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O'Donovan SM, Shan D, Wu X, Choi JH, McCullumsmith RE. Dysregulated Transcript Expression but Not Function of the Glutamate Transporter EAAT2 in the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2024:sbae092. [PMID: 38825587 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbae092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious mental illness with complex pathology, including abnormalities in the glutamate system. Glutamate is rapidly removed from the synapse by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). Changes in the expression and localization of the primary glutamate transporter EAAT2 are found in the brain in central nervous system (CNS) disorders including SCZ. We hypothesize that neuronal expression and function of EAAT2 are increased in the frontal cortex in subjects diagnosed with SCZ. STUDY DESIGN EAAT2 protein expression and glutamate transporter function were assayed in synaptosome preparations from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of SCZ subjects and age- and sex-matched nonpsychiatrically ill controls. EAAT2 splice variant transcript expression was assayed in enriched populations of neurons and astrocytes from the DLPFC. Pathway analysis of publicly available transcriptomic datasets was carried out to identify biological changes associated with EAAT2 perturbation in different cell types. RESULTS We found no significant changes in EAAT2 protein expression or glutamate uptake in the DLPFC in SCZ subjects compared with controls (n = 10/group). Transcript expression of EAAT2 and signaling molecules associated with EAAT2b trafficking (CaMKIIa and DLG1) were significantly altered in enriched populations of astrocytes and pyramidal neurons (P < .05) in SCZ (n = 16/group). These changes were not associated with antipsychotic medications. Pathway analysis also identified cell-type-specific enrichment of biological pathways associated with perturbation of astrocyte (immune pathways) and neuronal (metabolic pathways) EAAT2 expression. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data support the growing body of evidence for the role of dysregulation of the glutamate system in the pathophysiology of SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Shan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Jae Hyuk Choi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
- Promedica Neuroscience Institute, Toledo, OH, USA
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2
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Okada N, Yahata N, Koshiyama D, Morita K, Sawada K, Kanata S, Fujikawa S, Sugimoto N, Toriyama R, Masaoka M, Koike S, Araki T, Kano Y, Endo K, Yamasaki S, Ando S, Nishida A, Hiraiwa-Hasegawa M, Edden RAE, Sawa A, Kasai K. Longitudinal trajectories of anterior cingulate glutamate and subclinical psychotic experiences in early adolescence: the impact of bullying victimization. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:939-950. [PMID: 38182806 PMCID: PMC11176069 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02382-8] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies reported decreased glutamate levels in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in non-treatment-resistant schizophrenia and first-episode psychosis. However, ACC glutamatergic changes in subjects at high-risk for psychosis, and the effects of commonly experienced environmental emotional/social stressors on glutamatergic function in adolescents remain unclear. In this study, adolescents recruited from the general population underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of the pregenual ACC using a 3-Tesla scanner. We explored longitudinal data on the association of combined glutamate-glutamine (Glx) levels, measured by MRS, with subclinical psychotic experiences. Moreover, we investigated associations of bullying victimization, a risk factor for subclinical psychotic experiences, and help-seeking intentions, a coping strategy against stressors including bullying victimization, with Glx levels. Finally, path analyses were conducted to explore multivariate associations. For a contrast analysis, gamma-aminobutyric acid plus macromolecule (GABA+) levels were also analyzed. Negative associations were found between Glx levels and subclinical psychotic experiences at both Times 1 (n = 219, mean age 11.5 y) and 2 (n = 211, mean age 13.6 y), as well as for over-time changes (n = 157, mean interval 2.0 y). Moreover, effects of bullying victimization and bullying victimization × help-seeking intention interaction effects on Glx levels were found (n = 156). Specifically, bullying victimization decreased Glx levels, whereas help-seeking intention increased Glx levels only in bullied adolescents. Finally, associations among bullying victimization, help-seeking intention, Glx levels, and subclinical psychotic experiences were revealed. GABA+ analysis revealed no significant results. This is the first adolescent study to reveal longitudinal trajectories of the association between glutamatergic function and subclinical psychotic experiences and to elucidate the effect of commonly experienced environmental emotional/social stressors on glutamatergic function. Our findings may deepen the understanding of how environmental emotional/social stressors induce impaired glutamatergic neurotransmission that could be the underpinning of liability for psychotic experiences in early adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Noriaki Yahata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Institute for Quantum Life Science, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology, Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Institute for Quantum Medical Science, National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology, Anagawa 4-9-1, Inage-ku, Chiba, Chiba, 263-8555, Japan
