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Baram TZ, Birnie MT. Enduring memory consequences of early-life stress / adversity: Structural, synaptic, molecular and epigenetic mechanisms. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 33:100669. [PMID: 39309367 PMCID: PMC11415888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100669] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences are strongly associated with reduced cognitive function throughout life. The link is strong in many human studies, but these do not enable assigning causality, and the limited access to the live human brain can impede establishing the mechanisms by which early-life adversity (ELA) may induce cognitive problems. In experimental models, artificially imposed chronic ELA/stress results in deficits in hippocampus dependent memory as well as increased vulnerability to the deleterious effects of adult stress on memory. This causal relation of ELA and life-long memory impairments provides a framework to probe the mechanisms by which ELA may lead to human cognitive problems. Here we focus on the consequences of a one-week exposure to adversity during early postnatal life in the rodent, the spectrum of the ensuing memory deficits, and the mechanisms responsible. We highlight molecular, cellular and circuit mechanisms using convergent trans-disciplinary approaches aiming to enable translation of the discoveries in experimental models to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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2
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Ahmed S, Polis B, Kaffman A. Microglia: The Drunken Gardeners of Early Adversity. Biomolecules 2024; 14:964. [PMID: 39199352 PMCID: PMC11353196 DOI: 10.3390/biom14080964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a heterogeneous group of negative childhood experiences that can lead to abnormal brain development and more severe psychiatric, neurological, and medical conditions in adulthood. According to the immune hypothesis, ELA leads to an abnormal immune response characterized by high levels of inflammatory cytokines. This abnormal immune response contributes to more severe negative health outcomes and a refractory response to treatment in individuals with a history of ELA. Here, we examine this hypothesis in the context of recent rodent studies that focus on the impact of ELA on microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain. We review recent progress in our ability to mechanistically link molecular alterations in microglial function during a critical period of development with changes in synaptic connectivity, cognition, and stress reactivity later in life. We also examine recent research showing that ELA induces long-term alterations in microglial inflammatory response to "secondary hits" such as traumatic brain injury, substance use, and exposure to additional stress in adulthood. We conclude with a discussion on future directions and unresolved questions regarding the signals that modify microglial function and the clinical significance of rodent studies for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Arie Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (S.A.); (B.P.)
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3
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Cattaneo A, Begni V, Zonca V, Riva MA. Early life adversities, psychopathologies and novel pharmacological strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108686. [PMID: 38969307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to adversities during early life stages (early life adversities - ELA), ranging from pregnancy to adolescence, represents a major risk factor for the vulnerability to mental disorders. Hence, it is important to understand the molecular and functional underpinning of such relationship, in order to develop strategies aimed at reducing the psychopathologic burden associated with ELA, which may eventually lead to a significant improvement in clinical practice. In this review, we will initially recapitulate clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the link between ELA and psychopathology and we will primarily discuss the main biological mechanisms that have been described as potential mediators of the effects of ELA on the psychopathologic risk, including the role for genetic factors as well as sex differences. The knowledge emerging from these studies may be instrumental for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed not only at correcting the deficits that emerge from ELA exposure, but also in preventing the manifestation of a full-blown psychopathologic condition. With this respect, we will specifically focus on adolescence as a key time frame for disease onset as well as for early therapeutic intervention. We believe that incorporating clinical and preclinical research data in the context of early life adversities can be instrumental to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to the risk for psychopathology or that may promote resilience. This will ultimately allow the identification of 'at risk' individuals who may benefit from specific forms of interventions that, by interfering with disease trajectories, could result in more benign clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Zonca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
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Nestler EJ, Russo SJ. Neurobiological basis of stress resilience. Neuron 2024; 112:1911-1929. [PMID: 38795707 PMCID: PMC11189737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
A majority of humans faced with severe stress maintain normal physiological and behavioral function, a process referred to as resilience. Such stress resilience has been modeled in laboratory animals and, over the past 15 years, has transformed our understanding of stress responses and how to approach the treatment of human stress disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders. Work in rodents has demonstrated that resilience to chronic stress is an active process that involves much more than simply avoiding the deleterious effects of the stress. Rather, resilience is mediated largely by the induction of adaptations that are associated uniquely with resilience. Such mechanisms of natural resilience in rodents are being characterized at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels, with an increasing number being validated in human investigations. Such discoveries raise the novel possibility that treatments for human stress disorders, in addition to being geared toward reversing the damaging effects of stress, can also be based on inducing mechanisms of natural resilience in individuals who are inherently more susceptible. This review provides a progress report on this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Kooiker CL, Birnie MT, Floriou-Servou A, Ding Q, Thiagarajan N, Hardy M, Baram TZ. Paraventricular Thalamus Neuronal Ensembles Encode Early-life Adversity and Mediate the Consequent Sex-dependent Disruptions of Adult Reward Behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.28.591547. [PMID: 38746198 PMCID: PMC11092514 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.28.591547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversity increases risk for mental illnesses including depression and substance use disorders, disorders characterized by dysregulated reward behaviors. However, the mechanisms by which transient ELA enduringly impacts reward circuitries are not well understood. In mice, ELA leads to anhedonia-like behaviors in males and augmented motivation for palatable food and sex-reward cues in females. Here, the use of genetic tagging demonstrated robust, preferential, and sex-specific activation of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) during ELA and a potentiated reactivation of these PVT neurons during a reward task in adult ELA mice. Chemogenetic manipulation of specific ensembles of PVT neurons engaged during ELA identified a role for the posterior PVT in ELA-induced aberrantly augmented reward behaviors in females. In contrast, anterior PVT neurons activated during ELA were required for the anhedonia-like behaviors in males. Thus, the PVT encodes adverse experiences early-in life, prior to the emergence of the hippocampal memory system, and contributes critically to the lasting, sex-modulated impacts of ELA on reward behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Kooiker
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Amalia Floriou-Servou
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Qinxin Ding
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Neeraj Thiagarajan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mason Hardy
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Gee DG, Cohodes EM. Leveraging the developmental neuroscience of caregiving to promote resilience among youth exposed to adversity. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2168-2185. [PMID: 37929292 PMCID: PMC10872788 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Early adversity is a major risk factor for the emergence of psychopathology across development. Identifying mechanisms that support resilience, or favorable mental health outcomes despite exposure to adversity, is critical for informing clinical intervention and guiding policy to promote youth mental health. Here we propose that caregivers play a central role in fostering resilience among children exposed to adversity via caregiving influences on children's corticolimbic circuitry and emotional functioning. We first delineate the numerous ways that caregivers support youth emotional learning and regulation and describe how early attachment lays the foundation for optimal caregiver support of youth emotional functioning in a developmental stage-specific manner. Second, we outline neural mechanisms by which caregivers foster resilience-namely, by modulating offspring corticolimbic circuitry to support emotion regulation and buffer stress reactivity. Next, we highlight the importance of developmental timing and sensitive periods in understanding caregiving-related mechanisms of resilience. Finally, we discuss clinical implications of this line of research and how findings can be translated to guide policy that promotes the well-being of youth and families.
