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Bahi A. Serotonin transporter knockdown relieves depression-like behavior and ethanol-induced CPP in mice after chronic social defeat stress. Behav Brain Res 2024; 466:114998. [PMID: 38614210 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.114998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Patients with stress-triggered major depression disorders (MDD) can often seek comfort or temporary relief through alcohol consumption, as they may turn to it as a means of self-medication or coping with overwhelming emotions. The use of alcohol as a coping mechanism for stressful events can escalate, fostering a cycle where the temporary relief it provides from depression can deepen into alcohol dependence, exacerbating both conditions. Although, the specific mechanisms involved in stress-triggered alcohol dependence and MDD comorbidities are not well understood, a large body of literature suggests that the serotonin transporter (SERT) plays a critical role in these abnormalities. To further investigate this hypothesis, we used a lentiviral-mediated knockdown approach to examine the role of hippocampal SERT knockdown in social defeat stress-elicited depression like behavior and ethanol-induced place preference (CPP). The results showed that social defeat stress-pro depressant effects were reversed following SERT knockdown demonstrated by increased sucrose preference, shorter latency to feed in the novelty suppressed feeding test, and decreased immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim tests. Moreover, and most importantly, social stress-induced ethanol-CPP acquisition and reinstatement were significantly reduced following hippocampal SERT knockdown using short hairpin RNA shRNA-expressing lentiviral vectors. Finally, we confirmed that SERT hippocampal mRNA expression correlated with measures of depression- and ethanol-related behaviors by Pearson's correlation analysis. Taken together, our data suggest that hippocampal serotoninergic system is involved in social stress-triggered mood disorders as well as in the acquisition and retrieval of ethanol contextual memory and that blockade of this transporter can decrease ethanol rewarding properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Anatomy, CMHS, UAE University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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2
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De Assis GG, Murawska-Ciałowicz E. BDNF Modulation by microRNAs: An Update on the Experimental Evidence. Cells 2024; 13:880. [PMID: 38786102 PMCID: PMC11119608 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs can interfere with protein function by suppressing their messenger RNA translation or the synthesis of its related factors. The function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is essential to the proper formation and function of the nervous system and is seen to be regulated by many microRNAs. However, understanding how microRNAs influence BDNF actions within cells requires a wider comprehension of their integrative regulatory mechanisms. Aim: In this literature review, we have synthesized the evidence of microRNA regulation on BDNF in cells and tissues, and provided an analytical discussion about direct and indirect mechanisms that appeared to be involved in BDNF regulation by microRNAs. Methods: Searches were conducted on PubMed.gov using the terms "BDNF" AND "MicroRNA" and "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" AND "MicroRNA", updated on 1 September 2023. Papers without open access were requested from the authors. One hundred and seventy-one papers were included for review and discussion. Results and Discussion: The local regulation of BDNF by microRNAs involves a complex interaction between a series of microRNAs with target proteins that can either inhibit or enhance BDNF expression, at the core of cell metabolism. Therefore, understanding this homeostatic balance provides resources for the future development of vector-delivery-based therapies for the neuroprotective effects of BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilmara Gomes De Assis
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, Araraquara School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara 14801-385, SP, Brazil
| | - Eugenia Murawska-Ciałowicz
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
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3
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Liu X, Dong L, Jiang Z, Song M, Yan P. Identifying the differentially expressed peripheral blood microRNAs in psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1390366. [PMID: 38827444 PMCID: PMC11140110 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1390366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders (PDs), but the results remain inconclusive. We aimed to identify specific differentially expressed miRNAs and their overlapping miRNA expression profiles in schizophrenia (SZ), major depression disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder (BD), the three major PDs. Methods The literatures up to September 30, 2023 related to peripheral blood miRNAs and PDs were searched and screened from multiple databases. The differences in miRNA levels between groups were illustrated by the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results In total, 30 peripheral blood miRNAs were included in the meta-analysis, including 16 for SZ, 12 for MDD, and 2 for BD, each was reported in more than 3 independent studies. Compared with the control group, miR-181b-5p, miR-34a-5p, miR-195-5p, miR-30e-5p, miR-7-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-212-3p, miR-206, miR-92a-3p and miR-137-3p were upregulated in SZ, while miR-134-5p, miR-107 and miR-99b-5p were downregulated. In MDD, miR-124-3p, miR-132-3p, miR-139-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-221-3p, miR-34a-5p and miR-93-5p were upregulated, while miR-144-5p and miR-135a-5p were downregulated. However, we failed to identify statistically differentially expressed miRNAs in BD. Interestingly, miR-132-3p and miR-34a-5p were upregulated in both SZ and MDD. Conclusions Our study identified 13 differentially expressed miRNAs in SZ and 9 in MDD, among which miR-132-3p and miR-34a-5p were upregulated in both SZ and MDD by systematically analyzing qualified studies. These miRNAs may be used as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of SZ and MDD in the future. Systematic Review Registration http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023486982.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liying Dong
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The 4th Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaowei Jiang
- Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The 4th Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingfen Song
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pan Yan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Affiliated Mental Health Center & Hangzhou Seventh People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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4
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Bahi A. Gestational environmental enrichment prevents chronic social stress induced anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in offspring. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 234:173679. [PMID: 37977553 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173679] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological surveys have shown a strong relationship between maternal stress and offspring's mood disorders. Growing evidence suggested that environmental enrichment (EE) improves cognitive function in models of psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the potential protective effects of gestational EE on social stress-elicited mood disorders in offspring have not been studied. Knowing that the undeveloped brain is more sensitive to gestational environmental stimuli, we hypothesized that initiating cognitive stimulation, during gestation, would protect against social stress-induced behavioral alterations in adulthood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational EE on social stress-elicited anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in adult offspring. EE consisted of free access, of dams, to tubular devices of different shapes, colors, and sizes that were changed regularly. After birth and weaning, young adult offspring were exposed to 19 days of social stress and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by elevated plus maze, open field, and marbles burying tests. The two-bottle choice (TBC) drinking paradigm was used to assess stress-induced ethanol intake. Results showed that gestational EE prevented social stress-elicited anxiogenic-like effects with no differences in spontaneous locomotor activity. Moreover, in the TBC paradigm, mice pre-exposed to EE consistently showed a significantly decreased consumption and preference for ethanol with no effects on tastants' intakes. Interestingly, gestational EE increased serum BDNF levels, which showed a correlation with measures of anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors. These findings indicate that some neurodevelopmental changes associated with prenatal EE may counteract adult social stress-induced behavioral alterations through a BDNF mechanism. Therefore, we propose that gestational EE has significant protective and beneficial effects on social stress-induced cognitive impairment. It can also alleviate anxiety-like behavior and subsequent excessive alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Anatomy, CMHS, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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5
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Musazzi L, Mingardi J, Ieraci A, Barbon A, Popoli M. Stress, microRNAs, and stress-related psychiatric disorders: an overview. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4977-4994. [PMID: 37391530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. During and after exposure to stressors, the stress response may have pro- or maladaptive consequences, depending on several factors related to the individual response and nature of the stressor. However, the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of exposure to stress, which may ultimately lead to the development of stress-related disorders, are still largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to mediate the effects of the environment on brain gene expression and behavior. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs estimated to control the expression of about 60% of all genes by post-transcriptional regulation, are a fundamental epigenetic mechanism. Many microRNAs are expressed in the brain, where they work as fine-tuners of gene expression, with a key role in the regulation of homeostatic balance, and a likely influence on pro- or maladaptive brain changes. Here we have selected a number of microRNAs, which have been strongly implicated as mediators of the effects of stress in the brain and in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. For all of them recent evidence is reported, obtained from rodent stress models, manipulation of microRNAs levels with related behavioral changes, and clinical studies of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Moreover, we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of the predicted brain-expressed target genes of the microRNAs discussed, and found a central role for mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic function. The complex regulatory role of microRNAs has suggested their use as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response, as well as possible therapeutic drugs. While, microRNA-based diagnostics have registered advancements, particularly in oncology and other fields, and many biotech companies have launched miRNA therapeutics in their development pipeline, the development of microRNA-based tests and drugs for brain disorders is comparatively slower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Molecular Pharmacology, Cellular and Behavioral Physiology; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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6
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Bahi A, Dreyer JL. Anxiety and ethanol consumption in socially defeated mice; effect of hippocampal serotonin transporter knockdown. Behav Brain Res 2023; 451:114508. [PMID: 37244437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The comorbidity of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) with alcohol use disorders (AUD) is common and there is an association between the serotonin transporter (SERT) genetic variation and the comorbid conditions of GAD and AUD. However, few mechanistic studies have systematically explored the role of direct SERT manipulation in stress-elicited mood disorders. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether reductions in SERT expression in the hippocampus were sufficient to ameliorate anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in socially defeated mice. Following stress exposure, and using stereotaxic surgery, SERT was knocked down using specific shRNA-expressing lentiviral vectors and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by open-field, elevated plus maze, and marbles burying test. The two-bottle choice (TBC) drinking paradigm was used to assess stress-induced voluntary ethanol intake and preference. Results showed that hippocampal SERT loss-of-function prevented stress-elicited anxiogenic-like effects with no differences in spontaneous locomotor activity. Moreover, in the TBC paradigm, SERT shRNA-injected mice consistently showed a significantly decreased consumption and preference for ethanol when compared to Mock-injected controls. In contrast to ethanol, SERT shRNA-injected mice exhibited similar consumption and preference for saccharin and quinine. Interestingly, we confirmed that SERT hippocampal mRNA expression correlated with measures of anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors by Pearson correlation analysis. Our findings show that social defeat recruits hippocampal serotoninergic system and that these neuroadaptations mediate the heightened anxiety-like behavior and voluntary alcohol intake observed following stress exposure, suggesting that this system represents a major brain stress element responsible for the negative reinforcement associated with the "dark side" of alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, UAE; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.
