiquantitative value [11C]CFT SUVR. Correlations between [11C]FMZ BPND and [11C]CFT SUVR in the same region of interest were also examined. Results In patients in the PD group, [11C]CFT SUVR was significantly lower in the putamen. The levels of [11C]FMZ BPND in the cerebral cortex (frontal lobe dominancy) and the affected-side putamen were also reduced. In addition, [11C]CFT SUVR was negatively correlated with the [11C]FMZ BPND level in the affected-side putamen. In patients in the PD group, the total frontal assessment battery (FAB) score was positively correlated with the [11C]FMZ BPND in the frontal region. Conclusion GABAergic dysfunction coexists with dopaminergic loss not only in the putamen but also over the extrastriatal region in patients with early PD and is related to frontal dysfunction. The negative correlation of [11C]CFT SUVR with [11C]FMZ BPND in the affected putamen suggests that a greater dopaminergic demise would decelerate GABA release (or an increase in tracer binding), resulting in persistent failure of the GABAergic system in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotsugu Takashima
- Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Terada
- Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Bunai
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsudaira
- Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Obi
- Department of Neurology, Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuomi Ouchi
- Department of Biofunctional Imaging, Preeminent Medical Photonics Education and Research Center, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.,Hamamatsu PET Imaging Center, Hamamatsu Medical Photonics Foundation, Hamamatsu, Japan
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Gonçalves de Andrade E, González Ibáñez F, Tremblay MÈ. Microglia as a Hub for Suicide Neuropathology: Future Investigation and Prevention Targets. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:839396. [PMID: 35663424 PMCID: PMC9158339 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.839396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a complex public health challenge associated worldwide with one death every 40 s. Research advances in the neuropathology of suicidal behaviors (SB) have defined discrete brain changes which may hold the key to suicide prevention. Physiological differences in microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are present in post-mortem tissue samples of individuals who died by suicide. Furthermore, microglia are mechanistically implicated in the outcomes of important risk factors for SB, including early-life adversity, stressful life events, and psychiatric disorders. SB risk factors result in inflammatory and oxidative stress activities which could converge to microglial synaptic remodeling affecting susceptibility or resistance to SB. To push further this perspective, in this Review we summarize current areas of opportunity that could untangle the functional participation of microglia in the context of suicide. Our discussion centers around microglial state diversity in respect to morphology, gene and protein expression, as well as function, depending on various factors, namely brain region, age, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Fernando González Ibáñez
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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5-HT2A receptor dysregulation in a schizophrenia relevant mouse model of NMDA receptor hypofunction. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:168. [PMID: 35459266 PMCID: PMC9033804 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01930-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) is known to augment cortical serotonin 2A receptors (5-HT2ARs), which is implicated in psychosis. However, the pathways from NMDAR hypofunction to 5-HT2AR up-regulation are unclear. Here we addressed in mice whether genetic deletion of the indispensable NMDAR-subunit Grin1 principally in corticolimbic parvalbumin-positive fast-spiking interneurons, could up-regulate 5-HT2ARs leading to cortical hyper-excitability. First, in vivo local-field potential recording revealed that auditory cortex in Grin1 mutant mice became hyper-excitable upon exposure to acoustic click-train stimuli that release 5-HT in the cortex. This excitability increase was reproduced ex vivo where it consisted of an increased frequency of action potential (AP) firing in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of mutant auditory cortex. Application of the 5-HT2AR agonist TCB-2 produced similar results. The effect of click-trains was reversed by the 5-HT2AR antagonist M100907 both in vivo and ex vivo. Increase in AP frequency of pyramidal neurons was also reversed by application of Gαq protein inhibitor BIM-46187 and G protein-gated inwardly-rectifying K+ (GIRK) channel activator ML297. In fast-spiking interneurons, 5-HT2AR activation normally promotes GABA release, contributing to decreased excitability of postsynaptic pyramidal neurons, which was missing in the mutants. Moreover, unlike the controls, the GABAA receptor antagonist (+)-bicuculline had little effect on AP frequency of mutant pyramidal neurons, indicating a disinhibition state. These results suggest that the auditory-induced hyper-excitable state is conferred via GABA release deficits from Grin1-lacking interneurons leading to 5-HT2AR dysregulation and GIRK channel suppression in cortical pyramidal neurons, which could be involved in auditory psychosis.