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Rombaut C, Roura-Martinez D, Lepolard C, Gascon E. Brief and long maternal separation in C57Bl6J mice: behavioral consequences for the dam and the offspring. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1269866. [PMID: 37936649 PMCID: PMC10626007 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1269866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Animal models, especially rodents, have become instrumental to experimentally investigate the effects of an adverse post-natal environment on the developing brain. For this purpose, maternal separation (MS) paradigms have been widely used in the last decades. Nonetheless, how MS affects maternal behavior and, ultimately, the offspring depend on multiple variables. Methods To gain further insights into the consequences of MS, we decided to thoroughly measure and compare the effects of short (15 min, 3 times/day) vs. long (3 h, 1 time/day) separation on multiple maternally-associated behaviors and across the entire post-natal period. Results Compared to unhandled control litters, our results confirmed previous studies and indicated that SMS enhanced the time and variety of maternal care whereas LMS resulted in poor caregiving. We also showed that SMS-accrued caregiving persisted during the whole post-natal period. In contrast, LMS effects on maternal behavior were restricted to the early life (P2-P10). Finally, we also analyzed the behavioral consequences of these different rearing social environments on the offspring. We found that MS has profound effects in social tasks. We showed that affiliative touch, a type of prosocial behavior that provides comfort to others, is particularly sensitive to the modification of maternal caregiving. Discussion Our results provide further support to the contention that interactions during the early post-natal period critically contribute to emotional processing and brain co-construction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Eduardo Gascon
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, Marseille, France
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Jin L, Liu Y, Wu Y, Huang Y, Zhang D. REST Is Not Resting: REST/NRSF in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1477. [PMID: 37892159 PMCID: PMC10605157 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modifications play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The repressor element-1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST), also known as neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) and X2 box repressor (XBR), was found to regulate gene transcription by binding to chromatin and recruiting chromatin-modifying enzymes. Earlier studies revealed that REST plays an important role in the development and disease of the nervous system, mainly by repressing the transcription of neuron-specific genes. Subsequently, REST was found to be critical in other tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, skin, eye, and vascular. Dysregulation of REST was also found in nervous and non-nervous system cancers. In parallel, multiple strategies to target REST have been developed. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive summary of the research progress made over the past 28 years since the discovery of REST, encompassing both physiological and pathological aspects. These insights into the effects and mechanisms of REST contribute to an in-depth understanding of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of genes and their roles in the development and progression of disease, with a view to discovering potential therapeutic targets and intervention strategies for various related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yifan Wu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Dianbao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Health Commission of China, and Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of China, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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Zhang Y, Guo Z, Yang L, Cheng C, Gai C, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Sun H, Hu D. Possible Involvement of Perineuronal Nets in Anti-Depressant Effects of Electroacupuncture in Chronic-Stress-Induced Depression in Rats. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3146-3159. [PMID: 37347359 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03970-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture can alleviate depression-like behaviors. However, the neural mechanisms behind the anti-depressive effect remain unknown. Perineuronal net (PNN) abnormalities have been reported in multiple psychiatric disorders. This study investigated the modulation and neural mechanism of PNNs in the anti-depressant process of electroacupuncture (EA) at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) points. A rat depression model was induced by chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS). The results revealed that CUMS, applied for four weeks, specifically reduces PNNs around parvalbumin (PV). In addition, EA and fluoxetine treatments reverse the decrease in PNNs+ cell density and the ratio of PV and PNN double-positive cells to PV+ neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) after CUMS. Furthermore, EA treatment can reverse the decrease in the protein expression of PNN components (aggrecan and brevican) in the mPFC caused by stress. After EA treatment, the decreased expression of GAD67, GLuA1, and PSD95 in the mPFC induced by CUMS for four weeks was also reversed. PNN degradation in mPFC brain areas potentially interferes with the anti-depressant benefits of EA in rats with depression induced by CUMS. EA treatment did not increase PNNs+ cell density and the ratio of PV and PNN double-positive cells to PV+ neurons after PNNs degradation in the mPFC brain region of rats. This finding indicated that the mechanism of acupuncture's anti-depressant effect may be based on reversing the CUMS-induced decline in PNN expression, the functional impairment of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons, and the regulation of excitatory synaptic proteins expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Institute of Metabolic Diseases, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Guo
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Luping Yang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cuicui Cheng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yushan Gao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Sun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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10
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Rinne GR, Somers JA, Ramos IF, Ross KM, Coussons-Read M, Schetter CD. Increases in maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and infant cortisol reactivity: Mediation by placental corticotropin-releasing hormone. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1997-2010. [PMID: 35983792 PMCID: PMC9938842 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy may affect offspring health through prenatal programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The biological mechanisms that explain the associations between maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and offspring HPA axis regulation are not yet clear. This pre-registered investigation examines whether patterns of maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy are associated with infant cortisol reactivity and whether this association is mediated by changes in placental corticotropin-releasing hormone (pCRH). METHOD A sample of 174 pregnant women completed assessments in early, mid, and late pregnancy that included standardized measures of depressive symptoms and blood samples for pCRH. Infant cortisol reactivity was assessed at 1 and 6 months of age. RESULTS Greater increases in maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy were associated with higher cortisol infant cortisol reactivity at 1 and 6 months. Greater increases in maternal depressive symptoms in pregnancy were associated with greater increases in pCRH from early to late pregnancy which in turn were associated with higher infant cortisol reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Increases in maternal depressive symptoms and pCRH over pregnancy may contribute to higher infant cortisol reactivity. These findings help to elucidate the prenatal biopsychosocial processes contributing to offspring HPA axis regulation early in development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isabel F. Ramos
- Department of Chicano/Latino Studies. University of California, Irvine
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Cosentino L, Witt SH, Dukal H, Zidda F, Siehl S, Flor H, De Filippis B. Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 expression is associated with symptom severity in patients with PTSD in a sex-dependent manner. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:249. [PMID: 37419878 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02529-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic events may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with higher prevalence in women. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) increase PTSD risk in adulthood. Epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in PTSD pathogenesis and a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) in mice provide susceptibility to PTSD-like alterations, with sex-dependent biological signatures. The present study examined whether the increased risk of PTSD associated with ACE exposure is accompanied by reduced MECP2 blood levels in humans, with an influence of sex. MECP2 mRNA levels were analyzed in the blood of 132 subjects (58 women). Participants were interviewed to assess PTSD symptomatology, and asked to retrospectively report ACE. Among trauma-exposed women, MECP2 downregulation was associated with the intensification of PTSD symptoms linked to ACE exposure. MECP2 expression emerges as a potential contributor to post-trauma pathophysiology fostering novel studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying its potential sex-dependent role in PTSD onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Helene Dukal
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Francesca Zidda
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siehl
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
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van Oers K, van den Heuvel K, Sepers B. The Epigenetics of Animal Personality. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 150:105194. [PMID: 37094740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Animal personality, consistent individual differences in behaviour, is an important concept for understanding how individuals vary in how they cope with environmental challenges. In order to understand the evolutionary significance of animal personality, it is crucial to understand the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation are hypothesised to play a major role in explaining variation in phenotypic changes in response to environmental alterations. Several characteristics of DNA methylation also align well with the concept of animal personality. In this review paper, we summarise the current literature on the role that molecular epigenetic mechanisms may have in explaining personality variation. We elaborate on the potential for epigenetic mechanisms to explain behavioural variation, behavioural development and temporal consistency in behaviour. We then suggest future routes for this emerging field and point to potential pitfalls that may be encountered. We conclude that a more inclusive approach is needed for studying the epigenetics of animal personality and that epigenetic mechanisms cannot be studied without considering the genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees van Oers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Krista van den Heuvel
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bernice Sepers
- Department of Animal Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), Wageningen, The Netherlands; Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Wageningen, the Netherlands
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13
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Warhaftig G, Almeida D, Turecki G. Early life adversity across different cell- types in the brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 148:105113. [PMID: 36863603 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA)- which includes physical, psychological, emotional, and sexual abuse is one of the most common predictors to diverse psychopathologies later in adulthood. As ELA has a lasting impact on the brain at a developmental stage, recent findings from the field highlighted the specific contributions of different cell types to ELA and their association with long lasting consequences. In this review we will gather recent findings describing morphological, transcriptional and epigenetic alterations within neurons, glia and perineuronal nets and their associated cellular subpopulation. The findings reviewed and summarized here highlight important mechanisms underlying ELA and point to therapeutic approaches for ELA and related psychopathologies later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Warhaftig
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
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14
