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Hu J, Li H, Wang X, Cheng H, Zhu G, Yang S. Novel mechanisms of Anshen Dingzhi prescription against PTSD: Inhibiting DCC to modulate synaptic function and inflammatory responses. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 333:118425. [PMID: 38848974 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Anshen Dingzhi prescription (ADP), documented in "Yi Xue Xin Wu", is a famous prescription for treating panic-related mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which ADP intervened in PTSD-like behaviors. METHODS A mouse model of single prolonged stress (SPS) was established to evaluate the ameliorative effects and mechanisms of ADP on PTSD. Behavioral tests were used to assess PTSD-like behaviors in mice; transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in the ultrastructure of hippocampal synapses, and western blot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were used to detect the expression of hippocampal deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) and downstream Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) - P21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) signal, as well as levels of synaptic proteins and inflammatory factors. Molecular docking technology simulated the binding of potential brain-penetrating components of ADP to DCC. RESULTS SPS induced PTSD-like behaviors in mice and increased expression of hippocampal netrin-1 (NT-1) and DCC on the 14th day post-modeling, with concurrent elevation in serum NT-1 levels. Simultaneously, SPS also decreased p-Rac1 level and increased p-PAK1 level, the down-stream molecules of DCC. Lentiviral overexpression of DCC induced or exacerbated PTSD-like behaviors in control and SPS mice, respectively, whereas neutralization antibody against NT-1 reduced DCC activation and ameliorated PTSD-like behaviors in SPS mice. Interestingly, downstream Rac1-PAK1 signal was altered according to DCC expression. Moreover, DCC overexpression down-regulated N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 2A (GluN2A) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), up-regulated NMDA receptor 2B (GluN2B) and increased neuroinflammatory responses. Administration of ADP (36.8 mg/kg) improved PTSD-like behaviors in the SPS mice, suppressed hippocampal DCC, and downstream Rac1-PAK1 signal, upregulated GluN2A and PSD95, downregulated GluN2B, and reduced levels of inflammatory factors NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Importantly, DCC overexpression could also reduce the ameliorative effect of ADP on PTSD. Additionally, DCC demonstrated a favorable molecular docking pattern with the potential brain-penetrating components of ADP, further suggesting DCC as a potential target of ADP. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that DCC is a key target for the regulation of synaptic function and inflammatory response in the onset of PTSD, and ADP likely reduces DCC to prevent PTSD via modulating downstream Rac1-PAK1 pathway. This study provides a novel mechanism for the onset of PTSD and warrants the clinical application of ADP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Hu
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Haipeng Li
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Xuncui Wang
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Hongliang Cheng
- The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Center for Xin'an Medicine and Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine of IHM, Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine, The Ministry of Education and Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology (Brain Diseases), Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230012, China.
| | - Shaojie Yang
- The Second Affiliation Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230061, China.
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2
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Daskalakis NP, Iatrou A, Chatzinakos C, Jajoo A, Snijders C, Wylie D, DiPietro CP, Tsatsani I, Chen CY, Pernia CD, Soliva-Estruch M, Arasappan D, Bharadwaj RA, Collado-Torres L, Wuchty S, Alvarez VE, Dammer EB, Deep-Soboslay A, Duong DM, Eagles N, Huber BR, Huuki L, Holstein VL, Logue ΜW, Lugenbühl JF, Maihofer AX, Miller MW, Nievergelt CM, Pertea G, Ross D, Sendi MSE, Sun BB, Tao R, Tooke J, Wolf EJ, Zeier Z, Berretta S, Champagne FA, Hyde T, Seyfried NT, Shin JH, Weinberger DR, Nemeroff CB, Kleinman JE, Ressler KJ. Systems biology dissection of PTSD and MDD across brain regions, cell types, and blood. Science 2024; 384:eadh3707. [PMID: 38781393 PMCID: PMC11203158 DOI: 10.1126/science.adh3707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The molecular pathology of stress-related disorders remains elusive. Our brain multiregion, multiomic study of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) included the central nucleus of the amygdala, hippocampal dentate gyrus, and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Genes and exons within the mPFC carried most disease signals replicated across two independent cohorts. Pathways pointed to immune function, neuronal and synaptic regulation, and stress hormones. Multiomic factor and gene network analyses provided the underlying genomic structure. Single nucleus RNA sequencing in dorsolateral PFC revealed dysregulated (stress-related) signals in neuronal and non-neuronal cell types. Analyses of brain-blood intersections in >50,000 UK Biobank participants were conducted along with fine-mapping of the results of PTSD and MDD genome-wide association studies to distinguish risk from disease processes. Our data suggest shared and distinct molecular pathology in both disorders and propose potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P. Daskalakis
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Artemis Iatrou
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Chris Chatzinakos
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
- VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY, 11209, USA
| | - Aarti Jajoo
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Clara Snijders
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Dennis Wylie
- Center for Biomedical Research Support, The University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Christopher P. DiPietro
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Ioulia Tsatsani
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health, and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cameron D. Pernia
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Marina Soliva-Estruch
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health, and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Dhivya Arasappan
- Center for Biomedical Research Support, The University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Rahul A. Bharadwaj
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Leonardo Collado-Torres
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stefan Wuchty
- Departments of Computer Science, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33146, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Victor E. Alvarez
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Brain Bank, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Eric B Dammer
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory School of Medicine; Atlanta GA, 30329, USA
| | - Amy Deep-Soboslay
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Duc M. Duong
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory School of Medicine; Atlanta GA, 30329, USA
| | - Nick Eagles
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Bertrand R. Huber
- Department of Neurology, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Brain Bank, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
| | - Louise Huuki
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Vincent L Holstein
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Μark W. Logue
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Justina F. Lugenbühl
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health, and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6229 ER, The Netherlands
| | - Adam X. Maihofer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Excellence in Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System; San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System; San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego; La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Center for Excellence in Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System; San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System; San Diego, CA, 92161, USA
| | - Geo Pertea
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Deanna Ross
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Mohammad S. E Sendi
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Ran Tao
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - James Tooke
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Erika J. Wolf
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, 02130, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Zane Zeier
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | | | - Sabina Berretta
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard; Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Thomas Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Nicholas T. Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease, Emory School of Medicine; Atlanta GA, 30329, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Daniel R. Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas at Austin; Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Joel E. Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development; Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA, 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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3
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Zhu M, Liu Y, Chen C, Chen H, Ni W, Song Y, Lv B, Hua F, Cui G, Zhang Z. TLR4/Rac1/NLRP3 Pathway Mediates Amyloid-β-Induced Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:911-925. [PMID: 38728187 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240012] [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] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation plays a crucial part in the initial onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). NLRP3 inflammasome was demonstrated to get involved in amyloid-β (Aβ)-induced neuroinflammation. However, the mechanism of Aβ-triggered activation of NLRP3 inflammasome remains poorly understood. Objective Based on our previous data, the study aimed to identify the downstream signals that bridge the activation of TLR4 and NLRP3 inflammasome associated with Aβ. Methods BV-2 cells were transfected with TLR4siRNA or pretreated with a CLI-095 or NSC23766, followed by Aβ1-42 treatment. APP/PS1 mice were injected intraperitoneally with CLI-095 or NSC23766. NLRP3 inflammasome and microglia activation was detected with immunostaining and western blot. G-LISA and Rac1 pull-down activation test were performed to investigate the activation of Rac1. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to detect the inflammatory cytokines. Aβ plaques were assessed by western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Morris water maze test was conducted to determine the spatial memory in mice. Results Rac1 and NLRP3 inflammasome were activated by Aβ in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. Inhibition of TLR4 reduced the activity of Rac1 and NLRP3 inflammasome induced by Aβ1-42. Furthermore, inhibition of Rac1 blocked NLRP3 inflammasome activation mediated by TLR4. Blocking the pathway by CLI095 or NSC23766 suppressed Aβ1-42-triggered activation of microglia, reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and ameliorated the cognition deficits in APP/PS1 mice. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that TLR4/Rac1/NLRP3 pathway mediated Aβ-induced neuroinflammation, which unveiled a novel pathway and key contributors underlying the pathogenic mechanism of Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxin Zhu
