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Delphin N, Aust C, Griffiths L, Fernandez F. Epigenetic Regulation in Schizophrenia: Focus on Methylation and Histone Modifications in Human Studies. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:272. [PMID: 38540331 PMCID: PMC10970389 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research over the last few decades, the etiology of schizophrenia (SZ) remains unclear. SZ is a pathological disorder that is highly debilitating and deeply affects the lifestyle and minds of those affected. Several factors (one or in combination) have been reported as contributors to SZ pathogenesis, including neurodevelopmental, environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation and post-translational modification (PTM) of histone proteins are potentially contributing epigenetic processes involved in transcriptional activity, chromatin folding, cell division and apoptotic processes, and DNA damage and repair. After establishing a summary of epigenetic processes in the context of schizophrenia, this review aims to highlight the current understanding of the role of DNA methylation and histone PTMs in this disorder and their potential roles in schizophrenia pathophysiology and pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Delphin
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
| | - Caitlin Aust
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
| | - Lyn Griffiths
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, 1100 Nudgee Rd, Banyo, QLD 4014, Australia; (N.D.)
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia;
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Bečeheli I, Horvatiček M, Perić M, Nikolić B, Holuka C, Klasić M, Ivanišević M, Starčević M, Desoye G, Hranilović D, Turner JD, Štefulj J. Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38172913 PMCID: PMC10765867 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01610-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects. We investigated associations between maternal metabolic parameters-pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and glucose tolerance status (GTS), i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT)-and cord blood methylation of SLC6A4, MAOA, and HTR2A in participants from our PlaNS birth cohort. CpG sites (15, 9, and 2 in each gene, respectively) were selected based on literature and in silico data. Methylation levels were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We also examined the stability of methylation patterns in these genes in circulating blood cells from birth to adolescence using longitudinal DNA methylation data from the ARIES database. RESULTS None of the 203 PlaNS mothers included in this study had preexisting diabetes, 99 were diagnosed with GDM, and 104 had NGT; all neonates were born at full term by planned Cesarean section. Methylation at most CpG sites differed between male and female newborns. SLC6A4 methylation correlated inversely with maternal pBMI and GWG, while methylation at HTR2A site -1665 correlated positively with GWG. None of the maternal metabolic parameters statistically associated with MAOA methylation. DNA methylation data in cord blood and peripheral blood at ages 7 and 15 years were available for 808 participants from the ARIES database; 4 CpG sites (2 in SLC6A4 and 2 in HTR2A) overlapped between the PlaNS and ARIES cohorts. A positive correlation between methylation levels in cord blood and peripheral blood at 7 and 15 years of age was observed for both SLC6A4 and HTR2A CpG sites. CONCLUSIONS Methylation of 5-HT regulating genes in cord blood cells is influenced by neonatal sex, with maternal metabolism playing an additional role. Inter-individual variations present in circulating blood cells at birth are still pronounced in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Bečeheli
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Horvatiček
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Perić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Nikolić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cyrielle Holuka
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, 4365, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Marija Klasić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Ivanišević
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starčević
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Dubravka Hranilović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jasminka Štefulj
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
- University Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Maćkowiak M. Psychedelics action and schizophrenia. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1350-1361. [PMID: 37899392 PMCID: PMC10661800 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00546-5] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelics are compounds acting by serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2A receptor activation and induce several behavioral responses. They are of special interest because of their positive effects on neuropsychiatric disorders (depression and posttraumatic stress disorder). However, several findings revealed that some psychedelic actions are similar to symptoms observed in schizophrenia (psychosis, sensorimotor gating impairments, attention, and working memory deficits) which might limit their clinical applications. Psychedelics activate some neurotransmitters, i.e., serotonergic, and glutamatergic, that are also impaired in schizophrenia. Therefore, the neurobiological background of psychedelics and schizophrenia is partially similar. Another important aspect to discuss is the perspective of using psychedelics in schizophrenia therapy. Postmortem studies showed a loss of synapses in schizophrenia, and the positive effects of psychedelics on neuroplasticity (synaptogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuritogenesis) might be essential in the context of schizophrenia therapy. However, because of psychedelics' psychotic action, the recommended doses of psychedelics in schizophrenia treatment are not established, and subpsychedelic dosing or microdosing are considered. Exploratory studies are needed to determine the tolerability of treatment and appropriate dosing regimen. Another therapeutic option is using non-hallucinogenic psychedelic analogs that also induce neuroplastic outcomes but do not have psychotogenic effects. Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed to recognize the potential effectiveness of 5-HT2A agonists in schizophrenia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzena Maćkowiak
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Biostructure, Pharmacology Department, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
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Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Di Martino S, Stark T, Dell'Osso B, Drago F, D'Addario C. Are the epigenetic changes predictive of therapeutic efficacy for psychiatric disorders? A translational approach towards novel drug targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108279. [PMID: 36103902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of mental disorders is not fully understood and accumulating evidence support that clinical symptomatology cannot be assigned to a single gene mutation, but it involves several genetic factors. More specifically, a tight association between genes and environmental risk factors, which could be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may play a role in the development of mental disorders. Several data suggest that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification and interference of microRNA (miRNA) or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may modify the severity of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. Indeed, the study of these mechanisms may help to identify patients particularly vulnerable to mental disorders and may have potential utility as biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This article summarizes the most relevant preclinical and human data showing how epigenetic modifications can be central to the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant and/or antipsychotic agents, as possible predictor of drugs response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhao J, Xu L, Chang C, Jiang P, Wei K, Shi Y, Xu L, Zheng Y, Shan Y, Bian Y, Li L, Guo S, Schrodi SJ, Wang R, He D. Circulating methylation level of HTR2A is associated with inflammation and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1054451. [PMID: 36561742 PMCID: PMC9763304 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1054451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives HTR2A is previously identified as a susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we performed the association analysis between DNA methylation of HTR2A with RA within peripheral blood samples. Methods We enrolled peripheral blood samples from 235 patients with RA, 30 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and 30 healthy controls. The DNA methylation levels of about 218 bp from chr13: 46898190 to chr13: 46897973 (GRCh38/hg38) around HTR2A cg15692052 from patients were analyzed by targeted methylation sequencing. Results We measured methylation status for 7 CpGs in the promoter region of HTR2A and obseved overall methylation status are signficantly increased in RA compared with normal inviduals (FDR= 9.05 x 10-5). The average cg15692052 methylation levels (methylation score) showed a positive correlation with CRP (r=0.15, P=0.023). Compared with the OA group or HC group, the proportion of haplotypes CCCCCCC (FDR=0.02 and 2.81 x 10-6) is signficantly increased while TTTTTCC (FDR =0.01) and TTTTTTT(FDR =6.92 x 10-3) are significantly decreased in RA. We find methylation haplotypes combining with RF and CCP could signficantly enhance the performance of the diagnosing RA and its comorbidities (hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and osteoporosis), especially in interstitial lung disease. Conclusions In our study, we found signficant hypermethylation of promoter region of HTR2A which indicates the potential clinical diagnostic role in rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingxia Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cen Chang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiming Shi
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linshuai Xu
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Shan
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqin Bian
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Shicheng Guo
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Steven J. Schrodi
- Computation and Informatics in Biology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Rongsheng Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Rongsheng Wang, ; Dongyi He,
| | - Dongyi He
- Department of Rheumatology, Shanghai Guanghua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Guanghua Clinical Medical College, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Institute of Arthritis Research in Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Arthritis Institute of Integrated Traditional and Western medicine, Shanghai Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Rongsheng Wang, ; Dongyi He,
