1
|
San Martin LS, Armijo-Weingart L, Gallegos S, Araya A, Homanics GE, Aguayo LG. Changes in ethanol effects in knock-in mice expressing ethanol insensitive alpha1 and alpha2 glycine receptor subunits. Life Sci 2024; 348:122673. [PMID: 38679193 PMCID: PMC11177624 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122673] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are potentiated by physiologically relevant concentrations of ethanol, and mutations in the intracellular loop of α1 and α2 subunits reduced the effect of the drug. Knock-in (KI) mice having these individual mutations revealed that α1 and α2 subunits played a role in ethanol-induced sedation and ethanol intake. In this study, we wanted to examine if the effects of stacking both mutations in a 2xKI mouse model (α1/α2) generated by a selective breeding strategy further impacted cellular and behavioral responses to ethanol. MAIN METHODS We used electrophysiological recordings to examine ethanol's effect on GlyRs and evaluated ethanol-induced neuronal activation using c-Fos immunoreactivity and the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s in the nucleus accumbens (nAc). We also examined ethanol-induced behavior using open field, loss of the righting response, and drinking in the dark (DID) paradigm. KEY FINDINGS Ethanol did not potentiate GlyRs nor affect neuronal excitability in the nAc from 2xKI. Moreover, ethanol decreased the Ca2+ signal in WT mice, whereas there were no changes in the signal in 2xKI mice. Interestingly, there was an increase in c-Fos baseline in the 2xKI mice in the absence of ethanol. Behavioral assays showed that 2xKI mice recovered faster from a sedative dose of ethanol and had higher ethanol intake on the first test day of the DID test than WT mice. Interestingly, an open-field assay showed that 2xKI mice displayed less anxiety-like behavior than WT mice. SIGNIFICANCE The results indicate that α1 and α2 subunits are biologically relevant targets for regulating sedative effects and ethanol consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loreto S San Martin
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Lorena Armijo-Weingart
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Scarlet Gallegos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Anibal Araya
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile
| | - Gregg E Homanics
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Luis G Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Concepción, Chile; Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental (NEPSAM), Universidad de Concepción, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wiessler AL, Talucci I, Piro I, Seefried S, Hörlin V, Baykan BB, Tüzün E, Schaefer N, Maric HM, Sommer C, Villmann C. Glycine Receptor β-Targeting Autoantibodies Contribute to the Pathology of Autoimmune Diseases. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200187. [PMID: 38215349 PMCID: PMC10786602 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) and progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) are rare neurologic disorders of the CNS. Until now, exclusive GlyRα subunit-binding autoantibodies with subsequent changes in function and surface numbers were reported. GlyR autoantibodies have also been described in patients with focal epilepsy. Autoimmune reactivity against the GlyRβ subunits has not yet been shown. Autoantibodies against GlyRα1 target the large extracellular N-terminal domain. This domain shares a high degree of sequence homology with GlyRβ making it not unlikely that GlyRβ-specific autoantibody (aAb) exist and contribute to the disease pathology. METHODS In this study, we investigated serum samples from 58 patients for aAb specifically detecting GlyRβ. Studies in microarray format, cell-based assays, and primary spinal cord neurons and spinal cord tissue immunohistochemistry were performed to determine specific GlyRβ binding and define aAb binding to distinct protein regions. Preadsorption approaches of aAbs using living cells and the purified extracellular receptor domain were further used. Finally, functional consequences for inhibitory neurotransmission upon GlyRβ aAb binding were resolved by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. RESULTS Among 58 samples investigated, cell-based assays, tissue analysis, and preadsorption approaches revealed 2 patients with high specificity for GlyRβ aAb. Quantitative protein cluster analysis demonstrated aAb binding to synaptic GlyRβ colocalized with the scaffold protein gephyrin independent of the presence of GlyRα1. At the functional level, binding of GlyRβ aAb from both patients to its target impair glycine efficacy. DISCUSSION Our study establishes GlyRβ as novel target of aAb in patients with SPS/PERM. In contrast to exclusively GlyRα1-positive sera, which alter glycine potency, aAbs against GlyRβ impair receptor efficacy for the neurotransmitter glycine. Imaging and functional analyses showed that GlyRβ aAbs antagonize inhibitory neurotransmission by affecting receptor function rather than localization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Wiessler
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Ivan Talucci
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Inken Piro
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Sabine Seefried
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Verena Hörlin
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Betül B Baykan
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Erdem Tüzün
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Hans M Maric
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Claudia Sommer
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Carmen Villmann
- From the Institute for Clinical Neurobiology (A.-L.W., V.H., N.S., C.V.), University of Wuerzburg; Department of Neurology (I.T., I.P., S.S., C.S.), University Hospital Wuerzburg; Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging (I.T., H.M.M.), University of Wuerzburg, Germany; Department of Neurology (B.B.B.), Istanbul Faculty of Medicine; and Institute of Experimental Medical Research (E.T.), Istanbul University, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wiessler AL, Hasenmüller AS, Fuhl I, Mille C, Cortes Campo O, Reinhard N, Schenk J, Heinze KG, Schaefer N, Specht CG, Villmann C. Role of the Glycine Receptor β Subunit in Synaptic Localization and Pathogenicity in Severe Startle Disease. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0837232023. [PMID: 37963764 PMCID: PMC10860499 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0837-23.2023] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Startle disease is due to the disruption of recurrent inhibition in the spinal cord. Most common causes are genetic variants in genes (GLRA1, GLRB) encoding inhibitory glycine receptor (GlyR) subunits. The adult GlyR is a heteropentameric complex composed of α1 and β subunits that localizes at postsynaptic sites and replaces embryonically expressed GlyRα2 homomers. The human GlyR variants of GLRA1 and GLRB, dominant and recessive, have been intensively studied in vitro. However, the role of unaffected GlyRβ, essential for synaptic GlyR localization, in the presence of mutated GlyRα1 in vivo is not fully understood. Here, we used knock-in mice expressing endogenous mEos4b-tagged GlyRβ that were crossed with mouse Glra1 startle disease mutants. We explored the role of GlyRβ under disease conditions in mice carrying a missense mutation (shaky) or resulting from the loss of GlyRα1 (oscillator). Interestingly, synaptic targeting of GlyRβ was largely unaffected in both mouse mutants. While synaptic morphology appears unaltered in shaky animals, synapses were notably smaller in homozygous oscillator animals. Hence, GlyRβ enables transport of functionally impaired GlyRα1 missense variants to synaptic sites in shaky animals, which has an impact on the efficacy of possible compensatory mechanisms. The observed enhanced GlyRα2 expression in oscillator animals points to a compensation by other GlyRα subunits. However, trafficking of GlyRα2β complexes to synaptic sites remains functionally insufficient, and homozygous oscillator mice still die at 3 weeks after birth. Thus, both functional and structural deficits can affect glycinergic neurotransmission in severe startle disease, eliciting different compensatory mechanisms in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Lena Wiessler
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Sofie Hasenmüller
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Fuhl
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Clémence Mille
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm U1195), Université Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Orlando Cortes Campo
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Reinhard
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Schenk
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katrin G Heinze
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christian G Specht
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm U1195), Université Paris-Saclay, 94276 Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wendt J, Kuhn M, Hamm AO, Lonsdorf TB. Recent advances in studying brain-behavior interactions using functional imaging: The primary startle response pathway and its affective modulation in humans. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14364. [PMID: 37402156 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14364] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The startle response is a cross-species defensive reflex that is considered a key tool for cross-species translational emotion research. While the neural pathway mediating (affective) startle modulation has been extensively studied in rodents, human work on brain-behavior interactions has lagged in the past due to technical challenges, which have only recently been overcome through non-invasive simultaneous EMG-fMRI assessments. We illustrate key paradigms and methodological tools for startle response assessment in rodents and humans and review evidence for primary and modulatory neural circuits underlying startle responses and their affective modulation in humans. Based on this, we suggest a refined and integrative model for primary and modulatory startle response pathways in humans concluding that there is strong evidence from human work on the neurobiological pathway underlying the primary startle response while evidence for the modulatory pathway is still sparse. In addition, we provide methodological considerations to guide future work and provide an outlook on new and exciting perspectives enabled through technical and theoretical advances outlined in this work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wendt
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, University of Potsdam, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Manuel Kuhn
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alfons O Hamm