| | - Jean-Luc Dreyer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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7
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Kodali M, Jankay T, Shetty AK, Reddy DS. Pathophysiological basis and promise of experimental therapies for Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuropsychiatric syndrome in veterans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:673-697. [PMID: 36790443 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the pathophysiology and potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI), which is a chronic neuropsychiatric illness linked to a combination of chemical exposures experienced by service personnel during the first Gulf War in 1991. However, there is currently no effective treatment for veterans with GWI. The article focuses on the current status and efficacy of existing therapeutic interventions in preclinical models of GWI, as well as potential perspectives of promising therapies. GWI stems from changes in brain and peripheral systems in veterans, leading to neurocognitive deficits, as well as physiological and psychological effects resulting from multifaceted changes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Aging not only renders veterans more susceptible to GWI symptoms, but also attenuates their immune capabilities and response to therapies. A variety of experimental models are being used to investigate the pathophysiology and develop therapies that have the ability to alleviate devastating symptoms. Over two dozen therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal injury, and neurogenesis are being tested, including agents such as curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, monosodium luminol, melatonin, resveratrol, fluoxetine, rolipram, oleoylethanolamide, ketamine, levetiracetam, nicotinamide riboside, minocycline, pyridazine derivatives, and neurosteroids. Preclinical outcomes show that some agents have promise, including curcumin, resveratrol, and ketamine, which are being tested in clinical trials in GWI veterans. Neuroprotectants and other compounds such as monosodium luminol, melatonin, levetiracetam, oleoylethanolamide, and nicotinamide riboside appear promising for future clinical trials. Neurosteroids have been shown to have neuroprotective and disease-modifying properties, which makes them a promising medicine for GWI. Therefore, accelerated clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate and launch an effective therapy for veterans displaying GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tanvi Jankay
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
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8
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Larosa A, Wong TP. The hippocampus in stress susceptibility and resilience: Reviewing molecular and functional markers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110601. [PMID: 35842073 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110601] [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: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the individual variability that comes with the likelihood of developing stress-related psychopathologies is of paramount importance when addressing mechanisms of their neurobiology. This article focuses on the hippocampus as a region that is highly influenced by chronic stress exposure and that has strong ties to the development of related disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. We first outline three commonly used animal models that have been used to separate animals into susceptible and resilient cohorts. Next, we review molecular and functional hippocampal markers of susceptibility and resilience. We propose that the hippocampus plays a crucial role in the differences in the processing and storage of stress-related information in animals with different stress susceptibilities. These hippocampal markers not only help us attain a more comprehensive understanding of the various facets of stress-related pathophysiology, but also could be targeted for the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Larosa
- Neuroscience Division, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tak Pan Wong
- Neuroscience Division, Douglas Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada; Dept. of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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9
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Abdolahi S, Zare-Chahoki A, Noorbakhsh F, Gorji A. A Review of Molecular Interplay between Neurotrophins and miRNAs in Neuropsychological Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6260-6280. [PMID: 35916975 PMCID: PMC9463196 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02966-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Various neurotrophins (NTs), including nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neurotrophin-3, and neurotrophin-4, promote cellular differentiation, survival, and maintenance, as well as synaptic plasticity, in the peripheral and central nervous system. The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) and other small non-coding RNAs, as regulators of gene expression, is pivotal for the appropriate control of cell growth and differentiation. There are positive and negative loops between NTs and miRNAs, which exert modulatory effects on different signaling pathways. The interplay between NTs and miRNAs plays a crucial role in the regulation of several physiological and pathological brain procedures. Emerging evidence suggests the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of the interactions between NTs and miRNAs in several neuropsychological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, and drug abuse. Here, we review current data regarding the regulatory interactions between NTs and miRNAs in neuropsychological disorders, for which novel diagnostic and/or therapeutic strategies are emerging. Targeting NTs-miRNAs interactions for diagnostic or therapeutic approaches needs to be validated by future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abdolahi
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Zare-Chahoki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farshid Noorbakhsh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Gorji
- Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Department of Neurology and Institute for Translational Neurology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany.
- Epilepsy Research Center, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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10
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Hao WZ, Chen Q, Wang L, Tao G, Gan H, Deng LJ, Huang JQ, Chen JX. Emerging roles of long non-coding RNA in depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 115:110515. [PMID: 35077841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the second most common psychiatric disorder, affecting more than 340 million people of all ages worldwide. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of depression remain unclear, and existing antidepressants may cause clinical dependence and toxic side effects. Recently, emerging evidence from the fields of neuroscience, genetics, and genomics supports the modulatory role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in depression. LncRNAs may mediate the pathogenesis of depression through multiple pathways, including regulating neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors, affecting synaptic conduction, and regulating the ventriculo-olfactory neurogenic system. In addition, relying on genome-wide association study and molecular biological experiment, the possibility of lncRNA as a potential biomarker for the differential diagnosis of depression and other mental illnesses, including schizophrenia and anxiety disorders, is gradually being revealed. Thus, it is important to explore whether lncRNAs are potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for depression. Here, we summarize the genesis and function of lncRNAs and discuss the aberrant expression and functional roles of lncRNAs in the development, diagnosis, and therapy of depression, as well as the deficiencies and limitations of these studies. Moreover, we established a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA-pathway-drug network of depression through bioinformatics analysis methods to deepen our understanding of the relationship between lncRNA and depression, promoting the clinical application of epigenetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Zhi Hao
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gabriel Tao
- Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, United States
| | - Hua Gan
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Juan Deng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Qing Huang
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Formula-Pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Formula-Pattern Research Center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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11
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Shi LS, Ji CH, Tang WQ, Liu Y, Zhang W, Guan W. Hippocampal miR-124 Participates in the Pathogenesis of Depression via Regulating the Expression of BDNF in a Chronic Social Defeat Stress Model of Depression. Curr Neurovasc Res 2022; 19:210-218. [PMID: 35838216 DOI: 10.2174/1567202619666220713105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As one of the most prevalent psychiatric disorders, the exact pathogenesis of depression remains elusive. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify novel antidepressants for effective treatment. MicroRNA-124 (miR-124), the most abundant miRNA in brain tissue, plays a key effect on adult neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation. However, the mechanism of miR-124 in depression has not been clarified so far. The aim of this study is to provide broad insight into the mechanisms underlying depression. METHODS In the study, we used the forced swim test (FST), the tail suspension test (TST), and a Chronic Social Defeat Stress (CSDS) mice model of depression. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, immunofluorescence and virus-mediated gene transfer were used together. The level of plasma corticosterone in mice was analyzed by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS It was found that CSDS robustly increased the level of miR-124 in the hippocampus. Genetic knockdown of hippocampal miR-124 produced significant antidepressant-like effects in the CSDS model of depression. Furthermore, AAV-siR-124-EGFP treatment increased the level of plasma corticosterone in CSDS-induced mice. Moreover, it was found that the antidepressant-like effects induced by miR-124 inhibition required the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB system. CONCLUSION Hippocampal miR-124 participated in the pathogenesis of depression by regulating BDNF biosynthesis and was a feasible antidepressant target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Sheng Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun-Hui Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Qian Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.,Provincial Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Zeng D, He S, Zhao N, Hu M, Gao J, Yu Y, Huang J, Shen Y, Li H. Promoter Hypomethylation of miR-124 Gene Is Associated With Major Depressive Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:771103. [PMID: 34992522 PMCID: PMC8724533 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.771103] [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: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on our previous studies and other evidence, miR-124 is an important biomarker and therapeutic target for major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to clarify the role of miR-124 methylation in MDD and antidepressant effects from the perspective of epigenetics. MethylTarget™ was used to detect methylation levels of the three miR-124 precursor genes (MIR124-1, MIR124-2, and MIR124-3) in 33 pre- and post-treatment MDD patients and 33 healthy controls. A total of 11 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) islands in the three miR-124 precursor genes, including 222 CpG sites, were detected. All CpG islands were hypomethylated in MDD patients when compared to healthy controls and seven CpG regions were still identified with a statistically significant difference after Bonferroni correction. In addition, 137 of 222 CpG sites were found a statistical difference between MDD patients and controls, and 40 CpG sites were still statistically significant after Bonferroni correction. After performing the LASSO regression model, seven biomarkers with differential methylation among 40 CpG sites were identified. Mean methylation score was lower in MDD patients (z = -5.84, p = 5.16E-9). The AUC value reached 0.917 (95% CI: 0.854-0.981) to discriminate MDD and controls. No changes in methylation of the three miR-124 precursor genes were found in MDD patients following antidepressant treatment. The methylation of miR-124 could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen He
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Manji Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Gao
- Yingbo Community Health Service Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yimin Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifeng Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Shanghai, China
| | - Huafang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Research Center for Mental Health, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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13
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Dion A, Muñoz PT, Franklin TB. Epigenetic mechanisms impacted by chronic stress across the rodent lifespan. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100434. [PMID: 35198660 PMCID: PMC8841894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposures to stress at all stages of development can lead to long-term behavioural effects, in part through changes in the epigenome. This review describes rodent research suggesting that stress in prenatal, postnatal, adolescent and adult stages leads to long-term changes in epigenetic regulation in the brain which have causal impacts on rodent behaviour. We focus on stress-induced epigenetic changes that have been linked to behavioural deficits including poor learning and memory, and increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviours. Interestingly, aspects of these stress-induced behavioural changes can be transmitted to offspring across several generations, a phenomenon that has been proposed to result via epigenetic mechanisms in the germline. Here, we also discuss evidence for the differential impact of stress on the epigenome in males and females, conscious of the fact that the majority of published studies have only investigated males. This has led to a limited picture of the epigenetic impact of stress, highlighting the need for future studies to investigate females as well as males.