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Aytac HM, Oyaci Y, Pehlivan M, Pehlivan S. DNA Methylation Pattern of Gene Promoters of MB-COMT, DRD2, and NR3C1 in Turkish Patients Diagnosed with Schizophrenia. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 20:685-693. [PMID: 36263643 PMCID: PMC9606422 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.4.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the methylation status of membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT) promotor, dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), and nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1) gene in pa- tients with SCZ by comparing healthy controls. METHODS A sample of 110 patients with SCZ and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers was included in the study. The interview was started by filling out data forms that included sociodemographic and clinical information. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders was used to confirming the diagnosis according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Then the patients were evaluated with the Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale in terms of symp- tom severity. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the methylation status of MB-COMT promotor, DRD2 , and NR3C1 gene from DNA material. RESULTS When we compared the percentages of MB-COMT promotor, DRD2, and NR3C1 gene methylation status in SCZ patients with the healthy control group, the percentages of MB-COMT promotor (OR: 0.466; 95% CI: 0.268- 0.809; p = 0.006), DRD2 (OR: 0.439; 95% CI: 0.375-0.514; p < 0.001), and NR3C1 (OR: 0.003; 95% CI: 0.001- 0.011; p < 0.001) gene methylation status of SCZ was found to be significantly different from the control group. Whereas unmethylation of MB-COMT promotor and NR3C1 genes were associated with SCZ, the partial methylation of the DRD2 gene was related to the SCZ. CONCLUSION The MB-COMT promotor, DRD2, and NR3C1 gene methylation status may be associated with the SCZ in the Turkish population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Mervan Aytac
- Department of Psychiatry, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey,Address for correspondence: Hasan Mervan Aytac Department of Psychiatry, Basaksehir Cam and Sakura City Hospital, G-434 Street, No: 2L, Basaksehir, Istanbul 34944, Turkey, E-mail: , ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1053-6808
| | - Yasemin Oyaci
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Pehlivan
- Department of Hematology, Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Sacide Pehlivan
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Alrfooh A, Smith RM. Genetic and epigenetic analysis of the serotonin 2A receptor in the context of cocaine abuse. Epigenetics 2022; 17:1246-1258. [PMID: 34813393 PMCID: PMC9543049 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.2005277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite more than 2 million American cocaine users monthly, there is no approved drug for treating cocaine use disorder. Cocaine use disorder has a multifactorial aetiology, including both genetic and environmental factors. Both cocaine use and genetic variations demonstrably alter DNA methylation and gene expression in the brain in a complex manner. How these factors interact in the context of cocaine abuse in humans is unknown. We propose that we can identify potential drug targets for treating cocaine use disorders by examining genetic, epigenetic, and expression changes in the brains of individuals that abused cocaine. In this study, we identified the interaction between the epigenetics changes (DNA CpG methylation) and genetic variants (SNPs) in the HTR2A gene in the context of cocaine addiction by using brain tissue collected from individuals that overdosed on cocaine (N = 14) and healthy matched controls (N = 16). We generated DNA CpG methylation profiles in eight regions of HTR2A harbouring frequent SNPs, measuring both allelic and total methylation, and compared these methylation profiles with HTR2A mRNA expression. Furthermore, we examined the influence of common variants rs6311 and rs6313 on cocaine abuse, methylation, and gene expression. We found evidence that rs6311 regulates HTR2A methylation, consistent with earlier studies. Furthermore, the minor alleles for rs6311 and rs6313 are associated with significantly increased expression of a splice isoform in which exon 2 is truncated in both cocaine and control samples. These results reveal specific roles for HTR2A in the context of cocaine abuse, highlighting opportunities to modulate this target for treating cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysheh Alrfooh
- Department Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Experimental Therapeutics, College Of Pharmacy, University Of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ryan M. Smith
- Department Of Pharmaceutical Sciences And Experimental Therapeutics, College Of Pharmacy, University Of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Alameda L, Trotta G, Quigley H, Rodriguez V, Gadelrab R, Dwir D, Dempster E, Wong CCY, Forti MD. Can epigenetics shine a light on the biological pathways underlying major mental disorders? Psychol Med 2022; 52:1645-1665. [PMID: 35193719 PMCID: PMC9280283 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the global burden of disease can be attributed to mental illness. Despite important advances in identifying risk factors for mental health conditions, the biological processing underlying causal pathways to disease onset remain poorly understood. This represents a limitation to implement effective prevention and the development of novel pharmacological treatments. Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as mediators of environmental and genetic risk factors which might play a role in disease onset, including childhood adversity (CA) and cannabis use (CU). Particularly, human research exploring DNA methylation has provided new and promising insights into the role of biological pathways implicated in the aetio-pathogenesis of psychiatric conditions, including: monoaminergic (Serotonin and Dopamine), GABAergic, glutamatergic, neurogenesis, inflammatory and immune response and oxidative stress. While these epigenetic changes have been often studied as disease-specific, similarly to the investigation of environmental risk factors, they are often transdiagnostic. Therefore, we aim to review the existing literature on DNA methylation from human studies of psychiatric diseases (i) to identify epigenetic modifications mapping onto biological pathways either transdiagnostically or specifically related to psychiatric diseases such as Eating Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar and Psychotic Disorder, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, and (ii) to investigate a convergence between some of these epigenetic modifications and the exposure to known risk factors for psychiatric disorders such as CA and CU, as well as to other epigenetic confounders in psychiatry research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alameda
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Investigación Biomedica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Giulia Trotta
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Quigley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Rodriguez
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Romayne Gadelrab
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Barrack Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Chloe C. Y. Wong
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Tsermpini EE, Kalogirou CI, Kyriakopoulos GC, Patrinos GP, Stathopoulos C. miRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers and pharmacogenomic indicators in psychiatric disorders. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2022; 22:211-222. [PMID: 35725816 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-022-00283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders and the lack of reliable biomarkers for prediction and treatments follow-up pose difficulties towards recognition and understanding of the molecular basis of psychiatric diseases. However, several studies based on NGS approaches have shown that miRNAs could regulate gene expression during onset and disease progression and could serve as potential diagnostic and pharmacogenomics biomarkers during treatment. We provide herein a detailed overview of circulating miRNAs and their expression profiles as biomarkers in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder and their role in response to specific treatments. Bioinformatics analysis of miR-34a, miR-106, miR-134 and miR-132, which are common among SZ, BD and MDD patients, showed brain enrichment and involvement in the modulation of critical signaling pathways, which are often deregulated in psychiatric disorders. We propose that specific miRNAs support accurate diagnosis and effective precision treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Eirini Tsermpini
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Christina I Kalogirou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | | | - George P Patrinos
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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Liu X, Zhu H, Gao H, Tian X, Tan B, Su R. G s signaling pathway distinguishes hallucinogenic and nonhallucinogenic 5-HT 2AR agonists induced head twitch response in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 598:20-25. [PMID: 35149433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
5- HT2A receptor is a member of the family A G-protein-coupled receptor. It is involved in many psychiatric disorders, such as depression, addiction and Parkinson's disease. 5-HT2AR targeted drugs play an important role in regulating cognition, memory, emotion and other physiological function by coupling G proteins, and their most notable function is stimulating the serotonergic hallucination. However, not all 5-HT2AR agonists exhibit hallucinogenic activity, such as lisuride. Molecular mechanisms of these different effects are not well illustrated. This study suggested that 5-HT2AR coupled both Gs and Gq protein under hallucinogenic agonists DOM and 25CN-NBOH stimulation, but nonhallucinogenic agonist lisuride and TBG only activates Gq signaling. Moreover, in head twitch response (HTR) model, we found that cAMP analogs 8-Bromo-cAMP and PDE4 inhibitor Rolipram could increase HTR, while Gs protein inhibitor Melittin could reduce HTR. Collectively, these results revealed that Gs signaling is a key signaling pathway that may distinguish hallucinogenic agonists and nonhallucinogenic agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Huili Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Huan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China; School of Pharmacy, Yantai University, Yantai, 264005, China
| | - Xiangyun Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Bo Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Ruibin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27th Taiping Road, Beijing, 100850, China.
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11
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Maternal Metabolic State and Fetal Sex and Genotype Modulate Methylation of the Serotonin Receptor Type 2A Gene (HTR2A) in the Human Placenta. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020467. [PMID: 35203678 PMCID: PMC8962258 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin receptor 2A gene (HTR2A) is a strong candidate for the fetal programming of future behavior and metabolism. Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic and psychological problems in offspring. We tested the hypothesis that maternal metabolic status affects methylation of HTR2A in the placenta. The prospective study included 199 pairs of mothers and healthy full-term newborns. Genomic DNA was extracted from feto-placental samples and analyzed for genotypes of two polymorphisms (rs6311, rs6306) and methylation of four cytosine residues (−1665, −1439, −1421, −1224) in the HTR2A promoter region. Placental HTR2A promoter methylation was higher in male than female placentas and depended on both rs6311 and rs6306 genotypes. A higher maternal pre-gestational body mass index (pBMI) and, to a lesser extent, diagnosis of GDM were associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in female but not male placentas. Higher pBMI was associated with reduced methylation both directly and indirectly through increased GDM incidence. Tobacco use during pregnancy was associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in male but not female placentas. The obtained results suggest that HTR2A is a sexually dimorphic epigenetic target of intrauterine exposures. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the early developmental origins of neurobehavioral and metabolic disorders associated with altered HTR2A function.