- Department of Physiological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Psychology, Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Schaefer N, Harvey RJ, Villmann C. Startle Disease: New Molecular Insights into an Old Neurological Disorder. Neuroscientist 2023; 29:767-781. [PMID: 35754344 PMCID: PMC10623600 DOI: 10.1177/10738584221104724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Startle disease (SD) is characterized by enhanced startle responses, generalized muscle stiffness, unexpected falling, and fatal apnea episodes due to disturbed feedback inhibition in the spinal cord and brainstem of affected individuals. Mutations within the glycine receptor (GlyR) subunit and glycine transporter 2 (GlyT2) genes have been identified in individuals with SD. Impaired inhibitory neurotransmission in SD is due to pre- and/or postsynaptic GlyR or presynaptic GlyT2 dysfunctions. Previous research has focused on mutated GlyRs and GlyT2 that impair ion channel/transporter function or trafficking. With insights provided by recently solved cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray structures of GlyRs, a detailed picture of structural transitions important for receptor gating has emerged, allowing a deeper understanding of SD at the molecular level. Moreover, studies on novel SD mutations have demonstrated a higher complexity of SD, with identification of additional clinical signs and symptoms and interaction partners representing key players for fine-tuning synaptic processes. Although our knowledge has steadily improved during the last years, changes in synaptic localization and GlyR or GlyT2 homeostasis under disease conditions are not yet completely understood. Combined proteomics, interactomics, and high-resolution microscopy techniques are required to reveal alterations in receptor dynamics at the synaptic level under disease conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schaefer
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert J. Harvey
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, Australia
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Drehmann P, Milanos S, Schaefer N, Kasaragod VB, Herterich S, Holzbach-Eberle U, Harvey RJ, Villmann C. Dual Role of Dysfunctional Asc-1 Transporter in Distinct Human Pathologies, Human Startle Disease, and Developmental Delay. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0263-23.2023. [PMID: 37903619 PMCID: PMC10668224 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0263-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human startle disease is associated with mutations in distinct genes encoding glycine receptors, transporters or interacting proteins at glycinergic synapses in spinal cord and brainstem. However, a significant number of diagnosed patients does not carry a mutation in the common genes GLRA1, GLRB, and SLC6A5 Recently, studies on solute carrier 7 subfamily 10 (SLC7A10; Asc-1, alanine-serine-cysteine transporter) knock-out (KO) mice displaying a startle disease-like phenotype hypothesized that this transporter might represent a novel candidate for human startle disease. Here, we screened 51 patients from our patient cohort negative for the common genes and found three exonic (one missense, two synonymous), seven intronic, and single nucleotide changes in the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) in Asc-1. The identified missense mutation Asc-1G307R from a patient with startle disease and developmental delay was investigated in functional studies. At the molecular level, the mutation Asc-1G307R did not interfere with cell-surface expression, but disrupted glycine uptake. Substitution of glycine at position 307 to other amino acids, e.g., to alanine or tryptophan did not affect trafficking or glycine transport. By contrast, G307K disrupted glycine transport similar to the G307R mutation found in the patient. Structurally, the disrupted function in variants carrying positively charged residues can be explained by local structural rearrangements because of the large positively charged side chain. Thus, our data suggest that SLC7A10 may represent a rare but novel gene associated with human startle disease and developmental delay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Drehmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sinem Milanos
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vikram Babu Kasaragod
- Neurobiology Division, Medical Reserach Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Herterich
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Holzbach-Eberle
- Center for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Neurology, Social Pediatrics and Epileptology, University Hospital Gießen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4558, Australia
- Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD 4575, Australia
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, 97078 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Darwish M, Hattori S, Nishizono H, Miyakawa T, Yachie N, Takao K. Comprehensive behavioral analyses of mice with a glycine receptor alpha 4 deficiency. Mol Brain 2023; 16:44. [PMID: 37217969 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are ligand-gated chloride channels comprising alpha (α1-4) and β subunits. The GlyR subunits play major roles in the mammalian central nervous system, ranging from regulating simple sensory information to modulating higher-order brain function. Unlike the other GlyR subunits, GlyR α4 receives relatively little attention because the human ortholog lacks a transmembrane domain and is thus considered a pseudogene. A recent genetic study reported that the GLRA4 pseudogene locus on the X chromosome is potentially involved in cognitive impairment, motor delay and craniofacial anomalies in humans. The physiologic roles of GlyR α4 in mammal behavior and its involvement in disease, however, are not known. Here we examined the temporal and spatial expression profile of GlyR α4 in the mouse brain and subjected Glra4 mutant mice to a comprehensive behavioral analysis to elucidate the role of GlyR α4 in behavior. The GlyR α4 subunit was mainly enriched in the hindbrain and midbrain, and had relatively lower expression in the thalamus, cerebellum, hypothalamus, and olfactory bulb. In addition, expression of the GlyR α4 subunit gradually increased during brain development. Glra4 mutant mice exhibited a decreased amplitude and delayed onset of the startle response compared with wild-type littermates, and increased social interaction in the home cage during the dark period. Glra4 mutants also had a low percentage of entries into open arms in the elevated plus-maze test. Although mice with GlyR α4 deficiency did not show motor and learning abnormalities reported to be associated in human genomics studies, they exhibited behavioral changes in startle response and social and anxiety-like behavior. Our data clarify the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the GlyR α4 subunit and suggest that glycinergic signaling modulates social, startle, and anxiety-like behaviors in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Darwish
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Synthetic Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Nishizono
- Medical Research Institute, Kanazawa Medical University, Kahoku, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Nozomu Yachie
- Synthetic Biology Division, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Keizo Takao
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Koskinen MK, Hovatta I. Genetic insights into the neurobiology of anxiety. Trends Neurosci 2023; 46:318-331. [PMID: 36828693 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2023.01.007] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and fear are evolutionarily conserved emotions that increase the likelihood of an organism surviving threatening situations. Anxiety and vigilance states are regulated by neural networks involving multiple brain regions. In anxiety disorders, this intricate regulatory system is disturbed, leading to excessive or prolonged anxiety or fear. Anxiety disorders have both genetic and environmental risk factors. Genetic research has the potential to identify specific genetic variants causally associated with specific phenotypes. In recent decades, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have revealed variants predisposing to neuropsychiatric disorders, suggesting novel neurobiological pathways in the etiology of these disorders. Here, we review recent human GWASs of anxiety disorders, and genetic studies of anxiety-like behavior in rodent models. These studies are paving the way for a better understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maija-Kreetta Koskinen
- SleepWell Research Program and Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, 00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Iiris Hovatta
- SleepWell Research Program and Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, PO Box 21, 00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
van der Walt K, Campbell M, Stein DJ, Dalvie S. Systematic review of genome-wide association studies of anxiety disorders and neuroticism. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 24:280-291. [PMID: 35815422 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2022.2099970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To summarise SNP associations identified by genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of anxiety disorders and neuroticism; to appraise the quality of individual studies, and to assess the ancestral diversity of study participants. METHODS We searched PubMed, Scopus, PsychInfo and PubPsych for GWASs of anxiety disorders, non-diagnostic traits (such as anxiety sensitivity), and neuroticism, and extracted all SNPs that surpassed genome-wide significance. We graded study quality using Q-genie scores and reviewed the ancestral diversity of included participants. RESULTS 32 studies met our inclusion criteria. A total of 563 independent significant variants were identified, of which 29 were replicated nominally in independent samples, and 3 were replicated significantly. The studies had good global quality, but many smaller studies were underpowered. Phenotypic heterogeneity for anxiety (and less so for neuroticism) seemed to reflect the complexity of capturing this trait. Ancestral diversity was poor, with 70% of studies including only populations of European ancestry. CONCLUSION The functionality of genes identified by GWASs of anxiety and neuroticism deserves further investigation. Future GWASs should have larger sample sizes, more rigorous phenotyping and include more ancestrally diverse population groups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristien van der Walt
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Megan Campbell
- MRC Genomic and Precision Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics. Institute for Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Global Initiative for Neuropsychiatric Genetics Education in Research (GINGER) program, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shareefa Dalvie
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Cape Town
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Nelson J, Kelly JM, Wadsworth L, Maloney E. Co-occurring OCD and Panic Disorder: A Review of Their Etiology and Treatment. J Cogn Psychother 2022; 36:JCP-2021-0009.R2. [PMID: 35470149 DOI: 10.1891/jcp-2021-0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Estimated rates of co-occurrence between obsessive and compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder (PD) are notable, but vary considerably, with rates from epidemiological and clinical studies ranging from 1.8% to 22% (Rector et al., 2017). We reviewed the current empirical literature on the etiology, treatment, diagnostic assessment, and differential diagnosis of co-occurring OCD/PD. Best practices for cognitive-behavioral treatment, including identifying and addressing treatment barriers are also addressed. Although it is acknowledged in current literature that co-occurring OCD and PD levels may be clinically significant, there remains a need to thoroughly examine the possible consequences and future research directions of this overlap. Future research must continue to elucidate the biological and environmental causes of OCD/PD co-occurrence.