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Sarkisova K, van Luijtelaar G. The impact of early-life environment on absence epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:436-468. [PMID: 36386598 PMCID: PMC9649966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review discusses the long-term effects of early-life environment on epileptogenesis, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric comorbidities with an emphasis on the absence epilepsy. The WAG/Rij rat strain is a well-validated genetic model of absence epilepsy with mild depression-like (dysthymia) comorbidity. Although pathologic phenotype in WAG/Rij rats is genetically determined, convincing evidence presented in this review suggests that the absence epilepsy and depression-like comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats may be governed by early-life events, such as prenatal drug exposure, early-life stress, neonatal maternal separation, neonatal handling, maternal care, environmental enrichment, neonatal sensory impairments, neonatal tactile stimulation, and maternal diet. The data, as presented here, indicate that some early environmental events can promote and accelerate the development of absence seizures and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities, while others may exert anti-epileptogenic and disease-modifying effects. The early environment can lead to phenotypic alterations in offspring due to epigenetic modifications of gene expression, which may have maladaptive consequences or represent a therapeutic value. Targeting DNA methylation with a maternal methyl-enriched diet during the perinatal period appears to be a new preventive epigenetic anti-absence therapy. A number of caveats related to the maternal methyl-enriched diet and prospects for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Sarkisova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology of Russian Academy of Sciences, Butlerova str. 5a, Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Gilles van Luijtelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behavior, Donders Center for Cognition, Radboud University, Nijmegen, PO Box 9104, 6500 HE Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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15
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Davis EP, McCormack K, Arora H, Sharpe D, Short AK, Bachevalier J, Glynn LM, Sandman CA, Stern HS, Sanchez M, Baram TZ. Early life exposure to unpredictable parental sensory signals shapes cognitive development across three species. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:960262. [PMID: 36338881 PMCID: PMC9630745 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.960262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life adversity has long term consequences on cognitive function. Most research has focused on understanding components of early life adversities that contribute to later risk, including poverty, trauma, maltreatment, and neglect. Whereas these factors, in the aggregate, explain a significant proportion of emotional and cognitive problems, there are serious gaps in our ability to identify potential mechanisms by which early life adversities might promote vulnerability or resilience. Here we discuss early life exposure to unpredictable signals from the caretaker as an understudied type of adversity that is amenable to prevention and intervention. We employ a translational approach to discover underlying neurobiological mechanisms by which early life exposure to unpredictable signals sculpts the developing brain. First, we review evidence that exposure to unpredictable signals from the parent during sensitive periods impacts development of neural circuits. Second, we describe a method for characterizing early life patterns of sensory signals across species. Third, we present published and original data illustrating that patterns of maternal care predict memory function in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. Finally, implications are discussed for identifying individuals at risk so that early preventive-intervention can be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kai McCormack
- Department of Psychology, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Desiree Sharpe
- Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFECOE) Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jocelyne Bachevalier
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mar Sanchez
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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16
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MacNeill LA, Krogh‐Jespersen S, Zhang Y, Giase G, Edwards R, Petitclerc A, Mithal LB, Mestan K, Grobman WA, Norton ES, Alshurafa N, Moskowitz JT, Tandon SD, Wakschlag LS. Lability of prenatal stress during the COVID-19 pandemic links to negative affect in infancy. INFANCY 2022; 28:136-157. [PMID: 36070207 PMCID: PMC9538880 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The association between prenatal stress and children's socioemotional development is well established. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a particularly stressful period, which may impact the gestational environment. However, most studies to-date have examined prenatal stress at a single time point, potentially masking the natural variation in stress that occurs over time, especially during a time as uncertain as the pandemic. This study leveraged dense ecological momentary assessments from a prenatal randomized control trial to examine patterns of prenatal stress over a 14-week period (up to four assessments/day) in a U.S. sample of 72 mothers and infants. We first examined whether varied features of stress exposure (lability, mean, and baseline stress) differed depending on whether mothers reported on their stress before or during the pandemic. We next examined which features of stress were associated with 3-month-old infants' negative affect. We did not find differences in stress patterns before and during the pandemic. However, greater stress lability, accounting for baseline and mean stress, was associated with higher infant negative affect. These findings suggest that pathways from prenatal stress exposure to infant socioemotional development are complex, and close attention to stress patterns over time will be important for explicating these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigha A. MacNeill
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Sheila Krogh‐Jespersen
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Yudong Zhang
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Gina Giase
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Renee Edwards
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | | | - Leena B. Mithal
- Department of PediatricsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Karen Mestan
- Department of PediatricsNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of ChicagoChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - William A. Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Elizabeth S. Norton
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA,Department of Communication Sciences and DisordersNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Nabil Alshurafa
- Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA,Department of Preventive MedicineNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Judith T. Moskowitz
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - S. Darius Tandon
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Lauren S. Wakschlag
- Department of Medical Social SciencesNorthwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoIllinoisUSA,Institute for Innovations in Developmental SciencesNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
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17
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Demaestri C, Gallo M, Mazenod E, Hong AT, Arora H, Short AK, Stern H, Baram TZ, Bath KG. Resource scarcity but not maternal separation provokes unpredictable maternal care sequences in mice and both upregulate Crh-associated gene expression in the amygdala. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100484. [PMID: 36120094 PMCID: PMC9475315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for the development of pathology, including anxiety disorders. Neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes following ELA are multifaceted and are influenced heavily by the type of adversity experienced and sex of the individual experiencing ELA. It remains unclear what properties of ELA portend differential neurobiological risk and the basis of sex-differences for negative outcomes. Predictability of the postnatal environment has emerged as being a core feature supporting development, with the most salient signals deriving from parental care. Predictability of parental care may be a distinguishing feature of different forms of ELA, and the degree of predictability afforded by these manipulations may contribute to the diversity of outcomes observed across models. Further, questions remain as to whether differing levels of predictability may contribute to differential effects on neurodevelopment and expression of genes associated with risk for pathology. Here, we tested the hypothesis that changes in maternal behavior in mice would be contingent on the type of ELA experienced, directly comparing predictability of care in the limited bedding and nesting (LBN) and maternal separation (MS) paradigms. We then tested whether the predictability of the ELA environment altered the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), a sexually-dimorphic neuropeptide that regulates threat-related learning, in the amygdala of male and female mice. The LBN manipulation reliably increased the entropy of maternal care, a measure that indicates lower predictability between sequences of dam behavior. LBN and MS rearing similarly increased the frequency of nest sorties and licking of pups but had mixed effects on other aspects of dam-, pup-, and nest-related behaviors. Increased expression of Crh-related genes was observed in pups that experienced ELA, with gene expression measures showing a significant interaction with sex and type of ELA manipulation. Specifically, MS was associated with increased expression of Crh-related genes in males, but not females, and LBN primarily increased expression of these genes in females, but not males. The present study provides evidence for predictability as a distinguishing feature of models of ELA and demonstrates robust consequences of these differing experience on sex-differences in gene expression critically associated with stress responding and sex differences in risk for pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Demaestri
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghan Gallo
- Doctoral Program in Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./ New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa Mazenod
- Doctoral Program in Cognitive, Linguistic and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Alexander T. Hong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hal Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin G. Bath
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc./ New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Almodóvar-Payá C, Guardiola-Ripoll M, Giralt-López M, Gallego C, Salgado-Pineda P, Miret S, Salvador R, Muñoz MJ, Lázaro L, Guerrero-Pedraza A, Parellada M, Carrión MI, Cuesta MJ, Maristany T, Sarró S, Fañanás L, Callado LF, Arias B, Pomarol-Clotet E, Fatjó-Vilas M. NRN1 Gene as a Potential Marker of Early-Onset Schizophrenia: Evidence from Genetic and Neuroimaging Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137456. [PMID: 35806464 PMCID: PMC9267632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Included in the neurotrophins family, the Neuritin 1 gene (NRN1) has emerged as an attractive candidate gene for schizophrenia (SZ) since it has been associated with the risk for the disorder and general cognitive performance. In this work, we aimed to further investigate the association of NRN1 with SZ by exploring its role on age at onset and its brain activity correlates. First, we developed two genetic association analyses using a family-based sample (80 early-onset (EO) trios (offspring onset ≤ 18 years) and 71 adult-onset (AO) trios) and an independent case–control sample (120 healthy subjects (HS), 87 EO and 138 AO patients). Second, we explored the effect of NRN1 on brain activity during a working memory task (N-back task; 39 HS, 39 EO and 39 AO; matched by age, sex and estimated IQ). Different haplotypes encompassing the same three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms(SNPs, rs3763180–rs10484320–rs4960155) were associated with EO in the two samples (GCT, TCC and GTT). Besides, the GTT haplotype was associated with worse N-back task performance in EO and was linked to an inefficient dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity in subjects with EO compared to HS. Our results show convergent evidence on the NRN1 association with EO both from genetic and neuroimaging approaches, highlighting the role of neurotrophins in the pathophysiology of SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Guardiola-Ripoll
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Giralt-López
- Departament de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (HUGTP), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Spain;
- Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Gallego
- Department of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Pilar Salgado-Pineda
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Salvador Miret
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Centre de Salut Mental d’Adults de Lleida, Servei de Psiquiatria, Salut Mental i Addiccions, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Biomèdica (IRB), 25198 Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Raymond Salvador
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - María J. Muñoz
- Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental Benito Menni, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Luisa Lázaro
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology, Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amalia Guerrero-Pedraza
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Complex Assistencial en Salut Mental Benito Menni, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Mara Parellada
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuel J. Cuesta
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital Universitario de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain
| | - Teresa Maristany
- Departament de Diagnòstic per la Imatge, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Fundació de Recerca, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Salvador Sarró
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F. Callado
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.-C.); (M.F.-V.)