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12
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Panariello F, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, Atti AR, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. Epigenetic Basis of Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:302-315. [PMID: 34433406 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210825101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are complex, multifactorial illnesses with a demonstrated biological component in their etiopathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications, through the modulation of DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference, tune tissue-specific gene expression patterns and play a relevant role in the etiology of psychiatric illnesses. OBJECTIVE This review aims to discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders, their modulation by environmental factors and their interactions with genetic variants, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of their mutual crosstalk. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted. RESULTS Exposure to environmental factors, such as poor socio-economic status, obstetric complications, migration, and early life stressors, may lead to stable changes in gene expression and neural circuit function, playing a role in the risk of psychiatric diseases. The most replicated genes involved by studies using different techniques are discussed. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions and they interact with genetic variants in determining the risk of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION An increasing amount of evidence suggests that epigenetics plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. New therapeutic approaches may work by reversing detrimental epigenetic changes that occurred during the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Panariello
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Musanabaganwa C, Wani AH, Donglasan J, Fatumo S, Jansen S, Mutabaruka J, Rutembesa E, Uwineza A, Hermans EJ, Roozendaal B, Wildman DE, Mutesa L, Uddin M. Leukocyte methylomic imprints of exposure to the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: a pilot epigenome-wide analysis. Epigenomics 2022; 14:11-25. [PMID: 34875875 PMCID: PMC8672329 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim & methods: We conducted a pilot epigenome-wide association study of women from Tutsi ethnicity exposed to the genocide while pregnant and their resulting offspring, and a comparison group of women who were pregnant at the time of the genocide but living outside of Rwanda.Results: Fifty-nine leukocyte-derived DNA samples survived quality control: 33 mothers (20 exposed, 13 unexposed) and 26 offspring (16 exposed, 10 unexposed). Twenty-four significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in mothers and 16 in children. Conclusions:In utero genocide exposure was associated with CpGs in three of the 24 DMRs: BCOR, PRDM8 and VWDE, with higher DNA methylation in exposed versus unexposed offspring. Of note, BCOR and VWDE show significant correlation between brain and blood DNA methylation within individuals, suggesting these peripherally derived signals of genocide exposure may have relevance to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Musanabaganwa
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda,Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agaz H Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Janelle Donglasan
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Segun Fatumo
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK,Uganda Medical Informatics Centre-MRC/UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stefan Jansen
- Directorate of Research & Innovation, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Mutabaruka
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Eugene Rutembesa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Annette Uwineza
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Erno J Hermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Author for correspondence:
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14
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Yan Z, Rein B. Mechanisms of synaptic transmission dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex: pathophysiological implications. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:445-465. [PMID: 33875802 PMCID: PMC8523584 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) serves as the chief executive officer of the brain, controlling the highest level cognitive and emotional processes. Its local circuits among glutamatergic principal neurons and GABAergic interneurons, as well as its long-range connections with other brain regions, have been functionally linked to specific behaviors, ranging from working memory to reward seeking. The efficacy of synaptic signaling in the PFC network is profundedly influenced by monoaminergic inputs via the activation of dopamine, adrenergic, or serotonin receptors. Stress hormones and neuropeptides also exert complex effects on the synaptic structure and function of PFC neurons. Dysregulation of PFC synaptic transmission is strongly linked to social deficits, affective disturbance, and memory loss in brain disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Critical neural circuits, biological pathways, and molecular players that go awry in these mental illnesses have been revealed by integrated electrophysiological, optogenetic, biochemical, and transcriptomic studies of PFC. Novel epigenetic mechanism-based strategies are proposed as potential avenues of therapeutic intervention for PFC-involved diseases. This review provides an overview of PFC network organization and synaptic modulation, as well as the mechanisms linking PFC dysfunction to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Insights from the preclinical studies offer the potential for discovering new medical treatments for human patients with these brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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15
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Pedrazzi JFC, Sales AJ, Guimarães FS, Joca SRL, Crippa JAS, Del Bel E. Cannabidiol prevents disruptions in sensorimotor gating induced by psychotomimetic drugs that last for 24-h with probable involvement of epigenetic changes in the ventral striatum. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110352. [PMID: 34015384 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), a major non-psychotomimetic component of the Cannabis sativa plant, shows therapeutic potential in several psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The molecular mechanisms underlying the antipsychotic-like effects of CBD are not fully understood. Schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment can modulate DNA methylation in the blood and brain, resulting in altered expression of diverse genes associated with this complex disorder. However, to date, the possible involvement of DNA methylation in the antipsychotic-like effects of CBD has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed at evaluating in mice submitted to the prepulse inhibition (PPI) model: i) the effects of a single injection of CBD or clozapine followed by AMPH or MK-801 on PPI and global DNA methylation changes in the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC); and ii). if the acute antipsychotic-like effects of CBD would last for 24-h. AMPH (5 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg) impaired PPI. CBD (30 and 60 mg/kg), similar to clozapine (5 mg/kg), attenuated AMPH- and MK801-induced PPI disruption. AMPH, but not MK-801, increased global DNA methylation in the ventral striatum, an effect prevented by CBD. CBD and clozapine increased, by themselves, DNA methylation in the prefrontal cortex. The acute effects of CBD (30 or 60 mg/kg) on the PPI impairment induced by AMPH or MK-801 was also detectable 24 h later. Altogether, the results show that CBD induces acute antipsychotic-like effects that last for 24-h. It also modulates DNA methylation in the ventral striatum, suggesting a new potential mechanism for its antipsychotic-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Amanda J Sales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Sâmia R L Joca
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Departament of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del Bel
- Department of Morphology, Physiology, and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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16
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Srivastava A, Dada O, Qian J, Al-Chalabi N, Fatemi AB, Gerretsen P, Graff A, De Luca V. Epigenetics of Schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114218. [PMID: 34638051 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic psychotic disorder that contributes significantly to disability, affecting behavior, thought, and cognition. It has long been known that there is a heritable component to schizophrenia; studies in both the pre-genomic and post-genomic era, however, have failed to elucidate fully the genetic basis for this complex disease. Epigenetic processes - broadly, those which contribute to changes in gene expression without altering the genetic code itself - may help to understand better the mechanisms leading to development of SCZ. The objective of this review is to synthesize current knowledge of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in schizophrenia. Specifically, DNA methylation studies in both peripheral and post-mortem brain samples in SCZ are reviewed, as are epigenetic mechanisms including histone modification. The promising role of non-coding RNA including micro-RNA (miRNA) and its role as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker is outlined, as are epigenetic age acceleration and telomere shortening. Finally, we discuss limitations in current knowledge and propose future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ariel Graff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto
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17
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Subtypes of schizophrenia identified by multi-omic measures associated with dysregulated immune function. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6926-6936. [PMID: 34588622 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01308-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are plausible molecular sources of phenotypic heterogeneity across schizophrenia patients. The current study investigated biological heterogeneity in schizophrenia using peripheral epigenetic profiles to delineate illness subtypes independent of their phenomenological manifestations. We applied epigenome-wide profiling with a DNA methylation array from blood samples of 63 schizophrenia patients and 59 healthy controls. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) and k-means clustering were performed to identify DNA methylation-related patient subtypes. The validity of the partition was tested by assessing the profile of the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoires. The uniqueness of the identified subtypes in relation to brain structural and clinical measures were evaluated. Two distinct patterns of DNA methylation profiles were identified in patients. One subtype (60.3% of patients) showed relatively limited changes in methylation levels and cell composition compared to controls, while a second subtype (39.7% of patients) exhibited widespread methylation level alterations among genes enriched in immune cell activity, as well as a higher proportion of neutrophils and lower proportion of lymphocytes. Differentiation of the two patient subtypes was validated by TCR repertoires, which paralleled the partition based on DNA methylation profiles. The subtype with widespread methylation modifications had higher symptom severity, performed worse on cognitive measures, and displayed greater reductions in fractional anisotropy of white matter tracts and evidence of gray matter thickening compared to the other subtype. Identification of a distinct subtype of schizophrenia with unique molecular, cerebral, and clinical features provide a novel parcellation of the schizophrenia syndrome with potential to guide development of individualized therapeutics.
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18
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Shirvani-Farsani Z, Maloum Z, Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Vilor-Tejedor N, Sadeghi I. DNA methylation signature as a biomarker of major neuropsychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 141:34-49. [PMID: 34171761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a broadly-investigated epigenetic modification that has been considered as a heritable and reversible change. Previous findings have indicated that DNA methylation regulates gene expression in the central nervous system (CNS). Also, disturbance of DNA methylation patterns has been associated with destructive consequences that lead to human brain diseases such as neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs). In this review, we comprehensively discuss the mechanism and function of DNA methylation and its most recent associations with the pathology of NPDs-including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SZ), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BD), and attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We also discuss how heterogeneous findings demand further investigations. Finally, based on the recent studies we conclude that DNA methylation status may have implications in clinical diagnostics and therapeutics as a potential epigenetic biomarker of NPDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shirvani-Farsani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Zahra Maloum
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C., Tehran, IR, Iran.
| | - Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Natalia Vilor-Tejedor
- BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Carrer Wellington 30, 08005, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Erasmus University Medical Center, Department of Clinical Genetics, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Iman Sadeghi
- BarcelonaBeta Brain Research Center (BBRC), Pasqual Maragall Foundation, Carrer Wellington 30, 08005, Barcelona, Spain; Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.
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19
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Sanjuán J, Castro-Martínez XH, García-Martí G, González-Fernández J, Sanz-Requena R, Haro JM, Meana JJ, Martí-Bonmatí L, Nacher J, Sebastiá-Ortega N, Gilabert-Juan J, Moltó MD. FOXP2 expression and gray matter density in the male brains of patients with schizophrenia. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:1403-1411. [PMID: 32734433 PMCID: PMC8286223 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00339-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Common genetic variants of FOXP2 may contribute to schizophrenia vulnerability, but controversial results have been reported for this proposal. Here we evaluated the potential impact of the common FOXP2 rs2396753 polymorphism in schizophrenia. It was previously reported to be part of a risk haplotype for this disease and to have significant effects on gray matter concentration in the patients. We undertook the first examination into whether rs2396753 affects the brain expression of FOXP2 and a replication study of earlier neuroimaging findings of the influence of this genetic variant on brain structure. FOXP2 expression levels were measured in postmortem prefrontal cortex samples of 84 male subjects (48 patients and 36 controls) from the CIBERSAM Brain and the Stanley Foundation Array Collections. High-resolution anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 79 male subjects (61 patients, 18 controls) using optimized voxel-based morphometry. We found differences in FOXP2 expression and brain morphometry depending on the rs2396753, relating low FOXP2 mRNA levels with reduction of gray matter density. We detected an interaction between rs2396753 and the clinical groups, showing that heterozygous patients for this polymorphism have gray matter density decrease and low FOXP2 expression comparing with the heterozygous controls. This study shows the importance of independent replication of neuroimaging genetic studies of FOXP2 as a candidate gene in schizophrenia. Furthermore, our results suggest that the FOXP2 rs2396753 affects mRNA levels, thus providing new knowledge about its significance as a potential susceptibility polymorphism in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Sanjuán
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,Unit of Psychiatry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Xochitl Helga Castro-Martínez
- Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, INMEGEN, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Gracián García-Martí
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,Biomedical Engineering Unit / Radiology Department, Quirónsalud Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Roberto Sanz-Requena
- Biomedical Engineering Unit / Radiology Department, Quirónsalud Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Josep María Haro
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Fundació Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Javier Meana
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Luis Martí-Bonmatí
- Biomedical Engineering Unit / Radiology Department, Quirónsalud Hospital, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Nacher
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.,Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Noelia Sebastiá-Ortega
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain.,Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Gilabert-Juan
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain. .,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. .,Neurobiology Unit, Cell Biology Department, Interdisciplinary Research Structure for Biotechnology and Biomedicine (BIOTECMED), Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
| | - María Dolores Moltó
- Spanish National Network for Research in Mental Health CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain. .,INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Fundación Investigación Hospital Clínico de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain. .,Department of Genetics, Universitat de València, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.