Collapse
|
11
|
Scherf-Clavel M, Weber H, Deckert J, Erhardt-Lehmann A. The role of pharmacogenetics in the treatment of anxiety disorders and the future potential for targeted therapeutics. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2021; 17:1249-1260. [PMID: 34643143 DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2021.1991912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Anxiety disorders (AD) are among the most common mental disorders worldwide. Pharmacotherapy, including benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants is currently based on 'trial-and-error,' and is effective in a subset of patients or produces partial response only. Recent research proposes that treatment response and tolerability of the drugs are associated with genetic factors. AREAS COVERED In the present review, we provide information on pharmacogenetics (PGx) in AD, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic genes. Moreover, we discuss the future potential of PGx for personalized treatment. EXPERT OPINION In psychiatry, PGx testing is still in its infancy, especially in the treatment of AD. As of today, implementation in clinical routine is recommended only for CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, mainly in terms of safety of treatment and potentially of treatment outcome in general. However, the evidence for PGx testing addressing pharmacodynamics for specific AD is limited to date. Nevertheless, PGx may develop into a valuable and promising tool to improve therapy in AD, but there is a need for more research to fully exploit its possibilities. Future perspectives include research into single genes, polygenic risk scores, and pharmacoepigenetics to provide targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maike Scherf-Clavel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Erhardt-Lehmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Translational Department, Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ask H, Cheesman R, Jami ES, Levey DF, Purves KL, Weber H. Genetic contributions to anxiety disorders: where we are and where we are heading. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2231-2246. [PMID: 33557968 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720005486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. They often onset early in life, with symptoms and consequences that can persist for decades. This makes anxiety disorders some of the most debilitating and costly disorders of our time. Although much is known about the synaptic and circuit mechanisms of fear and anxiety, research on the underlying genetics has lagged behind that of other psychiatric disorders. However, alongside the formation of the Psychiatric Genomic Consortium Anxiety workgroup, progress is rapidly advancing, offering opportunities for future research.Here we review current knowledge about the genetics of anxiety across the lifespan from genetically informative designs (i.e. twin studies and molecular genetics). We include studies of specific anxiety disorders (e.g. panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder) as well as those using dimensional measures of trait anxiety. We particularly address findings from large-scale genome-wide association studies and show how such discoveries may provide opportunities for translation into improved or new therapeutics for affected individuals. Finally, we describe how discoveries in anxiety genetics open the door to numerous new research possibilities, such as the investigation of specific gene-environment interactions and the disentangling of causal associations with related traits and disorders.We discuss how the field of anxiety genetics is expected to move forward. In addition to the obvious need for larger sample sizes in genome-wide studies, we highlight the need for studies among young people, focusing on specific underlying dimensional traits or components of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helga Ask
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rosa Cheesman
- PROMENTA Research Center, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eshim S Jami
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel F Levey
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Psychiatry, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare Center, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kirstin L Purves
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychology, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mufford MS, van der Meer D, Andreassen OA, Ramesar R, Stein DJ, Dalvie S. A review of systems biology research of anxiety disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 43:414-423. [PMID: 33053074 PMCID: PMC8352731 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2020-1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The development of "omic" technologies and deep phenotyping may facilitate a systems biology approach to understanding anxiety disorders. Systems biology approaches incorporate data from multiple modalities (e.g., genomic, neuroimaging) with functional analyses (e.g., animal and tissue culture models) and mathematical modeling (e.g., machine learning) to investigate pathological biophysical networks at various scales. Here we review: i) the neurobiology of anxiety disorders; ii) how systems biology approaches have advanced this work; and iii) the clinical implications and future directions of this research. Systems biology approaches have provided an improved functional understanding of candidate biomarkers and have suggested future potential for refining the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of anxiety disorders. The systems biology approach for anxiety disorders is, however, in its infancy and in some instances is characterized by insufficient power and replication. The studies reviewed here represent important steps to further untangling the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary S Mufford
- South African Medical Research Council Genomic and Precision Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dennis van der Meer
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Raj Ramesar
- South African Medical Research Council Genomic and Precision Medicine Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shareefa Dalvie
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tomasi J, Zai CC, Zai G, Kennedy JL, Tiwari AK. Genetics of human startle reactivity: A systematic review to acquire targets for an anxiety endophenotype. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:399-427. [PMID: 33040669 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1834619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Startle response is an objective physiological measure integral to the human defense system and a promising target for endophenotype investigations of anxiety. Given the alterations in startle reactivity observed among anxiety and related disorders, we searched for genetic variants associated with startle reactivity as they may be further involved in pathological anxiety risk. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed to identify genetic variants associated with startle reactivity in humans, specifically baseline and fear- or anxiety-potentiated startle. RESULTS The polymorphisms Val66Met (rs6265) from brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Val158Met (rs4680) from catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) from the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were most commonly studied in human startle. In addition, several other genetic variants have also been identified as potential candidates that warrant further research, especially given their novelty in in the context of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Similar to psychiatric genetic studies, the studies on startle reactivity primarily focus on candidate genes and are plagued by non-replication. Startle reactivity is a promising endophenotype that requires concerted efforts to collect uniformly assessed, large, well-powered samples and hypothesis-free genome-wide strategies. To further support startle as an endophenotype for anxiety, this review suggests advanced genetic strategies for startle research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tomasi
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division, CAMH, Toronto, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arun K Tiwari
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chase MA, Ellegren H, Mugal CF. Positive selection plays a major role in shaping signatures of differentiation across the genomic landscape of two independent Ficedula flycatcher species pairs. Evolution 2021; 75:2179-2196. [PMID: 33851440 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A current debate within population genomics surrounds the relevance of patterns of genomic differentiation between closely related species for our understanding of adaptation and speciation. Mounting evidence across many taxa suggests that the same genomic regions repeatedly develop elevated differentiation in independent species pairs. These regions often coincide with high gene density and/or low recombination, leading to the hypothesis that the genomic differentiation landscape mostly reflects a history of background selection, and reveals little about adaptation or speciation. A comparative genomics approach with multiple independent species pairs at a timescale where gene flow and ILS are negligible permits investigating whether different evolutionary processes are responsible for generating lineage-specific versus shared patterns of species differentiation. We use whole-genome resequencing data of 195 individuals from four Ficedula flycatcher species comprising two independent species pairs: collared and pied flycatchers, and red-breasted and taiga flycatchers. We found that both shared and lineage-specific FST peaks could partially be explained by selective sweeps, with recurrent selection likely to underlie shared signatures of selection, whereas indirect evidence supports a role of recombination landscape evolution in driving lineage-specific signatures of selection. This work therefore provides evidence for an interplay of positive selection and recombination to genomic landscape evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline A Chase
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala university, Uppsala, SE-75236, Sweden
| | - Hans Ellegren
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala university, Uppsala, SE-75236, Sweden
| | - Carina F Mugal
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala university, Uppsala, SE-75236, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
Anxiety disorders form the most common group of mental disorders and generally start before or in early adulthood. Core features include excessive fear and anxiety or avoidance of perceived threats that are persistent and impairing. Anxiety disorders involve dysfunction in brain circuits that respond to danger. Risk for anxiety disorders is influenced by genetic factors, environmental factors, and their epigenetic relations. Anxiety disorders are often comorbid with one another and with other mental disorders, especially depression, as well as with somatic disorders. Such comorbidity generally signifies more severe symptoms, greater clinical burden, and greater treatment difficulty. Reducing the large burden of disease from anxiety disorders in individuals and worldwide can be best achieved by timely, accurate disease detection and adequate treatment administration, scaling up of treatments when needed. Evidence-based psychotherapy (particularly cognitive behavioural therapy) and psychoactive medications (particularly serotonergic compounds) are both effective, facilitating patients' choices in therapeutic decisions. Although promising, no enduring preventive measures are available, and, along with frequent therapy resistance, clinical needs remain unaddressed. Ongoing research efforts tackle these problems, and future efforts should seek individualised, more effective approaches for treatment with precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Wjh Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands; GGZ inGeest, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Daniel S Pine
