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Cuttoli RDD, Issler O, Yakubov B, Jahan N, Abid A, Kasparov S, Granizo K, Ahmed S, Russo SJ, Nestler EJ, Sweis BM. Sex differences in change-of-mind neuroeconomic decision-making is modulated by LINC00473 in medial prefrontal cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.08.592609. [PMID: 39005412 PMCID: PMC11244910 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.08.592609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Changing one's mind is a complex cognitive phenomenon involving a continuous re-appraisal of the trade-off between past costs and future value. Recent work modeling this behavior across species has established associations between aspects of this choice process and their contributions to altered decision-making in psychopathology. Here, we investigated the actions in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons of long intergenic non-coding RNA, LINC00473, known to induce stress resilience in a striking sex-dependent manner, but whose role in cognitive function is unknown. We characterized complex decision-making behavior in male and female mice longitudinally in our neuroeconomic foraging paradigm, Restaurant Row, following virus-mediated LINC00473 expression in mPFC neurons. On this task, mice foraged for their primary source of food among varying costs (delays) and subjective value (flavors) while on a limited time-budget during which decisions to accept and wait for rewards were separated into discrete stages of primary commitments and secondary re-evaluations. We discovered important differences in decision-making behavior between female and male mice. LINC00473 expression selectively influenced multiple features of re-evaluative choices, without affecting primary decisions, in female mice only. These behavioral effects included changing how mice (i) cached the value of the passage of time and (ii) weighed their history of economically disadvantageous choices. Both processes were uniquely linked to change-of-mind decisions and underlie the computational bases of distinct aspects of counterfactual thinking. These findings reveal a key bridge between a molecular driver of stress resilience and psychological mechanisms underlying sex-specific decision-making proclivities.
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Nestler EJ, Russo SJ. Neurobiological basis of stress resilience. Neuron 2024; 112:1911-1929. [PMID: 38795707 PMCID: PMC11189737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
A majority of humans faced with severe stress maintain normal physiological and behavioral function, a process referred to as resilience. Such stress resilience has been modeled in laboratory animals and, over the past 15 years, has transformed our understanding of stress responses and how to approach the treatment of human stress disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety disorders. Work in rodents has demonstrated that resilience to chronic stress is an active process that involves much more than simply avoiding the deleterious effects of the stress. Rather, resilience is mediated largely by the induction of adaptations that are associated uniquely with resilience. Such mechanisms of natural resilience in rodents are being characterized at the molecular, cellular, and circuit levels, with an increasing number being validated in human investigations. Such discoveries raise the novel possibility that treatments for human stress disorders, in addition to being geared toward reversing the damaging effects of stress, can also be based on inducing mechanisms of natural resilience in individuals who are inherently more susceptible. This review provides a progress report on this evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Department of Psychiatry, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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4
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Bendis PC, Zimmerman S, Onisiforou A, Zanos P, Georgiou P. The impact of estradiol on serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine systems. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348551. [PMID: 38586193 PMCID: PMC10998471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Estradiol, the most potent and prevalent member of the estrogen class of steroid hormones and is expressed in both sexes. Functioning as a neuroactive steroid, it plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter systems affecting neuronal circuits and brain functions including learning and memory, reward and sexual behaviors. These neurotransmitter systems encompass the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signaling pathways. Consequently, this review examines the pivotal role of estradiol and its receptors in the regulation of these neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we investigate the multifaceted effects of estradiol on key neurotransmitter signaling systems, namely serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Findings from rodent models illuminate the impact of hormone manipulations, such as gonadectomy, on the regulation of neuronal brain circuits, providing valuable insights into the connection between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter regulation. Estradiol exerts its effects by binding to three estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor (GPER). Thus, this review explores the promising outcomes observed with estradiol and estrogen receptor agonists administration in both gonadectomized and/or genetically knockout rodents, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. Despite limited human studies on this topic, the findings underscore the significance of translational research in bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications. This approach offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between estradiol and neurotransmitter systems. The integration of evidence from neurotransmitter systems and receptor-specific effects not only enhances our understanding of the neurobiological basis of physiological brain functioning but also provides a comprehensive framework for the understanding of possible pathophysiological mechanisms resulting to disease states. By unraveling the complexities of estradiol's impact on neurotransmitter regulation, this review contributes to advancing the field and lays the groundwork for future research aimed at refining understanding of the relationship between estradiol and neuronal circuits as well as their involvement in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Christine Bendis
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sydney Zimmerman
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Onisiforou
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panos Zanos
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Li H, Kawatake-Kuno A, Inaba H, Miyake Y, Itoh Y, Ueki T, Oishi N, Murai T, Suzuki T, Uchida S. Discrete prefrontal neuronal circuits determine repeated stress-induced behavioral phenotypes in male mice. Neuron 2024; 112:786-804.e8. [PMID: 38228137 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders, including depression. Although depression is a highly heterogeneous syndrome, it remains unclear how chronic stress drives individual differences in behavioral responses. In this study, we developed a subtyping-based approach wherein stressed male mice were divided into four subtypes based on their behavioral patterns of social interaction deficits and anhedonia, the core symptoms of psychiatric disorders. We identified three prefrontal cortical neuronal projections that regulate repeated stress-induced behavioral phenotypes. Among them, the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)→anterior paraventricular thalamus (aPVT) pathway determines the specific behavioral subtype that exhibits both social deficits and anhedonia. Additionally, we identified the circuit-level molecular mechanism underlying this subtype: KDM5C-mediated epigenetic repression of Shisa2 transcription in aPVT projectors in the mPFC led to social deficits and anhedonia. Thus, we provide a set of biological aspects at the cellular, molecular, and epigenetic levels that determine distinctive stress-induced behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ayako Kawatake-Kuno
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Inaba
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuka Miyake
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka 567-0047, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Hon-cho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Itoh
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka 567-0047, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Hon-cho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takatoshi Ueki
- Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Naoya Oishi
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Suzuki
- SANKEN, Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka 567-0047, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Hon-cho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Shusaku Uchida
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Hon-cho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan; Kyoto University Medical Science and Business Liaison Organization, Medical Innovation Center, 53 Shogoin-Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan; Department of Integrative Anatomy, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1 Kawasumi, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.
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Sourty M, Nasseef MT, Champagnol-Di Liberti C, Mondino M, Noblet V, Parise EM, Markovic T, Browne CJ, Darcq E, Nestler EJ, Kieffer BL. Manipulating ΔFOSB in D1-Type Medium Spiny Neurons of the Nucleus Accumbens Reshapes Whole-Brain Functional Connectivity. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:266-274. [PMID: 37517704 PMCID: PMC10834364 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.07.013] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor ΔFOSB, acting in the nucleus accumbens, has been shown to control transcriptional and behavioral responses to opioids and other drugs of abuse. However, circuit-level consequences of ΔFOSB induction on the rest of the brain, which are required for its regulation of complex behavior, remain unknown. METHODS We used an epigenetic approach in mice to suppress or activate the endogenous Fosb gene and thereby decrease or increase, respectively, levels of ΔFOSB selectively in D1-type medium spiny neurons of the nucleus accumbens and tested whether these modifications affect the organization of functional connectivity (FC) in the brain. We acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging data at rest and in response to a morphine challenge and analyzed both stationary and dynamic FC patterns. RESULTS The 2 manipulations modified brainwide communication markedly and differently. ΔFOSB down- and upregulation had overlapping effects on prefrontal- and retrosplenial cortex-centered networks, but also generated specific FC signatures for epithalamus (habenula) and dopaminergic/serotonergic centers, respectively. Analysis of dynamic FC patterns showed that increasing ΔFOSB essentially altered responsivity to morphine and uncovered striking modifications of the roles of the epithalamus and amygdala in brain communication, particularly upon ΔFOSB downregulation. CONCLUSIONS These novel findings illustrate how it is possible to link activity of a transcription factor within a single cell type of an identified brain region to consequent changes in circuit function brainwide by use of functional magnetic resonance imaging, and they pave the way for fundamental advances in bridging the gap between transcriptional and brain connectivity mechanisms underlying opioid addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Sourty
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; iCube, University of Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Md Taufiq Nasseef
- Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Mathematics, College of Science and Humanity Studies, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mary Mondino
- iCube, University of Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- iCube, University of Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric M Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Caleb J Browne
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Emmanuel Darcq
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
| | - Brigitte L Kieffer
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1114, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France; Douglas Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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7
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Proaño SB, Miller CK, Krentzel AA, Dorris DM, Meitzen J. Sex steroid hormones, the estrous cycle, and rapid modulation of glutamatergic synapse properties in the striatal brain regions with a focus on 17β-estradiol and the nucleus accumbens. Steroids 2024; 201:109344. [PMID: 37979822 PMCID: PMC10842710 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109344] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The striatal brain regions encompassing the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc), shell (NAcs) and caudate-putamen (CPu) regulate cognitive functions including motivated behaviors, habit, learning, and sensorimotor action, among others. Sex steroid hormone sensitivity and sex differences have been documented in all of these functions in both normative and pathological contexts, including anxiety, depression and addiction. The neurotransmitter glutamate has been implicated in regulating these behaviors as well as striatal physiology, and there are likewise documented sex differences in glutamate action upon the striatal output neurons, the medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Here we review the available data regarding the role of steroid sex hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol), progesterone, and testosterone in rapidly modulating MSN glutamatergic synapse properties, presented in the context of the estrous cycle as appropriate. Estradiol action upon glutamatergic synapse properties in female NAcc MSNs is most comprehensively discussed. In the female NAcc, MSNs exhibit development period-specific sex differences and estrous cycle variations in glutamatergic synapse properties as shown by multiple analyses, including that of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). Estrous cycle-differences in NAcc MSN mEPSCs can be mimicked by acute exposure to estradiol or an ERα agonist. The available evidence, or lack thereof, is also discussed concerning estrogen action upon MSN glutamatergic synapse in the other striatal regions as well as the underexplored roles of progesterone and testosterone. We conclude that there is strong evidence regarding estradiol action upon glutamatergic synapse function in female NAcs MSNs and call for more research regarding other hormones and striatal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Proaño