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20
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Cai T, Wang X, Li B, Xiong F, Wu H, Yang X. Deciphering the synergistic network regulation of active components from SiNiSan against irritable bowel syndrome via a comprehensive strategy: Combined effects of synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:153527. [PMID: 33845366 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153527] [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: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND SiNiSan (SNS) is an ancient Chinese herbal prescription, and the current clinical treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is effective. In the previous study of the research team, the multi-functional co-synergism of SNS against IBS was presented. Some potential drug targets and candidate ligands were predicted. PURPOSE This study attempts to explore the crucial ingredient combinations from SNS formula and reveal their synergistic mechanism for IBS therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS In present study, a comprehensive strategy was performed to reveal IBS related pathways and biological modules, and explore synergistic effects of the ingredients, including ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) screening, Text mining, Venn analysis, Gene ontology (GO) analysis, Pathway cluster analysis, Molecular docking, Network construction and Experimental verification in visceral hypersensitivity (VHS) rats. RESULTS Three compressed IBS signal pathways were derived from ClueGO KEGG analysis of 63 IBS genes, including Neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, Inflammatory mediator regulation of TRP (transient receptor potential) channels and Serotonergic synapse. A multi-module network, composed of four IBS therapeutic modules (psychological, inflammation, neuroendocrine and cross-talk modules), was revealed by Target-Pathway network. Nine kernel targets were considered closely associated with the IBS pathways, including ADRA2A, HTR2A, F2RL1, F2RL3, TRPV1, PKC, PKA, IL-1Β and NGF. In silico analysis revealed that three crucial ingredients (synephrine, paeoniflorin and naringin) were assumed to coordinate the network of those IBS therapeutic modules by acting on these kernel targets in the important pathways. In vivo experimental results showed that the crucial ingredient combinations synergistically affected the expressions of the kernel biological molecules, and improved the minimum capacity threshold of AWR in VHS rats. CONCLUSION The study proposes the important IBS associated pathways and the network regulation mechanisms of the crucial ingredients. It reveals the multi-target synergistic effect of the crucial ingredient combinations for the novel therapy on IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Cai
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Bangjie Li
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xinghao Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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21
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Zhou J, Li M, Wang X, He Y, Xia Y, Sweeney JA, Kopp RF, Liu C, Chen C. Drug Response-Related DNA Methylation Changes in Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:674273. [PMID: 34054421 PMCID: PMC8155631 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.674273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy is the most common treatment for schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). Pharmacogenetic studies have achieved results with limited clinical utility. DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic modification, has been proposed to be involved in both the pathology and drug treatment of these disorders. Emerging data indicates that DNAm could be used as a predictor of drug response for psychiatric disorders. In this study, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the reproducibility of published changes of drug response-related DNAm in SCZ, BD and MDD. A total of 37 publications were included. Since the studies involved patients of different treatment stages, we partitioned them into three groups based on their primary focuses: (1) medication-induced DNAm changes (n = 8); (2) the relationship between DNAm and clinical improvement (n = 24); and (3) comparison of DNAm status across different medications (n = 14). We found that only BDNF was consistent with the DNAm changes detected in four independent studies for MDD. It was positively correlated with clinical improvement in MDD. To develop better predictive DNAm factors for drug response, we also discussed future research strategies, including experimental, analytical procedures and statistical criteria. Our review shows promising possibilities for using BDNF DNAm as a predictor of antidepressant treatment response for MDD, while more pharmacoepigenetic studies are needed for treatments of various diseases. Future research should take advantage of a system-wide analysis with a strict and standard analytical procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Zhou
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Li
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwen He
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Richard F. Kopp
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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22
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Abstract
This paper introduces a new construct, the 'pivotal mental state', which is defined as a hyper-plastic state aiding rapid and deep learning that can mediate psychological transformation. We believe this new construct bears relevance to a broad range of psychological and psychiatric phenomena. We argue that pivotal mental states serve an important evolutionary function, that is, to aid psychological transformation when actual or perceived environmental pressures demand this. We cite evidence that chronic stress and neurotic traits are primers for a pivotal mental state, whereas acute stress can be a trigger. Inspired by research with serotonin 2A receptor agonist psychedelics, we highlight how activity at this particular receptor can robustly and reliably induce pivotal mental states, but we argue that the capacity for pivotal mental states is an inherent property of the human brain itself. Moreover, we hypothesize that serotonergic psychedelics hijack a system that has evolved to mediate rapid and deep learning when its need is sensed. We cite a breadth of evidences linking stress via a variety of inducers, with an upregulated serotonin 2A receptor system (e.g. upregulated availability of and/or binding to the receptor) and acute stress with 5-HT release, which we argue can activate this primed system to induce a pivotal mental state. The pivotal mental state model is multi-level, linking a specific molecular gateway (increased serotonin 2A receptor signaling) with the inception of a hyper-plastic brain and mind state, enhanced rate of associative learning and the potential mediation of a psychological transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Brouwer
- Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Richetto J, Meyer U. Epigenetic Modifications in Schizophrenia and Related Disorders: Molecular Scars of Environmental Exposures and Source of Phenotypic Variability. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:215-226. [PMID: 32381277 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are increasingly recognized to play a role in the etiology and pathophysiology of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders with developmental origins. Here, we summarize clinical and preclinical findings of epigenetic alterations in schizophrenia and relevant disease models and discuss their putative origin. Recent findings suggest that certain schizophrenia risk loci can influence stochastic variation in gene expression through epigenetic processes, highlighting the intricate interaction between genetic and epigenetic control of neurodevelopmental trajectories. In addition, a substantial portion of epigenetic alterations in schizophrenia and related disorders may be acquired through environmental factors and may be manifested as molecular "scars." Some of these scars can influence brain functions throughout the entire lifespan and may even be transmitted across generations via epigenetic germline inheritance. Epigenetic modifications, whether caused by genetic or environmental factors, are plausible molecular sources of phenotypic heterogeneity and offer a target for therapeutic interventions. The further elucidation of epigenetic modifications thus may increase our knowledge regarding schizophrenia's heterogeneous etiology and pathophysiology and, in the long term, may advance personalized treatments through the use of biomarker-guided epigenetic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliet Richetto
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, and Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, and Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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24
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Legrand A, Iftimovici A, Khayachi A, Chaumette B. Epigenetics in bipolar disorder: a critical review of the literature. Psychiatr Genet 2021; 31:1-12. [PMID: 33290382 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic, disabling disease characterised by alternate mood episodes, switching through depressive and manic/hypomanic phases. Mood stabilizers, in particular lithium salts, constitute the cornerstone of the treatment in the acute phase as well as for the prevention of recurrences. The pathophysiology of BD and the mechanisms of action of mood stabilizers remain largely unknown but several pieces of evidence point to gene x environment interactions. Epigenetics, defined as the regulation of gene expression without genetic changes, could be the molecular substrate of these interactions. In this literature review, we summarize the main epigenetic findings associated with BD and response to mood stabilizers. METHODS We searched PubMed, and Embase databases and classified the articles depending on the epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs). RESULTS We present the different epigenetic modifications associated with BD or with mood-stabilizers. The major reported mechanisms were DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and non-coding RNAs. Overall, the assessments are poorly harmonized and the results are more limited than in other psychiatric disorders (e.g. schizophrenia). However, the nature of BD and its treatment offer excellent opportunities for epigenetic research: clear impact of environmental factors, clinical variation between manic or depressive episodes resulting in possible identification of state and traits biomarkers, documented impact of mood-stabilizers on the epigenome. CONCLUSION Epigenetic is a growing and promising field in BD that may shed light on its pathophysiology or be useful as biomarkers of response to mood-stabilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Legrand
- Université de Paris, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris
| | - Anton Iftimovici
- Université de Paris, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris
- Neurospin, CEA, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Anouar Khayachi
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Boris Chaumette
- Université de Paris, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Paris
- GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, Paris, France
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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25
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Ibarra-Lecue I, Diez-Alarcia R, Urigüen L. Serotonin 2A receptors and cannabinoids. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 259:135-175. [PMID: 33541675 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has proven that both exogenous cannabinoids as well as imbalances in the endocannabinoid system are involved in the onset and development of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia. Extensive recent research in this topic has mainly focused on the molecular mechanisms by which cannabinoid agonists may contribute to the pathophysiology of these disorders. Initially, serotonin neurotransmitter garnered most attention due to its relationship to mood disorders and mental diseases, with little attention to specific receptors. To date, the focus has redirected toward the understanding of different serotonin receptors, through a demonstration of its versatile pharmacology and synergy with different modulators. Serotonin 2A receptors are a good example of this phenomenon, and the complex signaling that they trigger appears of high relevance in the context of mental disorders, especially in schizophrenia. This chapter will analyze most relevant attributes of serotonin 2A receptors and the endocannabinoid system, and will highlight the evidence toward the functional bidirectional interaction between these elements in the brain as well as the impact of the endocannabinoid system dysregulation on serotonin 2A receptors functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Ibarra-Lecue
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leyre Urigüen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain.