- Emotion and Development Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily A Holmes
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt-Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Schaefer N, Signoret-Genest J, von Collenberg CR, Wachter B, Deckert J, Tovote P, Blum R, Villmann C. Anxiety and Startle Phenotypes in Glrb Spastic and Glra1 Spasmodic Mouse Mutants. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:152. [PMID: 32848605 PMCID: PMC7433344 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A GWAS study recently demonstrated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human GLRB gene of individuals with a prevalence for agoraphobia. GLRB encodes the glycine receptor (GlyRs) β subunit. The identified SNPs are localized within the gene flanking regions (3' and 5' UTRs) and intronic regions. It was suggested that these nucleotide polymorphisms modify GlyRs expression and phenotypic behavior in humans contributing to an anxiety phenotype as a mild form of hyperekplexia. Hyperekplexia is a human neuromotor disorder with massive startle phenotypes due to mutations in genes encoding GlyRs subunits. GLRA1 mutations have been more commonly observed than GLRB mutations. If an anxiety phenotype contributes to the hyperekplexia disease pattern has not been investigated yet. Here, we compared two mouse models harboring either a mutation in the murine Glra1 or Glrb gene with regard to anxiety and startle phenotypes. Homozygous spasmodic animals carrying a Glra1 point mutation (alanine 52 to serine) displayed abnormally enhanced startle responses. Moreover, spasmodic mice exhibited significant changes in fear-related behaviors (freezing, rearing and time spent on back) analyzed during the startle paradigm, even in a neutral context. Spastic mice exhibit reduced expression levels of the full-length GlyRs β subunit due to aberrant splicing of the Glrb gene. Heterozygous animals appear normal without an obvious behavioral phenotype and thus might reflect the human situation analyzed in the GWAS study on agoraphobia and startle. In contrast to spasmodic mice, heterozygous spastic animals revealed no startle phenotype in a neutral as well as a conditioning context. Other mechanisms such as a modulatory function of the GlyRs β subunit within glycinergic circuits in neuronal networks important for fear and fear-related behavior may exist. Possibly, in human additional changes in fear and fear-related circuits either due to gene-gene interactions e.g., with GLRA1 genes or epigenetic factors are necessary to create the agoraphobia and in particular the startle phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schaefer
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jérémy Signoret-Genest
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cora R von Collenberg
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Britta Wachter
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center for Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Philip Tovote
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Robert Blum
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, Julius Maximilians University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Rauschenberger V, von Wardenburg N, Schaefer N, Ogino K, Hirata H, Lillesaar C, Kluck CJ, Meinck H, Borrmann M, Weishaupt A, Doppler K, Wickel J, Geis C, Sommer C, Villmann C. Glycine Receptor
Autoantibodies Impair Receptor Function and Induce Motor Dysfunction. Ann Neurol 2020; 88:544-561. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.25832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Rauschenberger
- Institute for Clinical NeurobiologyUniversity Hospital, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Niels von Wardenburg
- Institute for Clinical NeurobiologyUniversity Hospital, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical NeurobiologyUniversity Hospital, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Kazutoyo Ogino
- Department of Chemistry and Biological ScienceCollege of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiromi Hirata
- Department of Chemistry and Biological ScienceCollege of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University Tokyo Japan
| | - Christina Lillesaar
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryCenter of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Christoph J. Kluck
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen–Nürnberg Erlangen Germany
| | | | - Marc Borrmann
- WittenHelios University Hospital Wuppertal, Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Witten/Herdecke University Germany
| | - Andreas Weishaupt
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Kathrin Doppler
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Jonathan Wickel
- Section of Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of NeurologyJena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Christian Geis
- Section of Translational Neuroimmunology, Department of NeurologyJena University Hospital Jena Germany
| | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of NeurologyUniversity Hospital Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical NeurobiologyUniversity Hospital, Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tomasi J, Zai CC, Zai G, Herbert D, King N, Freeman N, Kennedy JL, Tiwari AK. The effect of polymorphisms in startle-related genes on anxiety symptom severity. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 125:144-151. [PMID: 32289651 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Given the limited effectiveness of treatments for pathological anxiety, there is a pressing need to identify genetic markers that can aid the precise selection of treatments and optimize treatment response. Anxiety and startle response levels demonstrate a direct relationship, and previous literature suggests that exaggerated startle reactivity may serve as an endophenotype of pathological anxiety. In addition, genetic variants related to startle reactivity may play a role in the etiology of pathological anxiety. In the current study, we selected 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to startle reactivity in the literature, and examined their association with anxiety symptom severity across psychiatric disorders (n = 508), and in a subset of patients with an anxiety disorder (n = 298). Overall, none of the SNPs pass correction for multiple independent tests. However, across psychiatric patients, rs6323 from the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene and rs324981 from the neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) gene were nominally associated with baseline anxiety symptom severity (p = 0.017, 0.023). These preliminary findings provide support for investigating startle-related genetic variants to identify biomarkers of anxiety symptom severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tomasi
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Clement C Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Deanna Herbert
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole King
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie Freeman
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute and Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Arun K Tiwari
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Genetic and epigenetic analyses of panic disorder in the post-GWAS era. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:1517-1526. [PMID: 32388794 PMCID: PMC7578165 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02205-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is a common and debilitating neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by panic attacks coupled with excessive anxiety. Both genetic factors and environmental factors play an important role in PD pathogenesis and response to treatment. However, PD is clinically heterogeneous and genetically complex, and the exact genetic or environmental causes of this disorder remain unclear. Various approaches for detecting disease-causing genes have recently been made available. In particular, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have attracted attention for the identification of disease-associated loci of multifactorial disorders. This review introduces GWAS of PD, followed by a discussion about the limitations of GWAS and the major challenges facing geneticists in the post-GWAS era. Alternative strategies to address these challenges are then proposed, such as epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) and rare variant association studies (RVAS) using next-generation sequencing. To date, however, few reports have described these analyses, and the evidence remains insufficient to confidently identify or exclude rare variants or epigenetic changes in PD. Further analyses are therefore required, using sample sizes in the tens of thousands, extensive functional annotations, and highly targeted hypothesis testing.
Collapse
|
21
|
The Neurofunctional Basis of Affective Startle Modulation in Humans: Evidence From Combined Facial Electromyography and Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:548-558. [PMID: 31547934 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The startle eye-blink is the cross-species translational tool to study defensive behavior in affective neuroscience with relevance to a broad range of neuropsychiatric conditions. It makes use of the startle reflex, a defensive response elicited by an immediate, unexpected sensory event, which is potentiated when evoked during threat and inhibited during safety. In contrast to skin conductance responses or pupil dilation, modulation of the startle reflex is valence specific. Rodent models implicate a modulatory pathway centering on the brainstem (i.e., nucleus reticularis pontis caudalis) and the centromedial amygdala as key hubs for flexibly integrating valence information into differential startle magnitude. Technical advances now allow for the investigation of this pathway using combined facial electromyography and functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans. METHODS We employed a multimethodological approach combining trial-by-trial facial eye-blink startle electromyography and brainstem- and amygdala-specific functional magnetic resonance imaging in humans. Validating the robustness and reproducibility of our findings, we provide evidence from two different paradigms (fear-potentiated startle, affect-modulated startle) in two independent studies (N = 43 and N = 55). RESULTS We provide key evidence for a conserved neural pathway for acoustic startle modulation between humans and rodents. Furthermore, we provide the crucial direct link between electromyography startle eye-blink magnitude and neural response strength. Finally, we demonstrate a dissociation between arousal-specific amygdala responding and triggered valence-specific amygdala responding. CONCLUSIONS We provide neurobiologically based evidence for the strong translational value of startle responding and argue that startle-evoked amygdala responding and its affective modulation may hold promise as an important novel tool for affective neuroscience and its clinical translation.