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Christiana K Miller
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amanda A Krentzel
- Office of Research and Innovation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David M Dorris
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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8
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Hodes GE, Bangasser D, Sotiropoulos I, Kokras N, Dalla C. Sex Differences in Stress Response: Classical Mechanisms and Beyond. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:475-494. [PMID: 37855285 PMCID: PMC10845083 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231005090134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders, which are associated with stress hormone dysregulation, occur at different rates in men and women. Moreover, nowadays, preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrates that sex and gender can lead to differences in stress responses that predispose males and females to different expressions of similar pathologies. In this curated review, we focus on what is known about sex differences in classic mechanisms of stress response, such as glucocorticoid hormones and corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), which are components of the hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis. Then, we present sex differences in neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin, dopamine, glutamate and GABA, as well as indices of neurodegeneration, such as amyloid β and Tau. Gonadal hormone effects, such as estrogens and testosterone, are also discussed throughout the review. We also review in detail preclinical data investigating sex differences caused by recentlyrecognized regulators of stress and disease, such as the immune system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, as well neurosteroids. Finally, we discuss how understanding sex differences in stress responses, as well as in pharmacology, can be leveraged into novel, more efficacious therapeutics for all. Based on the supporting evidence, it is obvious that incorporating sex as a biological variable into preclinical research is imperative for the understanding and treatment of stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debra Bangasser
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ioannis Sotiropoulos
- Institute of Biosciences & Applications NCSR “Demokritos”, Athens, Greece
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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9
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Buckhaults K, Swack BD, Sachs BD. Estrogen administration and withdrawal in a model of hormone-simulated pregnancy lead to alterations in behavior and gene expression but do not induce depression-like phenotypes in mice. Physiol Behav 2023; 269:114288. [PMID: 37414236 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114288] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Pregnancy and the post-partum period are associated with substantial fluctuations in hormone levels and are frequently associated with significant stress. Many individuals also experience affective disturbances during the peri‑partum period, including anxiety, the 'baby blues,' and post-partum depression. However, the extent to which these affective changes result from rapidly altering hormone levels, increased stress, or the combination of both remains largely unknown. The current study sought to evaluate the consequences of pregnancy-like hormonal changes on behavior and gene expression in c57BL/6 mice in the absence of stress using a hormone-simulated pregnancy model. Our results reveal that animals receiving hormone injections to simulate the high levels of estrogen observed in late pregnancy and animals withdrawn from estrogen to mimic the rapid decline in this hormone following parturition both exhibit increased anxiety-like behavior compared to ovariectomized controls in the novel open field test. However, no other significant anxiety- or depression-like alterations were observed in either hormone-treated group compared to ovariectomized controls. Both hormone administration and estrogen withdrawal were shown to induce several significant alterations in gene expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In contrast to the estrogen withdrawal hypothesis of post-partum depression, our results suggest that this method estrogen withdrawal following hormone-simulated pregnancy in the absence of stress does not induce phenotypes consistent with post-partum depression in c57BL/6 mice. However, given that estrogen withdrawal does lead to significant gene expression changes in two stress-sensitive brain regions, it remains possible that estrogen withdrawal could still contribute to affective dysregulation in the peri-partum period by influencing susceptibility to stress. Future research is required to evaluate this possibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Buckhaults
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Benjamin D Swack
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA
| | - Benjamin D Sachs
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, 19085, USA.
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10
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Fitzgerald E, Arcego DM, Shen MJ, O'Toole N, Wen X, Nagy C, Mostafavi S, Craig K, Silveira PP, Rayan NA, Diorio J, Meaney MJ, Zhang TY. Sex and cell-specific gene expression in corticolimbic brain regions associated with psychiatric disorders revealed by bulk and single-nuclei RNA sequencing. EBioMedicine 2023; 95:104749. [PMID: 37549631 PMCID: PMC10432187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104749] [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: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are sex-specific differences in the prevalence, symptomology and course of psychiatric disorders. However, preclinical models have primarily used males, such that the molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences in psychiatric disorders are not well established. METHODS In this study, we compared transcriptome-wide gene expression profiles in male and female rats within the corticolimbic system, including the cingulate cortex, nucleus accumbens medial shell (NAcS), ventral dentate gyrus and the basolateral amygdala (n = 22-24 per group/region). FINDINGS We found over 3000 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the NAcS between males and females. Of these DEGs in the NAcS, 303 showed sex-dependent conservation DEGs in humans and were significantly enriched for gene ontology terms related to blood vessel morphogenesis and regulation of cell migration. Single nuclei RNA sequencing in the NAcS of male and female rats identified widespread sex-dependent expression, with genes upregulated in females showing a notable enrichment for synaptic function. Female upregulated genes in astrocytes, Drd3+MSNs and oligodendrocyte were also enriched in several psychiatric genome-wide association studies (GWAS). INTERPRETATION Our data provide comprehensive evidence of sex- and cell-specific molecular profiles in the NAcS. Importantly these differences associate with anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and cross-disorder, suggesting an intrinsic molecular basis for sex-based differences in psychiatric disorders that strongly implicates the NAcS. FUNDING This work was supported by funding from the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (MJM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon Fitzgerald
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Danusa Mar Arcego
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Mo Jun Shen
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas O'Toole
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Xianglan Wen
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Corina Nagy
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Sara Mostafavi
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Washington, 185 E Stevens Way NE, Seattle, WA 9819, USA
| | - Kelly Craig
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Patricia Pelufo Silveira
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nirmala Arul Rayan
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences and Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore
| | - Josie Diorio
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences and Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tie-Yuan Zhang
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montréal, H4H 1R3, Canada.
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11
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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.
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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.
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12
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Miller CK, Krentzel AA, Meitzen J. ERα Stimulation Rapidly Modulates Excitatory Synapse Properties in Female Rat Nucleus Accumbens Core. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:1140-1153. [PMID: 36746131 PMCID: PMC10623399 DOI: 10.1159/000529571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) is a sexually differentiated brain region that is modulated by steroid hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol), with consequential impacts on relevant motivated behaviors and disorders such as addiction, anxiety, and depression. NAcc estradiol levels naturally fluctuate, including during the estrous cycle in adult female rats, which is analogous to the menstrual cycle in adult humans. Across the estrous cycle, excitatory synapse properties of medium spiny neurons rapidly change, as indicated by analysis of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). mEPSC frequency decreases during estrous cycle phases associated with high estradiol levels. This decrease in mEPSC frequency is mimicked by acute topical exposure to estradiol. The identity of the estrogen receptor (ER) underlying this estradiol action is unknown. Adult rat NAcc expresses three ERs, all extranuclear: membrane ERα, membrane ERβ, and GPER1. METHODS In this brief report, we take a first step toward addressing this challenge by testing whether activation of ERs via acute topical agonist application is sufficient for inducing changes in mEPSC properties recorded via whole-cell patch clamp. RESULTS An agonist of ERα induced large decreases in mEPSC frequency, while agonists of ERβ and GPER1 did not robustly modulate mEPSC properties. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence that activation of ERα is sufficient for inducing changes in mEPSC frequency and is a likely candidate underlying the estradiol-induced changes observed during the estrous cycle. Overall, these findings extend our understanding of the neuroendocrinology of the NAcc and implicate ERα as a primary target for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana K. Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amanda A. Krentzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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13
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Gut microbiota alterations promote traumatic stress susceptibility associated with p-cresol-induced dopaminergic dysfunctions. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:385-396. [PMID: 36400332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests a link between gut microbiota abnormalities and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, whether and how the gut microbiota influences PTSD susceptibility is poorly understood. Here using the arousal-based individual screening model, we provide evidence for pre-trauma and post-trauma gut microbiota alterations in susceptible mice exhibiting persistent PTSD-related phenotypes. A more in-depth analysis revealed an increased abundance of bacteria affecting brain processes including myelination, and brain systems like the dopaminergic neurotransmission. Because dopaminergic dysfunctions play a key role in the pathophysiological mechanisms subserving PTSD, we assessed whether these alterations in gut microbiota composition could be associated with abnormal levels of metabolites inducing dopaminergic dysfunctions. We found high levels of the l-tyrosine-derived metabolite p-cresol exclusively in the prefrontal cortex of susceptible mice. We further uncovered abnormal levels of dopamine and DOPAC, together with a detrimental increase of dopamine D3 receptor expression, exclusively in the prefrontal cortex of susceptible mice. Conversely, we observed either resilience mechanisms aimed at counteracting these p-cresol-induced dopaminergic dysfunctions or myelination-related resilience mechanisms only in the prefrontal cortex of resilient mice. These findings reveal that gut microbiota abnormalities foster trauma susceptibility and thus it may represent a promising target for therapeutic interventions.