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, Xi'an People's hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wanyan Ni
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuanjian Song
- Department of Genetics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bingchen Lv
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Fang Hua
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Guiyun Cui
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zuohui Zhang
- Institute of Neurological Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
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Brosens N, Lesuis SL, Rao-Ruiz P, van den Oever MC, Krugers HJ. Shaping Memories Via Stress: A Synaptic Engram Perspective. Biol Psychiatry 2023:S0006-3223(23)01720-1. [PMID: 37977215 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Stress modulates the activity of various memory systems and can thereby guide behavioral interaction with the environment in an adaptive or maladaptive manner. At the cellular level, a large body of evidence indicates that (nor)adrenaline and glucocorticoid release induced by acute stress exposure affects synapse function and synaptic plasticity, which are critical substrates for learning and memory. Recent evidence suggests that memories are supported in the brain by sparsely distributed neurons within networks, termed engram cell ensembles. While the physiological and molecular effects of stress on the synapse are increasingly well characterized, how these synaptic modifications shape the multiscale dynamics of engram cell ensembles is still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss and integrate recent information on how acute stress affects synapse function and how this may alter engram cell ensembles and their synaptic connectivity to shape memory strength and memory precision. We provide a mechanistic framework of a synaptic engram under stress and put forward outstanding questions that address knowledge gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie stress-induced memory modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sylvie L Lesuis
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cellular and Cognitive Neuroscience group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Priyanka Rao-Ruiz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel C van den Oever
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences-Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Wang W, Wang Z, Cao J, Dong Y, Chen Y. Roles of Rac1-Dependent Intrinsic Forgetting in Memory-Related Brain Disorders: Demon or Angel. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10736. [PMID: 37445914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Animals are required to handle daily massive amounts of information in an ever-changing environment, and the resulting memories and experiences determine their survival and development, which is critical for adaptive evolution. However, intrinsic forgetting, which actively deletes irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recently, it has been shown that Rac1 activity plays a key role in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system in a controlled manner. In addition, dysfunctions of Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, these new findings will provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, pathological mechanisms and potential therapies for brain disorders that alter intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yulan Dong
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yaoxing Chen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
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Zhang H, Ben Zablah Y, Zhang H, Liu A, Gugustea R, Lee D, Luo X, Meng Y, Li S, Zhou C, Xin T, Jia Z. Inhibition of Rac1 in ventral hippocampal excitatory neurons improves social recognition memory and synaptic plasticity. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:914491. [PMID: 35936771 PMCID: PMC9354987 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.914491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Rac1 is critically involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and memory. Rac1 overactivation is reported in human patients and animal models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and contributes to their spatial memory deficits, but whether Rac1 dysregulation is also important in other forms of memory deficits is unknown. In addition, the cell types and synaptic mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we used local injections of AAV virus containing a dominant-negative (DN) Rac1 under the control of CaMKIIα promoter and found that the reduction of Rac1 hyperactivity in ventral hippocampal excitatory neurons improves social recognition memory in APP/PS1 mice. Expression of DN Rac1 also improves long-term potentiation, a key synaptic mechanism for memory formation. Our results suggest that overactivation of Rac1 in hippocampal excitatory neurons contributes to social memory deficits in APP/PS1 mice and that manipulating Rac1 activity may provide a potential therapeutic strategy to treat social deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiwang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Jinan, China
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Youssif Ben Zablah
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Haorui Zhang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - An Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Radu Gugustea
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dongju Lee
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Luo
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yanghong Meng
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Song Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Caoxian People’s Hospital, Caoxian, China