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14
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Emerging role of microRNAs as novel targets of antidepressants. Asian J Psychiatr 2021; 66:102906. [PMID: 34740127 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2021.102906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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Thumfart KM, Jawaid A, Bright K, Flachsmann M, Mansuy IM. Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1049-1066. [PMID: 34742726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) can have persistent effects on the brain and is one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases in adulthood. Recent advances in the field of epigenetics suggest that epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as regulatory processes involving non-coding RNA are associated with the long-term sequelae of CT. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of CT and describes studies in animal models and human subjects examining how the epigenome and transcriptome are modified by CT in the brain. It discusses psychological and pharmacological interventions that can counteract epigenetic changes induced by CT and the need to establish longitudinal assessment after CT for developing more effective diagnostics and treatment strategies based on epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Ludwika Pasteura 3, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Kristina Bright
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Flachsmann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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16
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Martins HC, Schratt G. MicroRNA-dependent control of neuroplasticity in affective disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:263. [PMID: 33941769 PMCID: PMC8093191 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01379-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective disorders are a group of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by severe mood dysregulations accompanied by sleep, eating, cognitive, and attention disturbances, as well as recurring thoughts of suicide. Clinical studies consistently show that affective disorders are associated with reduced size of brain regions critical for mood and cognition, neuronal atrophy, and synaptic loss in these regions. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate these changes and thereby increase the susceptibility to develop affective disorders remain poorly understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are small regulatory RNAs that repress gene expression by binding to the 3'UTR of mRNAs. They have the ability to bind to hundreds of target mRNAs and to regulate entire gene networks and cellular pathways implicated in brain function and plasticity, many of them conserved in humans and other animals. In rodents, miRNAs regulate synaptic plasticity by controlling the morphology of dendrites and spines and the expression of neurotransmitter receptors. Furthermore, dysregulated miRNA expression is frequently observed in patients suffering from affective disorders. Together, multiple lines of evidence suggest a link between miRNA dysfunction and affective disorder pathology, providing a rationale to consider miRNAs as therapeutic tools or molecular biomarkers. This review aims to highlight the most recent and functionally relevant studies that contributed to a better understanding of miRNA function in the development and pathogenesis of affective disorders. We focused on in vivo functional studies, which demonstrate that miRNAs control higher brain functions, including mood and cognition, in rodents, and that their dysregulation causes disease-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Caria Martins
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Schratt
- Lab of Systems Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland.
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17
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Bortolozzi A, Manashirov S, Chen A, Artigas F. Oligonucleotides as therapeutic tools for brain disorders: Focus on major depressive disorder and Parkinson's disease. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107873. [PMID: 33915178 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Remarkable advances in understanding the role of RNA in health and disease have expanded considerably in the last decade. RNA is becoming an increasingly important target for therapeutic intervention; therefore, it is critical to develop strategies for therapeutic modulation of RNA function. Oligonucleotides, including antisense oligonucleotide (ASO), small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA mimic (miRNA), and anti-microRNA (antagomir) are perhaps the most direct therapeutic strategies for addressing RNA. Among other mechanisms, most oligonucleotide designs involve the formation of a hybrid with RNA that promotes its degradation by activation of endogenous enzymes such as RNase-H (e.g., ASO) or the RISC complex (e.g. RNA interference - RNAi for siRNA and miRNA). However, the use of oligonucleotides for the treatment of brain disorders is seriously compromised by two main limitations: i) how to deliver oligonucleotides to the brain compartment, avoiding the action of peripheral RNAses? and once there, ii) how to target specific neuronal populations? We review the main molecular pathways in major depressive disorder (MDD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), and discuss the challenges associated with the development of novel oligonucleotide therapeutics. We pay special attention to the use of conjugated ligand-oligonucleotide approach in which the oligonucleotide sequence is covalently bound to monoamine transporter inhibitors (e.g. sertraline, reboxetine, indatraline). This strategy allows their selective accumulation in the monoamine neurons of mice and monkeys after their intranasal or intracerebroventricular administration, evoking preclinical changes predictive of a clinical therapeutic action after knocking-down disease-related genes. In addition, recent advances in oligonucleotide therapeutic clinical trials are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sharon Manashirov
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; miCure Therapeutics LTD., Tel-Aviv, Israel; Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany; Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Francesc Artigas
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Epigenetics: A Missing Link Between Early Life Stress and Depression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33834398 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) represents a major risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, including depression. The susceptibility associated with ELS may result from persistent changes in gene transcription, which can occur through epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA expression. Animal models and reports in humans described that negative stimuli can alter the neurodevelopment of an individual, affecting their behavior and cognitive development. It is currently hypothesized that levels of environmental adversity in this early developmental period are able to shape the experience-dependent maturation of stress-regulating pathways leading to long-lasting alterations in stress responsivity during adulthood. Here, we review key findings from animal and clinical studies examining the effects of prenatal and postnatal environment in shaping development of the neuroendocrine regulation of stress and the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the predisposition of depression.
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Czéh B, Simon M. Benefits of animal models to understand the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 106:110049. [PMID: 32735913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder imposing severe social and economic burden worldwide. Despite the existence of effective antidepressant treatment strategies the exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unknown. Large number of animal models of MDD have been developed over the years, but all of them suffer from significant shortcomings. Despite their limitations these models have been extensively used in academic research and drug development. The aim of this review is to highlight the benefits of animal models of MDD. We focus here on recent experimental data where animal models were used to examine current theories of this complex disease. We argue, that despite their evident imperfections, these models provide invaluable help to understand cellular and molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of MDD. Furthermore, animal models are utilized in research to find clinically useful biomarkers. We discuss recent neuroimaging and microRNA studies since these investigations yielded promising candidates for biomarkers. Finally, we briefly summarize recent progresses in drug development, i.e. the FDA approval of two novel antidepressant drugs: S-ketamine and brexanolone (allopregnanolone). Deeper understanding of the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of action responsible for the antidepressant efficacy of these rapid acting drugs could aid us to design further compounds with similar effectiveness, but less side effects. Animal studies are likely to provide valuable help in this endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.