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26
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Epigenomic Dysregulation in Schizophrenia: In Search of Disease Etiology and Biomarkers. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081837. [PMID: 32764320 PMCID: PMC7463953 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with a complex array of signs and symptoms that causes very significant disability in young people. While schizophrenia has a strong genetic component, with heritability around 80%, there is also a very significant range of environmental exposures and stressors that have been implicated in disease development and neuropathology, such as maternal immune infection, obstetric complications, childhood trauma and cannabis exposure. It is postulated that epigenetic factors, as well as regulatory non-coding RNAs, mediate the effects of these environmental stressors. In this review, we explore the most well-known epigenetic marks, including DNA methylation and histone modification, along with emerging RNA mediators of epigenomic state, including miRNAs and lncRNAs, and discuss their collective potential for involvement in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia implicated through the postmortem analysis of brain tissue. Given that peripheral tissues, such as blood, saliva, and olfactory epithelium have the same genetic composition and are exposed to many of the same environmental exposures, we also examine some studies supporting the application of peripheral tissues for epigenomic biomarker discovery in schizophrenia. Finally, we provide some perspective on how these biomarkers may be utilized to capture a signature of past events that informs future treatment.
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27
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Smigielski L, Jagannath V, Rössler W, Walitza S, Grünblatt E. Epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: a systematic review of empirical human findings. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1718-1748. [PMID: 31907379 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are highly debilitating psychiatric conditions that lack a clear etiology and exhibit polygenic inheritance underlain by pleiotropic genes. The prevailing explanation points to the interplay between predisposing genes and environmental exposure. Accumulated evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation of the genome may mediate dynamic gene-environment interactions at the molecular level by modulating the expression of psychiatric phenotypes through transcription factors. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge linking schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to epigenetics, based on PubMed and Web of Science database searches conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Three groups of mechanisms in case-control studies of human tissue (i.e., postmortem brain and bio-fluids) were considered: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding miRNAs. From the initial pool of 3,204 records, 152 studies met our inclusion criteria (11,815/11,528, 233/219, and 2,091/1,827 cases/controls for each group, respectively). Many of the findings revealed associations with epigenetic modulations of genes regulating neurotransmission, neurodevelopment, and immune function, as well as differential miRNA expression (e.g., upregulated miR-34a, miR-7, and miR-181b). Overall, actual evidence moderately supports an association between epigenetics and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. However, heterogeneous results and cross-tissue extrapolations call for future work. Integrating epigenetics into systems biology may critically enhance research on psychosis and thus our understanding of the disorder. This may have implications for psychiatry in risk stratification, early recognition, diagnostics, precision medicine, and other interventional approaches targeting epigenetic fingerprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Smigielski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vinita Jagannath
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) R&D Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Wulf Rössler
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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The clues in solving the mystery of major psychosis: The epigenetic basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:51-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Maffioletti E, Valsecchi P, Minelli A, Magri C, Bonvicini C, Barlati S, Sacchetti E, Vita A, Gennarelli M. Association study betweenHTR2Ars6313 polymorphism and early response to risperidone and olanzapine in schizophrenia patients. Drug Dev Res 2020; 81:754-761. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paolo Valsecchi
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesASST Spedali Civili Brescia Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Chiara Magri
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Cristian Bonvicini
- Genetics UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Brescia Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesASST Spedali Civili Brescia Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Emilio Sacchetti
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesASST Spedali Civili Brescia Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction ServicesASST Spedali Civili Brescia Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental SciencesUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational MedicineUniversity of Brescia Brescia Italy
- Genetics UnitIRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli Brescia Italy
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30
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Wieckiewicz M, Bogunia-Kubik K, Mazur G, Danel D, Smardz J, Wojakowska A, Poreba R, Dratwa M, Chaszczewska-Markowska M, Winocur E, Emodi-Perlman A, Martynowicz H. Genetic basis of sleep bruxism and sleep apnea-response to a medical puzzle. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7497. [PMID: 32367059 PMCID: PMC7198562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep bruxism (SB) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are co-occurring sleep conditions. The study aimed to evaluate the association of selected single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occurring within the genes of the serotonin and dopamine pathways in SB and OSA and investigate the relationship between them. The study group included 100 Caucasian patients. SB and OSA were diagnosed in 74 and 28 patients, respectively. In addition, 125 unrelated Caucasian healthy blood donors served as randomly selected controls to enable comparison of polymorphisms. The following SNPs were analyzed: rs2770304 and rs6313 within the serotonin receptor encoding gene (HTR2A), rs4680 polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, and rs686 within the dopamine receptor (DRD1) encoding gene. The prevalence of the DRD1 rs686 G variant (GG homozygosity) was found to be high in the study group compared to the control group. Bruxism episode index (BEI) was found to be significantly increased in the HTR2A rs6313 TT homozygotes compared to the heterozygous patients. Moreover, within a group of the HTR2A rs2770304 TT homozygous cases, a statistically significant correlation was observed between BEI and apnea-hypopnea index. These results indicate that DRD1 rs686 may potentially affect predisposition to SB, that HTR2A rs6313 SNP may be involved in SB pathogenesis, and that HTR2A rs2770304 polymorphism might contribute to the association between SB and OSA. This suggests a possible genetic contribution to the etiology of primary SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Wieckiewicz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 26 Krakowska St., 50-425, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla St., 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Mazur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 213 Borowska St., 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Danel
- Department of Anthropology, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla St., 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Smardz
- Department of Experimental Dentistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 26 Krakowska St., 50-425, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Wojakowska
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 213 Borowska St., 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Rafal Poreba
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 213 Borowska St., 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marta Dratwa
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla St., 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Monika Chaszczewska-Markowska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 R. Weigla St., 53-114, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Efraim Winocur
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 4 Klatchkin St., Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Alona Emodi-Perlman
- Department of Oral Rehabilitation, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 4 Klatchkin St., Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Helena Martynowicz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 213 Borowska St., 50-556, Wroclaw, Poland
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31
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Attaran A, Salahinejad A, Naderi M, Crane AL, Niyogi S, Chivers DP. Effects of chronic exposure to selenomethionine on social learning outcomes in zebrafish (Danio rerio): serotonergic dysregulation and oxidative stress in the brain. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 247:125898. [PMID: 31972490 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.125898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
For many species, social learning is crucial for fitness-related activities, but human-induced environmental changes can impair such learning processes. For instance, mining can release the element, selenium (Se), that is vital for physiological functions but also has toxicological properties at elevated concentrations. In this study, we investigated the effects of chronic exposure to Se on social learning outcomes and potential underlying molecular mechanisms in adult zebrafish. After exposure to different levels of dietary selenomethionine (control, 3.6, 12.8, 34.1 μg Se/g dry weight) for 90 days, we examined the ability of observer fish to follow demonstrators (experienced individuals) in escaping an oncoming trawl. Social learning outcomes were then assessed in the absence of demonstrators. Our results indicated that fish in the highest exposure group (34.1 μg/g) displayed significantly slower escape responses compared to fish in the control and lower exposure groups (3.6 and 12.8 μg Se/g). This impaired behavior was associated with higher oxidative stress and dysregulation in genes that are key in the serotonergic pathway, indicating that oxidative stress and alteration in the serotonergic system lead to impairment of social learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoosha Attaran
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada.
