1
|
Iqbal J, Huang GD, Xue YX, Yang M, Jia XJ. The neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying fear dysregulation in posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1281401. [PMID: 38116070 PMCID: PMC10728304 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1281401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-associated complex and debilitating psychiatric disorder due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in response to traumatic events or fear. PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance behavior, hyperarousal, negative emotions, insomnia, personality changes, and memory problems following exposure to severe trauma. However, the biological mechanisms and symptomatology underlying this disorder are still largely unknown or poorly understood. Considerable evidence shows that PTSD results from a dysfunction in highly conserved brain systems involved in regulating stress, anxiety, fear, and reward circuitry. This review provides a contemporary update about PTSD, including new data from the clinical and preclinical literature on stress, PTSD, and fear memory consolidation and extinction processes. First, we present an overview of well-established laboratory models of PTSD and discuss their clinical translational value for finding various treatments for PTSD. We then highlight the research progress on the neural circuits of fear and extinction-related behavior, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. We further describe different molecular mechanisms, including GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and neurotropic signaling, responsible for the structural and functional changes during fear acquisition and fear extinction processes in PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Jia
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sanders AR, Bhongir N, vonHoldt B, Pellegrini M. Association of DNA methylation with energy and fear-related behaviors in canines. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1025494. [PMID: 36591016 PMCID: PMC9794564 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1025494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Behavioral traits are influenced by gene by environment interactions. To study the genetic and epigenetic components of behavior, we analyzed whether dog behavioral traits could be predicted by their DNA methylation and genotypes. Methods We conducted an analysis on dog behaviors such as sociability, trainability and energy as measured by Canine Behavioral and Research Assessment Questionnaire (C-BARQ) behavioral surveys paired with buccal swabs from 46 dogs. Previously we used targeted bisulfite sequencing to analyze DNA methylation and collected genotype data from over 1,500 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Owner-reported C-BARQ responses were used to quantify 14 behavioral trait values. Results Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) Regression analysis we found behavioral traits such as energy, attachment/attention-seeking, non-social fear, and stranger-directed fear to be significantly associated with DNA methylation across 3,059 loci. After we adjusted for age as a confounding variable, energy and stranger-directed fear remained significantly associated with methylation. We found that most behavioral traits were not predictable by our limited set of SNPs. Discussion By identifying individual genes whose methylation is significantly associated with behavioral traits, we generate hypotheses about possible mechanisms involved in behavioral regulation. Overall, our study extends previous work in behavioral epigenetics, shows that canine behaviors are predictable by DNA methylation, and serves as a proof of concept for future studies in behavioral epigenetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abigail R. Sanders
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Neha Bhongir
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bridgett vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Matteo Pellegrini,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bai Y, Wang H, Li C. SAPAP Scaffold Proteins: From Synaptic Function to Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233815. [PMID: 36497075 PMCID: PMC9740047 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory (glutamatergic) synaptic transmission underlies many aspects of brain activity and the genesis of normal human behavior. The postsynaptic scaffolding proteins SAP90/PSD-95-associated proteins (SAPAPs), which are abundant components of the postsynaptic density (PSD) at excitatory synapses, play critical roles in synaptic structure, formation, development, plasticity, and signaling. The convergence of human genetic data with recent in vitro and in vivo animal model data indicates that mutations in the genes encoding SAPAP1-4 are associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders, and that dysfunction of SAPAP scaffolding proteins may contribute to the pathogenesis of various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and bipolar disorder. Here, we review recent major genetic, epigenetic, molecular, behavioral, electrophysiological, and circuitry studies that have advanced our knowledge by clarifying the roles of SAPAP proteins at the synapses, providing new insights into the mechanistic links to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxia Bai
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Brain and Cognitive Science at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (STCSM & MOE), Affiliated Mental Health Center (ECNU), School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martin CA, Vorn R, Schrieber M, Lai C, Yun S, Kim HS, Gill J. Identification of DNA Methylation Changes That Predict Onset of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Following Physical Trauma. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:738347. [PMID: 34630024 PMCID: PMC8498101 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.738347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) are commonly experienced after exposure to highly stressful events, including physical trauma, yet, biological predictors remain elusive. Methylation of DNA may provide key insights, as it likely is reflective of factors that may increase the risk in trauma patients, as DNA methylation is altered by previous stressors. Here, we compared DNA methylation patterns using bisulfite sequencing in patients with a physical trauma that required more than a 24-h hospitalization (n = 33). We then compared DNA methylation in patients who developed and compared the following groups (1) PTSD and MDD; n = 12), (2) MDD (patients with MDD only; n = 12), and (3) control (patients who did not have PTSD or MDD; n = 9), determined by the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) at 6-months follow-up. We identified 17 genes with hypermethylated cytosine sites and 2 genes with hypomethylated sites in comparison between PTSD and control group. In comparison between MDD and control group, we identified 12 genes with hypermethylated cytosine sites and 6 genes with hypomethylated sites. Demethylation of these genes altered the CREB signaling pathway in neurons and may represent a promising therapeutic development target for PTSD and MDD. Our findings suggest that epigenetic changes in these gene regions potentially relate to the onset and symptomology of PTSD and MDD and could be used as potential biomarkers in predicting the onset of PTSD or MDD following traumatic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carina A. Martin
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rany Vorn
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Martin Schrieber
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Chen Lai
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sijung Yun
- Yotta Biomed, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Hyung-Suk Kim
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Jessica Gill
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Hao D, Li Y, Chen L, Wang X, Wang M, Yu Y. Inherited unbalanced translocation (4p16.3p15.32 duplication/8p23.3p23.2deletion) in the four generation pedigree with intellectual disability/developmental delay. Mol Cytogenet 2021; 14:35. [PMID: 34238319 PMCID: PMC8268195 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-021-00552-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal copy number variants (CNVs) are an important cause of congenital malformations and mental retardation. This study reported a large Chinese pedigree (4-generation, 76 members) with mental retardation caused by chromosome microduplication/microdeletion. There were 10 affected individuals with intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), and language delay phenotypes. SNP array analysis was performed in the proband and eight patients and found all of them had a microduplication of chromosome 4p16.3p15.2 and a microdeletion of chromosome 8p23.3p23.2. The high-resolution karyotyping analysis of the proband had unbalanced karyotype [46, XY, der(8)t(4;8)(p15.2;p23.1)mat], his mother had balanced karyotype [46, XX, t(4;8) (p15.2;p23.1)], whereas his father had normal karyotype [46,XY]. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis further confirmed that the proband’s mother had a balanced translocation between the short arm terminal segment of chromosome 4 and the short arm end segment of chromosome 8, ish t(4;8)(8p + ,4q + ;4p + ,8q +). In conclusion, all the patients inherited chromosomes 8 with 4p16.3p15.2 duplication and 8p23.3p23.2 deletion from their parental balanced translocation, which might be the cause of the prevalence of intellectual disability. Meanwhile, 8p23.3p23.2 deletion, rather than 4p16.3p15.2 duplication might cause a more severe clinical syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Hao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China.,General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 83. Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yajuan Li
- General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 83. Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Lisha Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiliang Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengxing Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuexin Yu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Center, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China. .,General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Postgraduate Training Base of Jinzhou Medical University, No. 83. Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Riluzole Administration to Rats with Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia Leads to Loss of DNA Methylation in Neuronal Genes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061442. [PMID: 34207710 PMCID: PMC8228416 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyskinesias are characterized by abnormal repetitive involuntary movements due to dysfunctional neuronal activity. Although levodopa-induced dyskinesia, characterized by tic-like abnormal involuntary movements, has no clinical treatment for Parkinson’s disease patients, animal studies indicate that Riluzole, which interferes with glutamatergic neurotransmission, can improve the phenotype. The rat model of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia is a unilateral lesion with 6-hydroxydopamine in the medial forebrain bundle, followed by the repeated administration of levodopa. The molecular pathomechanism of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia is still not deciphered; however, the implication of epigenetic mechanisms was suggested. In this study, we investigated the striatum for DNA methylation alterations under chronic levodopa treatment with or without co-treatment with Riluzole. Our data show that the lesioned and contralateral striata have nearly identical DNA methylation profiles. Chronic levodopa and levodopa + Riluzole treatments led to DNA methylation loss, particularly outside of promoters, in gene bodies and CpG poor regions. We observed that several genes involved in the Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia underwent methylation changes. Furthermore, the Riluzole co-treatment, which improved the phenotype, pinpointed specific methylation targets, with a more than 20% methylation difference relative to levodopa treatment alone. These findings indicate potential new druggable targets for Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia.