| | - Maria Simon
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
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20
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Jiang N, Wang H, Li C, Zeng G, Lv J, Wang Q, Chen Y, Liu X. The antidepressant-like effects of the water extract of Panax ginseng and Polygala tenuifolia are mediated via the BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 267:113625. [PMID: 33248184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE The water extract of Panax ginseng (GT) and Polygala tenuifolia (YT), the main constituents of the commonly used kai-xin-san formula of traditional Chinese medicine, represents SY. It possesses strong neuroprotective effects. Using behavioural tests, we have previously established that the SY formulation exerts superior antidepressant activity than that of GT or YT. AIM To elucidate the impact of SY treatment on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive-like behaviours and the prospective mechanism related to hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway. METHODS We exposed Sprague-Dawley rats (male; 180-200 g) to CUMS for 35 days. The rats in the experimental treatment groups were daily treated with either fluoxetine (10 mg kg-1d-1) or SY (67.5, 135, or 270 mg kg-1d-1) orally until the behavioural tests (tail suspension test [TST], novelty-suppressed feeding test [NSFT], sucrose preference test [SPT], and forced swim test [FST]) were completed. We assessed the modifications in the hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway post-treatment with CUMS and SY. Additionally, K252a, a tyrosine protein kinase inhibitor, was utilized to evaluate the antidepressant mechanisms of SY. RESULT s: The results of SPT, NSFT, FST, and TST in CUMS-exposed rats confirmed the antidepressant actions of SY. Additionally, SY treatment induced the BDNF signaling pathway and reversed the hippocampal neurogenesis caused by CUMS. Moreover, we found that the TrkB antagonist K252a blocked SY effects on behavioural improvement, inhibited the incremental effects of SY on hippocampal neurogenesis, and eliminated the impact of SY on BDNF-TrkB signaling activation. Thus, the impact of SY treatment on BDNF signaling molecules (pAkt, pERK1/2, and pCREB) were significantly inhibited by K252a. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that SY acted as an antidepressant in rats exhibiting CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours, and was facilitated by promoting hippocampal neurogenesis and the BDNF signaling pathway activation. Thus, SY could act as a potential novel supplement or adjuvant to prevent or treat clinical depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Haixia Wang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Li
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guirong Zeng
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Lv
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Affiliated TCM Hospital/School of Pharmacy/Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yin Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medical, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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21
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Luchicchi A, Pattij T, Viaña JNM, de Kloet S, Marchant N. Tracing goes viral: Viruses that introduce expression of fluorescent proteins in chemically-specific neurons. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 348:109004. [PMID: 33242528 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.109004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Over the last century, there has been great progress in understanding how the brain works. In particular, the last two decades have been crucial in gaining more awareness over the complex functioning of neurotransmitter systems. The use of viral vectors in neuroscience has been pivotal for such development. Exploiting the properties of viral particles, modifying them according to the research needs, and making them target chemically-specific neurons, techniques such as optogenetics and chemogenetics have been developed, which could lead to a giant step toward gene therapy for brain disorders. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of some of the most widely used viral techniques in neuroscience. We will discuss advantages and disadvantages of these methods. In particular, attention is dedicated to the pivotal role played by the introduction of adeno-associated virus and the retrograde tracer canine-associated-2 Cre virus in order to achieve optimal visualization, and interrogation, of chemically-specific neuronal populations and their projections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Luchicchi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Tommy Pattij
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John Noel M Viaña
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, ANU College of Science, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sybren de Kloet
- Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research (CNCR), VU University Amsterdam, de Boelelaan 1085, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nathan Marchant
- Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, de Boelelaan 1108, 1081HZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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22
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Jiang N, Wang H, Lv J, Wang Q, Lu C, Li Y, Liu X. Dammarane sapogenins attenuates stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors by upregulating ERK/CREB/BDNF pathways. Phytother Res 2020; 34:2721-2729. [PMID: 32431006 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dammarane sapogenins (DS), an extract derived from ginseng by alkaline hydrolysis of total ginsenosides, possesses high pharmacological activity and higher bioavailability than ginsenosides. The present study was designed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effects of DS in a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated social avoidance and anxiety-like behavior in four test models of CSDS, showing increased time in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and in the center of the field in the open field test, an increased percentage of entries and open arm time in the elevated plus maze, and reduced latency to eat in the novelty-suppressed feeding test. Biochemical analyses showed that DS significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels and increased brain concentration of neurotransmitter 5-HT and noradrenaline in CSDS mice. Treatment with DS significantly upregulated BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), p-CREB/CREB and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 protein expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of CSDS mice. Collectively, these results suggest that DS exerts anxiolytic-like effects in CSDS model mice and the action is mediated, at least in part, by modulating the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, and via ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwei Lv
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Affiliated TCM Hospital/School of Pharmacy/Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing, China
| | - Yujiao Li
- Affiliated TCM Hospital/School of Pharmacy/Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xinmin Liu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Khan AR, Geiger L, Wiborg O, Czéh B. Stress-Induced Morphological, Cellular and Molecular Changes in the Brain-Lessons Learned from the Chronic Mild Stress Model of Depression. Cells 2020; 9:cells9041026. [PMID: 32326205 PMCID: PMC7226496 DOI: 10.3390/cells9041026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe illness imposing an increasing social and economic burden worldwide. Numerous rodent models have been developed to investigate the pathophysiology of MDD. One of the best characterized and most widely used models is the chronic mild stress (CMS) model which was developed more than 30 years ago by Paul Willner. More than 2000 published studies used this model, mainly to assess novel compounds with potential antidepressant efficacy. Most of these studies examined the behavioral consequences of stress and concomitant drug intervention. Much fewer studies focused on the CMS-induced neurobiological changes. However, the stress-induced cellular and molecular changes are important as they may serve as potential translational biomarkers and increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of MDD. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the structural and molecular alterations in the brain that have been described using the CMS model. We discuss the latest neuroimaging and postmortem histopathological data as well as molecular changes including recent findings on microRNA levels. Different chronic stress paradigms occasionally deliver dissimilar findings, but the available experimental data provide convincing evidence that the CMS model has a high translational value. Future studies examining the neurobiological changes in the CMS model in combination with clinically effective antidepressant drug intervention will likely deliver further valuable information on the pathophysiology of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Raza Khan
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute (SGPGI) Campus, Lucknow-226017, U.P, India;
| | - Lili Geiger
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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A functional SNP in MIR124-1, a brain expressed miRNA gene, is associated with aggressiveness in a Colombian sample. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 30:499-503. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Interpersonal violence and suicide are among the main causes of mortality and morbidity around the world. In several developing countries, such as Colombia, they are among the first five entities of public health concern. Aggressiveness is an important endophenotype for aggression and suicidal behavior, having a heritability of around 50%. Exploration of classical candidate genes, involved in serotoninergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission, has identified few consistent risk factors for aggressiveness. miRNAs are a novel class of molecules with a growing role in normal neural function and neuropsychiatric disorders; of special interest, miR-124 is a brain-specific miRNA that is key for neuronal plasticity. We evaluated the hypothesis that a functional polymorphism in MIR124-1 gene might be associated with aggressiveness in a Colombian sample.Methods:The Spanish adaptation of the refined version of the Aggression Questionnaire and the abbreviated Barratt Impulsiveness Scale were applied to 170 young subjects. The functional SNP in MIR124-1 (rs531564) was genotyped by a TaqMan assay.Results:We found a significant association between the MIR124-1 and aggressiveness in our sample, with G/G carriers having lower scores (P = 0.01). This association seemed to be specific for aggressiveness, as it was not significant for impulsiveness.Conclusions:We showed for the first time the association of a functional polymorphism in MIR124-1 and aggressiveness. Known targets of miR-124 (such as BDNF and DRD4 genes) could explain the effect of this miRNA on behavior. A future analysis of additional novel functional polymorphisms in other brain expressed miRNAs could be useful for a deeper understanding of aggression in humans.
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Allen L, Dwivedi Y. MicroRNA mediators of early life stress vulnerability to depression and suicidal behavior. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:308-320. [PMID: 31740756 PMCID: PMC6974433 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0597-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood environment can have a profound impact on brain structure and function. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to play a critical role in adaptive and maladaptive processes by regulating gene expression without changing the genome. Over the past few years, early life stress (ELS) has been established as a major risk factor for major depression and suicidal behavior along with other psychiatric illnesses in adulthood. In recent years, the emergence of small noncoding RNAs as a mega controller of gene expression has gained attention for their role in various disease processes. Among various noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied and well characterized and have emerged as a major regulator of neural plasticity and higher brain functioning. More recently, although limited in number, studies are focusing on how miRNAs can play a role in the maladaptive processes associated with ELS both at adolescent and adult age and whether these processes are critical in developing depression and suicidal behavior. In this review, we critically evaluate how postnatal ELS relates to abnormalities in miRNA expression and functions from both animal and human literature and draw connections from these findings to depression and suicidal behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Allen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Yang W, Liu M, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Chen J, Chen Q, Suo L. Knockdown of miR-124 Reduces Depression-like Behavior by Targeting CREB1 and BDNF. Curr Neurovasc Res 2020; 17:196-203. [PMID: 32189593 PMCID: PMC7536798 DOI: 10.2174/1567202617666200319141755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As a brain-specific microRNA, the mechanism of miR-124 in depression has not been clarified so far. The present study aimed to explore the role of miR-124 in depression and its potential targets. METHODS The depression model was first replicated by the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) method. miR-124 antagomir was injected into the hippocampus of CUMS rats. Sucrose preference test (SPT), open-field test (OFT), elevated-plus maze (EPM), and forced swimming test (FST) were used to analyze the depression-like behavior. The content of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in the hypothalamus was analyzed by ELISA. qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used for functional analysis. RESULTS miR-124 expression was up-regulated in the hippocampus of CUMS -induced depression model rats, while CREB1 and BDNF were down-regulated. Administration of miR-124 antagomir in the hippocampus inhibited miR-124 expression in the hippocampus of CUMS rats. Additionally, SPT, OFT, EPM, and FST also showed that miR-124 antagomir can reduce the depression-like behavior of CUMS rats. Furthermore, miR-124 antagomir injection increased the levels of NE, DA and 5-HT in the hypothalamus of CUMS rats. Moreover, miR-124 antagomir injection increased the expression of cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein1 (CREB1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Using the dual-luciferase reporter assay, it was confirmed that miR-124 directly targets 3'UTR of CREB1 and BDNF genes. CONCLUSION Knockdown of miR-124 can improve depression-like behavior in CUMS-induced depressive rats, which may be related at least in part to the up-regulation of CREB1 and BDNF expression in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianwei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiahua Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoyun Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixia Suo