Collapse
|
22
|
Haaker J, Maren S, Andreatta M, Merz CJ, Richter J, Richter SH, Meir Drexler S, Lange MD, Jüngling K, Nees F, Seidenbecher T, Fullana MA, Wotjak CT, Lonsdorf TB. Making translation work: Harmonizing cross-species methodology in the behavioural neuroscience of Pavlovian fear conditioning. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:329-345. [PMID: 31521698 PMCID: PMC7822629 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Translational neuroscience bridges insights from specific mechanisms in rodents to complex functions in humans and is key to advance our general understanding of central nervous function. A prime example of translational research is the study of cross-species mechanisms that underlie responding to learned threats, by employing Pavlovian fear conditioning protocols in rodents and humans. Hitherto, evidence for (and critique of) these cross-species comparisons in fear conditioning research was based on theoretical viewpoints. Here, we provide a perspective to substantiate these theoretical concepts with empirical considerations of cross-species methodology. This meta-research perspective is expected to foster cross-species comparability and reproducibility to ultimately facilitate successful transfer of results from basic science into clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Haaker
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Stephen Maren
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Marta Andreatta
- Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Education & Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christian J Merz
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Psychology, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - S Helene Richter
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Shira Meir Drexler
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Psychology, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Cognitive Psychology, Germany
| | - Maren D Lange
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kay Jüngling
- Institute of Physiology I, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Miquel A Fullana
- Institute of Neurosciences, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carsten T Wotjak
- Neuronal Plasticity Research Group, Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ridderbusch IC, Richter J, Yang Y, Hoefler M, Weber H, Reif A, Hamm A, Pané-Farré CA, Gerlach AL, Stroehle A, Pfleiderer B, Arolt V, Wittchen HU, Gloster A, Lang T, Helbig-Lang S, Fehm L, Pauli P, Kircher T, Lueken U, Straube B. Association of rs7688285 allelic variation coding for GLRB with fear reactivity and exposure-based therapy in patients with panic disorder and agoraphobia. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:1138-1151. [PMID: 31444036 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.07.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The gene coding for glycine receptor β subunits (GLRB) has been found to be related to panic disorder and agoraphobia (PD/AG) and to be associated with altered insular BOLD activation during fear conditioning, as an intermediate phenotype of defensive system reactivity in healthy subjects. In a multicenter clinical trial on PD/AG patients we investigated in three sub-samples whether GLRB allelic variation (A/G; A-allele identified as «risk») in the single nucleotide polymorphism rs7688285 was associated with autonomic (behavioral avoidance test BAT; n = 267 patients) and neural (differential fear conditioning; n = 49 patients, n = 38 controls) measures, and furthermore with responding towards exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT, n = 184 patients). An interaction of genotype with current PD/AG diagnosis (PD/AG vs. controls; fMRI data only) and their modification after CBT was tested as well. Exploratory fMRI results prior to CBT, revealed A-allele carriers irrespective of diagnostic status to show overall higher BOLD activation in the hippocampus, motor cortex (MC) and insula. Differential activation in the MC, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula was found in the interaction genotype X diagnosis. Differential activation in ACC and hippocampus was present in differential fear learning. ACC activation was modified after treatment, while no overall rs7688285 dependent effect on clinical outcomes was found. On the behavioral level, A-allele carriers showed pronounced fear reactivity prior to CBT which partially normalized afterwards. In sum, rs7688285 variation interacts in a complex manner with PD/AG on a functional systems level and might be involved in the development of PD/AG but not in their treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle C Ridderbusch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
| | - Jan Richter
- Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Yunbo Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael Hoefler
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alfons Hamm
- Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christiane A Pané-Farré
- Institute of Psychology, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexander L Gerlach
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andreas Stroehle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bettina Pfleiderer
- Medical Faculty, University of Münster and Department Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), München, Germany
| | - Andrew Gloster
- Division of Clinical Psychology and Intervention Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Lang
- Christoph-Dornier-Stiftung für Klinische Psychologie, Bremen, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Helbig-Lang
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Fehm
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Straube
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany; Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental disorders with a lifetime prevalence of over 20%. Clinically, anxiety is not thought of as a homogenous disorder, but is subclassified in generalized, panic, and phobic anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are moderately heritable. This review will explore recent genetic and epigenetic approaches to anxiety disorders explaining differential susceptibility risk. RECENT FINDINGS A substantial portion of the variance in susceptibility risk can be explained by differential inherited and acquired genetic and epigenetic risk. Available data suggest that anxiety disorders are highly complex and polygenic. Despite the substantial progress in genetic research over the last decade, only few risk loci for anxiety disorders have been identified so far. This review will cover recent findings from large-scale genome-wide association studies as well as newer epigenome-wide studies. Progress in this area will likely require analysis of much larger sample sizes than have been reported to date. We discuss prospects for clinical translation of genetic findings and future directions for research.
Collapse
|
25
|
Gottschalk MG, Richter J, Ziegler C, Schiele MA, Mann J, Geiger MJ, Schartner C, Homola GA, Alpers GW, Büchel C, Fehm L, Fydrich T, Gerlach AL, Gloster AT, Helbig-Lang S, Kalisch R, Kircher T, Lang T, Lonsdorf TB, Pané-Farré CA, Ströhle A, Weber H, Zwanzger P, Arolt V, Romanos M, Wittchen HU, Hamm A, Pauli P, Reif A, Deckert J, Neufang S, Höfler M, Domschke K. Orexin in the anxiety spectrum: association of a HCRTR1 polymorphism with panic disorder/agoraphobia, CBT treatment response and fear-related intermediate phenotypes. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:75. [PMID: 30718541 PMCID: PMC6361931 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies point to a pivotal role of the orexin 1 (OX1) receptor in arousal and fear learning and therefore suggest the HCRTR1 gene as a prime candidate in panic disorder (PD) with/without agoraphobia (AG), PD/AG treatment response, and PD/AG-related intermediate phenotypes. Here, a multilevel approach was applied to test the non-synonymous HCRTR1 C/T Ile408Val gene variant (rs2271933) for association with PD/AG in two independent case-control samples (total n = 613 cases, 1839 healthy subjects), as an outcome predictor of a six-weeks exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in PD/AG patients (n = 189), as well as with respect to agoraphobic cognitions (ACQ) (n = 483 patients, n = 2382 healthy subjects), fMRI alerting network activation in healthy subjects (n = 94), and a behavioral avoidance task in PD/AG pre- and post-CBT (n = 271). The HCRTR1 rs2271933 T allele was associated with PD/AG in both samples independently, and in their meta-analysis (p = 4.2 × 10-7), particularly in the female subsample (p = 9.8 × 10-9). T allele carriers displayed a significantly poorer CBT outcome (e.g., Hamilton anxiety rating scale: p = 7.5 × 10-4). The T allele count was linked to higher ACQ sores in PD/AG and healthy subjects, decreased inferior frontal gyrus and increased locus coeruleus activation in the alerting network. Finally, the T allele count was associated with increased pre-CBT exposure avoidance and autonomic arousal as well as decreased post-CBT improvement. In sum, the present results provide converging evidence for an involvement of HCRTR1 gene variation in the etiology of PD/AG and PD/AG-related traits as well as treatment response to CBT, supporting future therapeutic approaches targeting the orexin-related arousal system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Gottschalk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Richter
- grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christiane Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A. Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Julia Mann
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian J. Geiger
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Epilepsy Center, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schartner
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,0000 0001 2297 6811grid.266102.1Department of Physiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - György A. Homola
- 0000 0001 1958 8658grid.8379.5Department of Neuroradiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georg W. Alpers
- 0000 0001 0943 599Xgrid.5601.2Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Büchel
- 0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lydia Fehm
- 0000 0001 2248 7639grid.7468.dDepartment of Psychology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Fydrich
- 0000 0001 2248 7639grid.7468.dDepartment of Psychology, Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander L. Gerlach
- 0000 0000 8580 3777grid.6190.eDepartment of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Andrew T. Gloster
- 0000 0001 2111 7257grid.4488.0Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,0000 0004 1937 0642grid.6612.3Division of Clinical Psychology and Intervention Science, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sylvia Helbig-Lang