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang YH, Li Z, Zeng T, Chen L, Li H, Gamarra M, Mansour RF, Escorcia-Gutierrez J, Huang T, Cai YD. Investigating gene methylation signatures for fetal intolerance prediction. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250032. [PMID: 33886611 PMCID: PMC8062050 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy is a complicated and long procedure during one or more offspring development inside a woman. A short period of oxygen shortage after birth is quite normal for most babies and does not threaten their health. However, if babies have to suffer from a long period of oxygen shortage, then this condition is an indication of pathological fetal intolerance, which probably causes their death. The identification of the pathological fetal intolerance from the physical oxygen shortage is one of the important clinical problems in obstetrics for a long time. The clinical syndromes typically manifest five symptoms that indicate that the baby may suffer from fetal intolerance. At present, liquid biopsy combined with high-throughput sequencing or mass spectrum techniques provides a quick approach to detect real-time alteration in the peripheral blood at multiple levels with the rapid development of molecule sequencing technologies. Gene methylation is functionally correlated with gene expression; thus, the combination of gene methylation and expression information would help in screening out the key regulators for the pathogenesis of fetal intolerance. We combined gene methylation and expression features together and screened out the optimal features, including gene expression or methylation signatures, for fetal intolerance prediction for the first time. In addition, we applied various computational methods to construct a comprehensive computational pipeline to identify the potential biomarkers for fetal intolerance dependent on the liquid biopsy samples. We set up qualitative and quantitative computational models for the prediction for fetal intolerance during pregnancy. Moreover, we provided a new prospective for the detailed pathological mechanism of fetal intolerance. This work can provide a solid foundation for further experimental research and contribute to the application of liquid biopsy in antenatal care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Zhandong Li
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Li
- College of Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Margarita Gamarra
- Department of Computational Science and Electronic, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Romany F. Mansour
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, New Valley University, El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - José Escorcia-Gutierrez
- Electronic and Telecommunicacions Program, Universidad Autónoma del Caribe, Barranquilla, Colombia
- * E-mail: (JEG); (TH); (YDC)
| | - Tao Huang
- Bio-Med Big Data Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JEG); (TH); (YDC)
| | - Yu-Dong Cai
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (JEG); (TH); (YDC)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gaining a deeper understanding of social determinants of preterm birth by integrating multi-omics data. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:336-343. [PMID: 33188285 PMCID: PMC7898277 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01266-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the US, high rates of preterm birth (PTB) and profound Black-White disparities in PTB have persisted for decades. This review focuses on the role of social determinants of health (SDH), with an emphasis on maternal stress, in PTB disparity and biological embedding. It covers: (1) PTB disparity in US Black women and possible contributors; (2) the role of SDH, highlighting maternal stress, in the persistent racial disparity of PTB; (3) epigenetics at the interface between genes and environment; (4) the role of the genome in modifying maternal stress-PTB associations; (5) recent advances in multi-omics studies of PTB; and (6) future perspectives on integrating multi-omics with SDH to elucidate the Black-White disparity in PTB. Available studies have indicated that neither environmental exposures nor genetics alone can adequately explain the Black-White PTB disparity. Preliminary yet promising findings of epigenetic and gene-environment interaction studies underscore the value of integrating SDH with multi-omics in prospective birth cohort studies, especially among high-risk Black women. In an era of rapid advancements in biomedical sciences and technologies and a growing number of prospective birth cohort studies, we have unprecedented opportunities to advance this field and finally address the long history of health disparities in PTB. IMPACT: This review provides an overview of social determinants of health (SDH) with a focus on maternal stress and its role on Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB). It summarizes the available literature on the interplay of maternal stress with key biological layers (e.g., individual genome and epigenome in response to environmental stressors) and significant knowledge gaps. It offers perspectives that such knowledge may provide deeper insight into how SDH affects PTB and why some women are more vulnerable than others and underscores the critical need for integrating SDH with multi-omics in prospective birth cohort studies, especially among high-risk Black women.
Collapse
|
9
|
Understanding stress: Insights from rodent models. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 2:100013. [PMID: 36246514 PMCID: PMC9559100 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2021.100013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Through incorporating both physical and psychological forms of stressors, a variety of rodent models have provided important insights into the understanding of stress physiology. Rodent models also have provided significant information with regards to the mechanistic basis of the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive illnesses, cognitive impairment and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, rodent models of stress have served as valuable tools in the area of drug screening and drug development for treatment of stress-induced conditions. Although rodent models do not accurately reproduce the biochemical or physiological parameters of stress response and cannot fully mimic the natural progression of human disorders, yet, animal research has provided answers to many important scientific questions. In this review article, important studies utilizing a variety of stress models are described in terms of their design and apparatus, with specific focus on their capabilities to generate reliable behavioral and biochemical read-out. The review focusses on the utility of rodent models by discussing examples in the literature that offer important mechanistic insights into physiologically relevant questions. The review highlights the utility of rodent models of stress as important tools for advancing the mission of scientific research and inquiry. Stressful life events may lead to the onset of severe psychopathologies in humans. Rodents may model many features of stress exposure in human populations. Induction of stress via pharmacological and psychological manipulations alter rodent behavior. Mechanistic rodent studies reveal key molecular targets critical for new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
10
|
Holloway ZR, Hawkey AB, Torres AK, Evans J, Pippen E, White H, Katragadda V, Kenou B, Wells C, Murphy SK, Rezvani AH, Levin ED. Paternal cannabis extract exposure in rats: Preconception timing effects on neurodevelopmental behavior in offspring. Neurotoxicology 2020; 81:180-188. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
11
|
Ouellette AR, Neuner SM, Dumitrescu L, Anderson LC, Gatti DM, Mahoney ER, Bubier JA, Churchill G, Peters L, Huentelman MJ, Herskowitz JH, Yang HS, Smith AN, Reitz C, Kunkle BW, White CC, De Jager PL, Schneider JA, Bennett DA, Seyfried NT, Chesler EJ, Hadad N, Hohman TJ, Kaczorowski CC. Cross-Species Analyses Identify Dlgap2 as a Regulator of Age-Related Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer's Dementia. Cell Rep 2020; 32:108091. [PMID: 32877673 PMCID: PMC7502175 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and dementia remain poorly understood. Here, we take advantage of the Diversity Outbred mouse population to utilize quantitative trait loci mapping and identify Dlgap2 as a positional candidate responsible for modifying working memory decline. To evaluate the translational relevance of this finding, we utilize longitudinal cognitive measures from human patients, RNA expression from post-mortem brain tissue, data from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of Alzheimer's dementia (AD), and GWAS results in African Americans. We find an association between Dlgap2 and AD phenotypes at the variant, gene and protein expression, and methylation levels. Lower cortical DLGAP2 expression is observed in AD and is associated with more plaques and tangles at autopsy and faster cognitive decline. Results will inform future studies aimed at investigating the cross-species role of Dlgap2 in regulating cognitive decline and highlight the benefit of using genetically diverse mice to prioritize novel candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Ouellette
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA
| | - Sarah M Neuner
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Logan Dumitrescu
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | | | | | - Emily R Mahoney
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | | | | | | | - Matthew J Huentelman
- Neurogenomics Division, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics and Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Hyun-Sik Yang
- Cell Circuits and Epigenomics Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Center for Alzheimer Research and Treatment, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alexandra N Smith
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Christiane Reitz
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, and Departments of Neurology and Epidemiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Brian W Kunkle
- Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Charles C White
- Cell Circuits and Epigenomics Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Philip L De Jager
- Cell Circuits and Epigenomics Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Center for Translational and Computational Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie A Schneider
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Nicholas T Seyfried
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | - Niran Hadad
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
| | - Timothy J Hohman
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
| | - Catherine C Kaczorowski
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, The University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sex-specific effects of the histone variant H2A.Z on fear memory, stress-enhanced fear learning and hypersensitivity to pain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14331. [PMID: 32868857 PMCID: PMC7458907 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71229-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that histone variants are novel epigenetic regulators of memory, whereby histone H2A.Z suppresses fear memory. However, it is not clear if altered fear memory can also modify risk for PTSD, and whether these effects differ in males and females. Using conditional-inducible H2A.Z knockout (cKO) mice, we showed that H2A.Z binding is higher in females and that H2A.Z cKO enhanced fear memory only in males. However, H2A.Z cKO improved memory on the non-aversive object-in-place task in both sexes, suggesting that H2A.Z suppresses non-stressful memory irrespective of sex. Given that risk for fear-related disorders, such as PTSD, is biased toward females, we examined whether H2A.Z cKO also has sex-specific effects on fear sensitization in the stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) model of PTSD, as well as associated changes in pain sensitivity. We found that H2A.Z cKO reduced stress-induced sensitization of fear learning and pain responses preferentially in female mice, indicating that the effects of H2A.Z depend on sex and the type of task, and are influenced by history of stress. These data suggest that H2A.Z may be a sex-specific epigenetic risk factor for PTSD susceptibility, with implications for developing sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sarma RR, Edwards RJ, Crino OL, Eyck HJF, Waters PD, Crossland MR, Shine R, Rollins LA. Do Epigenetic Changes Drive Corticosterone Responses to Alarm Cues in Larvae of an Invasive Amphibian? Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:1481-1494. [PMID: 32544233 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental environment can exert powerful effects on animal phenotype. Recently, epigenetic modifications have emerged as one mechanism that can modulate developmentally plastic responses to environmental variability. For example, the DNA methylation profile at promoters of hormone receptor genes can affect their expression and patterns of hormone release. Across taxonomic groups, epigenetic alterations have been linked to changes in glucocorticoid (GC) physiology. GCs are metabolic hormones that influence growth, development, transitions between life-history stages, and thus fitness. To date, relatively few studies have examined epigenetic effects on phenotypic traits in wild animals, especially in amphibians. Here, we examined the effects of exposure to predation threat (alarm cues) and experimentally manipulated DNA methylation on corticosterone (CORT) levels in tadpoles and metamorphs of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina). We included offspring of toads sampled from populations across the species' Australian range. In these animals, exposure to chemical cues from injured conspecifics induces shifts in developmental trajectories, putatively as an adaptive response that lessens vulnerability to predation. We exposed tadpoles to these alarm cues, and measured changes in DNA methylation and CORT levels, both of which are mechanisms that have been implicated in the control of phenotypically plastic responses in tadpoles. To test the idea that DNA methylation drives shifts in GC physiology, we also experimentally manipulated methylation levels with the drug zebularine. We found differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between control tadpoles and their full-siblings exposed to alarm cues, zebularine, or both treatments. However, the effects of these manipulations on methylation patterns were weaker than clutch (e.g., genetic, maternal, etc.) effects. CORT levels were higher in larval cane toads exposed to alarm cues and zebularine. We found little evidence of changes in DNA methylation across the GC receptor gene (NR3C1) promoter region in response to alarm cue or zebularine exposure. In both alarm cue and zebularine-exposed individuals, we found differentially methylated DNA in the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 gene (SOCS3), which may be involved in predator avoidance behavior. In total, our data reveal that alarm cues have significant impacts on tadpole physiology, but show only weak links between DNA methylation and CORT levels. We also identify genes containing DMRs in tadpoles exposed to alarm cues and zebularine, particularly in range-edge populations, that warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roshmi R Sarma
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard J Edwards
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Ondi L Crino
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (LES), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Harrison J F Eyck
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Paul D Waters
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Michael R Crossland
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Richard Shine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Lee A Rollins
- Evolution & Ecology Research Centre, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tirumalaraju V, Suchting R, Evans J, Goetzl L, Refuerzo J, Neumann A, Anand D, Ravikumar R, Green CE, Cowen PJ, Selvaraj S. Risk of Depression in the Adolescent and Adult Offspring of Mothers With Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e208783. [PMID: 32602910 PMCID: PMC7327545 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Maternal depression during pregnancy is associated with emotional and behavioral difficulties of offspring during childhood that can increase the risk of depression in adolescence and adulthood. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between perinatal maternal depression and an increased long-term risk of depression in their adolescent and adult offspring. DATA SOURCES A systematic search of the electronic databases of PubMed and PsycINFO was conducted from May 2019 to June 2019. STUDY SELECTION A total of 6309 articles were identified, of which 88 articles were extracted for full-text review by 2 reviewers. Only articles reporting data from prospective longitudinal studies that assessed maternal depression during antenatal and/or postnatal periods and resulting offspring 12 years or older with measures of established psychometric properties were included. Exclusion criteria consisted of all other study designs, mothers with other medical and psychiatric comorbidities, and offspring younger than 12 years. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers, and discrepancies were mediated by an expert third reviewer. Meta-analysis was performed using Bayesian statistical inference and reported using Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guideline. The association of depression timing with the sex of offspring was explored using metaregression. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Offspring depression was evaluated using standardized depression scales or clinical interviews. RESULTS Six studies with a total of 15 584 mother-child dyads were included in the meta-analysis, which found the offspring of mothers who experienced perinatal depression to have increased odds of depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% credible interval [CrI], 1.60-2.65; posterior probability [PP] [OR >1], 98.6%). Although metaregression found no evidence for an overall association between perinatal depression timing and offspring depression (antenatal vs postnatal, PP [OR >1] = 53.8%), subgroup analyses showed slightly higher pooled odds for the antenatal studies (OR, 1.78; 95% CrI, 0.93-3.33; PP [OR >1] = 96.2%) than for the postnatal studies (OR, 1.66; 95% CrI, 0.65-3.84; PP [OR >1] = 88.0%). Female adolescent offspring recorded higher rates of depression in metaregression analyses, such that a 1% increase in the percentage of female (relative to male) offspring was associated with a 6% increase in the odds of offspring depression (OR, 1.06; 95% CrI, 0.99-1.14; τ2 = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this study, maternal perinatal depression, especially antenatal depression, was associated with the risk of depression in adolescence and adulthood. More research into the mechanisms of depression risk transmission and assessments of postinterventional risk reduction could aid in the development of future strategies to tackle depressive disorders in pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Tirumalaraju
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Robert Suchting
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Jonathan Evans
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Goetzl
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Jerrie Refuerzo
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Alexander Neumann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Deepa Anand
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Rekha Ravikumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mercy Health St Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Charles E. Green
- Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Philip J. Cowen
- Medical Sciences Division, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sudhakar Selvaraj
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rivi V, Benatti C, Colliva C, Radighieri G, Brunello N, Tascedda F, Blom JMC. Lymnaea stagnalis as model for translational neuroscience research: From pond to bench. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 108:602-616. [PMID: 31786320 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to illustrate how a reductionistic, but sophisticated, approach based on the use of a simple model system such as the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis (L. stagnalis), might be useful to address fundamental questions in learning and memory. L. stagnalis, as a model, provides an interesting platform to investigate the dialog between the synapse and the nucleus and vice versa during memory and learning. More importantly, the "molecular actors" of the memory dialogue are well-conserved both across phylogenetic groups and learning paradigms, involving single- or multi-trials, aversion or reward, operant or classical conditioning. At the same time, this model could help to study how, where and when the memory dialog is impaired in stressful conditions and during aging and neurodegeneration in humans and thus offers new insights and targets in order to develop innovative therapies and technology for the treatment of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Rivi
- Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C Benatti
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - C Colliva
- Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - G Radighieri
- Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - N Brunello
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - F Tascedda
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - J M C Blom
- Dept. of Education and Human Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schrott R, Acharya K, Itchon-Ramos N, Hawkey AB, Pippen E, Mitchell JT, Kollins SH, Levin ED, Murphy SK. Cannabis use is associated with potentially heritable widespread changes in autism candidate gene DLGAP2 DNA methylation in sperm. Epigenetics 2019; 15:161-173. [PMID: 31451081 PMCID: PMC6961656 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2019.1656158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental cannabis use has been associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring, but how such phenotypes are transmitted is largely unknown. Using reduced representation bisulphite sequencing (RRBS), we recently demonstrated that cannabis use is associated with widespread DNA methylation changes in human and rat sperm. Discs-Large Associated Protein 2 (DLGAP2), involved in synapse organization, neuronal signaling, and strongly implicated in autism, exhibited significant hypomethylation (p < 0.05) at 17 CpG sites in human sperm. We successfully validated the differential methylation present in DLGAP2 for nine CpG sites located in intron seven (p < 0.05) using quantitative bisulphite pyrosequencing. Intron 7 DNA methylation and DLGAP2 expression in human conceptal brain tissue were inversely correlated (p < 0.01). Adult male rats exposed to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) showed differential DNA methylation at Dlgap2 in sperm (p < 0.03), as did the nucleus accumbens of rats whose fathers were exposed to THC prior to conception (p < 0.05). Altogether, these results warrant further investigation into the effects of preconception cannabis use in males and the potential effects on subsequent generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kelly Acharya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Nilda Itchon-Ramos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Andrew B Hawkey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Erica Pippen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John T Mitchell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H Kollins
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Edward D Levin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.,Integrated Toxicology and Environmental Health Program, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chan D, Shao X, Dumargne MC, Aarabi M, Simon MM, Kwan T, Bailey JL, Robaire B, Kimmins S, San Gabriel MC, Zini A, Librach C, Moskovtsev S, Grundberg E, Bourque G, Pastinen T, Trasler JM. Customized MethylC-Capture Sequencing to Evaluate Variation in the Human Sperm DNA Methylome Representative of Altered Folate Metabolism. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:87002. [PMID: 31393794 PMCID: PMC6792365 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sperm DNA methylation landscape is unique and critical for offspring health. If gamete-derived DNA methylation escapes reprograming in early embryos, epigenetic defects in sperm may be transmitted to the next generation. Current techniques to assess sperm DNA methylation show bias toward CpG-dense regions and do not target areas of dynamic methylation, those predicted to be environmentally sensitive and tunable regulatory elements. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to assess variation in human sperm DNA methylation and design a targeted capture panel to interrogate the human sperm methylome. METHODS To characterize variation in sperm DNA methylation, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on an equimolar pool of sperm DNA from a wide cross section of 30 men varying in age, fertility status, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genotype, and exposures. With our targeted capture panel, in individual samples, we examined the effect of MTHFR genotype ([Formula: see text] 677CC, [Formula: see text] 677TT), as well as high-dose folic acid supplementation ([Formula: see text], per genotype, before and after supplementation). RESULTS Through WGBS we discovered nearly 1 million CpGs possessing intermediate methylation levels (20-80%), termed dynamic sperm CpGs. These dynamic CpGs, along with 2 million commonly assessed CpGs, were used to customize a capture panel for targeted interrogation of the human sperm methylome and test its ability to detect effects of altered folate metabolism. As compared with MTHFR 677CC men, those with the 677TT genotype (50% decreased MTHFR activity) had both hyper- and hypomethylation in their sperm. High-dose folic acid supplement treatment exacerbated hypomethylation in MTHFR 677TT men compared with 677CC. In both cases, [Formula: see text] of altered methylation was found in dynamic sperm CpGs, uniquely measured by our assay. DISCUSSION Our sperm panel allowed the discovery of differential methylation following conditions affecting folate metabolism in novel dynamic sperm CpGs. Improved ability to examine variation in sperm DNA methylation can facilitate comprehensive studies of environment-epigenome interactions. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4812.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donovan Chan