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14
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Issler O, van der Zee YY, Ramakrishnan A, Xia S, Zinsmaier AK, Tan C, Li W, Browne CJ, Walker DM, Salery M, Torres-Berrío A, Futamura R, Duffy JE, Labonte B, Girgenti MJ, Tamminga CA, Dupree JL, Dong Y, Murrough JW, Shen L, Nestler EJ. The long noncoding RNA FEDORA is a cell type- and sex-specific regulator of depression. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn9494. [PMID: 36449610 PMCID: PMC9710883 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Women suffer from depression at twice the rate of men, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identify marked baseline sex differences in the expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), a class of regulatory transcripts, in human postmortem brain tissue that are profoundly lost in depression. One such human lncRNA, RP11-298D21.1 (which we termed FEDORA), is enriched in oligodendrocytes and neurons and up-regulated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of depressed females only. We found that virally expressing FEDORA selectively either in neurons or in oligodendrocytes of PFC promoted depression-like behavioral abnormalities in female mice only, changes associated with cell type-specific regulation of synaptic properties, myelin thickness, and gene expression. We also found that blood FEDORA levels have diagnostic implications for depressed women and are associated with clinical response to ketamine. These findings demonstrate the important role played by lncRNAs, and FEDORA in particular, in shaping the sex-specific landscape of the brain and contributing to sex differences in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Issler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yentl Y. van der Zee
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sunhui Xia
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Chunfeng Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Caleb J. Browne
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Deena M. Walker
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marine Salery
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Angélica Torres-Berrío
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rita Futamura
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia E. Duffy
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benoit Labonte
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew J. Girgenti
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey L. Dupree
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James W. Murrough
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J. Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Radley JJ, Herman JP. Preclinical Models of Chronic Stress: Adaptation or Pathology? Biol Psychiatry 2022:S0006-3223(22)01717-6. [PMID: 36631383 PMCID: PMC10166771 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The experience of prolonged stress changes how individuals interact with their environment and process interoceptive cues, with the end goal of optimizing survival and well-being in the face of a now-hostile world. The chronic stress response includes numerous changes consistent with limiting further damage to the organism, including development of passive or active behavioral strategies and metabolic adjustments to alter energy mobilization. These changes are consistent with symptoms of pathology in humans, and as a result, chronic stress has been used as a translational model for diseases such as depression. While it is of heuristic value to understand symptoms of pathology, we argue that the chronic stress response represents a defense mechanism that is, at its core, adaptive in nature. Transition to pathology occurs only after the adaptive capacity of an organism is exhausted. We offer this perspective as a means of framing interpretations of chronic stress studies in animal models and how these data relate to adaptation as opposed to pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Radley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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16
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Blood miR-144-3p: a novel diagnostic and therapeutic tool for depression. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4536-4549. [PMID: 35902629 PMCID: PMC9832789 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01712-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the leading cause of disability worldwide. There is an urgent need for objective biomarkers to diagnose this highly heterogeneous syndrome, assign treatment, and evaluate treatment response and prognosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, which are detected in body fluids that have emerged as potential biomarkers of many disease conditions. The present study explored the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers for MDD and its treatment. We profiled the expression levels of circulating blood miRNAs from mice that were collected before and after exposure to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), an extensively validated mouse model used to study depression, as well as after either repeated imipramine or single-dose ketamine treatment. We observed robust differences in blood miRNA signatures between stress-resilient and stress-susceptible mice after an incubation period, but not immediately after exposure to the stress. Furthermore, ketamine treatment was more effective than imipramine at re-establishing baseline miRNA expression levels, but only in mice that responded behaviorally to the drug. We identified the red blood cell-specific miR-144-3p as a candidate biomarker to aid depression diagnosis and predict ketamine treatment response in stress-susceptible mice and MDD patients. Lastly, we demonstrate that systemic knockdown of miR-144-3p, via subcutaneous administration of a specific antagomir, is sufficient to reduce the depression-related phenotype in stress-susceptible mice. RNA-sequencing analysis of blood after such miR-144-3p knockdown revealed a blunted transcriptional stress signature as well. These findings identify miR-144-3p as a novel target for diagnosis of MDD as well as for antidepressant treatment, and enhance our understanding of epigenetic processes associated with depression.
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17
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Melino S, Mormone E. On the Interplay Between the Medicine of Hildegard of Bingen and Modern Medicine: The Role of Estrogen Receptor as an Example of Biodynamic Interface for Studying the Chronic Disease's Complexity. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:745138. [PMID: 35712451 PMCID: PMC9196248 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.745138] [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: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) interpreted the origins of chronic disease highlighting and anticipating, although only in a limited fashion, the importance that complex interactions among numerous genetic, internal milieu and external environmental factors have in determining the disease phenotype. Today, we recognize those factors, capable of mediating the transmission of messages between human body and environment and vice versa, as biodynamic interfaces. Aim We analyzed, in the light of modern scientific evidence, Hildegard of Bingen's medical approach and her original humoral theory in order to identify possible insights included in her medicine that could be referred to in the context of modern evidence-based medicine. In particular, the abbess's humoral theory suggests the identification of biodynamic interfaces with sex hormones and their receptors. Findings We found that the Hildegardian holistic vision of the organism-environment relationship can actually represent a visionary approach to modern endocrinology and that sex hormones, in particular estrogens, could represent an example of a biodynamic interface. Estrogen receptors are found in regions of the brain involved in emotional and cognitive regulation, controlling the molecular mechanism of brain function. Estrogen receptors are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and in the epigenetic regulation of responses to physiological, social, and hormonal stimuli. Furthermore, estrogen affects gene methylation on its own and related receptor promoters in discrete regions of the developing brain. This scenario was strikingly perceived by the abbess in the XIIth century, and depicted as a complex interplay among different humors and flegmata that she recognized to be sex specific and environmentally regulated. Viewpoint Considering the function played by hormones, analyzed through the last scientific evidence, and scientific literature on biodynamic interfaces, we could suggest Hildegardian insights and theories as the first attempt to describe the modern holistic, sex-based medicine. Conclusion Hildegard anticipated a concept of pathogenesis that sees a central role for endocrinology in sex-specific disease. Furthermore, estrogens and estrogen receptors could represent a good example of molecular interfaces capable of modulating the interaction between the organism internal milieu and the environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Melino
- Research Unit of Philosophy of Science and Human Development, Faculty of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mormone
- Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, Foggia, Italy
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18
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Krentzel AA, Proaño SB, Dorris DM, Setzer B, Meitzen J. The estrous cycle and 17β-estradiol modulate the electrophysiological properties of rat nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13122. [PMID: 35365910 PMCID: PMC9250601 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens core is a key nexus within the mammalian brain for integrating the premotor and limbic systems and regulating important cognitive functions such as motivated behaviors. Nucleus accumbens core functions show sex differences and are sensitive to the presence of hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol) in normal and pathological contexts. The primary neuron type of the nucleus accumbens core, the medium spiny neuron (MSN), exhibits sex differences in both intrinsic excitability and glutamatergic excitatory synapse electrophysiological properties. Here, we provide a review of recent literature showing how estradiol modulates rat nucleus accumbens core MSN electrophysiology within the context of the estrous cycle. We review the changes in MSN electrophysiological properties across the estrous cycle and how these changes can be mimicked in response to exogenous estradiol exposure. We discuss in detail recent findings regarding how acute estradiol exposure rapidly modulates excitatory synapse properties in nucleus accumbens core but not caudate-putamen MSNs, which mirror the natural changes seen across estrous cycle phases. These recent insights demonstrate the strong impact of sex-specific estradiol action upon nucleus accumbens core neuron electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. Krentzel
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Stephanie B. Proaño
- Neurobiology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - David M. Dorris
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Beverly Setzer
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Comparative Medicine InstituteNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Center for Human Health and the EnvironmentNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
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19
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Touchant M, Labonté B. Sex-Specific Brain Transcriptional Signatures in Human MDD and Their Correlates in Mouse Models of Depression. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:845491. [PMID: 35592639 PMCID: PMC9110970 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.845491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is amongst the most devastating psychiatric conditions affecting several millions of people worldwide every year. Despite the importance of this disease and its impact on modern societies, still very little is known about the etiological mechanisms. Treatment strategies have stagnated over the last decades and very little progress has been made to improve the efficiency of current therapeutic approaches. In order to better understand the disease, it is necessary for researchers to use appropriate animal models that reproduce specific aspects of the complex clinical manifestations at the behavioral and molecular levels. Here, we review the current literature describing the use of mouse models to reproduce specific aspects of MDD and anxiety in males and females. We first describe some of the most commonly used mouse models and their capacity to display unique but also shared features relevant to MDD. We then transition toward an integral description, combined with genome-wide transcriptional strategies. The use of these models reveals crucial insights into the molecular programs underlying the expression of stress susceptibility and resilience in a sex-specific fashion. These studies performed on human and mouse tissues establish correlates into the mechanisms mediating the impact of stress and the extent to which different mouse models of chronic stress recapitulate the molecular changes observed in depressed humans. The focus of this review is specifically to highlight the sex differences revealed from different stress paradigms and transcriptional analyses both in human and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Touchant
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Benoit Labonté
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20
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Almey A, Milner TA, Brake WG. Estrogen receptors observed at extranuclear neuronal sites and in glia in the nucleus accumbens core and shell of the female rat: Evidence for localization to catecholaminergic and GABAergic neurons. J Comp Neurol 2022; 530:2056-2072. [PMID: 35397175 PMCID: PMC9167786 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25320] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens affect dopamine-dependent diseases/behavior and have rapid effects on dopamine release and receptor availability in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Low levels of nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) α and ERβ are seen in the NAc, which cannot account for the rapid effects of estrogens in this region. G-protein coupled ER 1 (GPER1) is observed at low levels in the NAc shell, which also likely does not account for the array of estrogens' effects in this region. Prior studies demonstrated membrane-associated ERs in the dorsal striatum; these experiments extend those findings to the NAc core and shell. Single- and dual-immunolabeling electron microscopy determined whether ERα, ERβ, and GPER1 are at extranuclear sites in the NAc core and shell and whether ERα and GPER1 were localized to catecholaminergic or γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) neurons. All three ERs are observed, almost exclusively, at extranuclear sites in the NAc, and similarly distributed in the core and shell. ERα, ERβ, and GPER1 are primarily in axons and axon terminals suggesting that estrogens affect transmission in the NAc via presynaptic mechanisms. About 10% of these receptors are found on glia. A small proportion of ERα and GPER1 are localized to catecholaminergic terminals, suggesting that binding at these ERs alters release of catecholamines, including dopamine. A larger proportion of ERα and GPER1 are localized to GABAergic dendrites and terminals, suggesting that estrogens alter GABAergic transmission to indirectly affect dopamine transmission in the NAc. Thus, the localization of ERs could account for the rapid effects of estrogen in the NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Almey
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology (CSBN), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Teresa A Milner
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, USA.,Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Wayne G Brake
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology (CSBN), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
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21
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Dion-Albert L, Bandeira Binder L, Daigle B, Hong-Minh A, Lebel M, Menard C. Sex differences in the blood-brain barrier: Implications for mental health. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100989. [PMID: 35271863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prevalence of mental disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia (SZ) are increasing at alarming rates in our societies. Growing evidence points toward major sex differences in these conditions, and high rates of treatment resistance support the need to consider novel biological mechanisms outside of neuronal function to gain mechanistic insights that could lead to innovative therapies. Blood-brain barrier alterations have been reported in MDD, BD and SZ. Here, we provide an overview of sex-specific immune, endocrine, vascular and transcriptional-mediated changes that could affect neurovascular integrity and possibly contribute to the pathogenesis of mental disorders. We also identify pitfalls in current literature and highlight promising vascular biomarkers. Better understanding of how these adaptations can contribute to mental health status is essential not only in the context of MDD, BD and SZ but also cardiovascular diseases and stroke which are associated with higher prevalence of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Dion-Albert
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Luisa Bandeira Binder
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Beatrice Daigle
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Amandine Hong-Minh
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Lincoln Place Gate, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Manon Lebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Caroline Menard
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and CERVO Brain Research Center, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada.