- 0000 0001 2111 7257grid.4488.0Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,0000 0001 2287 2617grid.9026.dDepartment of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Raffael Kalisch
- grid.410607.4Neuroimaging Center (NIC) und Deutsches Resilienz-Zentrum (DRZ), Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- 0000 0004 1936 9756grid.10253.35Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Lang
- 0000 0001 2111 7257grid.4488.0Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,0000 0001 2287 2617grid.9026.dDepartment of Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany ,Christoph-Dornier-Foundation for Clinical Psychology, Bremen, Germany
| | - Tina B. Lonsdorf
- 0000 0001 2180 3484grid.13648.38Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christiane A. Pané-Farré
- grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,0000 0004 0578 8220grid.411088.4Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- 0000 0004 0551 4246grid.16149.3bDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany ,kbo-Inn-Salzach-Hospital, Wasserburg, Germany ,0000 0004 1936 973Xgrid.5252.0Department of Psychiatry und Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Volker Arolt
- 0000 0004 0551 4246grid.16149.3bDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Marcel Romanos
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Wittchen
- 0000 0001 2111 7257grid.4488.0Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany ,0000 0004 1936 973Xgrid.5252.0Department of Psychiatry und Psychotherapy, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Alfons Hamm
- grid.5603.0Department of Biological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- 0000 0001 1958 8658grid.8379.5Department of Psychology, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- 0000 0004 0578 8220grid.411088.4Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Neufang
- 0000 0001 1378 7891grid.411760.5Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany ,0000 0001 2176 9917grid.411327.2Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Michael Höfler
- 0000 0001 2111 7257grid.4488.0Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Center for NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Andreatta M, Neueder D, Genheimer H, Schiele MA, Schartner C, Deckert J, Domschke K, Reif A, Wieser MJ, Pauli P. Human BDNF rs6265 polymorphism as a mediator for the generalization of contextual anxiety. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:300-312. [PMID: 30402941 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Met allele of the human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene might be a risk factor for anxiety disorders and is associated with reduced hippocampal volume. Notably, hippocampus plays a crucial role in contextual learning and generalization. The role of the BDNF gene variation in human context-conditioning and generalization is still unknown. We investigated 33 carriers of the Met allele (18 females) and 32 homozygous carriers of the Val allele (15 females) with a virtual-reality context-conditioning paradigm. Electric stimulations (unconditioned stimulus, US) were unpredictably delivered in one virtual office (CTX+), but never in another virtual office (CTX-). During generalization, participants revisited CTX+ and CTX- and a generalization office (G-CTX), which was a mix of the other two. Rating data indicated successful conditioning (more negative valence, higher arousal, anxiety and contingency ratings for CTX+ than CTX-), and generalization of conditioned anxiety by comparable ratings for G-CTX and CTX+. The startle data indicated discriminative learning for Met allele carriers, but not for Val homozygotes. Moreover, a trend effect suggests that startle responses of only the Met carriers were slightly potentiated in G-CTX versus CTX-. In sum, the BDNF polymorphism did not affect contextual learning and its generalization on a verbal level. However, the physiological data suggest that Met carriers are characterized by fast discriminative contextual learning and a tendency to generalize anxiety responses to ambiguous contexts. We propose that such learning may be related to reduced hippocampal functionality and the basis for the risk of Met carriers to develop anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Andreatta
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothea Neueder
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Genheimer
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schartner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias J Wieser
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Psychology, University of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology (Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy), University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
A functional genetic variation of SLC6A2 repressor hsa-miR-579-3p upregulates sympathetic noradrenergic processes of fear and anxiety. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:226. [PMID: 30341278 PMCID: PMC6195525 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0278-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased sympathetic noradrenergic signaling is crucially involved in fear and anxiety as defensive states. MicroRNAs regulate dynamic gene expression during synaptic plasticity and genetic variation of microRNAs modulating noradrenaline transporter gene (SLC6A2) expression may thus lead to altered central and peripheral processing of fear and anxiety. In silico prediction of microRNA regulation of SLC6A2 was confirmed by luciferase reporter assays and identified hsa-miR-579-3p as a regulating microRNA. The minor (T)-allele of rs2910931 (MAFcases = 0.431, MAFcontrols = 0.368) upstream of MIR579 was associated with panic disorder in patients (pallelic = 0.004, ncases = 506, ncontrols = 506) and with higher trait anxiety in healthy individuals (pASI = 0.029, pACQ = 0.047, n = 3112). Compared to the major (A)-allele, increased promoter activity was observed in luciferase reporter assays in vitro suggesting more effective MIR579 expression and SLC6A2 repression in vivo (p = 0.041). Healthy individuals carrying at least one (T)-allele showed a brain activation pattern suggesting increased defensive responding and sympathetic noradrenergic activation in midbrain and limbic areas during the extinction of conditioned fear. Panic disorder patients carrying two (T)-alleles showed elevated heart rates in an anxiety-provoking behavioral avoidance test (F(2, 270) = 5.47, p = 0.005). Fine-tuning of noradrenaline homeostasis by a MIR579 genetic variation modulated central and peripheral sympathetic noradrenergic activation during fear processing and anxiety. This study opens new perspectives on the role of microRNAs in the etiopathogenesis of anxiety disorders, particularly their cardiovascular symptoms and comorbidities.
Collapse
|
28
|
Bortoluzzi A, Salum GA, da Rosa ED, Chagas VDS, Castro MAA, Manfro GG. DNA methylation in adolescents with anxiety disorder: a longitudinal study. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13800. [PMID: 30218003 PMCID: PMC6138655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32090-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (AD) typically manifest in children and adolescents and might persist into adulthood. However, there are still few data concerning epigenetic mechanisms associated with onset, persistence or remission of AD over time. We investigated a cohort of adolescents and young adults at baseline (age; 13.19 ± 2.38) and after 5 years and classified them according to the AD diagnosis and their longitudinal trajectories into 4 groups: (1) Typically Developing Comparisons (TDC; control group, n = 14); (2) Incident (AD in the second evaluation only, n = 11); (3) Persistent (AD in both evaluations, n = 14) and (4) Remittent (AD in the first evaluation only, n = 8). DNA methylation was evaluated with the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip from saliva samples collected at both evaluations. Gene set enrichment analysis was applied to consider biological pathways. We found decreased DNA methylation in TDC group while the chronic cases of AD presented hypermethylation in central nervous system development pathways. Moreover, we showed that this persistent group also presented hypermethylation while the other three groups were associated with hypomethylation in nervous system development pathway. Incidence and remission groups were associated with increased and decreased methylation in neuron development pathways, respectively. Larger studies are likely to detect specific genes relevant to AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Bortoluzzi
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Post Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Sciences/Health, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
- Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Giovanni Abrahão Salum
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Dias da Rosa
- Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gisele Gus Manfro
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Sciences/Health, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Schaefer N, Roemer V, Janzen D, Villmann C. Impaired Glycine Receptor Trafficking in Neurological Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:291. [PMID: 30186111 PMCID: PMC6110938 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ionotropic glycine receptors (GlyRs) enable fast synaptic neurotransmission in the adult spinal cord and brainstem. The inhibitory GlyR is a transmembrane glycine-gated chloride channel. The immature GlyR protein undergoes various processing steps, e.g., folding, assembly, and maturation while traveling from the endoplasmic reticulum to and through the Golgi apparatus, where post-translational modifications, e.g., glycosylation occur. The mature receptors are forward transported via microtubules to the cellular surface and inserted into neuronal membranes followed by synaptic clustering. The normal life cycle of a receptor protein includes further processes like internalization, recycling, and degradation. Defects in GlyR life cycle, e.g., impaired protein maturation and degradation have been demonstrated to underlie pathological mechanisms of various neurological diseases. The neurological disorder startle disease is caused by glycinergic dysfunction mainly due to missense mutations in genes encoding GlyR subunits (GLRA1 and GLRB). In vitro studies have shown that most recessive forms of startle disease are associated with impaired receptor biogenesis. Another neurological disease with a phenotype similar to startle disease is a special form of stiff-person syndrome (SPS), which is most probably due to the development of GlyR autoantibodies. Binding of GlyR autoantibodies leads to enhanced receptor internalization. Here we focus on the normal life cycle of GlyRs concentrating on assembly and maturation, receptor trafficking, post-synaptic integration and clustering, and GlyR internalization/recycling/degradation. Furthermore, this review highlights findings on impairment of these processes under disease conditions such as disturbed neuronal ER-Golgi trafficking as the major pathomechanism for recessive forms of human startle disease. In SPS, enhanced receptor internalization upon autoantibody binding to the GlyR has been shown to underlie the human pathology. In addition, we discuss how the existing mouse models of startle disease increased our current knowledge of GlyR trafficking routes and function. This review further illuminates receptor trafficking of GlyR variants originally identified in startle disease patients and explains changes in the life cycle of GlyRs in patients with SPS with respect to structural and functional consequences at the receptor level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vera Roemer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Janzen