| | - Daisuke Koshiyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kentaro Morita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kingo Sawada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Center for Research on Counseling and Support Services, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sho Kanata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Kaga 2-11-1, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Shinya Fujikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Noriko Sugimoto
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Rie Toriyama
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mio Masaoka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Koike
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- The University of Tokyo Institute for Diversity and Adaptation of Human Mind (UTIDAHM), The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8902, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Araki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University Mizonokuchi Hospital, Futago 5-1-1, Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 213-8507, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kano
- Department Child Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kaori Endo
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Syudo Yamasaki
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Ando
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nishida
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Mariko Hiraiwa-Hasegawa
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, School of Advanced Sciences, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Shonan Village, Hayama, Kanagawa, 240-0193, Japan
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- F. M. Kirby Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Genetic Medicine, and Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kiyoto Kasai
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced Study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Song P, Li X, Yuan X, Pang L, Song X, Wang Y. Identifying frequency-dependent imaging genetic associations via hypergraph-structured multi-task sparse canonical correlation analysis. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108051. [PMID: 38335819 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108051] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Identifying complex associations between genetic variations and imaging phenotypes is a challenging task in the research of brain imaging genetics. The previous study has proved that neuronal oscillations within distinct frequency bands are derived from frequency-dependent genetic modulation. Thus it is meaningful to explore frequency-dependent imaging genetic associations, which may give important insights into the pathogenesis of brain disorders. In this work, the hypergraph-structured multi-task sparse canonical correlation analysis (HS-MTSCCA) was developed to explore the associations between multi-frequency imaging phenotypes and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Specifically, we first created a hypergraph for the imaging phenotypes of each frequency and the SNPs, respectively. Then, a new hypergraph-structured constraint was proposed to learn high-order relationships among features in each hypergraph, which can introduce biologically meaningful information into the model. The frequency-shared and frequency-specific imaging phenotypes and SNPs could be identified using the multi-task learning framework. We also proposed a useful strategy to tackle this algorithm and then demonstrated its convergence. The proposed method was evaluated on four simulation datasets and a real schizophrenia dataset. The experimental results on synthetic data showed that HS-MTSCCA outperforms the other competing methods according to canonical correlation coefficients, canonical weights, and cosine similarity. And the results on real data showed that HS-MTSCCA could obtain superior canonical coefficients and canonical weights. Furthermore, the identified frequency-shared and frequency-specific biomarkers could provide more interesting and meaningful information, demonstrating that HS-MTSCCA is a powerful method for brain imaging genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilun Song
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China; Biological Psychiatry International Joint Laboratory of Henan/Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xiuxia Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China; Biological Psychiatry International Joint Laboratory of Henan/Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Lijuan Pang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China; Biological Psychiatry International Joint Laboratory of Henan/Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China; Biological Psychiatry International Joint Laboratory of Henan/Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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Vellucci L, Ciccarelli M, Buonaguro EF, Fornaro M, D’Urso G, De Simone G, Iasevoli F, Barone A, de Bartolomeis A. The Neurobiological Underpinnings of Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms in Psychosis, Translational