| | - Arash Salahinejad
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada
| | - Mohammad Naderi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Adam L Crane
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada; Department of Biology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Som Niyogi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada; Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, 44 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Douglas P Chivers
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, 112 Science Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E2, Canada
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32
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Burghardt KJ, Khoury AS, Msallaty Z, Yi Z, Seyoum B. Antipsychotic Medications and DNA Methylation in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review. Pharmacotherapy 2020; 40:331-342. [PMID: 32058614 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The pharmacoepigenetics of antipsychotic treatment in severe mental illness is a growing area of research that aims to understand the interface between antipsychotic treatment and genetic regulation. Pharmacoepigenetics may some day assist in identifying treatment response mechanisms or become one of the components in the implementation of precision medicine. To understand the current evidence regarding the effects of antipsychotics on DNA methylation a systematic review with qualitative synthesis was performed through Pubmed, Embase and Psychinfo from earliest data to June 2019. Studies were included if they analyzed DNA methylation in an antipsychotic-treated population of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Data extraction occurred via a standardized format and study quality was assessed. Twenty-nine studies were identified for inclusion. Study design, antipsychotic type, sample source, and methods of DNA methylation measurement varied across all studies. Eighteen studies analyzed methylation in patients with schizophrenia, four studies in patients with bipolar disorder, and seven studies in a combined sample of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Twenty-two studies used observational samples whereas the remainder used prospectively treated samples. Six studies assessed global methylation, five assessed epigenome-wide, and 15 performed a candidate epigenetic study. Two studies analyzed both global and gene-specific methylation, whereas one study performed a simultaneous epigenome-wide and gene-specific study. Only three genes were analyzed in more than one gene-specific study and the findings were discordant. The state of the pharmacoepigenetic literature on antipsychotic use is still in its early stages and uniform reporting of methylation site information is needed. Future work should concentrate on using prospective sampling with appropriate control groups and begin to replicate many of the novel associations that have been reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Burghardt
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Audrey S Khoury
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zaher Msallaty
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Zhengping Yi
- Wayne State University Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Berhane Seyoum
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
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Hrovatin K, Kunej T, Dolžan V. Genetic variability of serotonin pathway associated with schizophrenia onset, progression, and treatment. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:113-127. [PMID: 31674148 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) onset and treatment outcome have important genetic components, however individual genes do not have strong effects on SZ phenotype. Therefore, it is important to use the pathway-based approach and study metabolic and signaling pathways, such as dopaminergic and serotonergic. Serotonin pathway has an important role in brain signaling, nevertheless, its role in SZ is not as thoroughly examined as that of dopamine pathway. In this study, we reviewed serotonin pathway genes and genetic variations associated with SZ, including variations at DNA, RNA, and epigenetic level. We obtained 30 serotonin pathway genes from Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes and used these genes for the literature review. We extracted 20 protein coding serotonin pathway genes with genetic variations associated with SZ onset, development, and treatment from 31 research papers. Genes associated with SZ are present on all levels of serotonin pathway: serotonin synthesis, transport, receptor binding, intracellular signaling, and reuptake; however, regulatory genes are poorly researched. We summarized common challenges of genetic association studies and presented some solutions. The analysis of reported serotonin pathway-SZ associations revealed lack of information about certain serotonin pathway genes potentially associated with SZ. Furthermore, it is becoming clear that interactions among serotonin pathway genes and their regulators may bring further knowledge about their involvement in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Hrovatin
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Kunej
- University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vita Dolžan
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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García-Bea A, Miranda-Azpiazu P, Muguruza C, Marmolejo-Martinez-Artesero S, Diez-Alarcia R, Gabilondo AM, Callado LF, Morentin B, González-Maeso J, Meana JJ. Serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor expression and functionality in postmortem frontal cortex of subjects with schizophrenia: Selective biased agonism via G αi1-proteins. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1453-1463. [PMID: 31734018 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2ARs) have been implicated in schizophrenia. However, postmortem studies on 5-HT2ARs expression and functionality in schizophrenia are scarce. The 5-HT2AR mRNA and immunoreactive protein expression were evaluated in postmortem tissue from dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of antipsychotic-free (n = 18) and antipsychotic-treated (n = 9) subjects with schizophrenia, and matched controls (n = 27). Functional coupling of 5-HT2AR to G-proteins was tested by measuring the activation induced by the agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine hydrochloride ((±)DOI) in antibody-capture [35S]GTPγS scintillation proximity assays (SPA). In antipsychotic-free schizophrenia subjects, 5-HT2AR mRNA expression and protein immunoreactivity in total homogenates was similar to controls. In contrast, in antipsychotic-treated schizophrenia subjects, lower mRNA expression (60±9% vs controls) and a trend to reduced protein immunoreactivity (86±5% vs antipsychotic-free subjects) just in membrane-enriched fractions was observed. [35S]GTPγS SPA revealed a significant ~6% higher stimulation of Gαi1-protein by (±)DOI in schizophrenia, whereas activation of the canonical Gαq/11-protein pathway by (±)DOI remained unchanged. Expression of Gαi1- and Gαq/11-proteins did not differ between groups. Accordingly, in rats chronically treated with clozapine, but not with haloperidol, a 30-40% reduction was observed in 5-HT2AR mRNA expression, 5-HT2AR protein immunoreactivity and [3H]ketanserin binding in brain cortical membranes. Overall, the data suggest a supersensitive 5-HT2AR signaling through inhibitory Gαi1-proteins in schizophrenia. Together with previous results, a dysfunctional pro-hallucinogenic agonist-sensitive 5-HT2AR conformation in postmortem DLPFC of subjects with schizophrenia is proposed. Atypical antipsychotic treatment would contribute to counterbalance this 5-HT2AR supersensitivity by reducing receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aintzane García-Bea
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Patricia Miranda-Azpiazu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain
| | - Carolina Muguruza
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain
| | | | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Spain
| | - Ane M Gabilondo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Spain
| | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Spain
| | - Benito Morentin
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Spain; Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, Spain
| | - Javier González-Maeso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, VA, USA
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Spain; Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Spain.
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Jiang S, Postovit L, Cattaneo A, Binder EB, Aitchison KJ. Epigenetic Modifications in Stress Response Genes Associated With Childhood Trauma. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:808. [PMID: 31780969 PMCID: PMC6857662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be referred to by other terms (e.g., early life adversity or stress and childhood trauma) and have a lifelong impact on mental and physical health. For example, childhood trauma has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The heritability of ACE-related phenotypes such as PTSD, depression, and resilience is low to moderate, and, moreover, is very variable for a given phenotype, which implies that gene by environment interactions (such as through epigenetic modifications) may be involved in the onset of these phenotypes. Currently, there is increasing interest in the investigation of epigenetic contributions to ACE-induced differential health outcomes. Although there are a number of studies in this field, there are still research gaps. In this review, the basic concepts of epigenetic modifications (such as methylation) and the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the stress response are outlined. Examples of specific genes undergoing methylation in association with ACE-induced differential health outcomes are provided. Limitations in this field, e.g., uncertain clinical diagnosis, conceptual inconsistencies, and technical drawbacks, are reviewed, with suggestions for advances using new technologies and novel research directions. We thereby provide a platform on which the field of ACE-induced phenotypes in mental health may build.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatric Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Katherine J. Aitchison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Aghamaleki-Sarvestani Z, Vousooghi N, Tabrizi M, Alipour ME, Alaghband-Rad J, Mostafavi-Abdolmaleky H, Zarindast MR. Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression in stress-induced and non-stress induced schizophrenia. Psychiatr Genet 2019; 30:10-18. [PMID: 31568068 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder and the outcome of gene-gene-environmental interactions, there are different possible pathophysiological mechanisms in different schizophrenia subtypes corresponding to various risk factors. This study was aimed at examining the impact of one of the most likely interactions, that is, 'dopamine and stress', in schizophrenia pathogenesis. METHODS Here, we investigated the interaction between 'war-related psychological trauma' without brain trauma and catechol-O-methyltransferase gene. Using real-time PCR analysis we measured catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression level in the blood cells of 66 male subjects in four groups, namely veteran schizophrenia patients as 'stress-exposed schizophrenia' (S-schizophrenia), their healthy brothers as 'their genetically closest relatives' (S-siblings), schizophrenia patients without any history of significant stress as 'non-stress-exposed schizophrenia' (NoS-schizophrenia), and the control group. The results were analyzed by Relative Expression Software Tool 2009 software. RESULTS The catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression was not significantly different between the S-schizophrenia and NoS-schizophrenia groups. However, compared to the control group, the catechol-O-methyltransferase expression was significantly decreased in three groups of S-schizophrenia, their healthy siblings, and NoS-schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSION This data supports that reduced blood catechol-O-methyltransferase expression, which may be associated with higher dopamine level, is involved both in stress-induced and non-stress-induced schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nasim Vousooghi
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences
| | | | - Mohammad Esmaeil Alipour
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center
| | | | - Hamid Mostafavi-Abdolmaleky
- Department of Psychiatry, Iran University of Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohammad Reza Zarindast
- Department of Neuroscience and addiction studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine.,Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine
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Abdolmaleky HM, Gower AC, Wong CK, Cox JW, Zhang X, Thiagalingam A, Shafa R, Sivaraman V, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. Aberrant transcriptomes and DNA methylomes define pathways that drive pathogenesis and loss of brain laterality/asymmetry in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:138-149. [PMID: 30468562 PMCID: PMC6386618 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although the loss of brain laterality is one of the most consistent modalities in schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD), its molecular basis remains elusive. Our limited previous studies indicated that epigenetic modifications are key to the asymmetric transcriptomes of brain hemispheres. We used whole-genome expression microarrays to profile postmortem brain samples from subjects with SCZ, psychotic BD [BD[+]] or non-psychotic BD [BD(-)], or matched controls (10/group) and performed whole-genome DNA methylation (DNAM) profiling of the same samples (3-4/group) to identify pathways associated with SCZ or BD[+] and genes/sites susceptible to epigenetic regulation. qRT-PCR and quantitative DNAM analysis were employed to validate findings in larger sample sets (35/group). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) demonstrated that BMP signaling and astrocyte and cerebral cortex development are significantly (FDR q < 0.25) coordinately upregulated in both SCZ and BD[+], and glutamate signaling and TGFβ signaling are significantly coordinately upregulated in SCZ. GSEA also indicated that collagens are downregulated in right versus left brain of controls, but not in SCZ or BD[+] patients. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis predicted that TGFB2 is an upstream regulator of these genes (p = .0012). While lateralized expression of TGFB2 in controls (p = .017) is associated with a corresponding change in DNAM (p ≤ .023), lateralized expression and DNAM of TGFB2 are absent in SCZ or BD. Loss of brain laterality in SCZ and BD corresponds to aberrant epigenetic regulation of TGFB2 and changes in TGFβ signaling, indicating potential avenues for disease prevention/treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA,Corresponding Authors: Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky () and Sam Thiagalingam ()
| | - Adam Chapin Gower
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Chen Khuan Wong
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jiayi Wu Cox
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Bioinformatics Graduate Program, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Arunthathi Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | | | - Vadivelu Sivaraman
- Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jin-Rong Zhou
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, BIDMC, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,Corresponding Authors: Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky () and Sam Thiagalingam ()
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38
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Braun PR, Han S, Hing B, Nagahama Y, Gaul LN, Heinzman JT, Grossbach AJ, Close L, Dlouhy BJ, Howard MA, Kawasaki H, Potash JB, Shinozaki G. Genome-wide DNA methylation comparison between live human brain and peripheral tissues within individuals. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:47. [PMID: 30705257 PMCID: PMC6355837 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0376-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 239] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Differential DNA methylation in the brain is associated with many psychiatric diseases, but access to brain tissues is essentially limited to postmortem samples. The use of surrogate tissues has become common in identifying methylation changes associated with psychiatric disease. In this study, we determined the extent to which peripheral tissues can be used as surrogates for DNA methylation in the brain. Blood, saliva, buccal, and live brain tissue samples from 27 patients with medically intractable epilepsy undergoing brain resection were collected (age range 5-61 years). Genome-wide methylation was assessed with the Infinium HumanMethylation450 (n = 12) and HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip arrays (n = 21). For the EPIC methylation data averaged for each CpG across subjects, the saliva-brain correlation (r = 0.90) was higher than that for blood-brain (r = 0.86) and buccal-brain (r = 0.85) comparisons. However, within individual CpGs, blood had the highest proportion of CpGs correlated to brain at nominally significant levels (20.8%), as compared to buccal tissue (17.4%) and saliva (15.1%). For each CpG and each gene, levels of brain-peripheral tissue correlation varied widely. This indicates that to determine the most useful surrogate tissue for representing brain DNA methylation, the patterns specific to the genomic region of interest must be considered. To assist in that objective, we have developed a website, IMAGE-CpG, that allows researchers to interrogate DNA methylation levels and degree of cross-tissue correlation in user-defined locations across the genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Braun
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Shizhong Han
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Benjamin Hing
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Yasunori Nagahama
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Lindsey N Gaul
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Jonathan T Heinzman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Andrew J Grossbach
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43203, USA
| | - Liesl Close
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Brian J Dlouhy
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Matthew A Howard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - Hiroto Kawasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
| | - James B Potash
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Gen Shinozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program for Neuroscience, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, 52246, USA.
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Eszlari N, Petschner P, Gonda X, Baksa D, Elliott R, Anderson IM, Deakin JFW, Bagdy G, Juhasz G. Childhood Adversity Moderates the Effects of HTR2A Epigenetic Regulatory Polymorphisms on Rumination. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:394. [PMID: 31258491 PMCID: PMC6588047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin system has been suggested to moderate the association between childhood maltreatment and rumination, with the latter in its turn reported to be a mediator in the depressogenic effect of childhood maltreatment. Therefore, we investigated whether the associations of two epigenetic regulatory polymorphisms in the HTR2A serotonin receptor gene with Ruminative Responses Scale rumination and its two subtypes, brooding and reflection, are moderated by childhood adversity (derived from the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) among 1,501 European white adults. We tested post hoc whether the significant associations are due to depression. We also tested the replicability of the significant results within the two subsamples of Budapest and Manchester. We revealed two significant models: both the association of methylation site rs6311 with rumination and that of miRNA binding site rs3125 (supposed to bind miR-1270, miR-1304, miR-202, miR-539 and miR-620) with brooding were a function of childhood adversity, and both interaction findings were significantly present both in the never-depressed and in the ever-depressed group. Moreover, the association of rs3125 with brooding could be replicated across the separate subsamples, and remained significant even when controlling for lifetime depression and the Brief Symptom Inventory depression score. These findings indicate the crucial importance of involving stress factors when considering endophenotypes and suggest that brooding is a more promising endophenotype than a broader measure of rumination. Transdiagnostic relevance of the brooding endophenotype and the potential of targeting epigenetic regulatory polymorphisms of HTR2A in primary and secondary prevention of depression and possibly of other disorders are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Eszlari
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Petschner
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xenia Gonda
- NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Kutvolgyi Clinical Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Daniel Baksa
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,SE-NAP 2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Muir Anderson
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - John Francis William Deakin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,SE-NAP 2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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40
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Calabrò M, Mandelli L, Crisafulli C, Lee SJ, Jun TY, Wang SM, Patkar AA, Masand PS, Benedetti F, Han C, Pae CU, Serretti A. Neuroplasticity, Neurotransmission and Brain-Related Genes in Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Focus on Treatment Outcomes in an Asiatic Sample. Adv Ther 2018; 35:1656-1670. [PMID: 30178121 PMCID: PMC6182627 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-018-0781-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Mood disorders are common and disabling disorders. Despite the availability of over 100 psychotropic compounds, only one-third of patients benefit from first-line treatments. Over the past 20 years, many studies have focused on the biological factors modulating disease risk and response to treatments, but with still inconclusive data. In order to improve our current knowledge, in this study, we investigated the role of a set of genes involved in different pathways (neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, circadian rhythms, transcription factors, signal transduction and cellular metabolism) in the treatment outcome of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) after naturalistic pharmacological treatment. Methods Totals of 242 MDD, 132 BD patients and 326 healthy controls of Asian ethnicity (Koreans) were genotyped for polymorphisms within 19 genes. Response and remission after 6–8 weeks of treatment with antidepressants and mood stabilizers were evaluated. In secondary analyses, genetic associations with disease risk and some disease-associated features (age of onset, suicide attempt and psychotic BD) were also tested. Results None of the variants within the investigated genes was significantly associated with treatment outcomes. Some marginal association (uncorrected p < 0.01) was observed for HTR2A, BDNF, CHL1, RORA and HOMER1 SNPs. In secondary analyses, HTR2A (rs643627, p = 0.002) and CHL1 (rs4003413, p = 0.002) were found associated with risk for BD, HOMER1 (rs6872497, p = 0.002) with lifetime history of suicide attempt in patients, and RORA with early onset and presence of psychotic features in BD. Marginal results were also observed for ST8SIA2 and COMT. Discussion Despite limitations linked to multiple testing on small samples, methodological shortcomings and small significance of the findings, this study may support the involvement of some candidate genes in the outcomes of treatments for mood disorders, as well as in BD risk and other disease features. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-018-0781-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Ibarra-Lecue I, Mollinedo-Gajate I, Meana JJ, Callado LF, Diez-Alarcia R, Urigüen L. Chronic cannabis promotes pro-hallucinogenic signaling of 5-HT2A receptors through Akt/mTOR pathway. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:2028-2035. [PMID: 29748632 PMCID: PMC6098160 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0076-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Long-term use of potent cannabis during adolescence increases the risk of developing schizophrenia later in life, but to date, the mechanisms involved remain unknown. Several findings suggest that the functional selectivity of serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) through inhibitory G-proteins is involved in the molecular mechanisms responsible for psychotic symptoms. Moreover, this receptor is dysregulated in the frontal cortex of schizophrenia patients. In this context, studies involving cannabis exposure and 5-HT2AR are scarce. Here, we tested in mice the effect of an early chronic Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) exposure on cortical 5-HT2AR expression, as well as on its in vivo and in vitro functionality. Long-term exposure to THC induced a pro-hallucinogenic molecular conformation of the 5-HT2AR and exacerbated schizophrenia-like responses, such as prepulse inhibition disruption. Supersensitive coupling of 5-HT2AR toward inhibitory Gαi1-, Gαi3-, Gαo-, and Gαz-proteins after chronic THC exposure was observed, without changes in the canonical Gαq/11-protein pathway. In addition, we found that inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway by rapamycin blocks the changes in 5-HT2AR signaling pattern and the supersensitivity to schizophrenia-like effects induced by chronic THC. The present study provides the first evidence of a mechanistic explanation for the relationship between chronic cannabis exposure in early life and increased risk of developing psychosis-like behaviors in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Ibarra-Lecue
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
| | - Irene Mollinedo-Gajate
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
| | - J Javier Meana
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Luis F Callado
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Rebeca Diez-Alarcia
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leyre Urigüen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental CIBERSAM, Leioa, Spain.
- Biocruces Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain.