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22
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Stress induced microglial activation contributes to depression. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Sanacora G, Yan Z, Popoli M. The stressed synapse 2.0: pathophysiological mechanisms in stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022; 23:86-103. [PMID: 34893785 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a primary risk factor for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Evidence from preclinical models and clinical studies of depression have revealed an array of structural and functional maladaptive changes, whereby adverse environmental factors shape the brain. These changes, observed from the molecular and transcriptional levels through to large-scale brain networks, to the behaviours reveal a complex matrix of interrelated pathophysiological processes that differ between sexes, providing insight into the potential underpinnings of the sex bias of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although many preclinical studies use chronic stress protocols, long-term changes are also induced by acute exposure to traumatic stress, opening a path to identify determinants of resilient versus susceptible responses to both acute and chronic stress. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression has emerged as a key player underlying the persistent impact of stress on the brain. Indeed, histone modification, DNA methylation and microRNAs are closely involved in many aspects of the stress response and reveal the glutamate system as a key player. The success of ketamine has stimulated a whole line of research and development on drugs directly or indirectly targeting glutamate function. However, the challenge of translating the emerging understanding of stress pathophysiology into effective clinical treatments remains a major challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Shao S, Yao D, Li S, Li J, Si Y, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Song D, Li H. N-Cadherin Regulates GluA1-Mediated Depressive-Like Behavior in Adolescent Female Rat Offspring following Prenatal Stress. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:493-509. [PMID: 34348318 DOI: 10.1159/000518383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of depression is twice higher in women than in men, and gender differences in the prevalence rates first emerge around puberty. Prenatal stress (PS) induces gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in adolescent offspring, but the neuro-physiological mechanisms remain unclear. Our study aimed to investigate the possible neuro-physiological mechanisms of gender-dependent depressive-like behavior in PS adolescent offspring and further explored the possibility of treating depression in adolescent female rats. METHODS The pregnant rats were exposed to restraint stress in the third trimester for 7 days. The depressive-like behavior and the expression of N-cadherin and AMPARs in the hippocampus of adolescent offspring rats were assessed. 10 mg/kg AMPAR antagonist CNQX and 10 mg/kg N-cadherin antagonist ADH-1 were intraperitoneally injected into female adolescent offspring, respectively; 0.2 µg AMPAR agonist CX546 was administered to the dentate gyrus of male adolescent offspring to determine the role of N-cadherin-AMPARs in depressive-like behavior of the offspring following PS. RESULTS We found that PS increased N-cadherin expression, which upregulated GluA1 expression in the dentate gyrus, mediating depressive-like behavior in adolescent female rat offspring by reducing PSD-95. In addition, ADH-1 and CNQX improved depressive-like behavior in adolescent female offspring following PS. Furthermore, injection of the CX546 into the dentate gyrus induced depressive-like behavior in PS male offspring. CONCLUSION The gender-dependent expression of N-cadherin-GluA1 pathway in adolescent offspring in the dentate gyrus was the key factor in gender differences of depressive-like behavior following PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuya Shao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dan Yao
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Senya Li
- The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yufang Si
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Maternal and Infant Health Research Institute and Medical College, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huiping Zhang
- The Affiliated Children Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhongliang Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Maternal and Infant Health Research Institute and Medical College, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Dongli Song
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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25
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Rainville JR, Lipuma T, Hodes GE. Translating the Transcriptome: Sex Differences in the Mechanisms of Depression and Stress, Revisited. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:25-35. [PMID: 33865609 PMCID: PMC10197090 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has produced a plethora of studies examining sex differences in the transcriptional profiles of stress and mood disorders. As we move forward from accepting the existence of extensive molecular sex differences in the brain to exploring the purpose of these sex differences, our approach must become more systemic and less reductionist. Earlier studies have examined specific brain regions and/or cell types. To use this knowledge to develop the next generation of personalized medicine, we need to comprehend how transcriptional changes across the brain and/or the body relate to each other. We provide an overview of the relationships between baseline and depression/stress-related transcriptional sex differences and explore contributions of preclinically identified mechanisms and their impacts on behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Rainville
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Timothy Lipuma
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- Department of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia.
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26
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Chen Z, Tang Z, Zou K, Huang Z, Liu L, Yang Y, Wang W. D-Serine produces antidepressant-like effects in mice through suppression of BDNF signaling pathway and regulation of synaptic adaptations in the nucleus accumbens. Mol Med 2021; 27:127. [PMID: 34654365 PMCID: PMC8518303 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00389-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE D-Serine is a crucial endogenous co-agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in the central nervous system and can affect the function of the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) system, which plays an essential role in modulating synaptic plasticity. The current study aimed to systematically evaluate the role and mechanisms of D-serine in depressive behavior in nucleus accumbens (NAc). METHODS D-Serine concentration in the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model in NAc was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The antidepressant-like effects of D-serine were identified using forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST) in control mice and then assessed in CSDS model. We applied social interaction and sucrose preference tests to identify the susceptibility of CSDS model. Western blotting was further performed to assess the changes of BDNF signaling cascade in NAc after CSDS and D-serine treatment. The BDNF signaling inhibitor (K252a) was also used to clarify the antidepressant-like mechanism of D-serine. Moreover, D-serine effects on synaptic plasticity in NAc were investigated using electrophysiological methods. RESULTS D-Serine concentration was decreased in depression susceptible mice in NAc. D-Serine injections into NAc exhibited antidepressant-like effects in FST and TST without affecting the locomotor activity of mice. D-Serine was also effective in CSDS model of depression. Moreover, D-serine down-regulated the BDNF signaling pathway in NAc during CSDS procedure. Furthermore, BDNF signaling inhibitor (K252a) enhanced the antidepressant effects of D-serine. We also found that D-serine was essential for NMDARs-dependent long-term depression (LTD). CONCLUSION D-Serine exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice mediated through restraining the BDNF signaling pathway and regulating synaptic plasticity in NAc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhenyu Tang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ke Zou
- Jiangxi Mental Hospital of Nangchang University, 43 Shangfang Road, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liuer Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yuanjian Yang
- Jiangxi Mental Hospital of Nangchang University, 43 Shangfang Road, Nanchang, 330029, Jiangxi, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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27
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Décarie-Spain L, Hryhorczuk C, Lau D, Jacob-Brassard É, Fisette A, Fulton S. Prolonged saturated, but not monounsaturated, high-fat feeding provokes anxiodepressive-like behaviors in female mice despite similar metabolic consequences. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100324. [PMID: 34589811 PMCID: PMC8474568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100324] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity significantly increases the risk for anxiety and depression. Our group has recently demonstrated a role for nucleus accumbens (NAc) pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa-B (NFkB) signaling in the development of anxiodepressive-like behaviors by diet-induced obesity in male mice. The NAc is a brain region involved in goal-oriented behavior and mood regulation whose functions are critical to hedonic feeding and motivation. While the incidence of depression and anxiety disorders is significantly higher in women than in men, the use of female animal models in psychiatric research remains limited. We set out to investigate the impact of chronic intake of saturated and monounsaturated high-fat diets (HFD) on energy metabolism and on anxiety- and despair-like behaviors in female mice and to ascertain the contribution of NAc NFkB-mediated inflammation herein. Adult C57Bl6N female mice were fed either a saturated HFD, an isocaloric monounsaturated HFD or a control low-fat diet for 24 weeks, after which metabolic profiling and behavioral testing for anxiodepressive-like behaviors were conducted. Plasma was collected at time of sacrifice for quantification of leptin, inflammatory markers as well as 17 β-estradiol levels and brains were harvested to analyze NAc expression of pro-inflammatory genes and estrogen-signaling molecules. In another group of female mice placed on the saturated HFD or the control diet for 24 weeks, we performed adenoviral-mediated invalidation of the NFkB signaling pathway in the NAc prior to behavioral testing. While both HFDs provoked obesity and metabolic impairments, only the saturated HFD triggered anxiodepressive-like behaviors and caused marked elevations in plasma estrogen. This saturated HFD-specific behavioral phenotype could not be explained by NAc inflammation alone and was unaffected by NAc invalidation of the NFkB signaling pathway. Instead, we found changes in the expression of estrogen signaling markers. Such results diverge from the inflammatory mechanisms underlying diet- and obesity-induced metabolic dysfunction and anxiodepressive-like behavior onset in male mice and call attention to the role of estrogen signaling in diet-related anxiodepressive-like phenotypes in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léa Décarie-Spain
- Centre de recherche du CHUM & Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Cécile Hryhorczuk
- Centre de recherche du CHUM & Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Canada
| | - David Lau
- Centre de recherche du CHUM & Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Alexandre Fisette
- Centre de recherche du CHUM & Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Canada.,Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Centre de recherche du CHUM & Montreal Diabetes Research Centre, Canada.,Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Canada
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28