Issues for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1220. [PMID: 37627285 PMCID: PMC10452784 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Almost 25% of schizophrenia patients suffer from obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) considered a transdiagnostic clinical continuum. The presence of symptoms pertaining to both schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may complicate pharmacological treatment and could contribute to lack or poor response to the therapy. Despite the clinical relevance, no reviews have been recently published on the possible neurobiological underpinnings of this comorbidity, which is still unclear. An integrative view exploring this topic should take into account the following aspects: (i) the implication for glutamate, dopamine, and serotonin neurotransmission as demonstrated by genetic findings; (ii) the growing neuroimaging evidence of the common brain regions and dysfunctional circuits involved in both diseases; (iii) the pharmacological modulation of dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and glutamatergic systems as current therapeutic strategies in schizophrenia OCS; (iv) the recent discovery of midbrain dopamine neurons and dopamine D1- and D2-like receptors as orchestrating hubs in repetitive and psychotic behaviors; (v) the contribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits to both psychosis and OCD neurobiology. Finally, we discuss the potential role of the postsynaptic density as a structural and functional hub for multiple molecular signaling both in schizophrenia and OCD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry University Medical School of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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5
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Miyahara K, Hino M, Yu Z, Ono C, Nagaoka A, Hatano M, Shishido R, Yabe H, Tomita H, Kunii Y. The influence of tissue pH and RNA integrity number on gene expression of human postmortem brain. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1156524. [PMID: 37520228 PMCID: PMC10379646 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1156524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evaluating and controlling confounders are necessary when investigating molecular pathogenesis using human postmortem brain tissue. Particularly, tissue pH and RNA integrity number (RIN) are valuable indicators for controlling confounders. However, the influences of these indicators on the expression of each gene in postmortem brain have not been fully investigated. Therefore, we aimed to assess these effects on gene expressions of human brain samples. Methods We isolated total RNA from occipital lobes of 13 patients with schizophrenia and measured the RIN and tissue pH. Gene expression was analyzed and gene sets affected by tissue pH and RIN were identified. Moreover, we examined the functions of these genes by enrichment analysis and upstream regulator analysis. Results We identified 2,043 genes (24.7%) whose expressions were highly correlated with pH; 3,004 genes (36.3%) whose expressions were highly correlated with RIN; and 1,293 genes (15.6%) whose expressions were highly correlated with both pH and RIN. Genes commonly affected by tissue pH and RIN were highly associated with energy production and the immune system. In addition, genes uniquely affected by tissue pH were highly associated with the cell cycle, whereas those uniquely affected by RIN were highly associated with RNA processing. Conclusion The current study elucidated the influence of pH and RIN on gene expression profiling and identified gene sets whose expressions were affected by tissue pH or RIN. These findings would be helpful in the control of confounders for future postmortem brain studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazusa Miyahara
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mizuki Hino
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Zhiqian Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Chiaki Ono
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsuko Nagaoka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masataka Hatano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Risa Shishido
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirooki Yabe
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Tomita
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yasuto Kunii
- Department of Disaster Psychiatry, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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6
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de Bartolomeis A, De Simone G, De Prisco M, Barone A, Napoli R, Beguinot F, Billeci M, Fornaro M. Insulin effects on core neurotransmitter pathways involved in schizophrenia neurobiology: a meta-analysis of preclinical studies. Implications for the treatment. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2811-2825. [PMID: 37085712 PMCID: PMC10615753 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02065-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Impairment of insulin action and metabolic dysregulation have traditionally been associated with schizophrenia, although the molecular basis of such association remains still elusive. The present meta-analysis aims to assess the impact of insulin action manipulations (i.e., hyperinsulinemia, hypoinsulinemia, systemic or brain insulin resistance) on glutamatergic, dopaminergic, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic, and serotonergic pathways in the central nervous system. More than one hundred outcomes, including transcript or protein levels, kinetic parameters, and other components of the neurotransmitter pathways, were collected from cultured cells, animals, or humans, and meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model and adopting Hedges'g to compare means. Two hundred fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 180 entered the quantitative synthesis. Significant impairments in key regulators of synaptic plasticity processes were detected as the result of insulin handlings. Specifically, protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits including type 2A (NR2A) (Hedges' g = -0.95, 95%C.I. = -1.50, -0.39; p = 0.001; I2 = 47.46%) and 2B (NR2B) (Hedges'g = -0.69, 95%C.I. = -1.35, -0.02; p = 0.043; I2 = 62.09%), and Postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) (Hedges'g = -0.91, 95%C.I. = -1.51, -0.32; p = 0.003; I2 = 77.81%) were found reduced in insulin-resistant animal models. Moreover, insulin-resistant animals showed significantly impaired dopamine transporter activity, whereas the dopamine D2 receptor mRNA expression (Hedges'g = 3.259; 95%C.I. = 0.497, 6.020; p = 0.021; I2 = 90.61%) increased under insulin deficiency conditions. Insulin action modulated glutamate and GABA release, as well as several enzymes involved in GABA and serotonin synthesis. These results suggest that brain neurotransmitter systems are susceptible to insulin signaling abnormalities, resembling the discrete psychotic disorders' neurobiology and possibly contributing to the development of neurobiological hallmarks of treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Institute of Neuroscience, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, 170 Villarroel st, 12-0, 08036, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Napoli
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
- URT Genomic of Diabetes, Institute of Experimental Endocrinology and Oncology, National Research Council, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Billeci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology University of Naples "Federico II", School of Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
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7
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Llido JP, Fioriti E, Pascut D, Giuffrè M, Bottin C, Zanconati F, Tiribelli C, Gazzin S. Bilirubin-Induced Transcriptomic Imprinting in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:834. [PMID: 37372119 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings indicated aberrant epigenetic control of the central nervous system (CNS) development in hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats as an additional cause of cerebellar hypoplasia, the landmark of bilirubin neurotoxicity in rodents. Because the symptoms in severely hyperbilirubinemic human neonates suggest other regions as privileged targets of bilirubin neurotoxicity, we expanded the study of the potential impact of bilirubin on the control of postnatal brain development to regions correlating with human symptoms. Histology, transcriptomic, gene correlation, and behavioral studies were performed. The histology revealed widespread perturbation 9 days after birth, restoring in adulthood. At the genetic level, regional differences were noticed. Bilirubin affected synaptogenesis, repair, differentiation, energy, extracellular matrix development, etc., with transient alterations in the hippocampus (memory, learning, and cognition) and inferior colliculi (auditory functions) but permanent changes in the parietal cortex. Behavioral tests confirmed the presence of a permanent motor disability. The data correlate well both with the clinic description of neonatal bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, as well as with the neurologic syndromes reported in adults that suffered neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The results pave the way for better deciphering the neurotoxic features of bilirubin and evaluating deeply the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches against the acute and long-lasting sequels of bilirubin neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Llido
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuela Fioriti
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Devis Pascut
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
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De Simone G, Mazza B, Vellucci L, Barone A, Ciccarelli M, de Bartolomeis A. Schizophrenia Synaptic Pathology and Antipsychotic Treatment in the Framework of Oxidative and Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Translational Highlights for the Clinics and Treatment. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040975. [PMID: 37107350 PMCID: PMC10135787 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a worldwide mental illness characterized by alterations at dopaminergic and glutamatergic synapses resulting in global dysconnectivity within and between brain networks. Impairments in inflammatory processes, mitochondrial functions, energy expenditure, and oxidative stress have been extensively associated with schizophrenia pathophysiology. Antipsychotics, the mainstay of schizophrenia pharmacological treatment and all sharing the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, may affect antioxidant pathways as well as mitochondrial protein levels and gene expression. Here, we systematically reviewed the available evidence on antioxidants' mechanisms in antipsychotic action and the impact of first- and second-generation compounds on mitochondrial functions and oxidative stress. We further focused on clinical trials addressing the efficacy and tolerability of antioxidants as an augmentation strategy of antipsychotic treatment. EMBASE, Scopus, and Medline/PubMed databases were interrogated. The selection process was conducted in respect of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Several mitochondrial proteins involved in cell viability, energy metabolism, and regulation of oxidative systems were reported to be significantly modified by antipsychotic treatment with differences between first- and second-generation drugs. Finally, antioxidants may affect cognitive and psychotic symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and although the evidence is only preliminary, the results indicate that further studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Benedetta Mazza
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Ciccarelli
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences, and Dentistry, University Medical School of Naples "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education and Sustainable Development, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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9
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Inhibition of Vesicular Glutamate Transporters (VGLUTs) with Chicago Sky Blue 6B Before Focal Cerebral Ischemia Offers Neuroprotection. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3130-3146. [PMID: 36802054 PMCID: PMC10122628 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03259-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Brain ischemia is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the world. Interruption of the blood supply to the brain is a direct stimulus for many pathological events. The massive vesicular release of glutamate (Glu) after ischemia onset induces excitotoxicity, which is a potent stress on neurons. Loading of presynaptic vesicles with Glu is the first step of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Vesicular glutamate transporters 1, 2, and 3 (VGLUT1, 2, and 3) are the main players involved in filling presynaptic vesicles with Glu. VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 are expressed mainly in glutamatergic neurons. Therefore, the possibility of pharmacological modulation to prevent ischemia-related brain damage is attractive. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of focal cerebral ischemia on the spatiotemporal expression of VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 in rats. Next, we investigated the influence of VGLUT inhibition with Chicago Sky Blue 6B (CSB6B) on Glu release and stroke outcome. The effect of CSB6B pretreatment on infarct volume and neurological deficit was compared with a reference model of ischemic preconditioning. The results of this study indicate that ischemia upregulated the expression of VGLUT1 in the cerebral cortex and in the dorsal striatum 3 days after ischemia onset. The expression of VGLUT2 was elevated in the dorsal striatum and in the cerebral cortex 24 h and 3 days after ischemia, respectively. Microdialysis revealed that pretreatment with CSB6B significantly reduced the extracellular Glu concentration. Altogether, this study shows that inhibition of VGLUTs might be a promising therapeutic strategy for the future.
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Dysregulated Signaling at Postsynaptic Density: A Systematic Review and Translational Appraisal for the Pathophysiology, Clinics, and Antipsychotics' Treatment of Schizophrenia. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040574. [PMID: 36831241 PMCID: PMC9954794 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence from genomics, post-mortem, and preclinical studies point to a potential dysregulation of molecular signaling at postsynaptic density (PSD) in schizophrenia pathophysiology. The PSD that identifies the archetypal asymmetric synapse is a structure of approximately 300 nm in diameter, localized behind the neuronal membrane in the glutamatergic synapse, and constituted by more than 1000 proteins, including receptors, adaptors, kinases, and scaffold proteins. Furthermore, using FASS (fluorescence-activated synaptosome sorting) techniques, glutamatergic synaptosomes were isolated at around 70 nm, where the receptors anchored to the PSD proteins can diffuse laterally along the PSD and were stabilized by scaffold proteins in nanodomains of 50-80 nm at a distance of 20-40 nm creating "nanocolumns" within the synaptic button. In this context, PSD was envisioned as a multimodal hub integrating multiple signaling-related intracellular functions. Dysfunctions of glutamate signaling have been postulated in schizophrenia, starting from the glutamate receptor's interaction with scaffolding proteins involved in the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Despite the emerging role of PSD proteins in behavioral disorders, there is currently no systematic review that integrates preclinical and clinical findings addressing dysregulated PSD signaling and translational implications for antipsychotic treatment in the aberrant postsynaptic function context. Here we reviewed a critical appraisal of the role of dysregulated PSD proteins signaling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, discussing how antipsychotics may affect PSD structures and synaptic plasticity in brain regions relevant to psychosis.