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Schaefer N, Zheng F, van Brederode J, Berger A, Leacock S, Hirata H, Paige CJ, Harvey RJ, Alzheimer C, Villmann C. Functional Consequences of the Postnatal Switch From Neonatal to Mutant Adult Glycine Receptor α1 Subunits in the Shaky Mouse Model of Startle Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:167. [PMID: 29910711 PMCID: PMC5992992 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GlyR α1 or β subunit genes in humans and rodents lead to severe startle disease characterized by rigidity, massive stiffness and excessive startle responses upon unexpected tactile or acoustic stimuli. The recently characterized startle disease mouse mutant shaky carries a missense mutation (Q177K) in the β8-β9 loop within the large extracellular N-terminal domain of the GlyR α1 subunit. This results in a disrupted hydrogen bond network around K177 and faster GlyR decay times. Symptoms in mice start at postnatal day 14 and increase until premature death of homozygous shaky mice around 4–6 weeks after birth. Here we investigate the in vivo functional effects of the Q177K mutation using behavioral analysis coupled to protein biochemistry and functional assays. Western blot analysis revealed GlyR α1 subunit expression in wild-type and shaky animals around postnatal day 7, a week before symptoms in mutant mice become obvious. Before 2 weeks of age, homozygous shaky mice appeared healthy and showed no changes in body weight. However, analysis of gait and hind-limb clasping revealed that motor coordination was already impaired. Motor coordination and the activity pattern at P28 improved significantly upon diazepam treatment, a pharmacotherapy used in human startle disease. To investigate whether functional deficits in glycinergic neurotransmission are present prior to phenotypic onset, we performed whole-cell recordings from hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) in brain stem slices from wild-type and shaky mice at different postnatal stages. Shaky homozygotes showed a decline in mIPSC amplitude and frequency at P9-P13, progressing to significant reductions in mIPSC amplitude and decay time at P18-24 compared to wild-type littermates. Extrasynaptic GlyRs recorded by bath-application of glycine also revealed reduced current amplitudes in shaky mice compared to wild-type neurons, suggesting that presynaptic GlyR function is also impaired. Thus, a distinct, but behaviorally ineffective impairment of glycinergic synapses precedes the symptoms onset in shaky mice. These findings extend our current knowledge on startle disease in the shaky mouse model in that they demonstrate how the progression of GlyR dysfunction causes, with a delay of about 1 week, the appearance of disease symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes van Brederode
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexandra Berger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sophie Leacock
- Research Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hiromi Hirata
- Department of Chemistry and Biological Science, College of Science and Engineering, Aoyama Gakuin University, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Christopher J Paige
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Babaev O, Piletti Chatain C, Krueger-Burg D. Inhibition in the amygdala anxiety circuitry. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-16. [PMID: 29628509 PMCID: PMC5938054 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory neurotransmission plays a key role in anxiety disorders, as evidenced by the anxiolytic effect of the benzodiazepine class of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists and the recent discovery of anxiety-associated variants in the molecular components of inhibitory synapses. Accordingly, substantial interest has focused on understanding how inhibitory neurons and synapses contribute to the circuitry underlying adaptive and pathological anxiety behaviors. A key element of the anxiety circuitry is the amygdala, which integrates information from cortical and thalamic sensory inputs to generate fear and anxiety-related behavioral outputs. Information processing within the amygdala is heavily dependent on inhibitory control, although the specific mechanisms by which amygdala GABAergic neurons and synapses regulate anxiety-related behaviors are only beginning to be uncovered. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge and highlight open questions regarding the role of inhibition in the amygdala anxiety circuitry. We discuss the inhibitory neuron subtypes that contribute to the processing of anxiety information in the basolateral and central amygdala, as well as the molecular determinants, such as GABA receptors and synapse organizer proteins, that shape inhibitory synaptic transmission within the anxiety circuitry. Finally, we conclude with an overview of current and future approaches for converting this knowledge into successful treatment strategies for anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Babaev
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Carolina Piletti Chatain
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leacock S, Syed P, James VM, Bode A, Kawakami K, Keramidas A, Suster M, Lynch JW, Harvey RJ. Structure/Function Studies of the α4 Subunit Reveal Evolutionary Loss of a GlyR Subtype Involved in Startle and Escape Responses. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:23. [PMID: 29445326 PMCID: PMC5797729 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory glycine receptors (GlyRs) are pentameric ligand-gated anion channels with major roles in startle disease/hyperekplexia (GlyR α1), cortical neuronal migration/autism spectrum disorder (GlyR α2), and inflammatory pain sensitization/rhythmic breathing (GlyR α3). However, the role of the GlyR α4 subunit has remained enigmatic, because the corresponding human gene (GLRA4) is thought to be a pseudogene due to an in-frame stop codon at position 390 within the fourth membrane-spanning domain (M4). Despite this, a recent genetic study has implicated GLRA4 in intellectual disability, behavioral problems and craniofacial anomalies. Analyzing data from sequenced genomes, we found that GlyR α4 subunit genes are predicted to be intact and functional in the majority of vertebrate species—with the exception of humans. Cloning of human GlyR α4 cDNAs excluded alternative splicing and RNA editing as mechanisms for restoring a full-length GlyR α4 subunit. Moreover, artificial restoration of the missing conserved arginine (R390) in the human cDNA was not sufficient to restore GlyR α4 function. Further bioinformatic and mutagenesis analysis revealed an additional damaging substitution at K59 that ablates human GlyR α4 function, which is not present in other vertebrate GlyR α4 sequences. The substitutions K59 and X390 were also present in the genome of an ancient Denisovan individual, indicating that GLRA4 has been a pseudogene for at least 30,000–50,000 years. In artificial synapses, we found that both mouse and gorilla α4β GlyRs mediate synaptic currents with unusually slow decay kinetics. Lastly, to gain insights into the biological role of GlyR α4 function, we studied the duplicated genes glra4a and glra4b in zebrafish. While glra4b expression is restricted to the retina, using a novel tol2-GAL4FF gene trap line (SAIGFF16B), we found that the zebrafish GlyR α4a subunit gene (glra4a) is strongly expressed in spinal cord and hindbrain commissural neurones. Using gene knockdown and a dominant-negative GlyR α4aR278Q mutant, we found that GlyR α4a contributes to touch-evoked escape behaviors in zebrafish. Thus, although GlyR α4 is unlikely to be involved in human startle responses or disease states, this subtype may contribute to escape behaviors in other organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Leacock
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Parnayan Syed
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Victoria M James
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Bode
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics and Department of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Mishima, Japan
| | - Angelo Keramidas
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Joseph W Lynch
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert J Harvey
- School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD, Australia.,Sunshine Coast Health Institute, Birtinya, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
GLRB variants regulate nearby gene expression in human brain tissues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13326. [PMID: 29042589 PMCID: PMC5645380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13702-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified four genetic variants rs78726293, rs191260602, rs17035816 and rs7688285 in GLRB gene to be associated with panic disorder (PD) risk. In fact, GWAS is an important first step to investigate the genetics of human complex diseases. In order to translate into opportunities for new diagnostics and therapies, we must identify the genes perturbed by these four variants, and understand how these variant functionally contributes to the underlying disease pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the effect of these four genetic variants and the expression of three nearby genes including PDGFC, GLRB and GRIA2 in human brain tissues using the GTEx (version 6) and Braineac eQTLs datasets. In GTEx (version 6) dataset, the results showed that both rs17035816 and rs7688285 variants could significantly regulate PDGFC and GLRB gene expression. In Braineac dataset, the results showed that rs17035816 variant could significantly regulate GLRB and GRIA2 gene expression. We believe that these findings further provide important supplementary information about the regulating mechanisms of rs17035816 and rs7688285 variants in PD risk.