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Huang YL, Zeng NX, Chen J, Niu J, Luo WL, Liu P, Yan C, Wu LL. Dynamic changes of behaviors, dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression in rats with depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:1150-1159. [PMID: 31823896 PMCID: PMC7034282 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.270414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The depression-like behavior phenotype, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and miR-124 expression in the hippocampus are the focus of current research on the pathogenesis of depression and antidepressant therapy. The present study aimed to clarify the dynamic changes of depression-like behavior, dentate gyrus neurogenesis and hippocampal miR-124 expression during depression induced by chronic stress to reveal pathological features at different stages of depression and to further provide insight into depression treatment. Chronic unpredictable mild stress depression models were established by exposing Sprague-Dawley rats to various mild stressors, including white noise, thermal swimming, stroboscopic illumination, soiled cages, pairing with three other stressed animals, cold swimming, tail pinch, restraint and water and food deprivation. Chronic unpredictable mild stress model rats underwent dynamic observation from 1 to 8 weeks and were compared with a control group (normal feeding without any stressors). To observe changes in the depression-like behavior phenotype during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression, a sucrose preference test was used to evaluate the degree of anhedonia. An open-field test was used to evaluate locomotor activity and anxiety status. Compared with the control group, chronic unpredictable mild stress rats lost weight but did not have a depression-like behavioral phenotype at 1–4 weeks. Chronic unpredictable mild stress rats presented decreased sucrose preference and locomotor activity at 5–8 weeks. In addition, chronic unpredictable mild stress rats did not have significant anxiety-like behavior during 1–8 weeks of modeling. To observe neurogenesis dysfunctions and changes in neuronal number in the dentate gyrus during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression, markers (DCX and DCX/BrdU) of neural proliferation and differentiation and the neuronal marker NeuN were assessed by immunofluorescence. Compared with the control group, neurogenesis and the neuronal number in the dentate gyrus did not change from 2 to 6 weeks; however, neural proliferation and differentiation in the dentate gyrus decreased, and the number of neurons decreased until the eighth week in the chronic unpredictable mild stress group. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to measure the expression of hippocampal miR-124 during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression. The results showed that the expression of hippocampal miR-124 was unchanged during the first 4 weeks but increased from 5 to 6 weeks and decreased from 7 to 8 weeks compared with the control group. These findings indicate that during chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression, the behavioral phenotype, miR-124 expression in the hippocampus, neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus and neuronal numbers showed dynamic changes, which suggested that various pathological changes occur at different stages of depression. All experimental procedures and protocols were approved by the Experimental Animal Ethics Committee of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine of China in March 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ling Huang
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ning-Xi Zeng
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jie Niu
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Wu-Long Luo
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Can Yan
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- Research Center for Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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Li S, Ma H, Yuan X, Zhou X, Wan Y, Chen S. MicroRNA-382-5p Targets Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 to Regulate Depressive-Like Behaviors Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Rats. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2053-2061. [PMID: 32982244 PMCID: PMC7490101 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s243920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is an emotional disorder characterized by depression, lack of pleasure, and cognitive and sleep disorders. It is a systemic disease with a complex pathogenesis. In this study, we will be focused to investigate their associations and the exact functional mechanisms of miR-382-5p and NR3C1 in depression. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured the expressions of microRNA-382-5p (miR-382-5p) and NR3C1 in the hippocampus by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Depression behavior test including novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and forced swim test (FST) on rats have been conducted to examine the roles and functions of miR-382-5p and NR3C1 on depression-like behaviors by lentivirus vectors. RESULTS Up-regulation of miR-382-5p and down-regulation of NR3C1 were observed in rats' hippocampus induced by CUMS. miR-382-5p targeted NR3C1 and inhibited the expressions of NR3C1 in rats' hippocampus. miR-382-5p could significantly change the depression behaviors induced by CUMS. NR3C1 downstream BDNF and p-TrkB were also oppositely associated with miR-382-5p in rats' hippocampus. CONCLUSION Through our experiments and analysis, we found that the associations between miR-382-5p and NR3C1 could affect the depression-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuqian Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong Province 264003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Yuan
- Department of Rehabilitation, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Zhou
- Department of Rehabilitation, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwen Wan
- Department of Rehabilitation, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangjie Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, People's Hospital of Shenzhen Baoan District, Shenzhen 518100, People's Republic of China
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Lou D, Wang J, Wang X. miR-124 ameliorates depressive-like behavior by targeting STAT3 to regulate microglial activation. Mol Cell Probes 2019; 48:101470. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2019.101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Jiang N, Lv JW, Wang HX, Lu C, Wang Q, Xia TJ, Bao Y, Li SS, Liu XM. Dammarane sapogenins alleviates depression-like behaviours induced by chronic social defeat stress in mice through the promotion of the BDNF signalling pathway and neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Brain Res Bull 2019; 153:239-249. [PMID: 31542427 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) is a widely used behavioural paradigm of psychosocial stress that can be used to research the pathogenesis of depression and seek antidepressant drugs. Dammarane sapogenins (DS), the deglycosylated product of ginsenosides, has a wide range of biological activities, including immunomodulatory, antifatigue, antitumour and antidepressant activities. However, whether DS has antidepressant-like effects in a CSDS mouse model remains unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the antidepressant properties of DS in CSDS mice and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that the oral administration of DS (40 and 80 mg/kg) increased the time spent in the interaction zone in the social interaction test and the sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test, decreased the latency in the novelty-suppressed feeding test, and reduced the immobility time in both the tail suspension test and forced swimming test. Biochemical analyses of brain tissue and serum showed that DS treatment significantly decreased serum corticosterone levels and enhanced brain monoamine neurotransmitter levels in CSDS mice. In addition, an impairment in hippocampal neurogenesis that paralleled a reduced BDNF level in the hippocampus was observed in the mice that were subjected with CSDS for 3 weeks, while treatment with DS reversed these changes. Moreover, DS treatment significantly upregulated BDNF, pTrkB/TrkB, pAkt/Akt, pPI3K/PI3K, pCREB/CREB, pERK1/2/ERK1/2 and pmTOR/mTOR protein expression in the hippocampus. In conclusion, our results showed that DS exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice with CSDS-induced depression, that the effects may be mediated by the normalization of monoamine neurotransmitter levels, the prevention of HPA axis dysfunction and the impairment of hippocampal neurogenesis, and that this occurs partly through the ability of DS to enhance BDNF expression by increasing the TrkB/CREB/ERK pathway and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Jiang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wei Lv
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Xia Wang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Affiliated TCM Hospital/School of Pharmacy/Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Tian-Ji Xia
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Bao
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Affiliated TCM Hospital/School of Pharmacy/Sino-Portugal TCM International Cooperation Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development (IMPLAD), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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MiR-124 suppression in the prefrontal cortex reduces depression-like behavior in mice. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190186. [PMID: 31431514 PMCID: PMC6744582 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a potentially life-threatening mental disorder with unknown etiology. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play critical roles in the etiology of depression. Here, we aim to elucidate the anti-depressive behavior of miR-124 suppression in prefrontal cortex (PFC). Quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to evaluate the expression of miR-124 and SIRT1 in the PFC of a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. The PFC of C57BL/6J mice was bilaterally injected with lentiviral vectors (LV) for ectopic expression of SIRT1, miR-124, or miR-124 inhibitor (si-miR-124). The anti-depressive behavior was observed after injection of LV-SIRT1 or LV-si-miR-124 into the PFC, using behavior tests including latency to feed, food and water intake, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test. MiR-124 overexpression and inhibition resulted in upregulation and down-regulation of SIRT1 and cyclic AMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1), respectively. MiR-124 overexpression exacerbated depression-like behaviors and decreased SIRT1. Further, dual-luciferase assay confirmed that SIRT1 was a target of miR-124. Taken together, a potential molecular regulation of miR-124 on SIRT1 is revealed by our study and miR-124 suppression in PFC is a potential strategy to reduce depression-like behavior.
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miRNAs in depression vulnerability and resilience: novel targets for preventive strategies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:1241-1258. [PMID: 31350592 PMCID: PMC6746676 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02048-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The exposure to stressful experiences during the prenatal period and through the first years of life is known to affect the brain developmental trajectories, leading to an enhanced vulnerability for the development of several psychiatric disorders later in life. However, not all the subjects exposed to the same stressful experience develop a pathologic condition, as some of them, activating coping strategies, become more resilient. The disclosure of mechanisms associated with stress vulnerability or resilience may allow the identification of novel biological processes and potential molecules that, if properly targeted, may prevent susceptibility or potentiate resilience. Over the last years, miRNAs have been proposed as one of the epigenetic mechanisms mediating the long-lasting effects of stress. Accordingly, they are associated with the development of stress vulnerability or resilience-related strategies. Moreover, miRNAs have been proposed as possible biomarkers able to identify subjects at high risk to develop depression and to predict the response to pharmacological treatments. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of findings from studies in rodents and humans focused on the involvement of miRNAs in the mechanisms of stress response with the final goal to identify distinct sets of miRNAs involved in stress vulnerability or resilience. In addition, we reviewed studies on alterations of miRNAs in the context of depression, showing data on the involvement of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of the disease and in the efficacy of pharmacological treatments, discussing the potential utility of miRNAs as peripheral biomarkers able to predict the treatment response.