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de Bartolomeis A, De Simone G, Ciccarelli M, Castiello A, Mazza B, Vellucci L, Barone A. Antipsychotics-Induced Changes in Synaptic Architecture and Functional Connectivity: Translational Implications for Treatment Response and Resistance. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123183. [PMID: 36551939 PMCID: PMC9776416 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by alterations in processes that regulate both synaptic plasticity and functional connectivity between brain regions. Antipsychotics are the cornerstone of schizophrenia pharmacological treatment and, beyond occupying dopamine D2 receptors, can affect multiple molecular targets, pre- and postsynaptic sites, as well as intracellular effectors. Multiple lines of evidence point to the involvement of antipsychotics in sculpting synaptic architecture and remodeling the neuronal functional unit. Furthermore, there is an increasing awareness that antipsychotics with different receptor profiles could yield different interregional patterns of co-activation. In the present systematic review, we explored the fundamental changes that occur under antipsychotics' administration, the molecular underpinning, and the consequences in both acute and chronic paradigms. In addition, we investigated the relationship between synaptic plasticity and functional connectivity and systematized evidence on different topographical patterns of activation induced by typical and atypical antipsychotics.
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12
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Relevance of interactions between dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3583-3591. [PMID: 35681081 PMCID: PMC9712151 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01649-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurotransmission are strongly implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology. While most studies focus on contributions of neurons that release only DA or glutamate, neither DA nor glutamate models alone recapitulate the full spectrum of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Similarly, therapeutic strategies limited to either system cannot effectively treat all three major symptom domains of schizophrenia: positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests extensive interactions between the DA and glutamate systems and more effective treatments may therefore require the targeting of both DA and glutamate signaling. This offers the possibility that disrupting DA-glutamate circuitry between these two systems, particularly in the striatum and forebrain, culminate in schizophrenia pathophysiology. Yet, the mechanisms behind these interactions and their contributions to schizophrenia remain unclear. In addition to circuit- or system-level interactions between neurons that solely release either DA or glutamate, here we posit that functional alterations involving a subpopulation of neurons that co-release both DA and glutamate provide a novel point of integration between DA and glutamate systems, offering a key missing link in our understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying DA/glutamate co-release from these neurons may therefore shed new light on schizophrenia pathophysiology and lead to more effective therapeutics.
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Lombardo B, Pagani M, De Rosa A, Nunziato M, Migliarini S, Garofalo M, Terrile M, D’Argenio V, Galbusera A, Nuzzo T, Ranieri A, Vitale A, Leggiero E, Di Maio A, Barsotti N, Borello U, Napolitano F, Mandarino A, Carotenuto M, Heresco-Levy U, Pasqualetti M, Malatesta P, Gozzi A, Errico F, Salvatore F, Pastore L, Usiello A. D-aspartate oxidase gene duplication induces social recognition memory deficit in mice and intellectual disabilities in humans. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:305. [PMID: 35915065 PMCID: PMC9343392 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The D-aspartate oxidase (DDO) gene encodes the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of D-aspartate, an atypical amino acid enriched in the mammalian brain and acting as an endogenous NMDA receptor agonist. Considering the key role of NMDA receptors in neurodevelopmental disorders, recent findings suggest a link between D-aspartate dysmetabolism and schizophrenia. To clarify the role of D-aspartate on brain development and functioning, we used a mouse model with constitutive Ddo overexpression and D-aspartate depletion. In these mice, we found reduced number of BrdU-positive dorsal pallium neurons during corticogenesis, and decreased cortical and striatal gray matter volume at adulthood. Brain abnormalities were associated with social recognition memory deficit at juvenile phase, suggesting that early D-aspartate occurrence influences neurodevelopmental related phenotypes. We corroborated this hypothesis by reporting the first clinical case of a young patient with severe intellectual disability, thought disorders and autism spectrum disorder symptomatology, harboring a duplication of a chromosome 6 region, including the entire DDO gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lombardo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Marcella Nunziato
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Garofalo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Marta Terrile
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Dipartimento di Oncologia, Biologia e Genetica, Università di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,grid.496862.70000 0004 0544 6263Present Address: Novartis Ireland ltd, D04A9N6 Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Valeria D’Argenio
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,Dipartimento di Promozione delle Scienze Umane e della Qualità della Vita, Università San Raffaele, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Annaluisa Ranieri
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Vitale
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eleonora Leggiero
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Maio
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Barsotti
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Borello
- grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Napolitano
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Productions, University of Naples Federico II, 80137 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mandarino
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Uriel Heresco-Levy
- grid.414060.70000 0004 0470 6676Research and Psychiatry Departments, Ezrath Nashim-Herzog Memorial Hospital, 9190501 Jerusalem, Israel ,grid.9619.70000 0004 1937 0538Hadassah Medical School, Hebrew University, 9190501 Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy ,grid.5395.a0000 0004 1757 3729Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Malatesta
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- grid.25786.3e0000 0004 1764 2907Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XCEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy
| | - Francesco Salvatore
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Centro Interuniversitario per Malattie Multigeniche e Multifattoriali e loro modelli animali (Federico II, 80131, Naples; Tor Vergata, Rome and "G. D'Annunzio", Chieti-Pescara), Naples, Italy.
