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Zheng C, Tu C, Wang J, Yu Y, Guo X, Sun J, Sun J, Cai W, Yang Q, Sun T. Deciphering Oligodendrocyte Lineages in the Human Fetal Central Nervous System Using Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:1737-1752. [PMID: 37775719 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03661-9] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths and wrap axons of neurons to facilitate various crucial neurological functions. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) persist in the embryonic, postnatal, and adult central nervous system (CNS). OPCs and mature oligodendrocytes are involved in a variety of biological processes such as memory, learning, and diseases. How oligodendrocytes are specified in different regions in the CNS, in particular in humans, remains obscure. We here explored oligodendrocyte development in three CNS regions, subpallium, brainstem, and spinal cord, in human fetuses from gestational week 8 (GW8) to GW12 using single-cell RNA sequencing. We detected multiple lineages of OPCs and illustrated distinct developmental trajectories of oligodendrocyte differentiation in three CNS regions. We also identified major genes, particularly transcription factors, which maintain status of OPC proliferation and promote generation of mature oligodendrocytes. Moreover, we discovered new marker genes that might be crucial for oligodendrocyte specification in humans, and detected common and distinct genes expressed in oligodendrocyte lineages in three CNS regions. Our study has demonstrated molecular heterogeneity of oligodendrocyte lineages in different CNS regions and provided references for further investigation of roles of important genes in oligodendrocyte development in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenlin Zheng
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chao Tu
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan Yu
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xueyu Guo
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jason Sun
- Maple Glory United School, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Institute of Technology Attached School, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Julianne Sun
- Maple Glory United School, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Institute of Technology Attached School, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenjie Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, First Hospital of Quanzhou, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qingwei Yang
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Center for Precision Medicine, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Sciences, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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2
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Shim G, Romero-Morales AI, Sripathy SR, Maher BJ. Utilizing hiPSC-derived oligodendrocytes to study myelin pathophysiology in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 17:1322813. [PMID: 38273973 PMCID: PMC10808804 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1322813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes play a crucial role in our central nervous system (CNS) by myelinating axons for faster action potential conduction, protecting axons from degeneration, structuring the position of ion channels, and providing nutrients to neurons. Oligodendrocyte dysfunction and/or dysmyelination can contribute to a range of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Leukodystrophy (LD), Schizophrenia (SCZ), and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Common characteristics identified across these disorders were either an inability of oligodendrocytes to remyelinate after degeneration or defects in oligodendrocyte development and maturation. Unfortunately, the causal mechanisms of oligodendrocyte dysfunction are still uncertain, and therapeutic targets remain elusive. Many studies rely on the use of animal models to identify the molecular and cellular mechanisms behind these disorders, however, such studies face species-specific challenges and therefore lack translatability. The use of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to model neurological diseases is becoming a powerful new tool, improving our understanding of pathophysiology and capacity to explore therapeutic targets. Here, we focus on the application of hiPSC-derived oligodendrocyte model systems to model disorders caused by oligodendrocyte dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Shim
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alejandra I. Romero-Morales
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Srinidhi R. Sripathy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Brady J. Maher
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, United States
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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3