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Navarrete-Modesto V, Orozco-Suárez S, Alonso-Vanegas M, Feria-Romero IA, Rocha L. REST/NRSF transcription factor is overexpressed in hippocampus of patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 94:118-123. [PMID: 30903955 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription factor or Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (REST/NRSF) is a zinc finger repressor transcription factor of the Kruppel family. Several studies in experimental models have shown that overexpression of REST/NRSF occurs after the induction of seizures. In the present study, the expression of REST/NRSF (messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein) was evaluated in the hippocampus of 28 patients with drug-resistant mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) and their correlation with clinical variables and comorbid anxiety and depression. The REST/NRSF protein expression was augmented in an age-dependent manner in the hippocampus of autopsied subjects. However, this condition was not observed in patients with MTLE, in whom overexpression of this transcription factor occurred at both the mRNA and protein levels. The correlations with clinical variables showed that the frequency of epileptic seizures was proportional to the protein expression of REST/NRSF. The results revealed that the overexpression of REST/NRSF was more evident in patients with MTLE without anxiety and depression. Our data indicate that the expression of REST/NRSF is modified in patients with MTLE. This condition has implications in the pathophysiology of this disorder, making it a potential candidate for the optimization of clinical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Navarrete-Modesto
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico; Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sandra Orozco-Suárez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mario Alonso-Vanegas
- Departamento de Neurocirugía, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suarez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Iris A Feria-Romero
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Neurológicas, Hospital de Especialidades "Dr. Bernardo Sepúlveda", Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV), Mexico.
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Miao Z, Zhang J, Li Y, Li X, Song W, Sun ZS, Wang Y. Presence of the pregnant partner regulates microRNA-30a and BDNF levels and protects male mice from social defeat-induced abnormal behaviors. Neuropharmacology 2019; 159:107589. [PMID: 30946846 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Consolation behavior within close social bonds can alleviate the negative effects of stressful events on individuals. Due to the lack of animal models, however, its underlying mechanisms remain poorly explored. Moreover, most social support effects are exerted through grooming or consolation behavior from close social bonds, whether pure companionship without physical interaction exert effects still remains unknown. Here, we report that among the most widely used laboratory mouse, social avoidance and anxiety-related behaviors induced by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) were alleviated by the presence of their pregnant partner without body contact during the stress process, whereas non-pregnant females did not afford similar protective effect to the male partner. The levels of BDNF, together with its primary transcripts, were down-regulated in the hippocampus of male mice with CSDS and these decreases were ameliorated by the presence of their pregnant partners. Furthermore, miR-30a negatively regulated BDNF expression and the regulation of miR-30a was implicated in the supporting effect on the male mice experiencing CSDS. The identification of psychological protective effects in a primary model organism and its underlying mechanism would promote our understanding how people cope with stress-induced psychiatric disorders independent of anti-depressant drugs and facilitate investigation of the molecular mechanisms of enduring social bonds in humans. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The neuropharmacology of social behavior: from bench to bedside'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Miao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jianghong Zhang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xianfeng Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Wei Song
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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Abstract
Stress is an adaptive response to environment aversive stimuli and a common life experience of one's daily life. Chronic or excessive stress especially that happened in early life is found to be deleterious to individual's physical and mental health, which is highly related to depressive disorders onset. Stressful life events are consistently considered to be the high-risk factors of environment for predisposing depressive disorders. In linking stressful life events with depressive disorder onset, dysregulated HPA axis activity is supposed to play an important role in mediating aversive impacts of life stress on brain structure and function. Increasing evidence have indicated the strong association of stress, especially the chronic stress and early life stress, with depressive disorders development, while the association of stress with depression is moderated by genetic risk factors, including polymorphism of SERT, BDNF, GR, FKBP5, MR, and CRHR1. Meanwhile, stressful life experience particularly early life stress will exert epigenetic modification in these risk genes via DNA methylation and miRNA regulation to generate long-lasting effects on these genes expression, which in turn cause brain structural and functional alteration, and finally increase the vulnerability to depressive disorders. Therefore, the interaction of environment with gene, in which stressful life exposure interplay with genetic risk factors and epigenetic modification, is essential in predicting depressive disorders development. As the mediator of environmental risk factors, stress will function together with genetic and epigenetic mechanism to influence brain structure and function, physiology and psychology, and finally the vulnerability to depressive disorders.
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Bahi A, Dreyer JL. Lentiviral-mediated let-7d microRNA overexpression induced anxiolytic- and anti-depressant-like behaviors and impaired dopamine D3 receptor expression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 28:1394-1404. [PMID: 30244920 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Generalized anxiety and major depression disorders (MDD) are severe debilitating mood disorders whose etiology are not fully understood, but growing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) might play a key role in their neuropathophysiological mechanisms. In the current study, we investigate the role of Lethal-7 (let-7d) miRNA, and its direct target dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) gain-of-function, in the hippocampus, in preclinical models of anxiety and depression in mice. For this purpose, we have constructed a lentiviral vector carrying let-7d miRNA and its anxiolytic effect was investigated by employing the open-field (OF) and the elevated plus maze (EPM) tests. The anti-depressant activity was evaluated using the tail suspension and the forced-swim tests (TST & FST). Our results show that let-7d overexpression significantly improved the measures of anxiety in the OF and EPM tests. In addition, let-7d increased the mobility time in the TST and FST. Interestingly, gene expression interaction analysis shows that the D3R mRNA negatively correlates with let-7d expression. In a different set of experiments, we used a tetracycline-inducible (tet-off) lentiviral vector to overexpress D3R to assess its gain-of-function in the hippocampus on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. In line, we found that in the absence of doxycycline, D3R produced a significant anxiogenic and depressant-like response. Most importantly, these effects were abrogated when mice were fed doxycycline in drinking water. Our results provide the first evidence for an anxiolytic and anti-depressant-like action of let-7d through a potential D3R target-mediated mechanism which might open new avenues for anxiolytic and anti-depressant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- Department of Anatomy, Tawam Medical Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, UAE.
| | - Jean-Luc Dreyer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Inhibition of microRNA-124-3p as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Gulf War Illness: Evaluation in a rat model. Neurotoxicology 2018; 71:16-30. [PMID: 30503814 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multisymptom illness that continues to affect up to 30% of veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. After nearly 30 years, useful treatments for GWI are lacking and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathobiology remain poorly understood, although exposures to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and pesticides are consistently identified to be among the strongest risk factors. Alleviation of the broad range of symptoms manifested in GWI, which involve the central nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system likely requires therapies that are able to activate and inactivate a large set of orchestrated genes. Previous work in our laboratory using an established rat model of GWI identified persistent elevation of microRNA-124-3p (miR-124) levels in the hippocampus whose numerous gene targets are involved in cognition-associated pathways and neuroendocrine function. This study aimed to investigate the broad effects of miR-124 inhibition in the brain 9 months after completion of a 28-day exposure regimen of PB, DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), permethrin, and mild stress by profiling the hippocampal expression of genes known to play a critical role in synaptic plasticity, glucocorticoid signaling, and neurogenesis. We determined that intracerebroventricular infusion of a miR-124 antisense oligonucleotide (miR-124 inhibitor; 0.05-0.5 nmol/day/28 days), but not a negative control oligonucleotide, into the lateral ventricle of the brain caused increased protein expression of multiple validated miR-124 targets and increased expression of downstream target genes important for cognition and neuroendocrine signaling in the hippocampus. Off-target cardiotoxic effects were revealed in GWI rats receiving 0.1 nmol/day as indicated by the detection in plasma of 5 highly elevated protein cardiac injury markers and 6 upregulated cardiac-enriched miRNAs in plasma exosomes determined by next-generation sequencing. Results from this study suggest that in vivo inhibition of miR-124 function in the hippocampus is a promising, novel therapeutic approach to improve cognition and neuroendocrine dysfunction in GWI. Additional preclinical studies in animal models to assess feasibility and safety by developing a practical, noninvasive drug delivery system to the brain and exploring potential adverse toxicologic effects of miR-124 inhibition are warranted.