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Yan T, Suzuki K, Kameda S, Maeda M, Mihara T, Hirata M. Electrocorticographic effects of acute ketamine on non-human primate brains. J Neural Eng 2022; 19. [PMID: 35354131 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac6293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute blockade of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by ketamine induces symptoms and electrophysiological changes similar to schizophrenia. Previous studies have shown that ketamine elicits aberrant gamma oscillations in several cortical areas and impairs coupling strength between the low-frequency phase and fast frequency amplitude (PAC), which plays an important role in integrating functional information. APPROACH This study utilized a customized wireless electrocorticography (ECoG) recording device to collect subdural signals from the somatosensory and primary auditory cortices in two monkeys. Ketamine was administered at a dose of 3 mg/kg (intramuscular) or 0.56 mg/kg (intravenous) to elicit brain oscillation reactions. We analyzed the raw data using methods such as power spectral density, time-frequency spectra, and PAC. MAIN RESULTS Acute ketamine triggered broadband gamma and high gamma oscillation power and decreased lower frequencies. The effect was stronger in the primary auditory cortex than in the somatosensory area. The coupling strength between the low phase of theta and the faster amplitude of gamma/high gamma bands was increased by a lower dose (0.56 mg/kg iv) and decreased with a higher dose (3 mg/kg im) ketamine. SIGNIFICANCE Our results showed that lower and higher doses of ketamine elicited differential effects on theta-gamma PAC. These findings support the utility of ECoG models as a translational platform for pharmacodynamic research in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfang Yan
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, JAPAN
| | - Katsuyoshi Suzuki
- Nihon Kohden Corp, Kusunokidai 1-1-6, Tokorozawa, Saitama, 359-0037, JAPAN
| | - Seiji Kameda
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, 565-0871, JAPAN
| | - Masashi Maeda
- Candidate Discovery Science Labs, Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Ibrakai, 305-8585, JAPAN
| | - Takuma Mihara
- Candidate Discovery Science Labs., Astellas Pharma Inc, Miyukigaoka 2-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8585, JAPAN
| | - Masayuki Hirata
- Department of Neurological Diagnosis and Restoration, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, JAPAN
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Agrud A, Subburaju S, Goel P, Ren J, Kumar AS, Caldarone BJ, Dai W, Chavez J, Fukumura D, Jain RK, Kloner RA, Vasudevan A. Gabrb3 endothelial cell-specific knockout mice display abnormal blood flow, hypertension, and behavioral dysfunction. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4922. [PMID: 35318369 PMCID: PMC8941104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Our recent studies uncovered a novel GABA signaling pathway in embryonic forebrain endothelial cells that works independently from neuronal GABA signaling and revealed that disruptions in endothelial GABAA receptor-GABA signaling from early embryonic stages can directly contribute to the origin of psychiatric disorders. In the GABAA receptor β3 subunit endothelial cell conditional knockout (Gabrb3ECKO) mice, the β3 subunit is deleted selectively from endothelial cells, therefore endothelial GABAA receptors become inactivated and dysfunctional. There is a reduction in vessel densities and increased vessel morphology in the Gabrb3ECKO telencephalon that persists in the adult neocortex. Gabrb3ECKO mice show behavioral deficits such as impaired reciprocal social interactions, communication deficits, heightened anxiety, and depression. Here, we characterize the functional changes in Gabrb3ECKO mice by evaluating cortical blood flow, examine the consequences of loss of endothelial Gabrb3 on cardiac tissue, and define more in-depth altered behaviors. Red blood cell velocity and blood flow were increased in the cortical microcirculation of the Gabrb3ECKO mice. The Gabrb3ECKO mice had a reduction in vessel densities in the heart, similar to the brain; exhibited wavy, myocardial fibers, with elongated 'worm-like' nuclei in their cardiac histology, and developed hypertension. Additional alterations in behavioral function were observed in the Gabrb3ECKO mice such as increased spontaneous exploratory activity and rearing in an open field, reduced short term memory, decreased ambulatory activity in CLAMS testing, and altered prepulse inhibition to startle, an important biomarker of psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. Our results imply that vascular Gabrb3 is a key player in the brain as well as the heart, and its loss in both organs can lead to concurrent development of psychiatric and cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anass Agrud
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), 686 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105 USA
| | - Sivan Subburaju
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), 686 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105 USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA ,grid.240206.20000 0000 8795 072XDivision of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478 USA
| | - Pranay Goel
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), 686 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91105 USA
| | - Jun Ren
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Ashwin Srinivasan Kumar
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA ,grid.116068.80000 0001 2341 2786Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
| | - Barbara J. Caldarone
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XMouse Behavior Core, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Wangde Dai
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Jesus Chavez
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Rakesh K. Jain
- grid.32224.350000 0004 0386 9924Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114 USA
| | - Robert A. Kloner
- grid.280933.30000 0004 0452 8371Huntington Medical Research Institutes, Pasadena, CA USA ,grid.42505.360000 0001 2156 6853Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Anju Vasudevan
- Angiogenesis and Brain Development Laboratory, Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI), 686 S Fair Oaks Avenue, Pasadena, CA, 91105, USA.