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Xiaojian Shao
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Charlotte Dumargne
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Animal Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mahmoud Aarabi
- Medical Genetics & Genomics Laboratories, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Magee-Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Tony Kwan
- McGill University and Génome Québec Innovation Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Janice L. Bailey
- Centre de recherche en reproduction, développement et santé intergénérationnelle, Université Laval, Faculté des sciences de l’agriculture et de l’alimentation, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Animal Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria C. San Gabriel
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Armand Zini
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Clifford Librach
- Canadian Reproductive Assisted Technology (CReATe) Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sergey Moskovtsev
- Canadian Reproductive Assisted Technology (CReATe) Fertility Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elin Grundberg
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Guillaume Bourque
- Canadian Centre for Computational Genomics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tomi Pastinen
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Center for Pediatric Genomic Medicine, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | - Jacquetta M. Trasler
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bhattacharya S, Fontaine A, MacCallum PE, Drover J, Blundell J. Stress Across Generations: DNA Methylation as a Potential Mechanism Underlying Intergenerational Effects of Stress in Both Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Pre-clinical Predator Stress Rodent Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:113. [PMID: 31191267 PMCID: PMC6547031 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although most humans will experience some type of traumatic event in their lifetime only a small set of individuals will go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Differences in sex, age, trauma type, and comorbidity, along with many other elements, contribute to the heterogenous manifestation of this disorder. Nonetheless, aberrant hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, especially in terms of cortisol and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) alterations, has been postulated as a tenable factor in the etiology and pathophysiology of PTSD. Moreover, emerging data suggests that the harmful effects of traumatic stress to the HPA axis in PTSD can also propagate into future generations, making offspring more prone to psychopathologies. Predator stress models provide an ethical and ethologically relevant way to investigate tentative mechanisms that are thought to underlie this phenomenon. In this review article, we discuss findings from human and laboratory predator stress studies that suggest changes to DNA methylation germane to GRs may underlie the generational effects of trauma transmission. Understanding mechanisms that promote stress-induced psychopathology will represent a major advance in the field and may lead to novel treatments for such devastating, and often treatment-resistant trauma and stress-disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sriya Bhattacharya
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Audrey Fontaine
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada.,Institut des Systèmes Intelligents et de Robotique (ISIR), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Phillip E MacCallum
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - James Drover
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Serpeloni F, Radtke KM, Hecker T, Sill J, Vukojevic V, de Assis SG, Schauer M, Elbert T, Nätt D. Does Prenatal Stress Shape Postnatal Resilience? - An Epigenome-Wide Study on Violence and Mental Health in Humans. Front Genet 2019; 10:269. [PMID: 31040859 PMCID: PMC6477038 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during pregnancy widely associates with epigenetic changes and psychiatric problems during childhood. Animal studies, however, show that under specific postnatal conditions prenatal stress may have other, less detrimental consequences for the offspring. Here, we studied mental health and epigenome-wide DNA methylation in saliva following intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in São Gonçalo, a Brazilian city with high levels of violence. Not surprisingly, mothers exposed to pregnancy IPV expressed elevated depression, PTSD and anxiety symptoms. Children had similar psychiatric problems when they experienced maternal IPV after being born. More surprisingly, when maternal IPV occurred both during (prenatal) and after pregnancy these problems were absent. Following prenatal IPV, genomic sites in genes encoding the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and its repressor FKBP51 (FKBP5) were among the most differentially methylated and indicated an enhanced ability to terminate hormonal stress responses in prenatally stressed children. These children also showed more DNA methylation in heterochromatin-like regions, which previously has been associated with stress/disease resilience. A similar relationship was seen in prenatally stressed middle-eastern refugees of the same age as the São Gonçalo children but exposed to postnatal war-related violence. While our study is limited in location and sample size, it provides novel insights on how prenatal stress may epigenetically shape resilience in humans, possibly through interactions with the postnatal environment. This translates animal findings and emphasizes the importance to account for population differences when studying how early life gene–environment interactions affects mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Serpeloni
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Department of Studies in Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro - National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karl M Radtke
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Evolutionary Biology and Zoology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Tobias Hecker
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Johanna Sill
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Vanja Vukojevic
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Simone G de Assis
- Department of Studies in Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro - National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maggie Schauer
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Daniel Nätt
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
nArgBP2-SAPAP-SHANK, the core postsynaptic triad associated with psychiatric disorders. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-9. [PMID: 29628500 PMCID: PMC5938024 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-017-0018-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the complex genetic architecture, a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders can still be caused by mutation(s) in the same gene. These disorders are interrelated with overlapping causative mechanisms including variations in the interaction among the risk-associated proteins that may give rise to the specific spectrum of each disorder. Additionally, multiple lines of evidence implicate an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neuronal activity (E/I imbalance) as the shared key etiology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying E/I imbalance provides essential insight into the etiology of these disorders. One important class of candidate risk genes is the postsynaptic scaffolding proteins, such as nArgBP2, SAPAP, and SHANK that regulate the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines of excitatory synapses. This review will cover and discuss recent studies that examined how these proteins, especially nArgBP2, are associated with psychiatric disorders. Next, we propose a possibility that variations in the interaction among these proteins in a specific brain region might contribute to the onset of diverse phenotypes of psychiatric disorders. The assembly of scaffolding proteins, key regulators of many signaling pathways, found in the brain’s synapses underpin a diverse range of neuropsychiatric disorders. Sunghoe Chang and colleagues from Seoul National University, South Korea, review how these postsynaptic proteins regulate the cellular cytoskeleton in nerve cell protrusions to maintain the balance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs in the brain. They discuss how perturbations in three particular proteins can cause an imbalance in synaptic signals that leads to conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism. The authors propose that these proteins form a “core scaffolding triad” and interact in different ways to cause different mental illnesses. Dysregulation of these proteins could explain how mutations in the same genes, depending on whether they boost or decrease gene expression, contribute to the onset of diverse psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
|
21
|
Rasmussen AH, Rasmussen HB, Silahtaroglu A. The DLGAP family: neuronal expression, function and role in brain disorders. Mol Brain 2017; 10:43. [PMID: 28870203 PMCID: PMC5583998 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-017-0324-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter glutamate facilitates neuronal signalling at excitatory synapses. Glutamate is released from the presynaptic membrane into the synaptic cleft. Across the synaptic cleft glutamate binds to both ion channels and metabotropic glutamate receptors at the postsynapse, which expedite downstream signalling in the neuron. The postsynaptic density, a highly specialized matrix, which is attached to the postsynaptic membrane, controls this downstream signalling. The postsynaptic density also resets the synapse after each synaptic firing. It is composed of numerous proteins including a family of Discs large associated protein 1, 2, 3 and 4 (DLGAP1-4) that act as scaffold proteins in the postsynaptic density. They link the glutamate receptors in the postsynaptic membrane to other glutamate receptors, to signalling proteins and to components of the cytoskeleton. With the central localisation in the postsynapse, the DLGAP family seems to play a vital role in synaptic scaling by regulating the turnover of both ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors in response to synaptic activity. DLGAP family has been directly linked to a variety of psychological and neurological disorders. In this review we focus on the direct and indirect role of DLGAP family on schizophrenia as well as other brain diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas H Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne B Rasmussen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Asli Silahtaroglu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The recent progress in animal models of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 77:99-109. [PMID: 28396255 PMCID: PMC5605906 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental illness with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the growing number of studies that have emerged, the precise underlying mechanisms of MDD remain unknown. When studying MDD, tissue samples like peripheral blood or post-mortem brain samples are used to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Unfortunately, there are many uncontrollable factors with such samples such as medication history, age, time after death before post-mortem tissue was collected, age, sex, race, and living conditions. Although these factors are critical, they introduce confounding variables that can influence the outcome profoundly. In this regard, animal models provide a crucial approach to examine neural circuitry and molecular and cellular pathways in a controlled environment. Further, manipulations with pharmacological agents and gene editing are accepted methods of studying depression in animal models, which is impossible to employ in human patient studies. Here, we have reviewed the most widely used animal models of depression and delineated the salient features of each model in terms of behavioral and neurobiological outcomes. We have also illustrated the current challenges in using these models and have suggested strategies to delineate the underlying mechanism associated with vulnerability or resilience to developing depression.