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Dwivedi Y. MicroRNAs in depression and suicide: Recent insights and future perspectives. J Affect Disord 2018; 240:146-154. [PMID: 30071418 PMCID: PMC6108934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.07.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health concern. A significant proportion of depressed individuals show suicidal ideation. The currently available medications are not optimal and a large number of depressed/suicidal patients do not respond to these medications. Thus, there is an urgent need to fully understand the neurobiological mechanisms associated with depression and suicidal behavior and to find novel targets for therapeutic interventions. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs), member of small non-coding RNA family, have emerged as an invaluable tool not only to understand disease pathogenesis but also to precisely pinpoint the targets that can be developed as drugs. In this review, these aspects have been discussed in a comprehensive and critical manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC711 Sparks Center, 1720 7th Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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39
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Liu Z, Chang H, Hou Y, Wang Y, Zhou Z, Wang M, Huang Z, Yu B. Lentivirus‑mediated microRNA‑26a overexpression in bone mesenchymal stem cells facilitates bone regeneration in bone defects of calvaria in mice. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5317-5326. [PMID: 30365148 PMCID: PMC6236311 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Repair of bone defects presents a serious clinical challenge as it is difficult to restore bone function and regenerate bone loss. In the present study, the effects of lentivirus-mediated transfection of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) with microRNA (miR)-26a on bone regeneration were investigated in a mouse bone defect repair model. Marker of proliferation Ki67 (Ki67) staining was employed to detect the cell proliferation capacity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to investigate osteogenic differentiation. A mouse model of cranial bone defects was established. β-tricalcium phosphate biomaterials co-cultured with the transfected BMSCs were implanted into the defect areas of mouse models. Micro-computed tomography, and hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue staining, were used to detect bone regeneration in the defect areas and the degradation of scaffolds. miR-26a expression, and the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenesis-associated cytokines, were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Separated and cultured BMSCs highly expressed CD29 and CD105, but not CD34 and CD45, as determined by flow cytometry. miR-26a expression and the positive cell rate of Ki67 and ALP staining in BMSCs transfected with pLVTHM-miR-26a were increased. The BMSC and negative control-transfected BMSC groups exhibited increased bone regeneration in the defect areas, increased bone volume of newly formed bones, and elevated mRNA and protein expression of runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and osteocalcin (OC), compared with the blank group. However, the miR-26a-transfected BMSC group exhibited further increases in bone regeneration and the volume of newly formed bones, and further elevations of the mRNA and protein expression levels of Runx2 and OC. The present findings demonstrated that lentivirus-mediated modification of BMSCs enhanced bone regeneration during the repair of cranial bone defects in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Liu
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yihong Hou
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Surgery II, People's Hospital of Dongsheng, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia 017000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Surgery II, People's Hospital of Dongsheng, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia 017000, P.R. China
| | - Zhidong Huang
- Department of Surgery II, People's Hospital of Dongsheng, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia 017000, P.R. China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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Bahi A, Dreyer JL. Dopamine transporter (DAT) knockdown in the nucleus accumbens improves anxiety- and depression-related behaviors in adult mice. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:104-115. [PMID: 30367968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Many epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated a strong comorbidity between anxiety and depression, and a number of experimental studies indicates that the dopamine transporter (DAT) is involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression. However, studies using laboratory animals have yielded inconclusive results. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of DAT manipulation on anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in mice. For this purpose, animals were stereotaxically injected with DAT siRNA-expressing lentiviral vectors (siDAT) in the caudate putamen (CPu) or in the nucleus accumbens (Nacc) and the behavioral outcomes were assessed using the open-field (OF), elevated-plus maze (EPM), light-dark box (LDB), sucrose preference (SPT), novelty suppressed feeding (NSF), and forced-swim (FST) tests. The results showed that in the Nacc, but not in the CPu, siDAT increased the time spent at the center of the arena and decreased the number of fecal boli in the OF test. In the EPM and LDB tests, Nacc siDAT injection increased the entries and time spent on open arms, and increased the time spent in the light side of the box, respectively, suggesting an anxiolytic-like activity. In addition, siDAT, in the Nacc, induced significant antidepressant-like effects, evidenced by increased sucrose preference, shorter latency to feed in the NSF test, and decreased immobility time in the FST. Most importantly, Pearson's test clearly showed significant correlations between DAT mRNA in the Nacc with anxiety and depression parameters. Overall, these results suggest that low DAT levels, in the Nacc, might act as protective factors against anxiety and depression. Therefore, targeting DAT activity might be a very attractive approach to tackle affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- Department of Anatomy, Tawam Medical Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Jean-Luc Dreyer
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Higuchi Y, Soga T, Parhar IS. Potential Roles of microRNAs in the Regulation of Monoamine Oxidase A in the Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:339. [PMID: 30271325 PMCID: PMC6149293 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that regulates the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine and it has been used as a therapeutic target for depression. However, MAO-A inhibitors, which directly acts on MAO-A protein, have limited use due to their adverse effects. microRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-22 nucleotide long, small non-coding RNAs, which have recently emerged as regulators of protein levels that could potentially be new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders. This review article aims to discuss the current status of the treatment for depression with MAO-A inhibitors and the regulatory factors of MAO-A. Further, the review also proposes possible regulatory mechanisms of MAO-A by miRNAs, which leads to better understanding of the pathology of depressive disorders and their potential use as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Cipolla GA, de Oliveira JC, Salviano-Silva A, Lobo-Alves SC, Lemos DS, Oliveira LC, Jucoski TS, Mathias C, Pedroso GA, Zambalde EP, Gradia DF. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Multifactorial Diseases: Another Layer of Complexity. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:E13. [PMID: 29751665 PMCID: PMC6027498 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multifactorial diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular conditions and neurological, immunological and metabolic disorders are a group of diseases caused by the combination of genetic and environmental factors. High-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies have revealed that less than 2% of the genome corresponds to protein-coding genes, although most of the human genome is transcribed. The other transcripts include a large variety of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), and the continuous generation of RNA-seq data shows that ncRNAs are strongly deregulated and may be important players in pathological processes. A specific class of ncRNAs, the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), has been intensively studied in human diseases. For clinical purposes, lncRNAs may have advantages mainly because of their specificity and differential expression patterns, as well as their ideal qualities for diagnosis and therapeutics. Multifactorial diseases are the major cause of death worldwide and many aspects of their development are not fully understood. Recent data about lncRNAs has improved our knowledge and helped risk assessment and prognosis of these pathologies. This review summarizes the involvement of some lncRNAs in the most common multifactorial diseases, with a focus on those with published functional data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Cipolla
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Sara C Lobo-Alves
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Debora S Lemos
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Luana C Oliveira
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Tayana S Jucoski
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Carolina Mathias
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Gabrielle A Pedroso
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Erika P Zambalde
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
| | - Daniela F Gradia
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba 81531-980, Brazil.
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Yi LT, Mu RH, Dong SQ, Wang SS, Li CF, Geng D, Liu Q. miR-124 antagonizes the antidepressant-like effects of standardized gypenosides in mice. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:458-468. [PMID: 29484897 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118758304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that gypenosides produced antidepressant-like effects in mice exposed to chronic mild stress in a brain-derived neurotrophic factor-dependent manner. However, whether other mechanisms are involved in the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides is not clear. miR-124 is one of the most abundant microRNAs in the hippocampus, and its dysregulation is related to the pathophysiology of depression. The glucocorticoid receptor is dysfunctional in depression, and it is a direct target of miR-124. Therefore, the present study used corticosterone-induced mice as a model to evaluate the role of miR-124 on the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides. miR-124 agomir was intracerebrally injected prior to administration of gypenosides and corticosterone injection. Sucrose preference and forced swimming tests were performed 21 days later. Proteins related to glucocorticoid receptors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tyrosine receptor kinase B signaling in the hippocampus were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that gypenosides reversed the chronic corticosterone injection-induced decreased sucrose preference and increased immobility time. In contrast, this effect was antagonized by miR-124 injection. In addition, gypenosides increased glucocorticoid receptor and tyrosine receptor kinase B expression in the hippocampus, which activated brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling. miR-124 also blocked these effects. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that a reduction in miR-124 was required for the antidepressant-like effects of gypenosides induced by chronic corticosterone injection in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tao Yi
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.,3 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Hao Mu
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Qi Dong
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Wang
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Fu Li
- 4 Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Geng
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.,3 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Liu
- 1 Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China.,3 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
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Fang Y, Qiu Q, Zhang S, Sun L, Li G, Xiao S, Li X. Changes in miRNA-132 and miR-124 levels in non-treated and citalopram-treated patients with depression. J Affect Disord 2018; 227:745-751. [PMID: 29689690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophins including brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) are implicated in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Yet, the roles of brain-specific BDNF-related miRNAs miR-132 and miR-124 are unclear. METHODS We enrolled 45 treatment-free patients with MDD, 32 citalopram-treated patients with MDD, and 32 healthy control subjects. Participants were assessed with the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). In a case-control sub-study, we followed 14 treatment-free patients who were subsequently treated with citalopram for 2 months. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect plasma BDNF, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify relative plasma miR-132 and miR-124 expression. RESULTS Patients with MDD had significantly higher HAMA and HAMD scores than the control group, with the highest scores in the treatment-free MDD group. Plasma miR-132 in the treatment-free MDD group was 2.4-fold that in the control group and significantly higher than that in the citalopram-treated MDD group. Plasma miR-124 in the treatment-free MDD and citalopram-treated MDD groups was 1.8-fold and 4-fold that in the control group, respectively. Compared to the control group, plasma BDNF levels were increased in both MDD groups, but not significantly different between them. There was a positive correlation between miR-132 and HAMD and HAMA scores, whereas no significant correlations were identified for plasma miR-124 or BDNF. LIMITATIONS The range of neurotrophin-related MiRNAs and the number of follow-up cases were limited. CONCLUSIONS BDNF and miR-124 in plasma increase with depression and antidepressants. Plasma MiR-132 might be an indication for depression status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Fang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qi Qiu
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shengyu Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Service Platform, Institute of Forensic Science, Ministry of Justice, No. 1347, Guangfu West Road, Putuo District, Shanghai 200063, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Guanjun Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Shifu Xiao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xia Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai 200030, China.