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Stress exposure and psychopathology alter methylation of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) gene in preschoolers. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 29:1619-1626. [PMID: 29162169 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579417001274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin signaling pathways play a key role in brain development, stress reactivity, and mental health. Epigenetic alterations in the serotonin system may underlie the effect of early life stress on psychopathology. The current study examined methylation of the serotonin receptor 2A (HTR2A) gene in a sample of 228 children including 119 with child welfare documentation of moderate to severe maltreatment within the last 6 months. Child protection records, semistructured interviews in the home, and parent reports were used to assess child stress exposure, psychiatric symptoms, and behavior. The HTR2A genotype and methylation of HTR2A were measured at two CpG sites (-1420 and -1224) from saliva DNA. HTR2A genotype was associated with HTR2A methylation at both CpG sites. HTR2A genotype also moderated associations of contextual stress exposure and HTR2A methylation at site -1420. Contextual stress was positively associated with -1420 methylation among A homozygotes, but negatively associated with -1420 methylation among G homozygotes. Posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder symptoms were negatively associated with methylation at -1420, but positively associated with methylation at -1224. Results support the view that the serotonin system is sensitive to stress exposure and psychopathology, and HTR2A methylation may be a mechanism by which early adversity is biologically encoded.
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Effects of early-life malnutrition on neurodevelopment and neuropsychiatric disorders and the potential mechanisms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:64-75. [PMID: 29287829 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lines of evidence have demonstrated that early-life malnutrition is highly correlated with neurodevelopment and adulthood neuropsychiatric disorders, while some findings are conflicting with each other. In addition, the biological mechanisms are less investigated. We systematically reviewed the evidence linking early-life nutrition status with neurodevelopment and clinical observations in human and animal models. We summarized the effects of special nutritious on neuropsychiatric disorders and explored the underlying potential mechanisms. The further understanding of the biological regulation of early-life nutritional status on neurodevelopment might shed light on precision nutrition at an integrative systems biology framework.
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Liu C, Jiao C, Wang K, Yuan N. DNA Methylation and Psychiatric Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:175-232. [PMID: 29933950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation has been an important area of research in the study of molecular mechanism to psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence has suggested that abnormalities in global methylation, methylation of genes, and pathways could play a role in the etiology of many forms of mental illness. In this article, we review the mechanisms of DNA methylation, including the genetic and environmental factors affecting methylation changes. We report and discuss major findings regarding DNA methylation in psychiatric patients, both within the context of global methylation studies and gene-specific methylation studies. Finally, we discuss issues surrounding data quality improvement, the limitations of current methylation analysis methods, and the possibility of using DNA methylation-based treatment for psychiatric disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chuan Jiao
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kangli Wang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Yuan
- Hunan Brain Hospital, Changsha, China
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Nour El Huda AR, Norsidah KZ, Nabil Fikri MR, Hanisah MN, Kartini A, Norlelawati AT. DNA methylation of membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in Malaysian schizophrenia patients. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 72:266-279. [PMID: 29160620 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study examined catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients and also in healthy controls to investigate its potential use as a peripheral biomarker of schizophrenia and its relations with the clinical variables of schizophrenia patients. METHODS We examined the DNA methylation levels of COMT using genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients (n = 138) and healthy control participants (n = 132); all were Malaysian Malays. The extracted DNA was bisulfite converted, and the percentage methylation ratio value was calculated based on the results following a MethyLight protocol analysis. RESULTS The percentage methylation ratio of COMT was lower in schizophrenia than it was in the healthy controls (P < 0.001) and was different between the body mass index (P = 0.003) and antipsychotic (P = 0.004) groups. The COMT DNA methylation rate was lower in patients receiving atypical antipsychotics (P = 0.004) and risperidone (P = 0.049) as compared to typical antipsychotics. The Excitement and Depressed subdomains of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were inversely related (P < 0.001) and therefore predictors (Excitement: b = -11.396, t = -4.760, P < 0.001; Depressed: b = -7.789, t = -3.487, P = 0.001) of COMT DNA methylation. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the methylation level was affected by the severity of the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and might also be influenced by pharmacological treatment. The epigenetic alteration of COMT in the peripheral blood could be a potential peripheral biomarker of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abd Rahim Nour El Huda
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Ku Zaifah Norsidah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rahim Nabil Fikri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Hanisah
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Kartini
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - A Talib Norlelawati
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
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Tang L, Li J, Luo H, Bao M, Xiang J, Chen Y, Wang Y. The association of 5HT2A and 5HTTLPR polymorphisms with Alzheimer’s disease susceptibility: a meta-analysis with 6945 subjects. Oncotarget 2018; 9:15077-15089. [PMID: 29599928 PMCID: PMC5871099 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Relationships of 5HT2A and 5HTTLPR polymorphisms and AD risk have been widely investigated previously, whereas results derived from these studies were inconclusive and controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the 5-HT2A and 5HTTLPR polymorphisms and AD using a meta-analysis of existing literatures. Studies were collected using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Embase. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess associations. As a result, a total of 7 publications for 5-HT2A T102C and 16 publications for 5HTTLPR (L/S) comprised 3255 cases and 3690 controls fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Significant association was covered between allelic and recessive models of 5-HT2A T102C and AD (allelic model: p = 0.003, OR [95% CI] = 1.23 [1.07, 1.40]; recessive model: p = 0.03, OR [95% CI] = 1.28 [1.02, 1.59]). Subsequently, we conducted subgroup analysis for 5-HT2A T102C polymorphism based on ethnicities and APOE ε4, and identified a significantly increased risk for the allelic and dominant models of 5-HT2A T102C and AD in Asian subgroup (allelic model: p = 0.002, OR [95% CI] = 1.42 [1.14, 1.78]; dominant model: p = 0.02, OR [95% CI] = 1.60 [1.09, 2.35]) and subgroup without APOE ε4 (allelic model: p = 0.02, OR [95% CI] = 1.44 [1.05, 1.99]; dominant model: p = 0.0008, OR [95% CI] = 2.49 [1.46, 4.25]). Nevertheless, the pooled analyses suggested no significant association between allelic, dominant, and recessive models of 5HTTLPR (L/S) and AD (p > 0.05). In conclusion, our meta-analysis demonstrates that 5HT2A C10T, but not 5HTTLPR (L/S), might increase risk for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Tang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Jianming Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- Department of Neurology, Xiang-Ya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha City, Hunan Province, PR China
| | - Huaiqing Luo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Meihua Bao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Ju Xiang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Yiwei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Institute of Neuroscience, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
- Experiment Center for Function, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, PR China
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Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying mood stabilizer treatments in bipolar disorder: Potential involvement of epigenetics. Neurosci Lett 2018; 669:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bani-Fatemi A, Howe A, Zai C, Kennedy JL, Vincent J, Strauss J, Wong A, De Luca V. Differential Allelic Expression of HTR1B in Suicide Victims: Genetic and Epigenetic Effect of the Cis-Acting Variants. Neuropsychobiology 2018; 74:144-149. [PMID: 28445878 DOI: 10.1159/000456010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the present study, we tested the allelic imbalance of the C861G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of HTR1B in the frontal cortex of suicide victims. METHODS The study was conducted using 3 sets of samples. First, C861G allele-specific mRNA levels in the frontal cortex were compared between suicide (n = 13) and nonsuicide controls (n = 13) from the Stanley Medical Research postmortem brain collection. Second, we tested common variants in the HTR1B promoter for linkage disequilibrium (LD) with the C861G variant in an unrelated sample of suicide attempters (SA; n = 38) and non-SA (NSA; n = 42). Finally, we performed a family-based association study of the C861G and promoter variants in 162 nuclear families using suicidal behavior severity scores as phenotype. RESULTS We observed no alterations in the C/G expression ratio in suicide victims compared to nonsuicide controls (p = 0.370). When comparing the LD between the C861G and cis-acting SNPs, we did not find any differences in SA and NSA. There was no association between preferential transmission of cis-acting SNPs and suicidal behavior severity scores in both maternal and paternal meiosis. CONCLUSIONS We found several promoter variants in LD that may potentially influence the allelic imbalance in the C861G variant. However, no evidence of allelic imbalance nor parent-of-origin effects of the C861G variant was observed in suicidal behavior. Further research is required to assess this marker in larger cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Bani-Fatemi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Group for Suicide Studies, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Ovenden ES, McGregor NW, Emsley RA, Warnich L. DNA methylation and antipsychotic treatment mechanisms in schizophrenia: Progress and future directions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:38-49. [PMID: 29017764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic response in schizophrenia is a complex, multifactorial trait influenced by pharmacogenetic factors. With genetic studies thus far providing little biological insight or clinical utility, the field of pharmacoepigenomics has emerged to tackle the so-called "missing heritability" of drug response in disease. Research on psychiatric disorders has only recently started to assess the link between epigenetic alterations and treatment outcomes. DNA methylation, the best characterised epigenetic mechanism to date, is discussed here in the context of schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment outcomes. The majority of published studies have assessed the influence of antipsychotics on methylation levels in specific neurotransmitter-associated candidate genes or at the genome-wide level. While these studies illustrate the epigenetic modifications associated with antipsychotics, very few have assessed clinical outcomes and the potential of differential DNA methylation profiles as predictors of antipsychotic response. Results from other psychiatric disorder studies, such as depression and bipolar disorder, provide insight into what may be achieved by schizophrenia pharmacoepigenomics. Other aspects that should be addressed in future research include methodological challenges, such as tissue specificity, and the influence of genetic variation on differential methylation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S Ovenden
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Nathaniel W McGregor
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Robin A Emsley
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Louise Warnich
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
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