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Barnett JA, Bandy ML, Gibson DL. Is the Use of Glyphosate in Modern Agriculture Resulting in Increased Neuropsychiatric Conditions Through Modulation of the Gut-brain-microbiome Axis? Front Nutr 2022; 9:827384. [PMID: 35356729 PMCID: PMC8959108 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.827384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposure to glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides has the potential to negatively influence neurodevelopment and behavior across generations indirectly through the gut-brain-microbiome axis. Potential mechanisms by which glyphosate may elicit these effects are through the disruption of the normally symbiotic relationship of the host and the gut microbiome. Given glyphosate can kill commensal members of the microbiome like Lactobacillus spp., Ruminococaeae and Butyricoccus spp., resulting in reductions in key microbial metabolites that act through the gut-brain-microbiome axis including indoles, L-glutamate and SCFAs. Glyphosate- resistant microbes in the gut have the potential to increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species which may result in increased HPA activation, resulting in increased production of glucocorticoids which have implications on neurodevelopment. In addition, maternal transfer of the gut microbiome can affect immune and neurodevelopment, across generations. This perspective article weighs the evidence for chronic glyphosate exposure on the gut microbiome and the potential consequences on the gut-brain axis correlated with increased incidence of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya L. Bandy
- Department of Biology, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Deanna L. Gibson
- Department of Biology, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Deanna L. Gibson
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van Rensburg D, Lindeque Z, Harvey BH, Steyn SF. Reviewing the mitochondrial dysfunction paradigm in rodent models as platforms for neuropsychiatric disease research. Mitochondrion 2022; 64:82-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Davis JLB, O’Connor M, Erlbacher H, Schlichte SL, Stevens HE. The Impact of Maternal Antioxidants on Prenatal Stress Effects on Offspring Neurobiology and Behavior. THE YALE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2022; 95:87-104. [PMID: 35370489 PMCID: PMC8961714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress is a neuropsychiatric risk factor, and effects may be mediated by prenatal oxidative stress. Cell types in the brain sensitive to oxidative stress-cortical microglia and cortical and hippocampal interneurons-may be altered by oxidative stress generated during prenatal stress and may be neurobiological substrates for altered behavior. Our objective was to determine the critical nature of oxidative stress in prenatal stress effects by manipulating prenatal antioxidants. CD1 mouse dams underwent restraint embryonic day 12 to 18 three times daily or no stress and received intraperitoneal injections before each stress period of vehicle, N-acetylcysteine (200 mg/kg daily), or astaxanthin (30 mg/kg before first daily stress, 10 mg/kg before second/third stresses). Adult male and female offspring behavior, microglia, and interneurons were assessed. Results supported the hypothesis that prenatal stress-induced oxidative stress affects microglia; microglia ramification increased after prenatal stress, and both antioxidants prevented these effects. In addition, N-acetylcysteine or astaxanthin was effective in preventing distinct male and female interneuron changes; decreased female medial frontal cortical parvalbumin interneurons was prevented by either antioxidant; increased male medial frontal cortical parvalbumin interneurons was prevented by N-acetylcysteine and decreased male hippocampal GAD67GFP+ cells prevented by astaxanthin. Prenatal stress-induced increased anxiety-like behavior and decreased sociability were not prevented by prenatal antioxidants. Sensorimotor gating deficits in males was partially prevented by prenatal astaxanthin. This study demonstrates the importance of oxidative stress for persistent impacts on offspring cortical microglia and interneurons, but did not link these changes with anxiety-like, social, and sensorimotor gating behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jada L-B Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa
City, IA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Mara O’Connor
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa
City, IA, USA
| | - Hannah Erlbacher
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa
City, IA, USA
| | | | - Hanna E. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa
City, IA, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience,