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Qu Y, Lim JJY, An O, Yang H, Toh YC, Chua JJE. FEZ1 participates in human embryonic brain development by modulating neuronal progenitor subpopulation specification and migrations. iScience 2023; 26:108497. [PMID: 38213789 PMCID: PMC10783620 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the human fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) gene are found in schizophrenia and Jacobsen syndrome patients. Here, using human cerebral organoids (hCOs), we show that FEZ1 expression is turned on early during brain development and is detectable in both neuroprogenitor subtypes and immature neurons. FEZ1 deletion disrupts expression of neuronal and synaptic development genes. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we detected abnormal expansion of homeodomain-only protein homeobox (HOPX)- outer radial glia (oRG), concurrent with a reduction of HOPX+ oRG, in FEZ1-null hCOs. HOPX- oRGs show higher cell mobility as compared to HOPX+ oRGs. Ectopic localization of neuroprogenitors to the outer layer is seen in FEZ1-null hCOs. Anomalous encroachment of TBR2+ intermediate progenitors into CTIP2+ deep layer neurons further indicated abnormalities in cortical layer formation these hCOs. Collectively, our findings highlight the involvement of FEZ1 in early cortical brain development and how it contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua Qu
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Jun-Yong Lim
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- LSI Neurobiology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Omer An
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Henry Yang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Yi-Chin Toh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- School of Mechanical, Medical and Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - John Jia En Chua
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- LSI Neurobiology Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, A∗STAR, Singapore 138473, Singapore
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4
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Cattane N, Courtin C, Mombelli E, Maj C, Mora C, Etain B, Bellivier F, Marie-Claire C, Cattaneo A. Transcriptomics and miRNomics data integration in lymphoblastoid cells highlights the key role of immune-related functions in lithium treatment response in Bipolar disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:665. [PMID: 36303132 PMCID: PMC9615157 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a complex mental disease characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Lithium (Li) represents the mainstay of BD pharmacotherapy, despite the narrow therapeutic index and the high variability in treatment response. However, although several studies have been conducted, the molecular mechanisms underlying Li therapeutic effects remain unclear. METHODS In order to identify molecular signatures and biological pathways associated with Li treatment response, we conducted transcriptome and miRNome microarray analyses on lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from 20 patients diagnosed with BD classified as Li responders (n = 11) or non-responders (n = 9). RESULTS We found 335 mRNAs and 77 microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly modulated in BD responders versus non-responders. Interestingly, pathway and network analyses on these differentially expressed molecules suggested a modulatory effect of Li on several immune-related functions. Indeed, among the functional molecular nodes, we found NF-κB and TNF. Moreover, networks related to these molecules resulted overall inhibited in BD responder patients, suggesting anti-inflammatory properties of Li. From the integrative analysis between transcriptomics and miRNomics data carried out using miRComb R package on the same samples from patients diagnosed with BD, we found 97 significantly and negatively correlated mRNA-miRNA pairs, mainly involved in inflammatory/immune response. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight that Li exerts modulatory effects on immune-related functions and that epigenetic mechanisms, especially miRNAs, can influence the modulation of different genes and pathways involved in Li response. Moreover, our data suggest the potentiality to integrate data coming from different high-throughput approaches as a tool to prioritize genes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Cattane
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cindie Courtin
- grid.7429.80000000121866389Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie, OTeN, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Elisa Mombelli
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maj
- grid.411097.a0000 0000 8852 305XInstitute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Cristina Mora
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Bruno Etain
- grid.7429.80000000121866389Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie, OTeN, F-75006 Paris, France ,Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Hôpitaux Lariboisière-Fernand Widal, GHU APHP Nord_Université Paris Cité, F-75010 Paris, France ,grid.484137.d0000 0005 0389 9389Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Frank Bellivier
- grid.7429.80000000121866389Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie, OTeN, F-75006 Paris, France ,Département de Psychiatrie et de Médecine Addictologique, Hôpitaux Lariboisière-Fernand Widal, GHU APHP Nord_Université Paris Cité, F-75010 Paris, France ,grid.484137.d0000 0005 0389 9389Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Cynthia Marie-Claire
- grid.7429.80000000121866389Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR-S 1144, Optimisation Thérapeutique en Neurospsychopharmacologie, OTeN, F-75006 Paris, France
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy. .,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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5