| | - Changxi Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Changxi Zhou,
| | - Tao Xin
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, Jinan, China
- Tao Xin,
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Zhengping Jia,
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7
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Zhang H, Ben Zablah Y, Zhang H, Jia Z. Rho Signaling in Synaptic Plasticity, Memory, and Brain Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:729076. [PMID: 34671600 PMCID: PMC8520953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.729076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory impairments are associated with many brain disorders such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, and depression. Forming memories involves modifications of synaptic transmission and spine morphology. The Rho family small GTPases are key regulators of synaptic plasticity by affecting various downstream molecules to remodel the actin cytoskeleton. In this paper, we will review recent studies on the roles of Rho proteins in the regulation of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), the most extensively studied forms of synaptic plasticity widely regarded as cellular mechanisms for learning and memory. We will also discuss the involvement of Rho signaling in spine morphology, the structural basis of synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Finally, we will review the association between brain disorders and abnormalities of Rho function. It is expected that studying Rho signaling at the synapse will contribute to the understanding of how memory is formed and disrupted in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haorui Zhang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Youssif Ben Zablah
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Haiwang Zhang
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhengping Jia
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Olevska A, Spanagel R, Bernardi RE. Impaired contextual fear conditioning in RasGRF2 mutant mice is likely Ras-ERK-dependent. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 181:107435. [PMID: 33831510 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (Ras-ERK) signaling has been shown to play an important role in fear acquisition. However, little information is known regarding the mechanisms that contribute to the regulation of this pathway in terms of the learning of conditioned fears. Ras Guanine Nucleotide Releasing Factor 2 (RasGRF2) is one of two guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) that regulates the Ras-ERK signaling pathway in a Ca2+-dependent manner via control of the cycling of Ras isoforms between an inactive and active state. Here we sought to determine the role of RasGRF2 on contextual fear conditioning in RasGRF2 knockout (KO) and their wild type (WT) counterparts. Male KO and WT mice underwent a single session of contextual fear conditioning (12 min, 4 unsignaled shocks), followed by either daily 12-min retention trials or the molecular analysis of Ras activation and pERK1/2 activity. KO mice showed an impaired acquisition of contextual fear, as demonstrated by reduced freezing during fear conditioning and 24-hr retention tests relative to WT mice. Ras analysis following fear conditioning demonstrated a reduction in Ras activation in the hippocampus as well as a reduction in pERK1/2 in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in KO mice, suggesting that the decrease in fear conditioning in KO mice is at least in part due to the impairment of Ras-ERK signaling in the hippocampus during learning. These data indicate a role for RasGRF2 in contextual fear conditioning in mice that may be Ras-ERK-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Olevska
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rick E Bernardi
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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Costa JF, Dines M, Lamprecht R. The Role of Rac GTPase in Dendritic Spine Morphogenesis and Memory. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2020; 12:12. [PMID: 32362820 PMCID: PMC7182350 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to form memories in the brain is needed for daily functions, and its impairment is associated with human mental disorders. Evidence indicates that long-term memory (LTM)-related processes such as its consolidation, extinction and forgetting involve changes of synaptic efficacy produced by alterations in neural transmission and morphology. Modulation of the morphology and number of dendritic spines has been proposed to contribute to changes in neuronal transmission mediating such LTM-related processes. Rac GTPase activity is regulated by synaptic activation and it can affect spine morphology by controlling actin-regulatory proteins. Recent evidence shows that changes in Rac GTPase activity affect memory consolidation, extinction, erasure and forgetting and can affect spine morphology in brain areas that mediate these behaviors. Altered Rac GTPase activity is associated with abnormal spine morphology and brain disorders. By affecting Rac GTPase activity we can further understand the roles of spine morphogenesis in memory. Moreover, manipulation of Rac GTPase activity may serve as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of memory-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raphael Lamprecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Caldwell KK, Solomon ER, Smoake JJW, Djatche de Kamgaing CD, Allan AM. Sex-specific deficits in biochemical but not behavioral responses to delay fear conditioning in prenatal alcohol exposure mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 156:1-16. [PMID: 30316893 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies in clinical populations and preclinical models have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with impairments in the acquisition, consolidation and recall of information, with deficits in hippocampal formation-dependent learning and memory being a common finding. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR), mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) are key regulators of hippocampal formation development, structure and functioning and, thus, are potential mediators of PAE's effects on this brain region. In the present studies, we employed a well-characterized mouse model of PAE to identify biochemical mechanisms that may underlie activity-dependent learning and memory deficits associated with PAE. METHODS Mouse dams consumed either 10% (w/v) ethanol in 0.066% (w/v) saccharin (SAC) or 0.066% (w/v) SAC alone using a limited (4-h) access, drinking-in-the-dark paradigm. Male and female offspring (∼180-days of age) were trained using a delay conditioning procedure and contextual fear responses (freezing behavior) were measured 24 h later. Hippocampal formation tissue and blood were collected from three behavioral groups of animals: 20 min following conditioning (conditioning only group), 20 min following the re-exposure to the context (conditioning plus re-exposure group), and behaviorally naïve (naïve group) mice. Plasma corticosterone levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Immunoblotting techniques were used to measure protein levels of the GR, MR, ERK1 and ERK2 in nuclear and membrane fractions prepared from the hippocampal formation. RESULTS Adult SAC control male and female mice displayed similar levels of contextual fear. However, significant sex differences were observed in freezing exhibited during the conditioning session. Compared to same-sex SAC controls, male and female PAE mice demonstrated context fear deficits While plasma corticosterone concentrations were elevated in PAE males and females relative to their respective SAC naïve controls, plasma corticosterone concentrations in the conditioning only and conditioning plus re-exposure groups were similar in SAC and PAE animals. Relative to the respective naïve group, nuclear GR protein levels were increased in SAC, but not PAE, male hippocampal formation in the conditioning only group. In contrast, no difference was observed between nuclear GR levels in the naïve and conditioning plus re-exposure groups. In females, nuclear GR levels were significantly reduced by PAE but there was no effect of behavioral group or interaction between prenatal treatment and behavioral group. In males, nuclear MR levels were significantly elevated in the SAC conditioning plus re-exposure group compared to SAC naïve mice. In PAE females, nuclear MR levels were elevated in both the conditioning only and conditioning plus re-exposure groups relative to the naïve group. Levels of activated ERK2 (phospho-ERK2 expressed relative to total ERK2) protein were elevated in SAC, but not PAE, males following context re-exposure, and a significant interaction between prenatal exposure group and behavioral group was found. No main effects or interactions of behavioral group and prenatal treatment on nuclear ERK2 were found in female mice. These findings suggest a sex difference in which molecular pathways are activated during fear conditioning in mice. CONCLUSIONS In PAE males, the deficits in contextual fear were associated with the loss of responsiveness of hippocampal formation nuclear GR, MR and ERK2 to signals generated by fear conditioning and context re-exposure. In contrast, the contextual fear deficit in PAE female mice does not appear to be associated with activity-dependent changes in GR and MR levels or ERK2 activation during training or memory recall, although an overall reduction in nuclear GR levels may play a role. These studies add to a growing body of literature demonstrating that, at least partially, different mechanisms underlie learning, memory formation and memory recall in males and females and that these pathways are differentially affected by PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Caldwell
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
| | - Elizabeth R Solomon
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Jane J W Smoake
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Chrys D Djatche de Kamgaing
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Andrea M Allan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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The interhemispheric CA1 circuit governs rapid generalisation but not fear memory. Nat Commun 2017; 8:2190. [PMID: 29259187 PMCID: PMC5736595 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02315-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Encoding specificity theory predicts most effective recall by the original conditions at encoding, while generalization endows recall flexibly under circumstances which deviate from the originals. The CA1 regions have been implicated in memory and generalization but whether and which locally separated mechanisms are involved is not clear. We report here that fear memory is quickly formed, but generalization develops gradually over 24 h. Generalization but not fear memory is impaired by inhibiting ipsilateral (ips) or contralateral (con) CA1, and by optogenetic silencing of the ipsCA1 projections onto conCA1. By contrast, in vivo fEPSP recordings reveal that ipsCA1–conCA1 synaptic efficacy is increased with delay over 24 h when generalization is formed but it is unchanged if generalization is disrupted. Direct excitation of ipsCA1–conCA1 synapses using chemogenetic hM3Dq facilitates generalization formation. Thus, rapid generalization is an active process dependent on bilateral CA1 regions, and encoded by gradual synaptic learning in ipsCA1–conCA1 circuit. Previous work has documented a slow form of memory generalization although a rapid one is demanded. Here the authors elucidate the role of the interhemispheric CA1-CA1 projection in a form of rapid generalization of contextual fear memory via gradual potentiation of these synapses over 24 h.
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