| | - Lucio Pastore
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università di Napoli Federico II, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145, Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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de Bartolomeis A, Vellucci L, Austin MC, De Simone G, Barone A. Rational and Translational Implications of D-Amino Acids for Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: From Neurobiology to the Clinics. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070909. [PMID: 35883465 PMCID: PMC9312470 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia has been conceptualized as a neurodevelopmental disorder with synaptic alterations and aberrant cortical–subcortical connections. Antipsychotics are the mainstay of schizophrenia treatment and nearly all share the common feature of dopamine D2 receptor occupancy, whereas glutamatergic abnormalities are not targeted by the presently available therapies. D-amino acids, acting as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulators, have emerged in the last few years as a potential augmentation strategy in those cases of schizophrenia that do not respond well to antipsychotics, a condition defined as treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS), affecting almost 30–40% of patients, and characterized by serious cognitive deficits and functional impairment. In the present systematic review, we address with a direct and reverse translational perspective the efficacy of D-amino acids, including D-serine, D-aspartate, and D-alanine, in poor responders. The impact of these molecules on the synaptic architecture is also considered in the light of dendritic spine changes reported in schizophrenia and antipsychotics’ effect on postsynaptic density proteins. Moreover, we describe compounds targeting D-amino acid oxidase and D-aspartate oxidase enzymes. Finally, other drugs acting at NMDAR and proxy of D-amino acids function, such as D-cycloserine, sarcosine, and glycine, are considered in the light of the clinical burden of TRS, together with other emerging molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-081-7463673 or +39-081-7463884 or +39-3662745592; Fax: +39-081-7462644
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Mark C. Austin
- Clinical Psychopharmacology Program, College of Pharmacy, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
| | - Annarita Barone
- Laboratory of Translational and Molecular Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment-Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (G.D.S.); (A.B.)
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15
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Pathological oligodendrocyte precursor cells revealed in human schizophrenic brains and trigger schizophrenia-like behaviors and synaptic defects in genetic animal model. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:5154-5166. [PMID: 36131044 PMCID: PMC9763102 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01777-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although the link of white matter to pathophysiology of schizophrenia is documented, loss of myelin is not detected in patients at the early stages of the disease, suggesting that pathological evolution of schizophrenia may occur before significant myelin loss. Disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) protein is highly expressed in oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and regulates their maturation. Recently, DISC1-Δ3, a major DISC1 variant that lacks exon 3, has been identified in schizophrenia patients, although its pathological significance remains unknown. In this study, we detected in schizophrenia patients a previously unidentified pathological phenotype of OPCs exhibiting excessive branching. We replicated this phenotype by generating a mouse strain expressing DISC1-Δ3 gene in OPCs. We further demonstrated that pathological OPCs, rather than myelin defects, drive the onset of schizophrenic phenotype by hyperactivating OPCs' Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which consequently upregulates Wnt Inhibitory Factor 1 (Wif1), leading to the aberrant synaptic formation and neuronal activity. Suppressing Wif1 in OPCs rescues synaptic loss and behavioral disorders in DISC1-Δ3 mice. Our findings reveal the pathogenetic role of OPC-specific DISC1-Δ3 variant in the onset of schizophrenia and highlight the therapeutic potential of Wif1 as an alternative target for the treatment of this disease.
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