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Dermitzakis I, Manthou ME, Meditskou S, Miliaras D, Kesidou E, Boziki M, Petratos S, Grigoriadis N, Theotokis P. Developmental Cues and Molecular Drivers in Myelinogenesis: Revisiting Early Life to Re-Evaluate the Integrity of CNS Myelin. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:3208-3237. [PMID: 35877446 PMCID: PMC9324160 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44070222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian central nervous system (CNS) coordinates its communication through saltatory conduction, facilitated by myelin-forming oligodendrocytes (OLs). Despite the fact that neurogenesis from stem cell niches has caught the majority of attention in recent years, oligodendrogenesis and, more specifically, the molecular underpinnings behind OL-dependent myelinogenesis, remain largely unknown. In this comprehensive review, we determine the developmental cues and molecular drivers which regulate normal myelination both at the prenatal and postnatal periods. We have indexed the individual stages of myelinogenesis sequentially; from the initiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells, including migration and proliferation, to first contact with the axon that enlists positive and negative regulators for myelination, until the ultimate maintenance of the axon ensheathment and myelin growth. Here, we highlight multiple developmental pathways that are key to successful myelin formation and define the molecular pathways that can potentially be targets for pharmacological interventions in a variety of neurological disorders that exhibit demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iasonas Dermitzakis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Maria Eleni Manthou
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Soultana Meditskou
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Dimosthenis Miliaras
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Steven Petratos
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Prahran, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Department of Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (I.D.); (M.E.M.); (S.M.); (D.M.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, Second Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (M.B.); (N.G.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Physical exercise rescues cocaine-evoked synaptic deficits in motor cortex. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6187-6197. [PMID: 34686765 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug exposure impairs cortical plasticity and motor learning, which underlies the reduced behavioral flexibility in drug addiction. Physical exercise has been used to prevent relapse in drug rehabilitation program. However, the potential benefits and molecular mechanisms of physical exercise on drug-evoked motor-cortical dysfunctions are unknown. Here we report that 1-week treadmill training restores cocaine-induced synaptic deficits, in the form of improved in vivo spine formation, synaptic transmission, and spontaneous activities of cortical pyramidal neurons, as well as motor-learning ability. The synaptic and behavioral benefits relied on de novo protein synthesis, which are directed by the activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-ribosomal protein S6 pathway. These findings establish synaptic functional restoration and mTOR signaling as the critical mechanism supporting physical exercise training in rehabilitating the addicted brain.
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Eghtedarian R, Taheri M, Beatrix Brühl A, Sadeghi-Bahmani D, Brand S. A Review on the Expression Pattern of Non-coding RNAs in Patients With Schizophrenia: With a Special Focus on Peripheral Blood as a Source of Expression Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:640463. [PMID: 34220567 PMCID: PMC8249727 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.640463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a destructive neuropsychiatric disease with a median prevalence of 4.0 per 1,000 during the whole life. Genome-wide association studies have shown the role of copy number variants (generally deletions) and certain alleles of common single nucleotide polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. This disorder predominantly follows the polygenic inheritance model. Schizophrenia has also been linked with various alterations in the transcript and protein content of the brain tissue. Recent studies indicate that alterations in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) signature underlie a proportion of this dysregulation. High throughput microarray investigations have demonstrated momentous alterations in the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in the circulation or post-mortem brain tissues of patients with schizophrenia compared with control samples. While Gomafu, PINT, GAS5, TCONS_l2_00021339, IFNG-AS1, FAS-AS1, PVT1, and TUG1 are among down-regulated lncRNAs in schizophrenia, MEG3, THRIL, HOXA-AS2, Linc-ROR, SPRY4-IT1, UCA1, and MALAT1 have been up-regulated in these patients. Moreover, several miRNAs, such as miR-30e, miR-130b, hsa-miR-130b, miR-193a-3p, hsa-miR-193a-3p, hsa-miR-181b, hsa-miR-34a, hsa-miR-346, and hsa-miR-7 have been shown to be dysregulated in blood or brain samples of patients with schizophrenia. Dysregulation of these transcripts in schizophrenia not only provides insight into the pathogenic processes of this disorder, it also suggests these transcripts could serve as diagnostic markers for schizophrenia. In the present paper, we explore the changes in the expression of miRNAs and lncRNAs in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Eghtedarian