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; (C.A.-P.); (M.G.-R.); (P.S.-P.); (R.S.); (A.G.-P.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), 28029 Madrid, Madrid, Spain; (S.M.); (L.L.); (M.P.); (L.F.); (L.F.C.); (B.A.)
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecología i Ciències Ambientals, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (E.P.-C.); (M.F.-V.)
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19
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Díaz-Hung ML, Hetz C. Proteostasis and resilience: on the interphase between individual's and intracellular stress. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:305-317. [PMID: 35337729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A long proportion of the population is resilient to the negative consequences of stress. Glucocorticoids resulting from endocrine responses to stress are essential adaptive mediators, but also drive alterations to brain function, negatively impacting neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and memory-related processes. Recent evidence has indicated that organelle function and cellular stress responses are relevant determinant of vulnerability and resistance to environmental stress. At the molecular level, a fundamental mechanism of cellular stress adaptation is the maintenance of proteostasis, which also have key roles in sustaining basal neuronal function. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that proteostasis unbalance at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum, the main site for protein folding in the cell, represents a possible mechanistic link between individuals and cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Li Díaz-Hung
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
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20
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Levis SC, Baram TZ, Mahler SV. Neurodevelopmental origins of substance use disorders: Evidence from animal models of early-life adversity and addiction. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:2170-2195. [PMID: 33825217 PMCID: PMC8494863 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder with devastating personal, societal, and economic consequences. In humans, early-life adversity (ELA) such as trauma, neglect, and resource scarcity are linked with increased risk of later-life addiction, but the brain mechanisms underlying this link are still poorly understood. Here, we focus on data from rodent models of ELA and addiction, in which causal effects of ELA on later-life responses to drugs and the neurodevelopmental mechanisms by which ELA increases vulnerability to addiction can be determined. We first summarize evidence for a link between ELA and addiction in humans, then describe how ELA is commonly modeled in rodents. Since addiction is a heterogeneous disease with many individually varying behavioral aspects that may be impacted by ELA, we next discuss common rodent assays of addiction-like behaviors. We then summarize the specific addiction-relevant behavioral phenotypes caused by ELA in male and female rodents and discuss some of the underlying changes in brain reward and stress circuits that are likely responsible. By better understanding the behavioral and neural mechanisms by which ELA promotes addiction vulnerability, we hope to facilitate development of new approaches for preventing or treating addiction in those with a history of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia C. Levis
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Stephen V. Mahler
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
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21
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Liu S, Fisher PA. Early experience unpredictability in child development as a model for understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A translational neuroscience perspective. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 54:101091. [PMID: 35217299 PMCID: PMC8860470 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive evidence links adverse experiences during childhood to a wide range of negative consequences in biological, socioemotional, and cognitive development. Unpredictability is a core element underlying most forms of early adversity; it has been a focus of developmental research for many years and has been receiving increasing attention recently. In this article, we propose a conceptual model to describe how unpredictable and adverse early experiences affect children's neurobiological, behavioral, and psychological development in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We first highlight the critical role of unpredictability in child development by reviewing existing conceptual models of early adversity as they relate to subsequent development across the lifespan. Then, we employ a translational neuroscience framework to summarize the current animal- and human-based evidence on the neurobiological alterations induced by early experience unpredictability. We further argue that the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a global "natural experiment" that provides rare insight to the investigation of the negative developmental consequences of widespread, clustered, and unpredictable adverse events among children. We discuss how the pandemic helps advance the science of unpredictable early adverse experiences. As unpredictability research continues to grow, we highlight several directions for future studies and implications for policymaking and intervention practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihong Liu
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States.
| | - Philip A Fisher
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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22
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Bolton JL, Short AK, Othy S, Kooiker CL, Shao M, Gunn BG, Beck J, Bai X, Law SM, Savage JC, Lambert JJ, Belelli D, Tremblay MÈ, Cahalan MD, Baram TZ. Early stress-induced impaired microglial pruning of excitatory synapses on immature CRH-expressing neurons provokes aberrant adult stress responses. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110600. [PMID: 35354026 PMCID: PMC9014810 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several mental illnesses, characterized by aberrant stress reactivity, often arise after early-life adversity (ELA). However, it is unclear how ELA affects stress-related brain circuit maturation, provoking these enduring vulnerabilities. We find that ELA increases functional excitatory synapses onto stress-sensitive hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-expressing neurons, resulting from disrupted developmental synapse pruning by adjacent microglia. Microglial process dynamics and synaptic element engulfment were attenuated in ELA mice, associated with deficient signaling of the microglial phagocytic receptor MerTK. Accordingly, selective chronic chemogenetic activation of ELA microglia increased microglial process dynamics and reduced excitatory synapse density to control levels. Notably, selective early-life activation of ELA microglia normalized adult acute and chronic stress responses, including stress-induced hormone secretion and behavioral threat responses, as well as chronic adrenal hypertrophy of ELA mice. Thus, microglial actions during development are powerful contributors to mechanisms by which ELA sculpts the connectivity of stress-regulating neurons, promoting vulnerability to stress and stress-related mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Bolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Annabel K Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shivashankar Othy
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra L Kooiker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Manlin Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin G Gunn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Jaclyn Beck
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Xinglong Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Law
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Julie C Savage
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Delia Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Medical Research Institute, Dundee University, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Michael D Cahalan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Seward CH, Saul MC, Troy JM, Dibaeinia P, Zhang H, Sinha S, Stubbs LJ. An epigenomic shift in amygdala marks the transition to maternal behaviors in alloparenting virgin female mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263632. [PMID: 35192674 PMCID: PMC8863255 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adults of many species will care for young offspring that are not their own, a phenomenon called alloparenting. However, in many cases, nonparental adults must be sensitized by repeated or extended exposures to newborns before they will robustly display parental-like behaviors. To capture neurogenomic events underlying the transition to active parental caring behaviors, we analyzed brain gene expression and chromatin profiles of virgin female mice co-housed with pregnant dams during pregnancy and after birth. After an initial display of antagonistic behaviors and a surge of defense-related gene expression, we observed a dramatic shift in the chromatin landscape specifically in amygdala of the pup-exposed virgin females compared to females co-housed with mother before birth, accompanied by a dampening of anxiety-related gene expression. This epigenetic shift coincided with hypothalamic expression of the oxytocin gene and the emergence of behaviors and gene expression patterns classically associated with maternal care. The results outline a neurogenomic program associated with dramatic behavioral changes and suggest molecular networks relevant to human postpartum mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher H. Seward
- Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Michael C. Saul
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Joseph M. Troy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Payam Dibaeinia
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Saurabh Sinha
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- Department of Computer Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Lisa J. Stubbs
- Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States of America
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Sanacora G, Yan Z, Popoli M. The stressed synapse 2.0: pathophysiological mechanisms in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:86-103. [PMID: 34893785 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a primary risk factor for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence from preclinical models and clinical studies of depression have revealed an array of structural and functional maladaptive changes, whereby adverse environmental factors shape the brain. These changes, observed from the molecular and transcriptional levels through to large-scale brain networks, to the behaviours reveal a complex matrix of interrelated pathophysiological processes that differ between sexes, providing insight into the potential underpinnings of the sex bias of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although many preclinical studies use chronic stress protocols, long-term changes are also induced by acute exposure to traumatic stress, opening a path to identify determinants of resilient versus susceptible responses to both acute and chronic stress. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression has emerged as a key player underlying the persistent impact of stress on the brain. Indeed, histone modification, DNA methylation and microRNAs are closely involved in many aspects of the stress response and reveal the glutamate system as a key player. The success of ketamine has stimulated a whole line of research and development on drugs directly or indirectly targeting glutamate function. However, the challenge of translating the emerging understanding of stress pathophysiology into effective clinical treatments remains a major challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Impact of Berberine on Some Epigenetic, Transcription Regulation and Inflammatory Biomarkers in a Mice Model of Epilepsy. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 10:362-372. [PMID: 34981012 DOI: 10.52547/rbmb.10.3.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Epilepsy is one of the most widespread neurological disease worldwide. Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening neurologic disorder. Neuroprotective approaches are increasingly to discover a promising therapy to manage epileptic disorders. This study aimed to assess the impact of berberine on some epigenetic, transcription regulation & inflammatory biomarkers in a mice model of epilepsy. Methods This work was performed on; Group I: (control), Group II: berberine-treated control,Group III: epilepsy group, Group IV: berberine-treated epilepsy. Groups were subjected to assessment of Tumor growth factor-1β (TGF-1β), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity & neuronal restrictive silencing factor (NRSF) gene expression. Results Study showed significant increase in levels of HIF-1α, TGF-1β, HDAC activity & NRSF gene expression in epilepsy group & decrease in these levels in berberine treated epilepsy group. Significant decrease in BDNF levels in epilepsy & elevation in them in berberine treated epilepsy group. Conclusion Our study showed the anti-epileptic impact of berberine via its regulatory effect on some epigenetic, transcription factors & inflammatory biomarkers in a mice model of epilepsy.