Collapse
|
23
|
Dirven BCJ, Homberg JR, Kozicz T, Henckens MJAG. Epigenetic programming of the neuroendocrine stress response by adult life stress. J Mol Endocrinol 2017; 59:R11-R31. [PMID: 28400482 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is critically involved in the neuroendocrine regulation of stress adaptation, and the restoration of homeostasis following stress exposure. Dysregulation of this axis is associated with stress-related pathologies like major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and chronic anxiety. It has long been understood that stress during early life can have a significant lasting influence on the development of the neuroendocrine system and its neural regulators, partially by modifying epigenetic regulation of gene expression, with implications for health and well-being in later life. Evidence is accumulating that epigenetic plasticity also extends to adulthood, proposing it as a mechanism by which psychological trauma later in life can long-lastingly affect HPA axis function, brain plasticity, neuronal function and behavioural adaptation to neuropsychological stress. Further corroborating this claim is the phenomenon that these epigenetic changes correlate with the behavioural consequences of trauma exposure. Thereby, epigenetic modifications provide a putative molecular mechanism by which the behavioural phenotype and transcriptional/translational potential of genes involved in HPA axis regulation can change drastically in response to environmental challenges, and appear an important target for treatment of stress-related disorders. However, improved insight is required to increase their therapeutic (drug) potential. Here, we provide an overview of the growing body of literature describing the epigenetic modulation of the (primarily neuroendocrine) stress response as a consequence of adult life stress and interpret the implications for, and the challenges involved in applying this knowledge to, the identification and treatment of stress-related psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Anxiety/genetics
- Anxiety/metabolism
- Anxiety/physiopathology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- DNA Methylation
- Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics
- Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism
- Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Histones/genetics
- Histones/metabolism
- Homeostasis
- Humans
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/pathology
- Neurotransmitter Agents/metabolism
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiopathology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B C J Dirven
- Department of AnatomyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cognitive NeuroscienceDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive NeuroscienceDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T Kozicz
- Department of AnatomyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M J A G Henckens
- Department of Cognitive NeuroscienceDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Marinova Z, Maercker A, Küffer A, Robinson MD, Wojdacz TK, Walitza S, Grünblatt E, Burri A. DNA methylation profiles of elderly individuals subjected to indentured childhood labor and trauma. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 18:21. [PMID: 28241754 PMCID: PMC5329963 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-017-0370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Childhood trauma is associated with increased vulnerability to mental and somatic disorders later in life. Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation are one potential mechanism through which such long-lasting impairments/consequences can be explained. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether childhood trauma is associated with long-term DNA methylation alterations in old age. Methods We assessed genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in a cohort of former indentured child laborers (“Verdingkinder”) who suffered severe childhood adversities (N = 30; M age = 75.9 years), and compared them to control group with similar demographic characteristics (N = 15, M age = 72.8 years). DNA was isolated from epithelial buccal cells and hybridized to the Illumina Infinium 450 k DNA methylation array, which provides coverage of 485,000 methylation sites. Results After accounting for batch effects, age, gender and multiple testing, 71 differentially methylated CpG positions were identified between the two groups. They were annotated among others to genes involved in neuronal projections and neuronal development. Some of the identified genes with differential methylation (DLG associated protein 2, mechanistic target of rapamycin) have previously been associated with traumatic stress. Conclusions The results indicate specific epigenetic alterations in elderly individuals who were subjected to childhood adversities. Psychiatric and somatic comorbidities as well as differences in buccal epithelial cells proportion may contribute to the observed epigenetic differences. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-017-0370-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Marinova
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Neumunsterallee 9, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Andreas Maercker
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Küffer
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,University Research Priority Program Dynamics of Healthy Aging, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomasz K Wojdacz
- Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Neumunsterallee 9, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the 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, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Neumunsterallee 9, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Burri
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand.,Waitemata Pain Service, Department of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lin YC, Frei JA, Kilander MBC, Shen W, Blatt GJ. A Subset of Autism-Associated Genes Regulate the Structural Stability of Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:263. [PMID: 27909399 PMCID: PMC5112273 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a range of neurological conditions that affect individuals’ ability to communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often exhibit marked qualitative difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Alterations in neurite arborization and dendritic spine morphology, including size, shape, and number, are hallmarks of almost all neurological conditions, including ASD. As experimental evidence emerges in recent years, it becomes clear that although there is broad heterogeneity of identified autism risk genes, many of them converge into similar cellular pathways, including those regulating neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and spine stability, and synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms together regulate the structural stability of neurons and are vulnerable targets in ASD. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of those autism risk genes that affect the structural connectivity of neurons. We sub-categorize them into (1) cytoskeletal regulators, e.g., motors and small RhoGTPase regulators; (2) adhesion molecules, e.g., cadherins, NCAM, and neurexin superfamily; (3) cell surface receptors, e.g., glutamatergic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases; (4) signaling molecules, e.g., protein kinases and phosphatases; and (5) synaptic proteins, e.g., vesicle and scaffolding proteins. Although the roles of some of these genes in maintaining neuronal structural stability are well studied, how mutations contribute to the autism phenotype is still largely unknown. Investigating whether and how the neuronal structure and function are affected when these genes are mutated will provide insights toward developing effective interventions aimed at improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Lin
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jeannine A Frei
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Michaela B C Kilander
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Laboratory of Autism Neurocircuitry, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Insight from animal models of environmentally driven epigenetic changes in the developing and adult brain. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1229-1243. [PMID: 27687803 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941600081x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The efforts of many neuroscientists are directed toward understanding the appreciable plasticity of the brain and behavior. In recent years, epigenetics has become a core of this focus as a prime mechanistic candidate for behavioral modifications. Animal models have been instrumental in advancing our understanding of environmentally driven changes to the epigenome in the developing and adult brain. This review focuses mainly on such discoveries driven by adverse environments along with their associated behavioral outcomes. While much of the evidence discussed focuses on epigenetics within the central nervous system, several peripheral studies in humans who have experienced significant adversity are also highlighted. As we continue to unravel the link between epigenetics and phenotype, discerning the complexity and specificity of epigenetic changes induced by environments is an important step toward understanding optimal development and how to prevent or ameliorate behavioral deficits bred by disruptive environments.
Collapse
|
27
|
Blouin AM, Sillivan SE, Joseph NF, Miller CA. The potential of epigenetics in stress-enhanced fear learning models of PTSD. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:576-86. [PMID: 27634148 PMCID: PMC5026205 DOI: 10.1101/lm.040485.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged distress and dysregulated memory processes are the core features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and represent the debilitating, persistent nature of the illness. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the expression of these symptoms are challenging to study in human patients. Stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) paradigms, which encompass both stress and memory components in rodents, are emerging as valuable preclinical models of PTSD. Rodent models designed to study the long-term mechanisms of either stress or fear memory alone have identified a critical role for numerous epigenetic modifications to DNA and histone proteins. However, the epigenetic modifications underlying SEFL remain largely unknown. This review will provide a brief overview of the epigenetic modifications implicated in stress and fear memory independently, followed by a description of existing SEFL models and the few epigenetic mechanisms found to date to underlie SEFL. The results of the animal studies discussed here highlight neuroepigenetics as an essential area for future research in the context of PTSD through SEFL studies, because of its potential to identify novel candidates for neurotherapeutics targeting stress-induced pathogenic memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Blouin
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Stephanie E Sillivan
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Nadine F Joseph
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Courtney A Miller
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zoladz PR, Diamond DM. Predator-based psychosocial stress animal model of PTSD: Preclinical assessment of traumatic stress at cognitive, hormonal, pharmacological, cardiovascular and epigenetic levels of analysis. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:211-219. [PMID: 27283115 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is faced with the challenge of understanding how a traumatic experience produces long-lasting detrimental effects on behavior and brain functioning, and more globally, how stress exacerbates somatic disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the design of translational research needs to link animal models of PTSD to clinically relevant risk factors which address why only a subset of traumatized individuals develop persistent psychopathology. In this review, we have summarized our psychosocial stress rodent model of PTSD which is based on well-described PTSD-inducing risk factors, including a life-threatening experience, a sense of horror and uncontrollability, and insufficient social support. Specifically, our animal model of PTSD integrates acute episodes of inescapable exposure of immobilized rats to a predator with chronic daily social instability. This stress regimen produces PTSD-like effects in rats at behavioral, cognitive, physiological, pharmacological and epigenetic levels of analysis. We have discussed a recent extension of our animal model of PTSD in which stress exacerbated coronary pathology following an ischemic event, assessed in vitro. In addition, we have reviewed our research investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies which may have value in clinical approaches toward the treatment of traumatized people. Overall, our translational approach bridges the gap between human and animal PTSD research to create a framework with which to enhance our understanding of the biological basis of trauma-induced pathology and to assess therapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Preclinical & Clinical Research on PTSD, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
This article highlights the defining principles, progress, and future directions in epigenetics research in relation to this Special Issue. Exciting studies in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry have provided new insights into the epigenetic factors (e.g., DNA methylation) that are responsive to environmental input and serve as biological pathways in behavioral development. Here we highlight the experimental evidence, mainly from animal models, that factors such as psychosocial stress and environmental adversity can become encoded within epigenetic factors with functional consequences for brain plasticity and behavior. We also highlight evidence that epigenetic marking of genes in one generation can have consequences for future generations (i.e., inherited), and work with humans linking epigenetics, cognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric disorder. Though epigenetics has offered more of a beginning than an answer to the centuries-old nature-nurture debate, continued research is certain to yield substantial information regarding biological determinants of central nervous system changes and behavior with relevance for the study of developmental psychopathology.
Collapse
|
30
|