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Annette Beatrix Brühl
- Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dena Sadeghi-Bahmani
- Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Exercise Neuroscience Research Laboratory, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Serge Brand
- Psychiatric Clinics, Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Substance Abuse Prevention Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
- Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Gouvêa-Junqueira D, Falvella ACB, Antunes ASLM, Seabra G, Brandão-Teles C, Martins-de-Souza D, Crunfli F. Novel Treatment Strategies Targeting Myelin and Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:379. [PMID: 32425837 PMCID: PMC7203658 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes are the glial cells responsible for the formation of the myelin sheath around axons. During neurodevelopment, oligodendrocytes undergo maturation and differentiation, and later remyelination in adulthood. Abnormalities in these processes have been associated with behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions and the development of various mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Several studies have implicated oligodendrocyte dysfunction and myelin abnormalities in the disorder, together with altered expression of myelin-related genes such as Olig2, CNP, and NRG1. However, the molecular mechanisms subjacent of these alterations remain elusive. Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic psychiatric disorder affecting more than 23 million individuals worldwide and its symptoms usually appear at the beginning of adulthood. Currently, the major therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia relies on the use of antipsychotics. Despite their widespread use, the effects of antipsychotics on glial cells, especially oligodendrocytes, remain unclear. Thus, in this review we highlight the current knowledge regarding oligodendrocyte dysfunction in schizophrenia, compiling data from (epi)genetic studies and up-to-date models to investigate the role of oligodendrocytes in the disorder. In addition, we examined potential targets currently investigated for the improvement of schizophrenia symptoms. Research in this area has been investigating potential beneficial compounds, including the D-amino acids D-aspartate and D-serine, that act as NMDA receptor agonists, modulating the glutamatergic signaling; the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine, a precursor in the synthesis of glutathione, protecting against the redox imbalance; as well as lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) signaling, contributing to oligodendrocyte survival and functioning. In conclusion, there is strong evidence linking oligodendrocyte dysfunction to the development of schizophrenia. Hence, a better understanding of oligodendrocyte differentiation, as well as the effects of antipsychotic medication in these cells, could have potential implications for understanding the development of schizophrenia and finding new targets for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Gouvêa-Junqueira
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline Brambilla Falvella
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - André Saraiva Leão Marcelo Antunes
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Seabra
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Caroline Brandão-Teles
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Neuropsiquiatria, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil
- D′Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Crunfli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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9
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Zhang Y, Shi Q, Li X, Xia C. Fasciculation and Elongation Protein Zeta-1 Expression in Reactive Astrocytes in a Rat Model of Frontal Lobe Injury. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2020; 79:194-208. [PMID: 31774489 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlz113] [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: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are reports that depression induced by frontal lobe injury (FLI) has a devastating effect on human mental health. We previously reported that fasciculation and elongation protein zeta-1 (FEZ1) was essential for astrocytic protection of dopamine neurons. Studies of glutamate-glutamine cycle in mental illness have been reported, whereas not from the perspective of astrocytes. This study was designed to investigate the roles of astrocytic FEZ1 and glutamate-glutamine cycle after FLI. A model of FLI was established by inserting a blade into the right frontal lobe of rats. Behavioral tests were used to observe the behavioral changes of FLI rats. Neuropathologic examinations, including immunohistochemistry, were conducted. Behavioral tests showed that FLI decreased exploratory activity. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of astroglial proteins overall decreased in the initial injury stage, as well as FEZ1. Immunohistochemistry showed a shift of FEZ1 localization from neurons in sham-lesioned rats to astrocytes in FLI rats, and showed the expression profile of glutamate transporter 1 and glutamine synthetase (GS) was consistent with Western blot observation. Our results indicate that astrocytic FEZ1 and glutamate-glutamine cycle dysfunction may be involved in the pathogenesis of depression after FLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- From the Cytoneurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qing Shi