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Petschner P, Baksa D, Hullam G, Torok D, Millinghoffer A, Deakin JFW, Bagdy G, Juhasz G. A replication study separates polymorphisms behind migraine with and without depression. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0261477. [PMID: 34972135 PMCID: PMC8719675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0261477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The largest migraine genome-wide association study identified 38 candidate loci. In this study we assessed whether these results replicate on a gene level in our European cohort and whether effects are altered by lifetime depression. We tested SNPs of the loci and their vicinity with or without interaction with depression in regression models. Advanced analysis methods such as Bayesian relevance analysis and a neural network based classifier were used to confirm findings. Main effects were found for rs2455107 of PRDM16 (OR = 1.304, p = 0.007) and five intergenic polymorphisms in 1p31.1 region: two of them showed risk effect (OR = 1.277, p = 0.003 for both rs11209657 and rs6686879), while the other three variants were protective factors (OR = 0.4956, p = 0.006 for both rs12090642 and rs72948266; OR = 0.4756, p = 0.005 for rs77864828). Additionally, 26 polymorphisms within ADGRL2, 2 in REST, 1 in HPSE2 and 33 mostly intergenic SNPs from 1p31.1 showed interaction effects. Among clumped results representing these significant regions, only rs11163394 of ADGRL2 showed a protective effect (OR = 0.607, p = 0.002), all other variants were risk factors (rs1043215 of REST with the strongest effect: OR = 6.596, p = 0.003). Bayesian relevance analysis confirmed the relevance of intergenic rs6660757 and rs12128399 (p31.1), rs1043215 (REST), rs1889974 (HPSE2) and rs11163394 (ADGRL2) from depression interaction results, and the moderate relevance of rs77864828 and rs2455107 of PRDM16 from main effect analysis. Both main and interaction effect SNPs could enhance predictive power with the neural network based classifier. In summary, we replicated p31.1, PRDM16, REST, HPSE2 and ADGRL2 genes with classic genetic and advanced analysis methods. While the p31.1 region and PRDM16 are worthy of further investigations in migraine in general, REST, HPSE2 and ADGRL2 may be prime candidates behind migraine pathophysiology in patients with comorbid depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Petschner
- Bioinformatics Center, Institute for Chemical Research, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Daniel Baksa
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabor Hullam
- Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Torok
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andras Millinghoffer
- MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Measurement and Information Systems, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary
- NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - J. F. William Deakin
- Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- NAP-2-SE New Antidepressant Target Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- SE-NAP2 Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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27
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Short AK, Thai CW, Chen Y, Kamei N, Pham AL, Birnie MT, Bolton JL, Mortazavi A, Baram TZ. Single-Cell Transcriptional Changes in Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Factor-Expressing Neurons After Early-Life Adversity Inform Enduring Alterations in Vulnerabilities to Stress. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 3:99-109. [PMID: 36712559 PMCID: PMC9874075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health and vulnerabilities to neuropsychiatric disorders involve the interplay of genes and environment, particularly during sensitive developmental periods. Early-life adversity (ELA) and stress promote vulnerabilities to stress-related affective disorders, yet it is unknown how transient ELA dictates lifelong neuroendocrine and behavioral reactions to stress. The population of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-expressing neurons that regulate stress responses is a promising candidate to mediate the long-lasting influences of ELA on stress-related behavioral and hormonal responses via enduring transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Methods Capitalizing on a well-characterized model of ELA, we examined ELA-induced changes in gene expression profiles of CRF-expressing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of developing male mice. We used single-cell RNA sequencing on isolated CRF-expressing neurons. We determined the enduring functional consequences of transcriptional changes on stress reactivity in adult ELA mice, including hormonal responses to acute stress, adrenal weights as a measure of chronic stress, and behaviors in the looming shadow threat task. Results Single-cell transcriptomics identified distinct and novel CRF-expressing neuronal populations, characterized by both their gene expression repertoire and their neurotransmitter profiles. ELA-provoked expression changes were selective to specific subpopulations and affected genes involved in neuronal differentiation, synapse formation, energy metabolism, and cellular responses to stress and injury. Importantly, these expression changes were impactful, apparent from adrenal hypertrophy and augmented behavioral responses to stress in adulthood. Conclusions We uncover a novel repertoire of stress-regulating CRF cell types differentially affected by ELA and resulting in augmented stress vulnerability, with relevance to the origins of stress-related affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Christina W. Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Aidan L. Pham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Jessica L. Bolton
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Address correspondence to Tallie Z. Baram, M.D., Ph.D.
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The potential roles of excitatory-inhibitory imbalances and the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor in aging and aging-associated diseases. Mol Cell Neurosci 2021; 117:103683. [PMID: 34775008 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2021.103683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptions to the central excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance are thought to be related to aging and underlie a host of neural pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease. Aging may induce an increase in excitatory signaling, causing an E/I imbalance, which has been linked to shorter lifespans in mice, flies, and worms. In humans, extended longevity correlates to greater repression of genes involved in excitatory neurotransmission. The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a master regulator in neural cells and is believed to be upregulated with senescent stimuli, whereupon it counters hyperexcitability, insulin/insulin-like signaling pathway activity, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. This review examines the putative mechanisms that distort the E/I balance with aging and neurodegeneration, and the putative roles of REST in maintaining neuronal homeostasis.
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29
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Gee DG, Cohodes EM. Caregiving Influences on Development: A Sensitive Period for Biological Embedding of Predictability and Safety Cues. CURRENT DIRECTIONS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2021; 30:376-383. [PMID: 34675455 DOI: 10.1177/09637214211015673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Across species, caregivers exert a powerful influence on the neural and behavioral development of offspring. Increasingly, both animal and human research has highlighted specific patterns in caregivers' behavior that may be especially important early in life, as well as neurobiological mechanisms linking early caregiving experiences with long-term affective behavior. Here we delineate evidence for an early sensitive period during infancy and toddlerhood when caregiver inputs that are predictable and associated with safety may become biologically embedded via influences on corticolimbic circuitry involved in emotion regulation. We propose that these caregiver signals prime corticolimbic circuitry to be receptive to later stage-specific caregiver influences, such as caregivers' external regulation of children's emotional reactivity. Following caregiving adversity that disrupts predictability and safety associated with caregivers during this sensitive period, accelerated maturation of corticolimbic circuitry may foreshorten the protracted period of plasticity and caregiver influence that is characteristic of humans. This work has implications for both prevention and intervention efforts for children exposed to early life adversity.
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Sourbron J, Thevissen K, Lagae L. The Ketogenic Diet Revisited: Beyond Ketones. Front Neurol 2021; 12:720073. [PMID: 34393987 PMCID: PMC8363000 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.720073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karin Thevissen
- Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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The Genome-Wide Binding Profile for Human RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor Unveils a Unique Genetic Circuitry in Hippocampus. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6582-6595. [PMID: 34210779 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2059-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Early studies in mouse neurodevelopment led to the discovery of the RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) and its role as a master repressor of neuronal gene expression. Recently, REST was reported to also repress neuronal genes in the human adult brain. These genes were found to be involved in pro-apoptotic pathways; and their repression, associated with increased REST levels during aging, were found to be neuroprotective and conserved across species. However, direct genome-wide REST binding profiles for REST in adult brain have not been identified for any species. Here, we apply this approach to mouse and human hippocampus. We find an expansion of REST binding sites in the human hippocampus that are lacking in both mouse hippocampus and other human non-neuronal cell types. The unique human REST binding sites are associated with genes involved in innate immunity processes and inflammation signaling which, on the basis of histology and recent public transcriptomic analyses, suggest that these new target genes are repressed in glia. We propose that the increases in REST expression in mid-adulthood presage the beginning of brain aging, and that human REST function has evolved to protect the longevity and function of both neurons and glia in human brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) repressor has served historically as a model for gene regulation during mouse neurogenesis. Recent studies of REST have also suggested a conserved role for REST repressor function across lower species during aging. However, direct genome-wide studies for REST have been lacking for human brain. Here, we perform the first genome-wide analysis of REST binding in both human and mouse hippocampus. The majority of REST-occupied genes in human hippocampus are distinct from those in mouse. Further, the REST-associated genes unique to human hippocampus represent a new set related to innate immunity and inflammation, where their gene dysregulation has been implicated in aging-related neuropathology, such as Alzheimer's disease.