Collapse
|
34
|
Janzen D, Schaefer N, Delto C, Schindelin H, Villmann C. The GlyR Extracellular β8-β9 Loop - A Functional Determinant of Agonist Potency. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:322. [PMID: 29062270 PMCID: PMC5640878 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ligand-binding of Cys-loop receptors results in rearrangements of extracellular loop structures which are further translated into the tilting of membrane spanning helices, and finally opening of the ion channels. The cryo-EM structure of the homopentameric α1 glycine receptor (GlyR) demonstrated an involvement of the extracellular β8–β9 loop in the transition from ligand-bound receptors to the open channel state. Recently, we identified a functional role of the β8–β9 loop in a novel startle disease mouse model shaky. The mutation of residue GlyRα1Q177 to lysine present in shaky mice resulted in reduced glycine potency, reduced synaptic expression, and a disrupted hydrogen network at the structural level around position GlyRα1Q177. Here, we investigated the role of amino acid volume, side chain length, and charge at position Q177 to get deeper insights into the functional role of the β8–β9 loop. We used a combined approach of in vitro expression analysis, functional electrophysiological recordings, and GlyR modeling to describe the role of Q177 for GlyR ion channel function. GlyRα1Q177 variants do not disturb ion channel transport to the cellular surface of transfected cells, neither in homomeric nor in heteromeric GlyR configurations. The EC50 values were increased for all GlyRα1Q177 variants in comparison to the wild type. The largest decrease in glycine potency was observed for the variant GlyRα1Q177R. Potencies of the partial agonists β-alanine and taurine were also reduced. Our data are further supported by homology modeling. The GlyRα1Q177R variant does not form hydrogen bonds with the surrounding network of residue Q177 similar to the substitution with a basic lysine present in the mouse mutant shaky. Among all investigated Q177 mutants, the neutral exchange of glutamine to asparagine as well as the introduction of the closely related amino acid glutamic acid preserve the hydrogen bond network. Introduction of amino acids with small side chains or larger volume resulted in a loss of their hydrogen bonds to neighboring residues. The β8–β9 loop is thus an important structural and functional determinant of the inhibitory GlyR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Janzen
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Natascha Schaefer
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carolyn Delto
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Schindelin
- Rudolf Virchow Center for Experimental Biomedicine, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Carmen Villmann
- Institute for Clinical Neurobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Schiele MA, Domschke K. Epigenetics at the crossroads between genes, environment and resilience in anxiety disorders. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:e12423. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. A. Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| | - K. Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg; Freiburg Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Lueken U, Kuhn M, Yang Y, Straube B, Kircher T, Wittchen HU, Pfleiderer B, Arolt V, Wittmann A, Ströhle A, Weber H, Reif A, Domschke K, Deckert J, Lonsdorf TB. Modulation of defensive reactivity by GLRB allelic variation: converging evidence from an intermediate phenotype approach. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1227. [PMID: 28872638 PMCID: PMC5639239 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Representing a phylogenetically old and very basic mechanism of inhibitory neurotransmission, glycine receptors have been implicated in the modulation of behavioral components underlying defensive responding toward threat. As one of the first findings being confirmed by genome-wide association studies for the phenotype of panic disorder and agoraphobia, allelic variation in a gene coding for the glycine receptor beta subunit (GLRB) has recently been associated with increased neural fear network activation and enhanced acoustic startle reflexes. On the basis of two independent healthy control samples, we here aimed to further explore the functional significance of the GLRB genotype (rs7688285) by employing an intermediate phenotype approach. We focused on the phenotype of defensive system reactivity across the levels of brain function, structure, and physiology. Converging evidence across both samples was found for increased neurofunctional activation in the (anterior) insular cortex in GLRB risk allele carriers and altered fear conditioning as a function of genotype. The robustness of GLRB effects is demonstrated by consistent findings across different experimental fear conditioning paradigms and recording sites. Altogether, findings provide translational evidence for glycine neurotransmission as a modulator of the brain's evolutionary old dynamic defensive system and provide further support for a strong, biologically plausible candidate intermediate phenotype of defensive reactivity. As such, glycine-dependent neurotransmission may open up new avenues for mechanistic research on the etiopathogenesis of fear and anxiety disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Lueken
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Kuhn
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Y Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - B Straube
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - T Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - H-U Wittchen
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - B Pfleiderer
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - V Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - A Wittmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - H Weber
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - A Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - K Domschke
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - J Deckert
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - T B Lonsdorf
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Baumann C, Schiele MA, Herrmann MJ, Lonsdorf TB, Zwanzger P, Domschke K, Reif A, Deckert J, Pauli P. Effects of an Anxiety-Specific Psychometric Factor on Fear Conditioning and Fear Generalization. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract. Conditioning and generalization of fear are assumed to play central roles in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders. Here we investigate the influence of a psychometric anxiety-specific factor on these two processes, thus try to identify a potential risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders. To this end, 126 healthy participants were examined with questionnaires assessing symptoms of anxiety and depression and with a fear conditioning and generalization paradigm. A principal component analysis of the questionnaire data identified two factors representing the constructs anxiety and depression. Variations in fear conditioning and fear generalization were solely associated with the anxiety factor characterized by anxiety sensitivity and agoraphobic cognitions; high-anxious individuals exhibited stronger fear responses (arousal) during conditioning and stronger generalization effects for valence and UCS-expectancy ratings. Thus, the revealed psychometric factor “anxiety” was associated with enhanced fear generalization, an assumed risk factor for anxiety disorders. These results ask for replication with a longitudinal design allowing to examine their predictive validity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Baumann
- Department of Psychology and Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Germany
- Center of Mental Health, König-Ludwig-Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A. Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin J. Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tina B. Lonsdorf
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Zwanzger
- kbo-Inn-Salzach-Klinikum, Wasserburg am Inn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology and Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Richter J, Pittig A, Hollandt M, Lueken U. Bridging the Gaps Between Basic Science and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatments for Anxiety Disorders in Routine Care. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. As a core component of cognitive-behavioral therapies (CBT), behavioral exposure is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Still, recent treatment studies demonstrate relatively high rates of treatment dropout, nonresponse, and relapse, indicating a substantial need for optimizing and personalizing existing treatment procedures. In the present article, we aim to address current challenges and future demands for translational research in CBT for the anxiety disorders, including (a) a better understanding of those mechanisms conferring behavioral change, (b) identifying important sources of individual variation that may act as moderators of treatment response, and (c) targeting practical barriers for dissemination of exposure therapy to routine care. Based on a recursive process model of psychotherapy research we will describe distinct steps to systematically translate basic and clinical research “from bench to bedside” to routine care, but also vice versa. Some of these aspects may stimulate the future roadmap for evidence-based psychotherapy research in order to better target the treatment of anxiety disorders as one core health challenge of our time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Richter
- Department of Physiological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Andre Pittig
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany
| | - Maike Hollandt
- Department of Physiological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulrike Lueken
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang Y, Ho TNT, Harvey RJ, Lynch JW, Keramidas A. Structure-Function Analysis of the GlyR α2 Subunit Autism Mutation p.R323L Reveals a Gain-of-Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:158. [PMID: 28588452 PMCID: PMC5440463 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycine receptors (GlyRs) containing the α2 subunit regulate cortical interneuron migration. Disruption of the GlyR α2 subunit gene (Glra2) in mice leads to disrupted dorsal cortical progenitor homeostasis, leading to a depletion of projection neurons and moderate microcephaly in newborn mice. In humans, rare variants in GLRA2, which is located on the X chromosome, are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the hemizygous state in males. These include a microdeletion (GLRA2∆ex8-9) and missense mutations in GLRA2 (p.N109S and p.R126Q) that impair cell-surface expression of GlyR α2, and either abolish or markedly reduce sensitivity to glycine. We report the functional characterization of a third missense variant in GLRA2 (p.R323L), associated with autism, macrocephaly, epilepsy and hypothyroidism in a female proband. Using heterosynapse and macroscopic current recording techniques, we reveal that GlyR α2R323L exhibits reduced glycine sensitivity, but significantly increased inhibitory postsynaptic current (IPSC) rise and decay times. Site-directed mutagenesis revealed that the nature of the amino acid switch at position 323 is critical for impairment of GlyR function. Single-channel recordings revealed that the conductance of α2R323Lβ channels was higher than α2β channels. Longer mean opening durations induced by p.R323L may be due to a change in the gating pathway that enhances the stability of the GlyR open state. The slower synaptic decay times, longer duration active periods and increase in conductance demonstrates that the GlyR α2 p.R323L mutation results in an overall gain of function, and that GlyR α2 mutations can be pathogenic in the heterozygous state in females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Thi Nhu Thao Ho
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert J Harvey
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of PharmacyLondon, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph W Lynch
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Angelo Keramidas
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sasi M, Vignoli B, Canossa M, Blum R. Neurobiology of local and intercellular BDNF signaling. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:593-610. [PMID: 28280960 PMCID: PMC5438432 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-1964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of secreted proteins. Signaling cascades induced by BDNF and its receptor, the receptor tyrosine kinase TrkB, link neuronal growth and differentiation with synaptic plasticity. For this reason, interference with BDNF signaling has emerged as a promising strategy for potential treatments in psychiatric and neurological disorders. In many brain circuits, synaptically released BDNF is essential for structural and functional long-term potentiation, two prototypical cellular models of learning and memory formation. Recent studies have revealed an unexpected complexity in the synaptic communication of mature BDNF and its precursor proBDNF, not only between local pre- and postsynaptic neuronal targets but also with participation of glial cells. Here, we consider recent findings on local actions of the BDNF family of ligands at the synapse and discuss converging lines of evidence which emerge from per se conflicting results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manju Sasi
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97078, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beatrice Vignoli
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy
| | - Marco Canossa
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123, Povo, TN, Italy.,European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) "Rita Levi-Montalcini", 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Blum
- Institute of Clinical Neurobiology, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97078, Würzburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|