Joubert BR, Felix JF, Yousefi P, Bakulski KM, Just AC, Breton C, Reese SE, Markunas CA, Richmond RC, Xu CJ, Küpers LK, Oh SS, Hoyo C, Gruzieva O, Söderhäll C, Salas LA, Baïz N, Zhang H, Lepeule J, Ruiz C, Ligthart S, Wang T, Taylor JA, Duijts L, Sharp GC, Jankipersadsing SA, Nilsen RM, Vaez A, Fallin MD, Hu D, Litonjua AA, Fuemmeler BF, Huen K, Kere J, Kull I, Munthe-Kaas MC, Gehring U, Bustamante M, Saurel-Coubizolles MJ, Quraishi BM, Ren J, Tost J, Gonzalez JR, Peters MJ, Håberg SE, Xu Z, van Meurs JB, Gaunt TR, Kerkhof M, Corpeleijn E, Feinberg AP, Eng C, Baccarelli AA, Benjamin Neelon SE, Bradman A, Merid SK, Bergström A, Herceg Z, Hernandez-Vargas H, Brunekreef B, Pinart M, Heude B, Ewart S, Yao J, Lemonnier N, Franco OH, Wu MC, Hofman A, McArdle W, Van der Vlies P, Falahi F, Gillman MW, Barcellos LF, Kumar A, Wickman M, Guerra S, Charles MA, Holloway J, Auffray C, Tiemeier HW, Smith GD, Postma D, Hivert MF, Eskenazi B, Vrijheid M, Arshad H, Antó JM, Dehghan A, Karmaus W, Annesi-Maesano I, Sunyer J, Ghantous A, Pershagen G, Holland N, Murphy SK, DeMeo DL, Burchard EG, Ladd-Acosta C, Snieder H, Nystad W, Koppelman GH, Relton CL, Jaddoe VWV, Wilcox A, Melén E, London SJ. DNA Methylation in Newborns and Maternal Smoking in Pregnancy: Genome-wide Consortium Meta-analysis. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:680-96. [PMID: 27040690 PMCID: PMC4833289 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 580] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, represent a potential mechanism for environmental impacts on human disease. Maternal smoking in pregnancy remains an important public health problem that impacts child health in a myriad of ways and has potential lifelong consequences. The mechanisms are largely unknown, but epigenetics most likely plays a role. We formed the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics (PACE) consortium and meta-analyzed, across 13 cohorts (n = 6,685), the association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and newborn blood DNA methylation at over 450,000 CpG sites (CpGs) by using the Illumina 450K BeadChip. Over 6,000 CpGs were differentially methylated in relation to maternal smoking at genome-wide statistical significance (false discovery rate, 5%), including 2,965 CpGs corresponding to 2,017 genes not previously related to smoking and methylation in either newborns or adults. Several genes are relevant to diseases that can be caused by maternal smoking (e.g., orofacial clefts and asthma) or adult smoking (e.g., certain cancers). A number of differentially methylated CpGs were associated with gene expression. We observed enrichment in pathways and processes critical to development. In older children (5 cohorts, n = 3,187), 100% of CpGs gave at least nominal levels of significance, far more than expected by chance (p value < 2.2 × 10(-16)). Results were robust to different normalization methods used across studies and cell type adjustment. In this large scale meta-analysis of methylation data, we identified numerous loci involved in response to maternal smoking in pregnancy with persistence into later childhood and provide insights into mechanisms underlying effects of this important exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie R Joubert
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Janine F Felix
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA the Netherlands
| | - Paul Yousefi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Allan C Just
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Carrie Breton
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Sarah E Reese
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Christina A Markunas
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rebecca C Richmond
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Cheng-Jian Xu
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Leanne K Küpers
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Sam S Oh
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-2911, USA
| | - Cathrine Hoyo
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7633, USA
| | - Olena Gruzieva
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Cilla Söderhäll
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 141 83, Sweden
| | - Lucas A Salas
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Nour Baïz
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Saint-Antoine Medical School, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Johanna Lepeule
- Team of Environmental Epidemiology applied to Reproduction and Respiratory Health, Institut Albert Bonniot, Institut National de la Santé et de le Recherche Médicale, University of Grenoble Alpes, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Carlos Ruiz
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Symen Ligthart
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Jack A Taylor
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Liesbeth Duijts
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA the Netherlands; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Gemma C Sharp
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Soesma A Jankipersadsing
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Roy M Nilsen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen 5018, Norway
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-73461, Iran
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Donglei Hu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-2911, USA
| | - Augusto A Litonjua
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bernard F Fuemmeler
- Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Karen Huen
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Juha Kere
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 141 83, Sweden
| | - Inger Kull
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | | | - Ulrike Gehring
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3508 TD, the Netherlands
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | | | - Bilal M Quraishi
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Jie Ren
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Génotypage, CEA-Institut de Génomique, 91000 Evry, France
| | - Juan R Gonzalez
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Marjolein J Peters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0403, Norway
| | - Zongli Xu
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Joyce B van Meurs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Tom R Gaunt
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Marjan Kerkhof
- GRIAC Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Corpeleijn
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew P Feinberg
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Celeste Eng
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-2911, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Asa Bradman
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Simon Kebede Merid
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Anna Bergström
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 69008 Lyon, France
| | | | - Bert Brunekreef
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3508 TD, the Netherlands; Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 TD, the Netherlands
| | - Mariona Pinart
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Barbara Heude
- INSERM, UMR 1153, Early Origin of the Child's Health And Development (ORCHAD) Team, Centre de Recherche Épidémiologie et Statistique Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Université Paris Descartes, 94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Susan Ewart
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jin Yao
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA
| | - Nathanaël Lemonnier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-École Normale Supérieure de Lyon-Université Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), Université de Lyon, European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Michael C Wu
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Albert Hofman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wendy McArdle
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Pieter Van der Vlies
- Department of Genetics, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Fahimeh Falahi
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew W Gillman
- Obesity Prevention Program, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Lisa F Barcellos
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Department of Public Health Epidemiology, Unit of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel 4051, Switzerland; University of Basel, Basel 4001, Switzerland
| | - Magnus Wickman
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Sachs' Children's Hospital and Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Stefano Guerra
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Marie-Aline Charles
- INSERM, UMR 1153, Early Origin of the Child's Health And Development (ORCHAD) Team, Centre de Recherche Épidémiologie et Statistique Sorbonne Paris Cité (CRESS), Université Paris Descartes, 94807 Villejuif, France
| | - John Holloway
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical & Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Faculty of Medicine, Human Development & Health, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Charles Auffray
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique-École Normale Supérieure de Lyon-Université Claude Bernard (Lyon 1), Université de Lyon, European Institute for Systems Biology and Medicine 69007 Lyon, France
| | - Henning W Tiemeier
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA the Netherlands
| | - George Davey Smith
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Dirkje Postma
- Department of Pulmonology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Obesity Prevention Program, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brenda Eskenazi
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Hasan Arshad
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical & Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Josep M Antó
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Abbas Dehghan
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfried Karmaus
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Pierre Louis Institute of Epidemiology and Public Health (IPLESP UMRS 1136), Epidemiology of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases Department (EPAR), Saint-Antoine Medical School, F75012 Paris, France
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- Centre for Research in Environmental Epidemiology (CREAL), Barcelona 08003, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona 08003, Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Akram Ghantous
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Göran Pershagen
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Nina Holland
- Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH), School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720-7360, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dawn L DeMeo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Esteban G Burchard
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-2911, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-2911, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Wenche Nystad
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo 0403, Norway
| | - Gerard H Koppelman
- GRIAC Research Institute Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9700 RB, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Pediatric Allergology, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, the Netherlands
| | - Caroline L Relton
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - Vincent W V Jaddoe
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam 3000 CA, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, 3000 CA the Netherlands
| | - Allen Wilcox
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Erik Melén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden; Sachs' Children's Hospital and Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Stephanie J London
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Watson CT, Szutorisz H, Garg P, Martin Q, Landry JA, Sharp AJ, Hurd YL. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling Reveals Epigenetic Changes in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens Associated With Cross-Generational Effects of Adolescent THC Exposure. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2993-3005. [PMID: 26044905 PMCID: PMC4864634 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Drug exposure during critical periods of development is known to have lasting effects, increasing one's risk for developing mental health disorders. Emerging evidence has also indicated the possibility for drug exposure to even impact subsequent generations. Our previous work demonstrated that adolescent exposure to Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of marijuana (Cannabis sativa), in a Long-Evans rat model affects reward-related behavior and gene regulation in the subsequent (F1) generation unexposed to the drug. Questions, however, remained regarding potential epigenetic consequences. In the current study, using the same rat model, we employed Enhanced Reduced Representation Bisulfite Sequencing to interrogate the epigenome of the nucleus accumbens, a key brain area involved in reward processing. This analysis compared 16 animals with parental THC exposure and 16 without to characterize relevant systems-level changes in DNA methylation. We identified 1027 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with parental THC exposure in F1 adults, each represented by multiple CpGs. These DMRs fell predominantly within introns, exons, and intergenic intervals, while showing a significant depletion in gene promoters. From these, we identified a network of DMR-associated genes involved in glutamatergic synaptic regulation, which also exhibited altered mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens. These data provide novel insight into drug-related cross-generational epigenetic effects, and serve as a useful resource for investigators to explore novel neurobiological systems underlying drug abuse vulnerability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corey T Watson
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henrietta Szutorisz
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paras Garg
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qammarah Martin
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph A Landry
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew J Sharp
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA,Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1065, New York, NY 10029, USA, Tel: +1 212 824 8314, Fax: +1 646 527 9598, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Comparison of the Adulthood Chronic Stress Effect on Hippocampal BDNF Signaling in Male and Female Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4026-4033. [PMID: 26189832 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies show that gender plays an important role in stress-related disorders, and women are more vulnerable to its effect. The present study was undertaken to investigate differences in the change in expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and its tyrosine intracellular kinase-activating receptor (TrkB) genes in the male and female rats' hippocampus (HPC) under chronic mild repeated stress (CMRS) conditions. In this experiment, male and female Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: the CMRS and the control group. To induce stress, a repeated forced swimming paradigm was employed daily for adult male and female rats for 21 days. At the end of the stress phase, elevated plus maze (EPM) was used for measuring the stress behavioral effects. Serum corticosterone level was measured by ELISA. BDNF and TrkB gene methylation and protein expression in the HPC were detected using real-time PCR and Western blotting. Chronic stress in the adolescence had more effects on anxiety-like behavior and serum corticosterone concentration in female rats than males. Furthermore, stressed female rats had higher methylation levels and following reduced protein expression of BDNF but not TrkB compared to stressed male rats. These findings suggest that in exposure to a stressor, sex differences in BDNF methylation may be root cause of decreased BDNF levels in females and may underlie susceptibility to pathology development.
Collapse
|
33
|
Evidence from clinical and animal model studies of the long-term and transgenerational impact of stress on DNA methylation. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 43:76-84. [PMID: 25917771 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
While it is well-known that stress during development and adulthood can confer long-term neurobiological and behavioral consequences, investigators have only recently begun to assess underlying epigenetic modifications. In this review, we highlight clinical research and work from animal models that provide evidence of the impact of stressful experiences either during the perinatal period or adulthood on DNA methylation and behavior. Additionally, we explore the more controversial concept of transgenerational inheritance, including that associated with preconception stress experienced by the mother or father. Finally, we discuss challenges associated with the idea of transgenerational epigenetics and for the field of epigenetics in general.