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Xu C, Zhang M, Zu L, Zhang P, Sun L, Liu X, Fang M. Repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor regulates glutamate receptors and immediate early genes to affect synaptic plasticity. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:15569-15579. [PMID: 34106879 PMCID: PMC8221361 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) on the glutamate receptors and immediate early genes (IEGs) in the SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS The genes regulated by REST were screened by bioinformatics between AD patients and the control group. Then, SH-SY5Y cells were treated with 10 μM Aβ or REST siRNA/cDNA, and the expressions of synaptic genes and IEGs were detected. Moreover, the protein expression of synaptophysin and PSD-95 was detected by Western blotting in the primary mouse hippocampal neurons. RESULTS Firstly, 464 differentially expressed genes regulated by REST were identified between Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and controls, and REST was closely related to the glutamatergic synapses and long-term potentiation. GRIA1, GRIN2A, GRIN1, and ARC showed significant variations with the changes of REST. Moreover, the loss of REST reduced the expression of synaptophysin and PSD-95, which was related to synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION REST maintains synaptic plasticity by affecting both glutamate receptors and IEGs, and the imbalance between neural excitation and inhibition mediated by REST compromises neural function, contributing to cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhaoyi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lu Zu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Letao Sun
- Gordon F. Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, New York, NY 11530-0701, USA
| | - Xueyuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
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Kooiker CL, Birnie MT, Baram TZ. The Paraventricular Thalamus: A Potential Sensor and Integrator of Emotionally Salient Early-Life Experiences. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:673162. [PMID: 34079442 PMCID: PMC8166219 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.673162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life experiences influence a broad spectrum of behaviors throughout the lifespan that contribute to resilience or vulnerability to mental health disorders. Yet, how emotionally salient experiences early in life are encoded, stored, and processed and the mechanisms by which they influence future behaviors remain poorly understood. The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a key structure in modulating positive and negative experiences and behaviors in adults. However, little is known of the PVT's role in encoding and integrating emotionally salient experiences that occur during neonatal, infancy, and childhood periods. In this review, we (1) describe the functions and connections of the PVT and its regulation of behavior, (2) introduce novel technical approaches to elucidating the role of the PVT in mediating enduring changes in adult behaviors resulting from early-life experiences, and (3) conclude that PVT neurons of neonatal rodents are engaged by both positive and negative emotionally salient experiences, and their activation may enduringly govern future behavior-modulating PVT activity during emotionally salient contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Kooiker
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Early life adversity targets the transcriptional signature of hippocampal NG2+ glia and affects voltage gated sodium (Na v) channels properties. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100338. [PMID: 34095364 PMCID: PMC8164094 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of early life adversity (ELA) on adult mental health remain still elusive. To date, most studies have exclusively targeted neuronal populations and not considered neuron-glia crosstalk as a crucially important element for the integrity of stress-related brain function. Here, we have investigated the impact of ELA, in the form of a limited bedding and nesting material (LBN) paradigm, on a glial subpopulation with unique properties in brain homeostasis, the NG2+ cells. First, we have established a link between maternal behavior, activation of the offspring's stress response and heterogeneity in the outcome to LBN manipulation. We further showed that LBN targets the hippocampal NG2+ transcriptome with glucocorticoids being an important mediator of the LBN-induced molecular changes. LBN altered the NG2+ transcriptome and these transcriptional effects were correlated with glucocorticoids levels. The functional relevance of one LBN-induced candidate gene, Scn7a, could be confirmed by an increase in the density of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channel activated currents in hippocampal NG2+ cells. Scn7a remained upregulated until adulthood in LBN animals, which displayed impaired cognitive performance. Considering that Nav channels are important for NG2+ cell-to-neuron communication, our findings provide novel insights into the disruption of this process in LBN mice.
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Babicola L, Ventura R, D'Addario SL, Ielpo D, Andolina D, Di Segni M. Long term effects of early life stress on HPA circuit in rodent models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 521:111125. [PMID: 33333214 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adaptation to environmental challenges represents a critical process for survival, requiring the complex integration of information derived from both external cues and internal signals regarding current conditions and previous experiences. The Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis plays a central role in this process inducing the activation of a neuroendocrine signaling cascade that affects the delicate balance of activity and cross-talk between areas that are involved in sensorial, emotional, and cognitive processing such as the hippocampus, amygdala, Prefrontal Cortex, Ventral Tegmental Area, and dorsal raphe. Early life stress, especially early critical experiences with caregivers, influences the functional and structural organization of these areas, affects these processes in a long-lasting manner and may result in long-term maladaptive and psychopathological outcomes, depending on the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. This review summarizes the results of studies that have modeled this early postnatal stress in rodents during the first 2 postnatal weeks, focusing on the long-term effects on molecular and structural alteration in brain areas involved in Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. Moreover, a brief investigation of epigenetic mechanisms and specific genetic targets mediating the long-term effects of these early environmental manipulations and at the basis of differential neurobiological and behavioral effects during adulthood is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Babicola
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
| | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy; Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00184, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, 00184, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Del Fosso di Fiorano, 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.
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Soga T, Nakajima S, Kawaguchi M, Parhar IS. Repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor /neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) in social stress and depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110053. [PMID: 32739332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extreme stress is closely linked with symptoms of depression. Chronic social stress can cause structural and functional changes in the brain. These changes are associated with dysfunction of neuroprotective signalling that is necessary for cell survival, growth, and maturation. Reduced neuronal numbers and volume of brain regions have been found in depressed patients, which may be caused by decreased cell survival and increased cell death. Elucidating the mechanism underlying the degeneration of the neuroprotective system in social stress-induced depression is important for developing neuroprotective measures. The Repressor Element 1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) also known as Neuron-Restrictive Silencing Factor (NRSF) has been reported as a neuroprotective molecule in certain neurological disorders. Decreased expression levels of REST/NRSF in the nucleus can induce death-related gene expression, leading to neuronal death. Under physiological stress conditions, REST/NRSF over expression is known to activate neuronal survival in the brain. Alterations in REST/NRSF expression in the brain has been reported in stressed animal models and in the post-mortem brain of patients with depression. Here, we highlight the neuroprotective function of REST/NRSF and discuss dysregulation of REST/NRSF and neuronal damage during social stress and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Shingo Nakajima
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia
| | - Maiko Kawaguchi
- Laboratory of Animal Behaviour and Environmental Science, School of Agriculture, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571, Japan
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, PJ, 47500, Malaysia.
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Bolton JL, Schulmann A, Garcia-Curran MM, Regev L, Chen Y, Kamei N, Shao M, Singh-Taylor A, Jiang S, Noam Y, Molet J, Mortazavi A, Baram TZ. Unexpected Transcriptional Programs Contribute to Hippocampal Memory Deficits and Neuronal Stunting after Early-Life Adversity. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108511. [PMID: 33326786 PMCID: PMC7817243 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is associated with lifelong memory deficits, yet the responsible mechanisms remain unclear. We impose ELA by rearing rat pups in simulated poverty, assess hippocampal memory, and probe changes in gene expression, their transcriptional regulation, and the consequent changes in hippocampal neuronal structure. ELA rats have poor hippocampal memory and stunted hippocampal pyramidal neurons associated with ~140 differentially expressed genes. Upstream regulators of the altered genes include glucocorticoid receptor and, unexpectedly, the transcription factor neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF/REST). NRSF contributes critically to the memory deficits because blocking its function transiently following ELA rescues spatial memory and restores the dendritic arborization of hippocampal pyramidal neurons in ELA rats. Blocking NRSF function in vitro augments dendritic complexity of developing hippocampal neurons, suggesting that NRSF represses genes involved in neuronal maturation. These findings establish important, surprising contributions of NRSF to ELA-induced transcriptional programming that disrupts hippocampal maturation and memory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Bolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Anton Schulmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Megan M Garcia-Curran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Limor Regev
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Manlin Shao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Akanksha Singh-Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Yoav Noam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Jenny Molet
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697-4475, USA.