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Li C, Cao F, Li S, Huang S, Li W, Abumaria N. Profiling and Co-expression Network Analysis of Learned Helplessness Regulated mRNAs and lncRNAs in the Mouse Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 10:454. [PMID: 29375311 PMCID: PMC5768633 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although studies provide insights into the neurobiology of stress and depression, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying their pathologies remain largely unknown. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been implicated in brain functions and behavior. A potential link between lncRNA and psychiatric disorders has been proposed. However, it remains undetermined whether IncRNA regulation, in the brain, contributes to stress or depression pathologies. In this study, we used a valid animal model of depression-like symptoms; namely learned helplessness, RNA-seq, Gene Ontology and co-expression network analyses to profile the expression pattern of lncRNA and mRNA in the hippocampus of mice. We identified 6346 differentially expressed transcripts. Among them, 340 lncRNAs and 3559 protein coding mRNAs were differentially expressed in helpless mice in comparison with control and/or non-helpless mice (inescapable stress resilient mice). Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analyses indicated that induction of helplessness altered expression of mRNAs enriched in fundamental biological functions implicated in stress/depression neurobiology such as synaptic, metabolic, cell survival and proliferation, developmental and chromatin modification functions. To explore the possible regulatory roles of the altered lncRNAs, we constructed co-expression networks composed of the lncRNAs and mRNAs. Among our differentially expressed lncRNAs, 17% showed significant correlation with genes. Functional co-expression analysis linked the identified lncRNAs to several cellular mechanisms implicated in stress/depression neurobiology. Importantly, 57% of the identified regulatory lncRNAs significantly correlated with 18 different synapse-related functions. Thus, the current study identifies for the first time distinct groups of lncRNAs regulated by induction of learned helplessness in the mouse brain. Our results suggest that lncRNA-directed regulatory mechanisms might contribute to stress-induced pathologies; in particular, to inescapable stress-induced synaptic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoqun Li
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feifei Cao
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengli Li
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglin Huang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nashat Abumaria
- Institutes of Brain Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Laboratory Animal Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang Q, Zhao G, Yang Z, Liu X, Xie P. Downregulation of microRNA‑124‑3p suppresses the mTOR signaling pathway by targeting DDIT4 in males with major depressive disorder. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:493-500. [PMID: 29115444 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations have suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) are involved in several pathways that may contribute to the pathomechanism of major depressive disorder (MDD). Sex may not only act as a demographic factor in clinical practive, but may also play a vital role in the molecular heterogeneity of MDD. Although many molecular changes correlated with MDD are found in males, the molecular mechanisms of MDD remain poorly understood. The present study performed bioinformatics analysis to investigate the pathomechanism of MDD in males. The present study identified miR‑124‑3p as one of the most dysregulated miRNAs in MDD, with decreased expression in the post‑mortem BA44 brain area of male patients with MDD. In addition, miR‑124‑3p targets DNA damage‑inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) and specificity protein 1 (SP1), a DDIT4 transcription factor, in the validated target module of the miRWalk 2.0 database. This is concurrent with an increase in the expression level of DDIT4, which is an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. It was also demonstrated that miR‑124‑3p expression was positively associated with mTOR signaling and this relationship was dependent on the tuberous sclerosis proteins 1/2 complex. Taken together, these results provided a novel insight on miR‑124‑3p involvement in the biological alterations of male patients with MDD and suggested that this miRNA may also serve as a male‑specific target for antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272051, P.R. China
| | - Gaofeng Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272051, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhen Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272051, P.R. China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, Jining, Shandong 272051, P.R. China
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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47
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Zeng D, He S, Yu S, Li G, Ma C, Wen Y, Shen Y, Yu Y, Li H. Analysis of the association of MIR124-1 and its target gene RGS4 polymorphisms with major depressive disorder and antidepressant response. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:715-723. [PMID: 29563799 PMCID: PMC5848672 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s155076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has indicated that dysfunction of miR-124 and target gene regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) may be involved in the etiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate whether common genetic variations in these two genes are associated with MDD and therapeutic response to antidepressants in the Chinese population. METHODS Three polymorphisms including rs531564 (a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] in MIR124-1), rs10759 (a microRNA-binding site SNP in RGS4), and rs951436 (a promoter SNP in RGS4) were genotyped in 225 Chinese MDD patients and 436 controls. Among the MDD patients, 147 accepted antidepressant treatment for 8 weeks with therapeutic evaluation at baseline, week 2, week 4, week 6, and week 8 using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) was used to identify gene-gene interactions. RESULTS No significant association with MDD was discovered in single-SNP analyses. However, by MDR analysis, the three-locus model of gene-gene interaction was the best for predicting MDD risk. In pharmacogenetic study, a significant association was found in genotypic frequencies of rs951436 between the remitter and non-remitter groups (p=0.026, correction p=0.078). For further analysis, the rs951436 heterozygote carriers had threefold probabilities of achieving clinical complete remission (odds ratio =3.00, 95% confidence interval =1.33-6.76, p=0.007, correction p=0.021) as compared with rs951436 homozygotes (AA+CC) after 8 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION An interaction effect of MIR124-1 and RGS4 polymorphisms may play a more important role than individual factors for MDD development. Moreover, RGS4 gene polymorphisms may be associated with antidepressant response among the Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duan Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shen He
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunying Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanjun Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Changlin Ma
- Shanghai Jiading District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wen
- Shanghai Jiading District Mental Health Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Shen
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Huafang Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Xu J, Wang R, Liu Y, Liu D, Jiang H, Pan F. FKBP5 and specific microRNAs via glucocorticoid receptor in the basolateral amygdala involved in the susceptibility to depressive disorder in early adolescent stressed rats. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 95:102-113. [PMID: 28826069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stressful events induces depressive-like symptoms and increases susceptibility to depression. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Studies reported that FK506 binding protein51 (FKBP5), the co-chaperone protein of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), plays a crucial role. Further, miR-124a and miR-18a are involved in the regulation of FKBP5/GR function. However, few studies have referred to effects of early life stress on depressive-like behaviours, GR and FKBP5, as well as miR-124a and miR-18a in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) from adolescence to adulthood. This study aimed to examine the dynamic alternations of depressive-like behaviours, GR and FKBP5, as well as miR-124a and miR-18a expressions in the BLA of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats and dexamethasone administration rats during the adolescent period. Meanwhile, the GR antagonist, RU486, was used as a means of intervention. We found that CUMS and dexamethasone administration in the adolescent period induced permanent depressive-like behaviours and memory impairment, decreased GR expression, and increased FKBP5 and miR-124a expression in the BLA of both adolescent and adult rats. However, increased miR-18a expression in the BLA was found only in adolescent rats. Depressive-like behaviours were positively correlated with the level of miR-124a, whereas GR levels were negatively correlated with those in both adolescent and adult rats. Our results suggested FKBP5/GR and miR-124a in the BLA were associated with susceptibility to depressive disorder in the presence of stressful experiences in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Dexiang Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Fang Pan
- Department of Medical Psychology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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Wang SS, Mu RH, Li CF, Dong SQ, Geng D, Liu Q, Yi LT. microRNA-124 targets glucocorticoid receptor and is involved in depression-like behaviors. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 79:417-425. [PMID: 28764913 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) has been shown to be involved in early observations of depression. MicroRNA-124-3p (miR-124) is the most abundant microRNA in the brain. Previous studies have shown that miR-124 plays a major role in depression. Here we showed that miR-124 directly targeted glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in HEK 293 cells. In addition, inhibition of miR-124 by its antagomir (2nmol/every two days) could reverse the decrease of sucrose preference and the increase of immobility time in mice exposed to chronic corticosterone (CORT, 40mg/kg) injection. Moreover, these effects on behavioral improvement were coupled to the activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), TrkB, ERK, and CREB, as well as the induction of synaptogenesis and neuronal proliferation. Altogether, our study suggests that miR-124 can be served as a biomarker for depression and a novel target for drug development, and demonstrates that inhibition of miR-124 may be a strategy for treating depression by activating BDNF-TrkB signaling pathway in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Shuang Wang
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Rong-Hao Mu
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Cheng-Fu Li
- Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen 361009, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Shu-Qi Dong
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Di Geng
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China
| | - Li-Tao Yi
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Chemical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Biochemical Technology, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China; Institute of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, Fujian Province, PR China.
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Xu YH, Yu M, Wei H, Yao S, Chen SY, Zhu XL, Li YF. Fibroblast growth factor 22 is a novel modulator of depression through interleukin-1β. CNS Neurosci Ther 2017; 23:907-916. [PMID: 28948716 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Emerging evidence shows that fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22) plays a critical role in the etiology of depression. However, the molecular mechanisms of FGF22 are not fully comprehended. Here, the effect of FGF22 in depression and its relationship with interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were investigated in clinical, animal, and cell experiments. METHODS Serum from depressive patients was collected, and the levels of FGF22 and IL-1β were analyzed by ELISA. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established, and primary hippocampal neuronal cells were cultured to examine changes in FGF22 and IL-1β levels in rat hippocampus. RESULTS The results revealed a negative correlation between serum FGF22 levels and serum IL-1β levels. The expression of IL-1β in the CUMS rat hippocampus decreased, and the apoptosis of hippocampal cells improved after the injection of lentiviral vector-mediated FGF22 (LV-FGF22). Further tests in primary hippocampal neuronal cells also showed a reduction in IL-1β and the cell apoptosis rate after treatment with FGF22. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results revealed that FGF22 plays a role in alleviating depression, which may be mediated by reduced expression of IL-1β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hao Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Ming Yu
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shun Yao
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Si-Yuan Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Lan Zhu
- The Forth Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yue-Feng Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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