- From the Cytoneurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiwen Li
- From the Cytoneurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Xia
- From the Cytoneurobiology Unit, Department of Anatomy, School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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10
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Raabe FJ, Slapakova L, Rossner MJ, Cantuti-Castelvetri L, Simons M, Falkai PG, Schmitt A. Oligodendrocytes as A New Therapeutic Target in Schizophrenia: From Histopathological Findings to Neuron-Oligodendrocyte Interaction. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121496. [PMID: 31771166 PMCID: PMC6952785 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Imaging and postmortem studies have revealed disturbed oligodendroglia-related processes in patients with schizophrenia and provided much evidence for disturbed myelination, irregular gene expression, and altered numbers of oligodendrocytes in the brains of schizophrenia patients. Oligodendrocyte deficits in schizophrenia might be a result of failed maturation and disturbed regeneration and may underlie the cognitive deficits of the disease, which are strongly associated with impaired long-term outcome. Cognition depends on the coordinated activity of neurons and interneurons and intact connectivity. Oligodendrocyte precursors form a synaptic network with parvalbuminergic interneurons, and disturbed crosstalk between these cells may be a cellular basis of pathology in schizophrenia. However, very little is known about the exact axon-glial cellular and molecular processes that may be disturbed in schizophrenia. Until now, investigations were restricted to peripheral tissues, such as blood, correlative imaging studies, genetics, and molecular and histological analyses of postmortem brain samples. The advent of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) will enable functional analysis in patient-derived living cells and holds great potential for understanding the molecular mechanisms of disturbed oligodendroglial function in schizophrenia. Targeting such mechanisms may contribute to new treatment strategies for previously treatment-resistant cognitive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J. Raabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; (F.J.R.); (L.S.); (P.G.F.)
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Kraepelinstr, 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Lenka Slapakova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; (F.J.R.); (L.S.); (P.G.F.)
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Kraepelinstr, 2-10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz J. Rossner
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
| | - Ludovico Cantuti-Castelvetri
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377 Munich, Germany; (L.C.-C.); (M.S.)
| | - Mikael Simons
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Feodor-Lynen Str. 17, 81377 Munich, Germany; (L.C.-C.); (M.S.)
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 81377 Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, 80805 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter G. Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; (F.J.R.); (L.S.); (P.G.F.)
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany; (F.J.R.); (L.S.); (P.G.F.)
- Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany;
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo, 05453-010 São Paulo, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)89-4400-52761; Fax: +49-(0)89-4400-55530
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Chen X, Wang F, Gan J, Zhang Z, Liang X, Li T, Huang N, Zhao X, Mei F, Xiao L. Myelin Deficits Caused by Olig2 Deficiency Lead to Cognitive Dysfunction and Increase Vulnerability to Social Withdrawal in Adult Mice. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:419-426. [PMID: 31758330 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00449-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocyte (OL) and myelin development are crucial for network integration and are associated with higher brain functions. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated structural and functional impairment of OLs and myelin in serious mental illnesses. However, whether these deficits contribute to the brain dysfunction or pathogenesis of such diseases still lacks direct evidence. In this study, we conditionally deleted Olig2 in oligodendroglial lineage cells (Olig2 cKO) and screened the behavioral changes in adult mice. We found that Olig2 ablation impaired myelin development, which further resulted in severe hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex. Strikingly, Olig2 cKO mice exhibited an anxious phenotype, aberrant responses to stress, and cognitive deficits. Moreover, Olig2 cKO mice showed increased vulnerability to social avoidance under the mild stress of social isolation. Together, these results indicate that developmental deficits in OL and myelin lead to cognitive impairment and increase the risk of phenotypes reminiscent of mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of The People's Liberation Army (PLA), 988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, 454003, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jingli Gan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of The People's Liberation Army (PLA), 988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, 454003, China