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Qu N, Wang XM, Zhang T, Zhang SF, Li Y, Cao FY, Wang Q, Ning LN, Tian Q. Estrogen Receptor α Agonist is Beneficial for Young Female Rats Against Chronic Unpredicted Mild Stress-Induced Depressive Behavior and Cognitive Deficits. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 77:1077-1093. [PMID: 32804146 DOI: 10.3233/jad-200486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are reported more likely to develop depression and dementia. However, the involved mechanism is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE Here, we clarified the role of estrogen receptor α (ERα) in depression and cognitive deficit in young female rats. METHODS After being exposed to 7-weeks' chronic unpredicted mild stress (CUMS), the depression resilient rats (Res rats) and depressed rats (Dep rats) were selected according to their records in sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and open field test. Their cognition abilities were tested by Morris water maze. Proteomic assay, immunoprecipitation, western blotting, immunohistochemical, and Nissl staining were also used to understand the involved mechanism. RESULTS Compared with control rats and Res rats, Dep rats showed cognitive deficits and hippocampal impairments revealed by proteomic data, neuron losses, increased cleaved caspase-3, β-catenin phosphorylation, and glycogen synthase kinase3β (GSK3β) activation. As ERα, but not ERβ, was found declined in hippocampi of Dep rats, 4,4k,4a-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT, an ERα agonist, 1 mg/kg/day), was used to treat Dep rats (Dep + PPT). Twenty days later, the depressive behaviors, cognition deficits, and hippocampal neuron loss were rescued in Dep + PPT rats. Furthermore, Res and Dep + PPT rats had higher levels of β-catenin combined with ERα and lower levels of β-catenin combined with GSK3β than Dep rats in hippocampi. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated hippocampal ERα is an important pro-resilient factor in CUMS-induced depressive behaviors and cognitive deficits. It was also given that the neuroprotection afforded by hippocampal ERα/Wnt interactions have significant implications for cognition and emotion in young females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shu-Fang Zhang
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Li
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu-Yuan Cao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lin-Na Ning
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Pathology, Gannan Medical University Pingxiang Hospital, Pingxiang, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Neurological Disease of National Education Ministry, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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29
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Wang S, Ma J, Zeng Y, Zhou G, Wang Y, Zhou W, Sun X, Wu M. Icariin, an Up-and-Coming Bioactive Compound Against Neurological Diseases: Network Pharmacology-Based Study and Literature Review. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:3619-3641. [PMID: 34447243 PMCID: PMC8384151 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s310686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Icariin is a biologically active substance in Epimedii herba that is used for the treatment of neurologic disorders. However, a comprehensive analysis of the molecular mechanisms of icariin is lacking. In this review, we present a brief history of the use of icariin for medicinal purposes; describe the active chemical components of Epimedii herba; and examine the evidence from experimental studies that have uncovered molecular targets of icariin in different diseases. We also constructed a protein–protein interaction network and carried out Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional enrichment analyses to predict the therapeutic actions of icariin in nervous system diseases including Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, ischemic stroke, depressive disorder, multiple sclerosis, glioblastoma, and hereditary spastic paraplegias. The results of our analyses can guide future studies on the application of icariin to the treatment of neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangqiu Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiarui Ma
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Drug for Degenerative Disease, School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanqi Zeng
- First Clinical Medical School, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Guowei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuxuan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.,State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for TCM Quality and Efficacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Zhou
- First Clinical Medical School, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohe Sun
- First Clinical Medical School, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghua Wu
- Department of Neurology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.,First Clinical Medical School, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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30
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Cunningham AM, Walker DM, Ramakrishnan A, Doyle MA, Bagot RC, Cates HM, Peña CJ, Issler O, Lardner CK, Browne C, Russo SJ, Shen L, Nestler EJ. Sperm Transcriptional State Associated with Paternal Transmission of Stress Phenotypes. J Neurosci 2021; 41:6202-6216. [PMID: 34099514 PMCID: PMC8287983 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3192-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Paternal stress can induce long-lasting changes in germ cells potentially propagating heritable changes across generations. To date, no studies have investigated differences in transmission patterns between stress-resilient and stress-susceptible mice. We tested the hypothesis that transcriptional alterations in sperm during chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) transmit increased susceptibility to stress phenotypes to the next generation. We demonstrate differences in offspring from stressed fathers that depend on paternal category (resilient vs susceptible) and offspring sex. Importantly, artificial insemination (AI) reveals that sperm mediates some of the behavioral phenotypes seen in offspring. Using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), we report substantial and distinct changes in the transcriptomic profiles of sperm following CSDS in susceptible versus resilient fathers, with alterations in long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) predominating especially in susceptibility. Correlation analysis revealed that these alterations were accompanied by a loss of regulation of protein-coding genes by lncRNAs in sperm of susceptible males. We also identify several co-expression gene modules that are enriched in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in sperm from either resilient or susceptible fathers. Taken together, these studies advance our understanding of intergenerational epigenetic transmission of behavioral experience.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This manuscript contributes to the complex factors that influence the paternal transmission of stress phenotypes. By leveraging the segregation of males exposed to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) into either resilient or susceptible categories we were able to identify the phenotypic differences in the paternal transmission of stress phenotypes across generations between the two lineages. Importantly, this work also alludes to the significance of both long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and protein coding genes (PCGs) mediating the paternal transmission of stress. The knowledge gained from these data are of particular interest in understanding the risk for the development of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Cunningham
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Deena M Walker
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Marie A Doyle
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Rosemary C Bagot
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Hannah M Cates
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Catherine J Peña
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Orna Issler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Casey K Lardner
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Caleb Browne
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Scott J Russo
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Li Shen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, New York, New York 10029
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Richter-Levin G, Sandi C. Title: "Labels Matter: Is it stress or is it Trauma?". Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:385. [PMID: 34247187 PMCID: PMC8272714 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In neuroscience, the term 'Stress' has a negative connotation because of its potential to trigger or exacerbate psychopathologies. Yet in the face of exposure to stress, the more common reaction to stress is resilience, indicating that resilience is the rule and stress-related pathology the exception. This is critical because neural mechanisms associated with stress-related psychopathology are expected to differ significantly from those associated with resilience.Research labels and terminology affect research directions, conclusions drawn from the results, and the way we think about a topic, while choice of labels is often influenced by biases and hidden assumptions. It is therefore important to adopt a terminology that differentiates between stress conditions, leading to different outcomes.Here, we propose to conceptually associate the term 'stress'/'stressful experience' with 'stress resilience', while restricting the use of the term 'trauma' only in reference to exposures that lead to pathology. We acknowledge that there are as yet no ideal ways for addressing the murkiness of the border between stressful and traumatic experiences. Yet ignoring these differences hampers our ability to elucidate the mechanisms of trauma-related pathologies on the one hand, and of stress resilience on the other. Accordingly, we discuss how to translate such conceptual terminology into research practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Carmen Sandi
- Brain Mind Institute, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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32
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Jiang X, Chen Z, Yu X, Chen J, Sun C, Jing C, Xu L, Liu F, Ni W, Chen L. Lipopolysaccharide-induced depression is associated with estrogen receptor-α/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway in old female mice. Neurochem Int 2021; 148:105097. [PMID: 34119591 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to investigate the influence of sex/age on depressive-like behaviors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged mice model, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Tail suspension test and forced swimming test were used to evaluate the depressive-like behaviors. SIRT1 mRNA expression was assessed by PCR. Levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), SIRT1, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the behavior tests, under the same LPS stimulation, significant depressive-like behavior was observed in young male mice but not in young female mice, however, female mice were more likely to be depressed than male mice in the old age. Moreover, we found age-related depression difference existed only in female mice. In the experiments of mechanism exploration in old female mice, E2 improved LPS-induced depressive-like behavior, and simultaneously elevated SIRT1 levels and downregulated expressions of NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Interestingly, ERα inhibition, not ERβ inhibition, abolished E2's function. Additionally, SIRT1 antagonist also reversed E2's effects on depressive-like behavior and the expressions of NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines. These results suggested that E2 could protect the old female mice from depression via E2/ERα/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway. In other words, LPS-induced depression was associated with ER-α/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway in old female mice. By comparing the results of mechanism exploration in old male mice and old female mice and the different expression levels of E2, SIRT1, NF-κB and inflammatory cytokines in young female mice and old female mice, we speculate that the age or gender-related depression difference may be associated with the different activation levels of the ERα/SIRT1/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Jiang
- Zhejiang University Mingzhou Hospital, Ningbo, 315000, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China.
| | - Ziwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China.
| | - Xuefeng Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China.