Collapse
|
34
|
Rodrigues GM, Toffoli LV, Manfredo MH, Francis-Oliveira J, Silva AS, Raquel HA, Martins-Pinge MC, Moreira EG, Fernandes KB, Pelosi GG, Gomes MV. Acute stress affects the global DNA methylation profile in rat brain: modulation by physical exercise. Behav Brain Res 2014; 279:123-8. [PMID: 25449846 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The vulnerability of epigenetic marks of brain cells to environmental stimuli and its implication for health have been recently debated. Thus, we used the rat model of acute restraint stress (ARS) to evaluate the impact of stress on the global DNA methylation and on the expression of the Dnmt1 and Bdnf genes of hippocampus, cortex, hypothalamus and periaqueductal gray (PAG). Furthermore, we verified the potential of physical exercise to modulate epigenetic responses evoked by ARS. Sedentary male Wistar rats were submitted to ARS at the 75th postnatal day (PND), whereas animals from a physically active group were previously submitted to swimming sessions (35-74th PND) and to ARS at the 75th PND. Global DNA methylation profile was quantified using an ELISA-based method and the quantitative expression of the Dnmt1 and Bdnf genes was evaluated by real-time PCR. ARS induced a decrease in global DNA methylation in hippocampus, cortex and PAG of sedentary animals and an increased expression of Bdnf in PAG. No change in DNA methylation was associated with ARS in the exercised animals, although it was associated with abnormal expression of Dnmt1 and Bdnf in cortex, hypothalamus and PAG. Our data reveal that ARS evokes adaptive changes in global DNA methylation of rat brain that are independent of the expression of the Dnmt1 gene but might be linked to abnormal expression of the Bdnf gene in the PAG. Furthermore, our evidence indicates that physical exercise has the potential to modulate changes in DNA methylation and gene expression consequent to ARS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrey S Silva
- Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), Londrina, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcus V Gomes
- Universidade Norte do Paraná (UNOPAR), Londrina, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Epigenetic mechanisms in the development of behavior: advances, challenges, and future promises of a new field. Dev Psychopathol 2014; 25:1279-91. [PMID: 24342840 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579413000618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, there have been exciting advances in the field of behavioral epigenetics that have provided new insights into a biological basis of neural and behavioral effects of gene-environment interactions. It is now understood that changes in the activity of genes established through epigenetic alterations occur as a consequence of exposure to environmental adversity, social stress, and traumatic experiences. DNA methylation in particular has thus emerged as a leading candidate biological pathway linking gene-environment interactions to long-term and even multigenerational trajectories in behavioral development, including the vulnerability and resilience to psychopathology. This paper discusses what we have learned from research using animal models and from studies in which the translation of these findings has been made to humans. Studies concerning the significance of DNA methylation alterations in outcomes associated with stress exposure later in life and dysfunction in the form of neuropsychiatric disorders are highlighted, and several avenues of future research are suggested that promise to advance our understanding of epigenetics both as a mechanism by which the environment can contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders and as an avenue for more effective intervention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
|
36
|
Lukowiak K, Heckler B, Bennett TE, Schriner EK, Wyrick K, Jewett C, Todd RP, Sorg BA. Enhanced memory persistence is blocked by a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor in the snail Lymnaea stagnalis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 217:2920-9. [PMID: 24902747 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.106765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lymnaea stagnalis provides an excellent model system for studying memory because these snails have a well-described set of neurons, a single one of which controls expression of long-term memory of operantly conditioned respiratory behavior. We have shown that several different manipulations, including pre-training exposure to serotonin (5-HT) or methamphetamine, submersion of snails after training to prevent memory interference, and exposure to effluent from predatory crayfish (CE), enhance memory persistence. Changes in DNA methylation underlie formation of strong memories in mammals and 5-HT-enhanced long-term facilitation in Aplysia. Here we determined the impact of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA; 87 μmol l(-1)), on enhanced memory persistence by all four manipulations. We found that 5-HT (100 μmol l(-1)) enhanced memory persistence, which was blocked by 5-AZA pretreatment. Snails pre-exposed to 3.3 μmol l(-1) Meth 4 h prior to training demonstrated memory 72 h later, which was not present in controls. This memory-enhancing effect was blocked by pre-treatment with 87 μmol l(-1) 5-AZA. Similarly, submersion to prevent interference learning as well as training in CE produced memory that was not present in controls, and these effects were blocked by pre-treatment with 87 μmol l(-1) 5-AZA. In contrast, 5-AZA injection did not alter expression of normal (non-enhanced) memory, suggesting that these four stimuli enhance memory persistence by increasing DNA methyltransferase activity, which, in turn, increases expression of memory-enhancing genes and/or inhibits memory suppressor genes. These studies lay important groundwork for delineating gene methylation changes that are common to persistent memory produced by different stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Lukowiak
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AL T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Benjamin Heckler
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Thomas E Bennett
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Ellen K Schriner
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Kathryn Wyrick
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Cynthia Jewett
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Ryan P Todd
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| | - Barbara A Sorg
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Program and Translational Addiction Research Center, Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience, Washington State University, Vancouver, WA 98686, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Malan-Müller S, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. Understanding posttraumatic stress disorder: insights from the methylome. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2013; 13:52-68. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 11/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Malan-Müller
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Stellenbosch University; Tygerberg South Africa
| | - S. Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Stellenbosch University; Tygerberg South Africa
| | - S. M. J. Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Stellenbosch University; Tygerberg South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leen-Feldner EW, Feldner MT, Knapp A, Bunaciu L, Blumenthal H, Amstadter AB. Offspring psychological and biological correlates of parental posttraumatic stress: review of the literature and research agenda. Clin Psychol Rev 2013; 33:1106-33. [PMID: 24100080 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2013.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2013] [Revised: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Millions of individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are parents. A burgeoning literature suggests that offspring of parents with this condition may be at increased risk for psychological problems. The current paper provides an integrative and comprehensive review of the diverse research literature examining the sequelae of parental posttraumatic stress among offspring. Over 100 studies that evaluated psychological and/or biological variables among children of parents with PTSD are reviewed. Findings suggest parental symptoms of posttraumatic stress are uniquely related to an array of offspring outcomes, including internalizing-type problems, general behavioral problems, and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning. Although very little work has directly evaluated mechanisms of transmission, there is increasing support for genetic and epigenetic effects as well as parenting behaviors. These and other mechanisms are discussed; drawing upon findings from other literatures to consider how parental PTSD may impart psychobiological vulnerability upon offspring. We conclude with a detailed discussion of the methodological strengths and challenges of the extant research, along with a recommended agenda for future research in this important area of study.
Collapse
|
39
|
Jiang Z, Cowell RM, Nakazawa K. Convergence of genetic and environmental factors on parvalbumin-positive interneurons in schizophrenia. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:116. [PMID: 24027504 PMCID: PMC3759852 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia etiology is thought to involve an interaction between genetic and environmental factors during postnatal brain development. However, there is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility to trigger symptom onset and disease progression. In this review, we summarize the most recent findings implicating oxidative stress as one mechanism by which environmental insults, especially early life social stress, impact the development of schizophrenia. Based on a review of the literature and the results of our own animal model, we suggest that environmental stressors such as social isolation render parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PVIs) vulnerable to oxidative stress. We previously reported that social isolation stress exacerbates many of the schizophrenia-like phenotypes seen in a conditional genetic mouse model in which NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are selectively ablated in half of cortical and hippocampal interneurons during early postnatal development (Belforte et al., 2010). We have since revealed that this social isolation-induced effect is caused by impairments in the antioxidant defense capacity in the PVIs in which NMDARs are ablated. We propose that this effect is mediated by the down-regulation of PGC-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial energy metabolism and anti-oxidant defense, following the deletion of NMDARs (Jiang et al., 2013). Other potential molecular mechanisms underlying redox dysfunction upon gene and environmental interaction will be discussed, with a focus on the unique properties of PVIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Jiang
- Unit on Genetics of Cognition and Behavior, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Stankiewicz AM, Swiergiel AH, Lisowski P. Epigenetics of stress adaptations in the brain. Brain Res Bull 2013; 98:76-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/06/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
41
|
Zoladz PR, Diamond DM. Current status on behavioral and biological markers of PTSD: a search for clarity in a conflicting literature. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:860-95. [PMID: 23567521 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has identified stereotypic behavioral and biological abnormalities in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as heightened autonomic activity, an exaggerated startle response, reduced basal cortisol levels and cognitive impairments. We have reviewed primary research in this area, noting that factors involved in the susceptibility and expression of PTSD symptoms are more complex and heterogeneous than is commonly stated, with extensive findings which are inconsistent with the stereotypic behavioral and biological profile of the PTSD patient. A thorough assessment of the literature indicates that interactions among myriad susceptibility factors, including social support, early life stress, sex, age, peri- and post-traumatic dissociation, cognitive appraisal of trauma, neuroendocrine abnormalities and gene polymorphisms, in conjunction with the inconsistent expression of the disorder across studies, confounds attempts to characterize PTSD as a monolithic disorder. Overall, our assessment of the literature addresses the great challenge in developing a behavioral and biomarker-based diagnosis of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH, 45810, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
One of the most exciting discoveries in the learning and memory field in the past two decades is the observation that active regulation of gene expression is necessary for experience to trigger lasting functional and behavioral change, in a wide variety of species, including humans. Thus, as opposed to the traditional view of 'nature' (genes) being separate from 'nurture' (environment and experience), it is now clear that experience actively drives alterations in central nervous system (CNS) gene expression in an ongoing fashion, and that the resulting transcriptional changes are necessary for experience to trigger altered long-term behavior. In parallel over the past decade, epigenetic mechanisms, including regulation of chromatin structure and DNA methylation, have been shown to be potent regulators of gene transcription in the CNS. In this review, we describe data supporting the hypothesis that epigenetic molecular mechanisms, especially DNA methylation and demethylation, drive long-term behavioral change through active regulation of gene transcription in the CNS. Specifically, we propose that epigenetic molecular mechanisms underlie the formation and stabilization of context- and cue-triggered fear conditioning based in the hippocampus and amygdala, a conclusion reached in a wide variety of studies using laboratory animals. Given the relevance of cued and contextual fear conditioning to post-traumatic stress, by extension we propose that these mechanisms may contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in humans. Moreover, we speculate that epigenetically based pharmacotherapy may provide a new avenue of drug treatment for PTSD-related cognitive and behavioral function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Neurobiology, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - J David Sweatt