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38
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Popa N, Boyer F, Jaouen F, Belzeaux R, Gascon E. Social Isolation and Enrichment Induce Unique miRNA Signatures in the Prefrontal Cortex and Behavioral Changes in Mice. iScience 2020; 23:101790. [PMID: 33294798 PMCID: PMC7701176 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
An extensive body of evidence supports the notion that exposure to an enriched/impoverished environment alters brain functions via epigenetic changes. However, how specific modifications of social environment modulate brain functions remains poorly understood. To address this issue, we investigate the molecular and behavioral consequences of briefly manipulating social settings in young and middle-aged wild-type mice. We observe that, modifications of the social context, only affect the performance in socially related tasks. Social enrichment increases sociability whereas isolation leads to the opposite effect. Our work also pointed out specific miRNA signatures associated to each social environment. These miRNA alterations are reversible and found selectively in the medial prefrontal cortex. Finally, we show that miRNA modifications linked to social enrichment or isolation might target rather different intracellular pathways. Together, these observations suggest that the prefrontal cortex may be a key brain area integrating social information via the modification of precise miRNA networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Popa
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, UMR7289, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Flora Boyer
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, UMR7289, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Florence Jaouen
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, UMR7289, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- NeuroBioTools Facility (NeuroVir), Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Raoul Belzeaux
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, UMR7289, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, Sainte Marguerite Hospital, Pôle de Psychiatrie Universitaire Solaris, Marseille, France
| | - Eduardo Gascon
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, INT, Inst Neurosci Timone, UMR7289, 27, Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005 Marseille, France
- Corresponding author
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Luby JL, Baram TZ, Rogers CE, Barch DM. Neurodevelopmental Optimization after Early-Life Adversity: Cross-Species Studies to Elucidate Sensitive Periods and Brain Mechanisms to Inform Early Intervention. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:744-751. [PMID: 32863044 PMCID: PMC7530018 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Human brain development is influenced by early-life experiences, particularly during sensitive periods, with impact on cognitive and emotional outcomes. Understanding how the timing and nature of such experiences (including adversity, trauma, and enrichment) govern their influence on brain organization is crucial for harnessing key environmental factors early in life to enhance brain development. Here we synthesize findings from human and animal studies focusing on sensitive periods and their regional and circuit specificity and highlight the challenge and power of such cross-species approaches in informing the 'next steps' to optimize cognitive and emotional health in developing children. We propose designs for neurodevelopmental optimization research programs utilizing randomized enhancement trials in early childhood to inform public health strategies on prevention and early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan L Luby
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Early Emotional Development Program, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy/Neurobiology, and Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Early Emotional Development Program, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Early Emotional Development Program, 4444 Forest Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA; Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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40
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Aristizabal MJ, Anreiter I, Halldorsdottir T, Odgers CL, McDade TW, Goldenberg A, Mostafavi S, Kobor MS, Binder EB, Sokolowski MB, O'Donnell KJ. Biological embedding of experience: A primer on epigenetics. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:23261-23269. [PMID: 31624126 PMCID: PMC7519272 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820838116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological embedding occurs when life experience alters biological processes to affect later life health and well-being. Although extensive correlative data exist supporting the notion that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation underlie biological embedding, causal data are lacking. We describe specific epigenetic mechanisms and their potential roles in the biological embedding of experience. We also consider the nuanced relationships between the genome, the epigenome, and gene expression. Our ability to connect biological embedding to the epigenetic landscape in its complexity is challenging and complicated by the influence of multiple factors. These include cell type, age, the timing of experience, sex, and DNA sequence. Recent advances in molecular profiling and epigenome editing, combined with the use of comparative animal and human longitudinal studies, should enable this field to transition from correlative to causal analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Aristizabal
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V52 4H4, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Ina Anreiter
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Thorhildur Halldorsdottir
- Centre of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Candice L Odgers
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697
- Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Thomas W McDade
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Hospital for Sick Children, Vector Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G OA4, Canada
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Statistics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V52 4H4, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B2, Canada;
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada;
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
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Chen H, Chen Z, Shen L, Wu X, Ma X, Lin D, Zhang M, Ma X, Liu Y, Wang Z, Zhang Y, Kuang Z, Lu Z, Li X, Ma L, Lin X, Si L, Chen X. Fecal microbiota transplantation from patients with autoimmune encephalitis modulates Th17 response and relevant behaviors in mice. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:75. [PMID: 32821439 PMCID: PMC7419566 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-020-00309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been increasingly recognized as a major modulator of autoimmunity. Here, we aim to characterize the gut microbiota of a large cohort of treatment-naïve anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis patients relative to that of healthy controls (HCs). Relative to HCs, anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients had a decreased microbiome alpha-diversity index, marked disturbances of gut microbial composition and intestinal permeability damage. Disturbed microbiota in anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients might be linked with different clinical characteristics. Imputed KEGG analysis revealed perturbations of functional modules in the gut microbiomes of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Compared to HCs, microbiota-depleted mice receiving fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients had hypersensitivity and cognitive impairment. Furthermore, anti-NMDAR encephalitis FMT mice showed altered T cells in the spleen and small intestine lamina propria with an increased Th17 cells. Overall, this study first suggests that the anti-NMDAR encephalitis microbiome itself can influence neurologic, Th17 response and behavioral function. The gut microbiota is a potential therapeutic target for anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Zhaoyu Chen
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Liping Shen
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Xiuhua Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Ma
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Dengna Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Third Affiliated Hospital, 510630 Guangzhou, China
| | - Man Zhang
- School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ USA
| | - Xiaomeng Ma
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Zhanhang Wang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuefeng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zuying Kuang
- Department of Neurology, Guangdong 999 Brain Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Lu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Yanke Biotechnology Co., Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Ma
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Xiuli Lin
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Lei Si
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 600 Tianhe Road, 510630 Guangzhou, Guangdong Province China
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms govern the transcription of the genome. Research with model systems reveals that environmental conditions can directly influence epigenetic mechanisms that are associated with interindividual differences in gene expression in brain and neural function. In this review, we provide a brief overview of epigenetic mechanisms and research with relevant rodent models. We emphasize more recent translational research programs in epigenetics as well as the challenges inherent in the integration of epigenetics into developmental and clinical psychology. Our objectives are to present an update with respect to the translational relevance of epigenetics for the study of psychopathology and to consider the state of current research with respect to its potential importance for clinical research and practice in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran J O'Donnell
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; .,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1R4, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; .,Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 117609 Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119228 Singapore
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Schiele MA, Gottschalk MG, Domschke K. The applied implications of epigenetics in anxiety, affective and stress-related disorders - A review and synthesis on psychosocial stress, psychotherapy and prevention. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 77:101830. [PMID: 32163803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mental disorders are highly complex and multifactorial in origin, comprising an elaborate interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA modifications (e.g. CpG methylation), histone modifications (e.g. acetylation) and microRNAs function as a translator between genes and the environment. Indeed, environmental influences such as exposure to stress shape epigenetic patterns, and lifetime experiences continue to alter the function of the genome throughout the lifespan. Here, we summarize the recently burgeoning body of research regarding the involvement of aberrant epigenetic signatures in mediating an increased vulnerability to a wide range of mental disorders. We review the current knowledge of epigenetic changes to constitute useful markers predicting the clinical response to psychotherapeutic interventions, and of psychotherapy to alter - and potentially reverse - epigenetic risk patterns. Given first evidence pointing to a transgenerational transmission of epigenetic information, epigenetic alterations arising from successful psychotherapy might be transferred to future generations and thus contribute to the prevention of mental disorders. Findings are integrated into a multi-level framework highlighting challenges pertaining to the mechanisms of action and clinical implications of epigenetic research. Promising future directions regarding the prediction, prevention, and personalized treatment of mental disorders in line with a 'precision medicine' approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael G Gottschalk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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44