| | - Jin Chen
- Zhejiang University Mingzhou Hospital, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Chonglu Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Changfeng Jing
- Zhejiang University Mingzhou Hospital, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Lexing Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Fuhe Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Wenjuan Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, 315000, China
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Cao J, Meitzen J. Perinatal activation of ER α and ER β but not GPER-1 masculinizes female rat caudate-putamen medium spiny neuron electrophysiological properties. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:2322-2338. [PMID: 33978486 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00063.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to steroid sex hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol) during early life potentially permanently masculinize neuron electrophysiological phenotype. In rodents, one crucial component of this developmental process occurs in males, with estradiol aromatized in the brain from testes-sourced testosterone. However, it is unknown whether most neuron electrophysiological phenotypes are altered by this early masculinization process, including medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the rat caudate-putamen. MSNs are the predominant and primary output neurons of the caudate-putamen and exhibit increased intrinsic excitability in females compared to males. Here, we hypothesize that since perinatal estradiol exposure occurs in males, then a comparable exposure in females to estradiol or its receptor agonists would be sufficient to induce masculinization. To test this hypothesis, we injected perinatal female rats with estradiol or its receptor agonists and then later assessed MSN electrophysiology. Female and male rats on postnatal day 0 and 1 were systemically injected with either vehicle, estradiol, the estrogen receptor (ER)α agonist PPT, the ERβ agonist DPN, or the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPER-1) agonist G1. On postnatal days 19 ± 2, MSN electrophysiological properties were assessed using whole cell patch clamp recordings. Estradiol exposure abolished increased intrinsic excitability in female compared to male MSNs. Exposure to either an ERα or ERβ agonist masculinized female MSN evoked action potential firing rate properties, whereas exposure to an ERβ agonist masculinized female MSN inward rectification properties. Exposure to ER agonists minimally impacted male MSN electrophysiological properties. These findings indicate that perinatal estradiol exposure masculinizes MSN electrophysiological phenotype via activation of ERα and ERβ.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to demonstrate that estradiol and estrogen receptor α and β stimulation during early development sexually differentiates the electrophysiological properties of caudate-putamen medium spiny neurons, the primary output neuron of the striatal regions. Overall, this evidence provides new insight into the neuroendocrine mechanism by which caudate-putamen neuron electrophysiology is sexually differentiated and demonstrates the powerful action of early hormone exposure upon individual neuron electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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Jiang H, Xiao L, Jin K, Shao B. Estrogen administration attenuates post-stroke depression by enhancing CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling in the rat hippocampus. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:433. [PMID: 33747172 PMCID: PMC7967838 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study demonstrated that 17β-estradiol (E2), which is an antidepressant, can ameliorate post-stroke depression (PSD); however, the underlying mechanisms governing this remain largely unknown. Therefore, the present study developed a PSD model in rats, which was induced by left middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by exposure to chronic mild stress for 2 weeks. The results revealed that the activity of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a cellular transcription factor, and the associated brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) signaling were all attenuated in the hippocampus in PSD rats. The depression-like behaviors were significantly improved after treatment with E2, along with increased CREB and the BDNF/TrkB signaling activity. These results provide novel insight into the molecular basis of PSD, and suggest the potential involvement of CREB/BDNF/TrkB signaling in E2-mediated improvement of PSD in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huigang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, Yiwu City Center Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Yiwu, Zhejiang 322000, P.R. China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Shaoyang City Center Hospital, Shaoyang, Hunan 422000, P.R. China
| | - Kunlin Jin
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Bei Shao
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Sarno E, Moeser AJ, Robison AJ. Neuroimmunology of depression. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 91:259-292. [PMID: 34099111 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and a major contributor to the global burden of disease, yet the cellular and molecular etiology of depression remain largely unknown. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is associated with a variety of chronic physical inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, and mood disorders may act synergistically with other medical disorders to worsen patient outcomes. Here, we outline the neuroimmune complement, explore the evidence for altered immune system function in MDD, and present some of the potential mechanisms by which immune cells and molecules may drive the onset and course of MDD. These include pro-inflammatory signaling, alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, dysregulation of the serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems, neuroinflammation, and meningeal immune dysfunction. Finally, we discuss the interactions between current antidepressants and the immune system and propose the possibility of immunomodulatory drugs as potential novel antidepressant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Sarno
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Adam J Moeser
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alfred J Robison
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.
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Cabrera-Mendoza B, de Anda-Jáuregui G, Nicolini H, Fresno C. A meta-study on transcription factor networks in the suicidal brain. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 136:23-31. [PMID: 33548827 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence supporting the presence of brain gene expression differences between suicides and non-suicides. Such differences have been implicated in suicide pathophysiology. However, regulatory factors underlying these gene expression differences have not been fully understood. Therefore, the identification of differences in regulatory mechanisms, i.e., transcriptional factors between suicides and non-suicides is crucial for the understanding of suicide neurobiology. In this study, we conducted a transcription factor network meta-study with freely available data from the prefrontal cortex of suicides and non-suicides with different mental disorders, including major depression disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as healthy controls. Disorder-specific characteristics of suicides and non-suicides transcription factor networks were detected, i.e., the presence of immune response genes in both suicides and non-suicides with major depression disorder networks. Also, we found the presence of ESR1, which has been implicated to give resilience to social stress, in the non-suicides network but not in the suicides with major depression network. Suicides and non-suicides with bipolar disorder shared only three genes in common: FOS, CRY1 and PER2. In addition, we found a higher number of genes involved in immune response in the non-suicides with bipolar disorder compared to the suicides with bipolar disorder network. The suicides and non-suicides with schizophrenia networks exhibited clear differences, including the presence of circadian cycle genes in the suicides with schizophrenia network and their absence in the non-suicides with schizophrenia network. The results of this study provide insight on the regulatory mechanisms underpinning transcriptional changes in the suicidal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Cabrera-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas, Neurodegenerativas y Adicciones, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610, Mexico City, Mexico; Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine (PECEM), Facultad de Medicina, National Autonomous University of Mexico, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guillermo de Anda-Jáuregui
- Departamento de Genómica Computacional, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610, Mexico City, Mexico; Programa de Cátedras CONACYT para Jóvenes Investigadores, 03940, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Humberto Nicolini
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas, Neurodegenerativas y Adicciones, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Cristóbal Fresno
- Departamento de Desarrollo Tecnológico, National Institute of Genomic Medicine (INMEGEN), 14610, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Alshammari TK. Sexual dimorphism in pre-clinical studies of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110120. [PMID: 33002519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a sex bias in the pathological mechanisms exhibited by brain disorders, investigation of the female brain in biomedical science has long been neglected. Use of the male model has generally been the preferred option as the female animal model exhibits both biological variability and hormonal fluctuations. Existing studies that compare behavioral and/or molecular alterations in animal models of brain diseases are generally underrepresented, and most utilize the male model. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been a trend toward the increased inclusion of females in brain studies. However, current knowledge regarding sex-based differences in depression and stress-related disorders is limited. This can be improved by reviewing preclinical studies that highlight sex differences in depression. This paper therefore presents a review of sex-based preclinical studies of depression. These shed light on the discrepancies between males and females regarding the biological mechanisms that underpin mechanistic alterations in the diseased brain. This review also highlights the conclusions drawn by preclinical studies to advance our understanding of mood disorders, encouraging researchers to promote ways of investigating and managing sexually dimorphic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani K Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; Prince Naïf Bin Abdul-Aziz Health Research Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
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Wang G, Li Y, Lei C, Lei X, Zhu X, Yang L, Zhang R. Quercetin exerts antidepressant and cardioprotective effects in estrogen receptor α-deficient female mice via BDNF-AKT/ERK1/2 signaling. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105795. [PMID: 33246157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the potential link between depression and cardiovascular disease and estrogen receptor α (ERα), an estrogen-mediated major regulator, plays an important role in protecting against depression and cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between BDNF and ERα remains obscure. Herein, quercetin (QUE), a kind of plant flavonoids and existed in many vegetables and fruits, was found to simultaneously reverse ERα-/--induced depression-like and cardiac dysfunction by reducing immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST), and decreasing systolic blood pressure and activating the apoptosis-related proteins, BDNF, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), protein kinase B (AKT), and extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK1/2) in the hippocampal and cardiac tissues of female mice. These findings suggested that ERα might be involved in the regulation of BDNF activity, thereby regulating depression-like and cardiovascular responses in female mice, and QUE exerted significant antidepressant and cardioprotective effects, at least in part, through BDNF-TrkB-AKT/ERK1/2 to effectively inhibit ERα-/--induced hippocampal and cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yunchuan Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Cong Lei
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaotong Lei
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Ronghua Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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39
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Baumgartner NE, Daniel JM. Estrogen receptor α: a critical role in successful female cognitive aging. Climacteric 2021; 24:333-339. [PMID: 33522313 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1875426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Due to potential health risks, current recommendations are that individuals who wish to use hormone therapy to treat menopausal symptoms do so for the shortest period of time possible. In our investigation into how short-term use of estrogens in midlife following loss of ovarian function exerts long-term effects on female cognitive aging in rodents, we discovered a link between the ability of previous exposure to estradiol to enhance memory in the long term and its ability to increase estrogen receptor α (ERα) levels in the hippocampus, a brain area important for memory. Follow-up studies in model systems implicate a role for ERα in enhanced cognitive function independent of ovarian or exogenously administered estrogens. Results are consistent with clinical studies in which brain ERα levels in older women and men are related to cognitive functioning and risk of cognitive decline is associated with polymorphisms in the gene that transcribes ERα. Research in preclinical models reveals mechanisms through which ERα can be activated and affect cognition in the absence of ovarian estrogens, including ligand-independent activation via insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling and activation by brain-derived neuroestrogens. This report reviews preclinical and clinical data that collectively point to the importance of ERα in cognition and highlights the need to differentiate the role of estrogen receptors from their classical ligands as we seek approaches to facilitate successful cognitive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- N E Baumgartner
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - J M Daniel
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.,Department of Psychology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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40
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Torrisi SA, Lavanco G, Maurel OM, Gulisano W, Laudani S, Geraci F, Grasso M, Barbagallo C, Caraci F, Bucolo C, Ragusa M, Papaleo F, Campolongo P, Puzzo D, Drago F, Salomone S, Leggio GM. A novel arousal-based individual screening reveals susceptibility and resilience to PTSD-like phenotypes in mice. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 14:100286. [PMID: 33392367 PMCID: PMC7772817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Translational animal models for studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are valuable for elucidating the poorly understood neurobiology of this neuropsychiatric disorder. These models should encompass crucial features, including persistence of PTSD-like phenotypes triggered after exposure to a single traumatic event, trauma susceptibility/resilience and predictive validity. Here we propose a novel arousal-based individual screening (AIS) model that recapitulates all these features. The AIS model was designed by coupling the traumatization (24 h restraint) of C57BL/6 J mice with a novel individual screening. This screening consists of z-normalization of post-trauma changes in startle reactivity, which is a measure of arousal depending on neural circuits conserved across mammals. Through the AIS model, we identified susceptible mice showing long-lasting hyperarousal (up to 56 days post-trauma), and resilient mice showing normal arousal. Susceptible mice further showed persistent PTSD-like phenotypes including exaggerated fear reactivity and avoidance of trauma-related cue (up to 75 days post-trauma), increased avoidance-like behavior and social/cognitive impairment. Conversely, resilient mice adopted active coping strategies, behaving like control mice. We further uncovered novel transcriptional signatures driven by PTSD-related genes as well as dysfunction of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, which corroborated the segregation in susceptible/resilient subpopulations obtained through the AIS model and correlated with trauma susceptibility/resilience. Impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity was also observed in susceptible mice. Finally, chronic treatment with paroxetine ameliorated the PTSD-like phenotypes of susceptible mice. These findings indicate that the AIS model might be a new translational animal model for the study of crucial features of PTSD. It might shed light on the unclear PTSD neurobiology and identify new pharmacological targets for this difficult-to-treat disorder. The AIS model includes highly requested features necessary to shape a translational PTSD animal model. Susceptible mice identified through the AIS model exhibited persistent PTSD-like phenotypes. Resilient mice identified through the AIS model adopted active coping strategies. The AIS model revealed molecular adaptations underlying trauma susceptibility/resilience. The AIS model meets the criterion of predictive validity by exclusively using susceptible mice.