- Department of Neurobiology, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, USA,Department of Neurobiology, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1010 Shelby Building, 1825 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-2182, USA, Tel: +205 975 5196, Fax: +205 934 6571, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Zovkic IB, Meadows JP, Kaas GA, Sweatt JD. Interindividual Variability in Stress Susceptibility: A Role for Epigenetic Mechanisms in PTSD. Front Psychiatry 2013; 4:60. [PMID: 23805109 PMCID: PMC3693073 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2013.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by intrusive and persistent memories of a psychologically traumatic event that leads to significant functional and social impairment in affected individuals. The molecular bases underlying persistent outcomes of a transient traumatic event have remained elusive for many years, but recent studies in rodents have implicated epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure and DNA methylation as fundamental mechanisms for the induction and stabilization of fear memory. In addition to mediating adaptations to traumatic events that ultimately cause PTSD, epigenetic mechanisms are also involved in establishing individual differences in PTSD risk and resilience by mediating long-lasting effects of genes and early environment on adult function and behavior. In this review, we discuss the current evidence for epigenetic regulation of PTSD in human studies and in animal models and comment on ways in which these models can be expanded. In addition, we identify key outstanding questions in the study of epigenetic mechanisms of PTSD in the context of rapidly evolving technologies that are constantly updating and adjusting our understanding of epigenetic modifications and their functional roles. Finally, we discuss the potential application of epigenetic approaches in identifying markers of risk and resilience that can be utilized to promote early intervention and develop therapeutic strategies to combat PTSD after symptom onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Neurobiology, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL , USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Vialou V, Feng J, Robison AJ, Nestler EJ. Epigenetic mechanisms of depression and antidepressant action. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2012; 53:59-87. [PMID: 23020296 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010611-134540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, which control chromatin structure and function, mediate changes in gene expression that occur in response to diverse stimuli. Recent research has established that environmental events and behavioral experience induce epigenetic changes at particular gene loci and that these changes help shape neuronal plasticity and function and hence behavior. Some of these changes can be stable and can even persist for a lifetime. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that aberrations in chromatin remodeling and subsequent effects on gene expression within limbic brain regions contribute to the pathogenesis of depression and other stress-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety syndromes. Likewise, the gradually developing but persistent therapeutic effects of antidepressant medications may be achieved in part via epigenetic mechanisms. This review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the epigenetic regulation of stress-related disorders and focuses on three distinct aspects of stress-induced epigenetic pathology: the effects of stress and antidepressant treatment during adulthood, the lifelong effects of early-life stress on subsequent stress vulnerability, and the possible transgenerational transmission of stress-induced abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Vialou
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Walsh K, Galea S, Koenen KC. Mechanisms Underlying Sexual Violence Exposure and Psychosocial Sequelae: A Theoretical and Empirical Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 19:260-275. [PMID: 25762853 DOI: 10.1111/cpsp.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sexual violence is associated with a range of negative mental health and behavioral sequelae, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance abuse/dependence, risky sexual behavior, and interpersonal relationship problems. However, mechanisms underlying these associations are not well understood. Identifying mechanisms that explain linkages between sexual violence and poor outcomes is of paramount importance in determining when and how to intervene to prevent or reduce the magnitude of these outcomes. This review focuses on theories that have been proposed to explain risk of negative outcomes among sexual violence victims, including the development of traumagenic dynamics and emotion dysregulation. We also review promising biological mechanisms that may explain the risk of negative outcomes among sexual violence victims, including studies concerned with epigenetic and neurobiological mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | - Sandro Galea
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Nagy C, Turecki G. Sensitive periods in epigenetics: bringing us closer to complex behavioral phenotypes. Epigenomics 2012; 4:445-57. [PMID: 22920183 PMCID: PMC5293543 DOI: 10.2217/epi.12.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have attempted to elucidate causal mechanisms for the development of complex disease, but genome-wide associations have been largely unsuccessful in establishing these links. As an alternative link between genes and disease, recent efforts have focused on mechanisms that alter the function of genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Known as epigenetic mechanisms, these include DNA methylation, chromatin conformational changes through histone modifications, ncRNAs and, most recently, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Although DNA methylation is involved in normal development, aging and gene regulation, altered methylation patterns have been associated with disease. It is generally believed that early life constitutes a period during which there is increased sensitivity to the regulatory effects of epigenetic mechanisms. The purpose of this review is to outline the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to genomic function, particularly in the development of complex behavioral phenotypes, focusing on the sensitive periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Nagy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital University Institute, 6875 Lasalle boul, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kember RL, Dempster EL, Lee THA, Schalkwyk LC, Mill J, Fernandes C. Maternal separation is associated with strain-specific responses to stress and epigenetic alterations to Nr3c1, Avp, and Nr4a1 in mouse. Brain Behav 2012; 2:455-67. [PMID: 22950049 PMCID: PMC3432968 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful events early in life have been widely linked to behavioral phenotypes and have been implicated in the development of psychiatric disorders. Using a maternal separation paradigm, we investigated phenotypic and epigenetic changes following early life stress in two inbred strains of mice, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. We found an increase in the corticosterone response to stress in male, C57BL/6J mice that had undergone maternal separation compared to controls. In addition, early life stress induced a number of mild but significant behavioral changes, many of which were sex and strain dependent. Following maternal separation anxiety was decreased in males but increased in DBA/2J females, DBA/2J males displayed reduced exploration of a novel object, and baseline activity was altered in males of both strains. Finally, we examined DNA methylation levels in the hippocampus across promoter regions of Nr3c1, Avp, and Nr4a1, and found altered levels at several CpG sites in maternally separated male mice compared to controls. This study contributes to a growing body of recent literature suggesting that epigenetic changes may mediate the impact of early life stress on behavior. In particular, we establish that the phenotypic and epigenetic responses to an adverse environment differ as a function of genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R. L. Kember
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - E. L. Dempster
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - T. H. A. Lee
- Department of Neuroscience; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - L. C. Schalkwyk
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - J. Mill
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| | - C. Fernandes
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; King's College London; De Crespigny Park; London; UK
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Zohar J, Yahalom H, Kozlovsky N, Cwikel-Hamzany S, Matar MA, Kaplan Z, Yehuda R, Cohen H. High dose hydrocortisone immediately after trauma may alter the trajectory of PTSD: interplay between clinical and animal studies. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2011; 21:796-809. [PMID: 21741804 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-dose corticosteroids have been reported to reduce symptoms of acute stress and post-traumatic stress in polytrauma patients and in animal studies. The underlying mechanism of action remains largely unclear. These issues were addressed in parallel in the clinical and preclinical studies below. In this preliminary study, 25 patients with acute stress symptoms were administered a single intravenous bolus of high-dose hydrocortisone (100-140 mg) or placebo within 6 h of a traumatic event in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Early single high-dose hydrocortisone intervention attenuated the core symptoms of both the acute stress and of subsequent PTSD in patients. High-dose hydrocortisone treatment given in the first few hours after a traumatic experience was associated with significant favorable changes in the trajectory of exposure to trauma, as expressed by the reduced risk of the development of PTSD post-trauma. In parallel, a comparative study of morphological arborization in dentate gyrus and its modulating molecules was performed in stress-exposed animals treated with high-dose hydrocortisone. Steroid-treated stressed animals displayed significantly increased dendritic growth and spine density, with increased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and obtunded postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) levels. The animal study provided insights into the potential mechanism of this intervention, as it identified relevant morphological and biochemical associations to the clinical observations. Thus, evidence from clinical and animal studies suggests that there is a "window of opportunity" in the early aftermath of trauma to help those who are vulnerable to the development of chronic PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zohar
- Division of Psychiatry, The State of Israel Ministry of Health, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lee RS, Tamashiro KLK, Aryee MJ, Murakami P, Seifuddin F, Herb B, Huo Y, Rongione M, Feinberg AP, Moran TH, Potash JB. Adaptation of the CHARM DNA methylation platform for the rat genome reveals novel brain region-specific differences. Epigenetics 2011; 6:1378-90. [PMID: 22048247 DOI: 10.4161/epi.6.11.18072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive High-throughput Arrays for Relative Methylation (CHARM) was recently developed as an experimental platform and analytic approach to assess DNA methylation (DNAm) at a genome-wide level. Its initial implementation was for human and mouse. We adapted it for rat and sought to examine DNAm differences across tissues and brain regions in this model organism. We extracted DNA from liver, spleen, and three brain regions: cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus from adult Sprague Dawley rats. DNA was digested with McrBC, and the resulting methyl-depleted fraction was hybridized to the rat CHARM array along with a mock-treated fraction. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between tissue types were detected using normalized methylation log-ratios. In validating 24 of the most significant DMRs by bisulfite pyrosequencing, we detected large mean differences in DNAm, ranging from 33-59%, among the most significant DMRs in the across-tissue comparisons. The comparable figures for the hippocampus vs. hypothalamus DMRs were 14-40%, for the cortex vs. hippocampus DMRs, 12-29%, and for the cortex vs. hypothalamus DMRs, 5-35%, with a correlation of r(2) = 0.92 between the methylation differences in 24 DMRs predicted by CHARM and those validated by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Our adaptation of the CHARM array for the rat genome yielded highly robust results that demonstrate the value of this method in detecting substantial DNAm differences between tissues and across different brain regions. This platform should prove valuable in future studies aimed at examining DNAm differences in particular brain regions of rats exposed to environmental stimuli with potential epigenetic consequences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lester BM, Tronick E, Nestler E, Abel T, Kosofsky B, Kuzawa CW, Marsit CJ, Maze I, Meaney MJ, Monteggia LM, Reul JMHM, Skuse DH, Sweatt JD, Wood MA. Behavioral epigenetics. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1226:14-33. [PMID: 21615751 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06037.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences, the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Boston, "Behavioral Epigenetics" was held on October 29-30, 2010 at the University of Massachusetts Boston Campus Center, Boston, Massachusetts. This meeting featured speakers and panel discussions exploring the emerging field of behavioral epigenetics, from basic biochemical and cellular mechanisms to the epigenetic modulation of normative development, developmental disorders, and psychopathology. This report provides an overview of the research presented by leading scientists and lively discussion about the future of investigation at the behavioral epigenetic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barry M Lester
- Department of Psychiatry, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02908, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|