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Short AK, Maras PM, Pham AL, Ivy AS, Baram TZ. Blocking CRH receptors in adults mitigates age-related memory impairments provoked by early-life adversity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:515-523. [PMID: 31698409 PMCID: PMC6969076 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0562-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In humans, early-life adversity is associated with impairments in learning and memory that may emerge later in life. In rodent models, early-life adversity directly impacts hippocampal neuron structure and connectivity with progressive deficits in long-term potentiation and spatial memory function. Previous work has demonstrated that augmented release and actions of the stress-activated neuropeptide, CRH, contribute to the deleterious effects of early-life adversity on hippocampal dendritic arborization, synapse number and memory-function. Early-life adversity increases hippocampal CRH expression, and blocking hippocampal CRH receptor type-1 (CRHR1) immediately following early-life adversity prevented the consequent memory and LTP defects. Here, we tested if blocking CRHR1 in young adults ameliorates early-life adversity-provoked memory deficits later in life. A weeklong course of a CRHR1 antagonist in 2-month-old male rats prevented early-life adversity-induced deficits in object recognition memory that emerged by 12 months of age. Surprisingly, whereas the intervention did not mitigate early-life adversity-induced spatial memory losses at 4 and 8 months, it restored hippocampus-dependent location memory in 12-month-old rats that experienced early-life adversity. Neither early-life adversity nor CRHR1 blockade in the adult influenced anxiety- or depression-related behaviors. Altogether, these findings suggest that cognitive deficits attributable to adversity during early-life-sensitive periods are at least partially amenable to interventions later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | - Pamela M Maras
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Aidan L Pham
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Autumn S Ivy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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45
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Segal DJ. Grand Challenges in Gene and Epigenetic Editing for Neurologic Disease. Front Genome Ed 2020; 1:1. [PMID: 34713209 PMCID: PMC8525068 DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2019.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J Segal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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46
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Garcia-Manteiga JM, D’Alessandro R, Meldolesi J. News about the Role of the Transcription Factor REST in Neurons: From Physiology to Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E235. [PMID: 31905747 PMCID: PMC6982158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) (known also as NRSF) is a well-known transcription repressor whose strong decrease induces the distinction of neurons with respect to the other cells. Such distinction depends on the marked increased/decreased expression of specific genes, accompanied by parallel changes of the corresponding proteins. Many properties of REST had been identified in the past. Here we report those identified during the last 5 years. Among physiological discoveries are hundreds of genes governed directly/indirectly by REST, the mechanisms of its neuron/fibroblast conversions, and the cooperations with numerous distinct factors induced at the epigenetic level and essential for REST specific functions. New effects induced in neurons during brain diseases depend on the localization of REST, in the nucleus, where functions and toxicity occur, and in the cytoplasm. The effects of REST, including cell aggression or protection, are variable in neurodegenerative diseases in view of the distinct mechanisms of their pathology. Moreover, cooperations are among the mechanisms that govern the severity of brain cancers, glioblastomas, and medulloblastomas. Interestingly, the role in cancers is relevant also for therapeutic perspectives affecting the REST cooperations. In conclusion, part of the new REST knowledge in physiology and pathology appears promising for future developments in research and brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jacopo Meldolesi
- IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Neuroscience, San Raffaele University, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Short AK, Baram TZ. Early-life adversity and neurological disease: age-old questions and novel answers. Nat Rev Neurol 2019; 15:657-669. [PMID: 31530940 PMCID: PMC7261498 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-019-0246-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurological illnesses, including cognitive impairment, memory decline and dementia, affect over 50 million people worldwide, imposing a substantial burden on individuals and society. These disorders arise from a combination of genetic, environmental and experiential factors, with the latter two factors having the greatest impact during sensitive periods in development. In this Review, we focus on the contribution of adverse early-life experiences to aberrant brain maturation, which might underlie vulnerability to cognitive brain disorders. Specifically, we draw on recent robust discoveries from diverse disciplines, encompassing human studies and experimental models. These discoveries suggest that early-life adversity, especially in the perinatal period, influences the maturation of brain circuits involved in cognition. Importantly, new findings suggest that fragmented and unpredictable environmental and parental signals comprise a novel potent type of adversity, which contributes to subsequent vulnerabilities to cognitive illnesses via mechanisms involving disordered maturation of brain 'wiring'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K Short
- Departments of Anatomy and Neruobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Anatomy and Neruobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Departments of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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Wang Z, Liu H. Lysine methylation regulates nervous system diseases. Neuropeptides 2019; 76:101929. [PMID: 31076097 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lysine methylation is an important dynamic modification which is essential in the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. Unlike acetylation markers, lysine methylation signals at gene promoters could be viewed as markers that either activate or silence gene expression in different contexts or states. This article briefly reviews lysine methylation sites involved in nervous system diseases. The methyltransferases and demethylases which cause abnormal methylation signals in nervous system diseases are also discussed. Methylated proteins correlated with nervous system biological processes are extracted from databases and known writer-code-eraser patterns are analyzed, which could provide insight into the design of methylation-based interference peptides for the investigation of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Huadong Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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49
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Davis EP, Korja R, Karlsson L, Glynn LM, Sandman CA, Vegetabile B, Kataja EL, Nolvi S, Sinervä E, Pelto J, Karlsson H, Stern HS, Baram TZ. Across continents and demographics, unpredictable maternal signals are associated with children's cognitive function. EBioMedicine 2019; 46:256-263. [PMID: 31362905 PMCID: PMC6710909 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Early life experiences have persisting influence on brain function throughout life. Maternal signals constitute a primary source of early life experiences, and their quantity and quality during sensitive developmental periods exert enduring effects on cognitive function and emotional and social behaviors. Here we examined if, in addition to established qualitative dimensions of maternal behavior during her interactions with her infant and child, patterns of maternal signals may contribute to the maturation of children's executive functions. We focused primarily on effortful control, a potent predictor of mental health outcomes later in life. Methods In two independent prospective cohorts in Turku, Finland (N = 135), and Irvine, CA, USA (N = 192) that differed significantly in race/ethnicity and sociodemographic parameters, we assessed whether infant exposure to unpredictable patterns of maternal-derived sensory signals portended poor effortful control. Outcomes In both the Irvine and Turku cohorts, unpredictable sequences of maternal behavior during infancy were associated with worse effortful control at one year of age. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated that this association persisted for as long as each cohort was assessed-until two years of age in the Turku cohort and to 9.5 years in the Irvine cohort. The relation of unpredictable maternal signals during infancy and the measures of executive function persisted after adjusting for covariates. Interpretations The consistency of our findings across two cohorts from different demographic backgrounds substantiated the finding that patterns, and specifically unpredictable sequences, of maternal behaviors may influence the development of executive functions which may be associated with vulnerability to subsequent psychopathology. Fund This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) awards P50MH096889, HD051852, NS041298, HD02413, HD050662, HD065823, and by the FinnBrain funders: Academy of Finland (129839, 134950, 253270, 286829, 287908, 308176, 308252), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, Yrjö Jahnsson Foundation, and State Research Grants (P3498, P3654).
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Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Riikka Korja
- Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Psychology, Chapman University, 544 N. Cypress St., Orange, CA 92867, USA
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Brian Vegetabile
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Bren Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Eeva-Leena Kataja
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Saara Nolvi
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eija Sinervä
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Juho Pelto
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Hal S Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Bren Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt, Hall Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Hewitt Hall, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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50
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Bonapersona V, Kentrop J, Van Lissa CJ, van der Veen R, Joëls M, Sarabdjitsingh RA. The behavioral phenotype of early life adversity: A 3-level meta-analysis of rodent studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 102:299-307. [PMID: 31047892 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered cognitive performance is considered an intermediate phenotype mediating early life adversity (ELA) effects on later-life development of mental disorders, e.g. depression. Whereas most human studies are limited to correlational conclusions, rodent studies can prospectively investigate how ELA alters cognitive performance in several domains. Despite the volume of reports, there is no consensus on i) the behavioral domains being affected by ELA and ii) the extent of these effects. To test how ELA (here: aberrant maternal care) affects specific behavioral domains, we used a 3-level mixed-effect meta-analysis, and thoroughly explored heterogeneity with MetaForest, a novel machine-learning approach. Our results are based on >400 independent experiments, involving ∼8600 animals. Especially in males, ELA promotes memory formation during stressful learning but impairs non-stressful learning. Furthermore, ELA increases anxiety-like and decreases social behavior. The ELA phenotype was strongest when i) combined with other negative experiences ("hits"); ii) in rats; iii) in ELA models of ∼10days duration. All data is easily accessible with MaBapp (https://osf.io/ra947/), allowing researchers to run tailor-made meta-analyses, thereby revealing the optimal choice of experimental protocols and study power.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Bonapersona
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | - J Kentrop
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - C J Van Lissa
- Department of Methodology and Statistics, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| | - R van der Veen
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | - M Joëls
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen University, the Netherlands
| | - R A Sarabdjitsingh
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
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