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Key Words
- 5-trial SM, 5-trial social memory
- AIS, arousal-based individual screening
- ASR, acoustic startle reactivity
- Amy, amygdala
- Animal model
- BDNF, brain derived neurotropic factor
- BST, basal synaptic transmission
- C, control
- CORT, corticosterone
- DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
- EPM, elevated plus maze
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- FKBP5, FK506 binding protein 5
- FST, forced swim test
- Fear conditioning
- HIP, hippocampus
- HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal
- HT, hypothalamus
- OF, open field
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- Resilience
- SGK1, serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1
- SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- Stress
- Susceptibility
- TE, trauma-exposed
- Z-score
- fEPSPs, field excitatory post-synaptic potentials
- mPFC, medial prefrontal cortex
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiano A Torrisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,INSERM, U1215 Neurocentre Magendie and University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Oriana M Maurel
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Research Group "Neuronal Plasticity", Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Walter Gulisano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Samuele Laudani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Geraci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cristina Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.,Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition Laboratory, Neuroscience area, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Puzzo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Muir J, Tse YC, Iyer ES, Biris J, Cvetkovska V, Lopez J, Bagot RC. Ventral Hippocampal Afferents to Nucleus Accumbens Encode Both Latent Vulnerability and Stress-Induced Susceptibility. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:843-854. [PMID: 32682566 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is a major risk factor for depression, but not everyone responds to stress in the same way. Identifying why certain individuals are more susceptible is essential for targeted treatment and prevention. In rodents, nucleus accumbens (NAc) afferents from the ventral hippocampus (vHIP) are implicated in stress-induced susceptibility, but little is known about how this pathway might encode future vulnerability or specific behavioral phenotypes. METHODS We used fiber photometry to record in vivo activity in vHIP-NAc afferents during tests of depressive- and anxiety-like behavior in male and female mice, both before and after a sex-specific chronic variable stress protocol, to probe relationships between prestress neural activity and behavior and potential predictors of poststress behavioral adaptation. Furthermore, we examined chronic variable stress-induced alterations in vHIP-NAc activity in vivo and used ex vivo slice electrophysiology to identify the mechanism of this change. RESULTS We identified behavioral specificity of the vHIP-NAc pathway to anxiety-like and social interaction behavior. We also showed that this activity is broadly predictive of stress-induced susceptibility in both sexes, while prestress behavior is predictive only of anxiety-like behavior. We observed a stress-induced increase in in vivo vHIP-NAc activity coincident with an increase in spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. CONCLUSIONS We implicate vHIP-NAc in social interaction and anxiety-like behavior and identify markers of vulnerability in this neural signal, with elevated prestress vHIP-NAc activity predicting increased susceptibility across behavioral domains. Our findings indicate that individual differences in neural activity and behavior play a role in predetermining susceptibility to later stress, providing insight into mechanisms of vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Muir
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yiu Chung Tse
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eshaan S Iyer
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julia Biris
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Joëlle Lopez
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Rosemary C Bagot
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
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Chatterjee S, Angelakos CC, Bahl E, Hawk JD, Gaine ME, Poplawski SG, Schneider-Anthony A, Yadav M, Porcari GS, Cassel JC, Giese KP, Michaelson JJ, Lyons LC, Boutillier AL, Abel T. The CBP KIX domain regulates long-term memory and circadian activity. BMC Biol 2020; 18:155. [PMID: 33121486 PMCID: PMC7597000 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-020-00886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CREB-dependent transcription necessary for long-term memory is driven by interactions with CREB-binding protein (CBP), a multi-domain protein that binds numerous transcription factors potentially affecting expression of thousands of genes. Identifying specific domain functions for multi-domain proteins is essential to understand processes such as cognitive function and circadian clocks. We investigated the function of the CBP KIX domain in hippocampal memory and gene expression using CBPKIX/KIX mice with mutations that prevent phospho-CREB (Ser133) binding. Results We found that CBPKIX/KIX mice were impaired in long-term memory, but not learning acquisition or short-term memory for the Morris water maze. Using an unbiased analysis of gene expression in the dorsal hippocampus after training in the Morris water maze or contextual fear conditioning, we discovered dysregulation of CREB, CLOCK, and BMAL1 target genes and downregulation of circadian genes in CBPKIX/KIX mice. Given our finding that the CBP KIX domain was important for transcription of circadian genes, we profiled circadian activity and phase resetting in CBPKIX/KIX mice. CBPKIX/KIX mice exhibited delayed activity peaks after light offset and longer free-running periods in constant dark. Interestingly, CBPKIX/KIX mice displayed phase delays and advances in response to photic stimulation comparable to wildtype littermates. Thus, this work delineates site-specific regulation of the circadian clock by a multi-domain protein. Conclusions These studies provide insight into the significance of the CBP KIX domain by defining targets of CBP transcriptional co-activation in memory and the role of the CBP KIX domain in vivo on circadian rhythms. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehajyoti Chatterjee
- Laboratoire de Neuroscience Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, CNRS UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France.,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christopher C Angelakos
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ethan Bahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Joshua D Hawk
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marie E Gaine
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Shane G Poplawski
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.,Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Pharmacology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anne Schneider-Anthony
- Laboratoire de Neuroscience Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,LNCA, CNRS UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France
| | - Manish Yadav
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Giulia S Porcari
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Cassel
- Laboratoire de Neuroscience Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - K Peter Giese
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jacob J Michaelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Lisa C Lyons
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.,Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Anne-Laurence Boutillier
- Laboratoire de Neuroscience Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,LNCA, CNRS UMR 7364, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
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Resilience to Stress and Resilience to Pain: Lessons from Molecular Neurobiology and Genetics. Trends Mol Med 2020; 26:924-935. [PMID: 32976800 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
What biological factors account for resilience to pain or to behavioral stress? Here, we discuss examples of cellular and molecular mechanisms within disparate parts of the nervous system as contributors to such resilience. In some especially well-studied humans, it is possible to identify particular neuronal cell types in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and pinpoint specific genes that are major contributors to pain resilience. We also discuss more complex factors that operate within the central nervous system (CNS) to confer resilience to behavioral stress. We propose that genetic and neurobiological substrates for resilience are discoverable and suggest more generally that neurology and psychiatry hold lessons for each other as investigators search for actionable, biological underpinnings of disease.
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44
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Deonaraine KK, Wang Q, Cheng H, Chan KL, Lin HY, Liu K, Parise LF, Cathomas F, Leclair KB, Flanigan ME, Li L, Aleyasin H, Guevara C, Hao K, Zhang B, Russo SJ, Wang J. Sex-specific peripheral and central responses to stress-induced depression and treatment in a mouse model. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:2541-2553. [PMID: 32918293 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder affects ~20% of the world population and is characterized by strong sexual dimorphism with females being two to three times more likely to develop this disorder. Previously, we demonstrated that a combination therapy with dihydrocaffeic acid and malvidin-glucoside to synergistically target peripheral inflammation and stress-induced synaptic maladaptation in the brain was effective in alleviating chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression-like phenotype in male mice. Here, we test the combination therapy in a female CSDS model for depression and compared sex-specific responses to stress in the periphery and the central nervous system. Similar to male mice, the combination treatment is also effective in promoting resilience against the CSDS-induced depression-like behavior in female mice. However, there are sex-specific differences in peripheral immune responses and differential gene regulation in the prefrontal cortex to chronic stress and to the treatment. These data indicate that while therapeutic approaches to combat stress-related disorders may be effective in both sexes, the mechanisms underlying these effects differ, emphasizing the need for inclusion of both sexes in preclinical studies using animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina K Deonaraine
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multi-Scale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haoxiang Cheng
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenny L Chan
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hsiao-Yun Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kalena Liu
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lyonna F Parise
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Flurin Cathomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine B Leclair
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meghan E Flanigan
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Long Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hossein Aleyasin
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher Guevara
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multi-Scale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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45
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Krentzel AA, Willett JA, Johnson AG, Meitzen J. Estrogen receptor alpha, G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1, and aromatase: Developmental, sex, and region-specific differences across the rat caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell. J Comp Neurol 2020; 529:786-801. [PMID: 32632943 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol) regulate neuronal function by binding to estrogen receptors (ERs), including ERα and GPER1, and through differential production via the enzyme aromatase. ERs and aromatase are expressed across the nervous system, including in the striatal brain regions. These regions, comprising the nucleus accumbens core, shell, and caudate-putamen, are instrumental for a wide-range of functions and disorders that show sex differences in phenotype and/or incidence. Sex-specific estrogen action is an integral component for generating these sex differences. A distinctive feature of the striatal regions is that in adulthood neurons exclusively express membrane but not nuclear ERs. This long-standing finding dominates models of estrogen action in striatal regions. However, the developmental etiology of ER and aromatase cellular expression in female and male striatum is unknown. This omission in knowledge is important to address, as developmental stage influences cellular estrogenic mechanisms. Thus, ERα, GPER1, and aromatase cellular immunoreactivity was assessed in perinatal, prepubertal, and adult female and male rats. We tested the hypothesis that ERα, GPER1, and aromatase exhibits sex, region, and age-specific differences, including nuclear expression. ERα exhibits nuclear expression in all three striatal regions before adulthood and disappears in a region- and sex-specific time-course. Cellular GPER1 expression decreases during development in a region- but not sex-specific time-course, resulting in extranuclear expression by adulthood. Somatic aromatase expression presents at prepuberty and increases by adulthood in a region- but not sex-specific time-course. These data indicate that developmental period exerts critical sex-specific influences on striatal cellular estrogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Krentzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jaime A Willett
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashlyn G Johnson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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46
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Social interaction reward: A resilience approach to overcome vulnerability to drugs of abuse. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 37:12-28. [PMID: 32624295 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a multifactorial disorder resulting from the complex interaction between biological, environmental and drug-induced effects. Generally, stress is a well-known risk factor for the development of drug addiction and relapse. While most of the research focuses on risk factors that increase the vulnerability to drugs of abuse, recent studies are focusing on the areas of strength/positive coping approaches that can increase resistance to drugs of abuse. In this review, we concentrate on resilience, seen as a dynamic process, which can allow individuals to positively adapt within the context of a specific risk for psychiatric illness. Here, we discuss the effects of social stress in animal models on drug use, particularly cocaine. In contrast, we suggest social interaction reward when available as an alternative to drug use as an approach contracting negative stress effects and increasing resistance to drug use. Indeed, interventions, which aim at enhancing resilience to stress through the facilitation of social interaction and the enhancement of social support, could be particularly effective in helping people cope with stress and preventing drug use problems or relapse. Finally, understanding the neurobiological mechanisms underlying protective factors such as social interaction reward should provide the basis for future evidence-based interventions targeting substance abuse and stress-related pathologies.