University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Tsai CW, Tsai SJ, Pan YJ, Lin HM, Pan TY, Yang FY. Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation Reverses Behavior Changes and the Expression of Calcium-Binding Protein in a Rodent Model of Schizophrenia. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:649-659. [PMID: 35229268 PMCID: PMC9226253 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01195-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunctions are a core feature of schizophrenia that may be linked to abnormalities in gamma-aminobutyric-acid (GABA)ergic neurons. Traditional antipsychotics show poor efficacy in treating cognitive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the restorative role of transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) in counteracting dizocilpine (MK-801)-induced cognitive deficits and GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in a simulation of schizophrenia. Some rats subjected to MK-801 administration were treated with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) daily for 5 days, while other rats subjected to MK-801 administration received no LIPUS treatment. After LIPUS treatment, the neuroprotective effects of LIPUS in the LIPUS-treated rats were assessed through behavioral analysis, western blotting, and histological observations. Compared with the MK-801-treated group, the MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated rats revealed a preference for novel objects. The MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated rats also exhibited a significant decrease in swim times compared to the MK-801-treated rats. LIPUS stimulation significantly increased hippocampal levels of CB and PV and restored the cell densities of PV + and CB + in the cingulate cortex in the MK-801 plus LIPUS-treated group. In addition, LIPUS stimulation rebalanced the BDNF levels in the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex. Our findings indicate that LIPUS improves cognitive deficits and ameliorates neuropathology in MK-801-treated rats. These results suggest that LIPUS may constitute a potential novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Wen Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Mei Lin
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yu Pan
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
Dementia-related psychosis (DRP) is prevalent across dementias and typically manifests as delusions and/or hallucinations. The mechanisms underlying psychosis in dementia are unknown; however, neurobiological and pharmacological evidence has implicated multiple signaling pathways and brain regions. Despite differences in dementia pathology, the neurobiology underlying psychosis appears to involve dysregulation of a cortical and limbic pathway involving serotonergic, gamma-aminobutyric acid ergic, glutamatergic, and dopaminergic signaling. Thus, an imbalance in cortical and mesolimbic excitatory tone may drive symptoms of psychosis. Delusions and hallucinations may result from (1) hyperactivation of pyramidal neurons within the visual cortex, causing visual hallucinations and (2) hyperactivation of the mesolimbic pathway, causing both delusions and hallucinations. Modulation of the 5-HT2A receptor may mitigate hyperactivity at both psychosis-associated pathways. Pimavanserin, an atypical antipsychotic, is a selective serotonin inverse agonist/antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. Pimavanserin may prove beneficial in treating the hallucinations and delusions of DRP without worsening cognitive or motor function.
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50
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Loureiro CM, Fachim HA, Harte MK, Dalton CF, Reynolds GP. Subchronic PCP effects on DNA methylation and protein expression of NMDA receptor subunit genes in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:238-244. [PMID: 35102781 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211069109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction is implicated in schizophrenia, and NMDAR antagonists, such as phencyclidine (PCP), can induce behaviours that mimic aspects of the disorder. AIMS We investigated DNA methylation of Grin1, Grin2a and Grin2b promoter region and NR1 and NR2 protein expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus of adult female Lister-hooded rats following subchronic PCP (scPCP) administration. We also determined whether any alterations were tissue-specific. METHODS Rats were divided into two groups that received vehicle (0.9% saline) or 2 mg/kg PCP twice a day for 7 days (n = 10 per group). After behavioural testing (novel object recognition), to confirm a cognitive deficit, brains were dissected and NMDAR subunit DNA methylation and protein expression were analysed by pyrosequencing and ELISA. Line-1 methylation was determined as a measure of global methylation. Data were analysed using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation. RESULTS The scPCP administration led to Grin1 and Grin2b hypermethylation and reduction in NR1 protein in both PFC and hippocampus. No significant differences were observed in Line-1 or Grin2a methylation and NR2 protein. CONCLUSIONS The scPCP treatment resulted in increased DNA methylation at promoter sites of Grin1 and Grin2b NMDAR subunits in two brain areas implicated in schizophrenia, independent of any global change in DNA methylation, and are similar to our observations in a neurodevelopmental animal model of schizophrenia - social isolation rearing post-weaning. Moreover, these alterations may contribute to the changes in protein expression for NMDAR subunits demonstrating the potential importance of epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila M Loureiro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.,Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Helene A Fachim
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Salford Royal Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Michael K Harte
- Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Caroline F Dalton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gavin P Reynolds
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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