| | - Zhonghua Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of The People's Liberation Army (PLA), 988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, 454003, China
| | - Xuejun Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of The People's Liberation Army (PLA), 988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, 454003, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Nanxin Huang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- Institute of Life Sciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310036, China
| | - Feng Mei
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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12
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Abstract
Recent discussions of human brain evolution have largely focused on increased neuron numbers and changes in their connectivity and expression. However, it is increasingly appreciated that oligodendrocytes play important roles in cognitive function and disease. Whether both cell types follow similar or distinctive evolutionary trajectories is not known. We examined the transcriptomes of neurons and oligodendrocytes in the frontal cortex of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques. We identified human-specific trajectories of gene expression in neurons and oligodendrocytes and show that both cell types exhibit human-specific up-regulation. Moreover, oligodendrocytes have undergone more pronounced accelerated gene expression evolution in the human lineage compared to neurons. We highlighted human-specific coexpression networks with specific functions. Our data suggest that oligodendrocyte human-specific networks are enriched for alternative splicing and transcriptional regulation. Oligodendrocyte networks are also enriched for variants associated with schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Such enrichments were not found in neuronal networks. These results offer a glimpse into the molecular mechanisms of oligodendrocytes during evolution and how such mechanisms are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders.
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13
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Teixeira MB, Alborghetti MR, Kobarg J. Fasciculation and elongation zeta proteins 1 and 2: From structural flexibility to functional diversity. World J Biol Chem 2019; 10:28-43. [PMID: 30815230 PMCID: PMC6388297 DOI: 10.4331/wjbc.v10.i2.28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasciculation and elongation zeta/zygin (FEZ) proteins are a family of hub proteins and share many characteristics like high connectivity in interaction networks, they are involved in several cellular processes, evolve slowly and in general have intrinsically disordered regions. In 1985, unc-76 gene was firstly described and involved in axonal growth in C. elegans, and in 1997 Bloom and Horvitz enrolled also the human homologues genes, FEZ1 and FEZ2, in this process. While nematodes possess one gene (unc-76), mammalians have one more copy (FEZ1 and FEZ2). Several animal models have been used to study FEZ family functions like: C. elegans, D. melanogaster, R. novergicus and human cells. Complementation assays were performed and demonstrated the function conservation between paralogues. Human FEZ1 protein is more studied followed by UNC-76 and FEZ2 proteins, respectively. While FEZ1 and UNC-76 shared interaction partners, FEZ2 evolved and increased the number of protein-protein interactions (PPI) with cytoplasmatic partners. FEZ proteins are implicated in intracellular transport, acting as bivalent cargo transport adaptors in kinesin-mediated movement. Especially in light of this cellular function, this family of proteins has been involved in several processes like neuronal development, neurological disorders, viral infection and autophagy. However, nuclear functions of FEZ proteins have been explored as well, due to high content of PPI with nuclear proteins, correlating FEZ1 expression to Sox2 and Hoxb4 gene regulation and retinoic acid signaling. These recent findings open new avenue to study FEZ proteins functions and its involvement in already described processes. This review intends to reunite aspects of evolution, structure, interaction partners and function of FEZ proteins and correlate them to physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bertini Teixeira
- Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
| | | | - Jörg Kobarg
- Institute of Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, Brazil
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Chen X, Liu H, Gan J, Wang X, Yu G, Li T, Liang X, Yu B, Xiao L. Quetiapine Modulates Histone Methylation Status in Oligodendroglia and Rescues Adolescent Behavioral Alterations of Socially Isolated Mice. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:984. [PMID: 32082195 PMCID: PMC7005666 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations and impaired oligodendroglial myelination in the prefrontal cortex have been shown to correlate with behavioral and cognitive dysfunctions in social deprivation. Our previous study demonstrated that quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, could promote oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination. However, whether and how quetiapine could be beneficial in modulating aberrant epigenetic alterations in oligodendroglial cells and relieving behavioral alterations from social isolation is unknown. In this study, quetiapine was orally administered in adolescent mice undergoing mild stress of social isolation. We firstly confirmed that social isolation during a novel adolescent period could impair sociability, but not locomotive behaviors in mice. Moreover, quetiapine alleviated myelin deficits, and increased levels of histone methylation (H3K9me3) in mature oligodendroglia in the prefrontal cortex of socially isolated mice. Strikingly, quetiapine treatment significantly increased locomotive activity, and successfully reversed social avoidance behavior of the socially isolated mice. Taken together, our data suggest that quetiapine may rescue behavioral changes from social isolation through modulating epigenetic status toward the beneficial direction for oligodendroglial maturation, providing new insights into the pharmacological mechanism of quetiapine for mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, No.988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jingli Gan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, No.988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Guangdan Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xuejun Liang
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, No.988 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of PLA, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Brain and Intelligence, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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15
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Chen X, Duan H, Xiao L, Gan J. Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations Underlie Oligodendroglia Susceptibility and White Matter Etiology in Psychiatric Disorders. Front Genet 2018; 9:565. [PMID: 30524471 PMCID: PMC6262033 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous genetic risk loci are found to associate with major neuropsychiatric disorders represented by schizophrenia. The pathogenic roles of genetic risk loci in psychiatric diseases are further complicated by the association with cell lineage- and/or developmental stage-specific epigenetic alterations. Besides aberrant assembly and malfunction of neuronal circuitry, an increasing volume of discoveries clearly demonstrate impairment of oligodendroglia and disruption of white matter integrity in psychiatric diseases. Nonetheless, whether and how genetic risk factors and epigenetic dysregulations for neuronal susceptibility may affect oligodendroglia is largely unknown. In this mini-review, we will discuss emerging evidence regarding the functional interplay between genetic risk loci and epigenetic factors, which may underlie compromised oligodendroglia and myelin development in neuropsychiatric disorders. Transcriptional and epigenetic factors are the major aspects affected in oligodendroglia. Moreover, multiple disease susceptibility genes are connected by epigenetically modulated transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Oligodendroglia specific complex molecular orchestra may explain how distinct risk factors lead to the common clinical expression of white matter pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, PLA 91st Central Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Huifeng Duan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, PLA 91st Central Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jingli Gan
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Diseases Prevention and Treatment Institute of PLA, PLA 91st Central Hospital, Jiaozuo, China
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16
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Studying and modulating schizophrenia-associated dysfunctions of oligodendrocytes with patient-specific cell systems. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2018; 4:23. [PMID: 30451850 PMCID: PMC6242875 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-018-0066-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem studies in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) have revealed deficits in myelination, abnormalities in myelin gene expression and altered numbers of oligodendrocytes in the brain. However, gaining mechanistic insight into oligodendrocyte (OL) dysfunction and its contribution to SCZ has been challenging because of technical hurdles. The advent of individual patient-derived human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), combined with the generation of in principle any neuronal and glial cell type, including OLs and oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), holds great potential for understanding the molecular basis of the aetiopathogenesis of genetically complex psychiatric diseases such as SCZ and could pave the way towards personalized medicine. The development of neuronal and glial co-culture systems now appears to enable the in vitro study of SCZ-relevant neurobiological endophenotypes, including OL dysfunction and myelination, with unprecedented construct validity. Nonetheless, the meaningful stratification of patients before the subsequent functional analyses of patient-derived cell systems still represents an important bottleneck. Here, to improve the predictive power of ex vivo disease modelling we propose using hiPSC technology to focus on representatives of patient subgroups stratified for genomic and/or phenomic features and neurobiological cell systems. Therefore, this review will outline the evidence for the involvement of OPCs/OLs in SCZ in the context of their proposed functions, including myelination and axon support, the implications for hiPSC-based cellular disease modelling and potential strategies for patient selection.
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