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47
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Zuloaga DG, Heck AL, De Guzman RM, Handa RJ. Roles for androgens in mediating the sex differences of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32727567 PMCID: PMC7388454 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol and testosterone are powerful steroid hormones that impact brain function in numerous ways. During development, these hormones can act to program the adult brain in a male or female direction. During adulthood, gonadal steroid hormones can activate or inhibit brain regions to modulate adult functions. Sex differences in behavioral and neuroendocrine (i.e., hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis) responses to stress arise as a result of these organizational and activational actions. The sex differences that are present in the HPA and behavioral responses to stress are particularly important considering their role in maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, dysregulation of these systems can underlie the sex biases in risk for complex, stress-related diseases that are found in humans. Although many studies have explored the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in mediating sex differences in stress-related behaviors and HPA function, much less consideration has been given to the role of androgens. While circulating androgens can act by binding and activating androgen receptors, they can also act by metabolism to estrogenic molecules to impact estrogen signaling in the brain and periphery. This review focuses on androgens as an important hormone for modulating the HPA axis and behaviors throughout life and for setting up sex differences in key stress regulatory systems that could impact risk for disease in adulthood. In particular, impacts of androgens on neuropeptide systems known to play key roles in HPA and behavioral responses to stress (corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin) are discussed. A greater knowledge of androgen action in the brain is key to understanding the neurobiology of stress in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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48
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Issler O, van der Zee YY, Ramakrishnan A, Wang J, Tan C, Loh YHE, Purushothaman I, Walker DM, Lorsch ZS, Hamilton PJ, Peña CJ, Flaherty E, Hartley BJ, Torres-Berrío A, Parise EM, Kronman H, Duffy JE, Estill MS, Calipari ES, Labonté B, Neve RL, Tamminga CA, Brennand KJ, Dong Y, Shen L, Nestler EJ. Sex-Specific Role for the Long Non-coding RNA LINC00473 in Depression. Neuron 2020; 106:912-926.e5. [PMID: 32304628 PMCID: PMC7305959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common disorder that affects women at twice the rate of men. Here, we report that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a recently discovered class of regulatory transcripts, represent about one-third of the differentially expressed genes in the brains of depressed humans and display complex region- and sex-specific patterns of regulation. We identified the primate-specific, neuronal-enriched gene LINC00473 as downregulated in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of depressed females but not males. Using viral-mediated gene transfer to express LINC00473 in adult mouse PFC neurons, we mirrored the human sex-specific phenotype by inducing stress resilience solely in female mice. This sex-specific phenotype was accompanied by changes in synaptic function and gene expression selectively in female mice and, along with studies of human neuron-like cells in culture, implicates LINC00473 as a CREB effector. Together, our studies identify LINC00473 as a female-specific driver of stress resilience that is aberrant in female depression.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Depression/genetics
- Depression/metabolism
- Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics
- Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism
- Down-Regulation
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Middle Aged
- Neurons/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- RNA, Long Noncoding/genetics
- RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism
- RNA-Seq
- Resilience, Psychological
- Sex Factors
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Issler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yentl Y van der Zee
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Junshi Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Chunfeng Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yong-Hwee E Loh
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Immanuel Purushothaman
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Deena M Walker
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Zachary S Lorsch
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Peter J Hamilton
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Catherine J Peña
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Erin Flaherty
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brigham J Hartley
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Angélica Torres-Berrío
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eric M Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hope Kronman
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Julia E Duffy
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Molly S Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Erin S Calipari
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Benoit Labonté
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Gene Delivery Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carol A Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Department of Genetics and Genomics Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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49
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Proaño SB, Meitzen J. Estradiol decreases medium spiny neuron excitability in female rat nucleus accumbens core. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:2465-2475. [PMID: 32432511 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00210.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The menstrual cycle in humans and its analogous cycle in rodents, the estrous cycle, modulate brain function and behavior. Both cycles are characterized by the cyclical fluctuation of ovarian hormones including estrogens such as estradiol. Estradiol induces cycle- and sex-dependent differences in the phenotype and incidence of many behaviors, including those related to reward and motivation. The nucleus accumbens core (AcbC), a limbic and premotor system nexus region, directly regulates these behaviors. We previously showed that the estrous cycle modulates intrinsic excitability and excitatory synapse properties of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the AcbC. The identity of the underlying hormone mechanism is unknown, with estradiol being a prime candidate. The present study tests the hypothesis that estradiol induces estrous cycle-relevant differences in MSN electrophysiology. To accomplish this goal, a time- and dose-dependent estradiol replacement paradigm designed to simulate the rise of circulating estradiol levels across the estrous cycle was employed in ovariectomized adult female rats as well as a vehicle control group. Estradiol replacement decreased MSN excitability by modulating properties such as resting membrane potential, input resistance in both the linear and rectified ranges, and rheobase compared with vehicle-treated females. These differences in MSN excitability mimic those previously described regarding estrous cycle effects on MSN electrophysiology. Excitatory synapse properties were not modulated in response to this estradiol replacement paradigm. These data are the first to demonstrate that an estrous cycle-relevant estradiol exposure modulates MSN electrophysiology, providing evidence of the fundamental neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating the AcbC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study shows, for the first time, that an estrous cycle-relevant estradiol exposure modulates nucleus accumbens neuron excitability. This evidence provides insight into the neuroendocrine mechanisms by which estradiol cyclically alters neuron properties during the estrous cycle. Overall, these data emphasize the significant influence of hormone action in the brain and especially individual neuron physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Proaño
- Graduate Program in Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - John Meitzen
- W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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50
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Williams ES, Manning CE, Eagle AL, Swift-Gallant A, Duque-Wilckens N, Chinnusamy S, Moeser A, Jordan C, Leinninger G, Robison A. Androgen-Dependent Excitability of Mouse Ventral Hippocampal Afferents to Nucleus Accumbens Underlies Sex-Specific Susceptibility to Stress. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:492-501. [PMID: 31601425 PMCID: PMC7035179 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression affects women nearly twice as often as men, but the neurobiological underpinnings of this discrepancy are unclear. Preclinical studies in male mice suggest that activity of ventral hippocampus (vHPC) neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) regulates mood-related behavioral responses to stress. We sought to characterize this circuit in both sexes and to investigate its role in potential sex differences in models of depression. METHODS We used male and female adult C57BL/6J mice in the subchronic variable stress model to precipitate female-specific reduction in sucrose preference and performed gonadectomies to test the contributions of gonadal hormones to this stress response. In addition, ex vivo slice electrophysiology of transgenic Cre-inducible Rosa-eGFP-L10a mice in combination with retrograde viral tracing to identify circuits was used to test contributions of gonadal hormones to sex differences in vHPC afferents. Finally, we used an intersecting viral DREADD (designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs) strategy to manipulate vHPC-NAc excitability directly in awake behaving mice. RESULTS We show a testosterone-dependent lower excitability in male versus female vHPC-NAc neurons and corresponding testosterone-dependent male resilience to reduced sucrose preference after subchronic variable stress. Importantly, we show that long-term DREADD stimulation of vHPC-NAc neurons causes decreased sucrose preference in male mice after subchronic variable stress, whereas DREADD inhibition of this circuit prevents this effect in female mice. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate a circuit-specific sex difference in vHPC-NAc neurons that is dependent on testosterone and causes susceptibility to stress in female mice. These data provide a substantive mechanism linking gonadal hormones to cellular excitability and anhedonia-a key feature in depressive states.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claire E. Manning
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Andrew L. Eagle
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Natalia Duque-Wilckens
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Sadhana Chinnusamy
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Adam Moeser
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cynthia Jordan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Gina Leinninger
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - A.J. Robison
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA,Corresponding author: A.J. Robison, Associate Professor, Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; phone 517-884-5003;
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