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Chehimi SN, Crist RC, Reiner BC. Unraveling Psychiatric Disorders through Neural Single-Cell Transcriptomics Approaches. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030771. [PMID: 36981041 PMCID: PMC10047992 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of single-cell and single-nucleus transcriptome technologies is enabling the unraveling of the molecular and cellular heterogeneity of psychiatric disorders. The complexity of the brain and the relationships between different brain regions can be better understood through the classification of individual cell populations based on their molecular markers and transcriptomic features. Analysis of these unique cell types can explain their involvement in the pathology of psychiatric disorders. Recent studies in both human and animal models have emphasized the importance of transcriptome analysis of neuronal cells in psychiatric disorders but also revealed critical roles for non-neuronal cells, such as oligodendrocytes and microglia. In this review, we update current findings on the brain transcriptome and explore molecular studies addressing transcriptomic alterations identified in human and animal models in depression and stress, neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease), schizophrenia, opioid use disorder, and alcohol and psychostimulant abuse. We also comment on potential future directions in single-cell and single-nucleus studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar N Chehimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Richard C Crist
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin C Reiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Molas S, Zhao-Shea R, Freels TG, Tapper AR. Viral Tracing Confirms Paranigral Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Inputs to the Interpeduncular Nucleus Where Dopamine Release Encodes Motivated Exploration. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0282-22.2022. [PMID: 36599671 PMCID: PMC9840383 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0282-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are engaged by rewarding stimuli and encode reward prediction error to update goal-directed learning. However, recent data indicate that VTA DAergic neurons are functionally heterogeneous with emerging roles in aversive signaling, salience, and novelty, based in part on anatomic location and projection, highlighting a need to functionally characterize the repertoire of VTA DAergic efferents in motivated behavior. Previous work identifying a mesointerpeduncular circuit consisting of VTA DAergic neurons projecting to the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), a midbrain area implicated in aversion, anxiety-like behavior, and familiarity, has recently come into question. To verify the existence of this circuit, we combined presynaptic targeted and retrograde viral tracing in the dopamine transporter-Cre mouse line. Consistent with previous reports, synaptic tracing revealed that axon terminals from the VTA innervate the caudal IPN; whereas, retrograde tracing revealed DAergic VTA neurons, predominantly in the paranigral region, project to the nucleus accumbens shell, as well as the IPN. To test whether functional DAergic neurotransmission exists in the IPN, we expressed the genetically encoded DA sensor, dLight 1.2, in the IPN of C57BL/6J mice and measured IPN DA signals in vivo during social and anxiety-like behavior using fiber photometry. We observed an increase in IPN DA signal during social investigation of a novel but not familiar conspecific and during exploration of the anxiogenic open arms of the elevated plus maze. Together, these data confirm VTA DAergic neuron projections to the IPN and implicate this circuit in encoding motivated exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Molas
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Rubing Zhao-Shea
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Timothy G Freels
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
| | - Andrew R Tapper
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605
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Chen Z, Chen W, Li Y, Moos M, Xiao D, Wang C. Single-nucleus chromatin accessibility and RNA sequencing reveal impaired brain development in prenatally e-cigarette exposed neonatal rats. iScience 2022; 25:104686. [PMID: 35874099 PMCID: PMC9304611 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104686] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Although emerging evidence reveals that vaping alters the function of the central nervous system, the effects of maternal vaping on offspring brain development remain elusive. Using a well-established in utero exposure model, we performed single-nucleus ATAC-seq (snATAC-seq) and RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) on prenatally e-cigarette-exposed rat brains. We found that maternal vaping distorted neuronal lineage differentiation in the neonatal brain by promoting excitatory neurons and inhibiting lateral ganglionic eminence-derived inhibitory neuronal differentiation. Moreover, maternal vaping disrupted calcium homeostasis, induced microglia cell death, and elevated susceptibility to cerebral ischemic injury in the developing brain of offspring. Our results suggest that the aberrant calcium signaling, diminished microglial population, and impaired microglia-neuron interaction may all contribute to the underlying mechanisms by which prenatal e-cigarette exposure impairs neonatal rat brain development. Our findings raise the concern that maternal vaping may cause adverse long-term brain damage to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Wanqiu Chen
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Yong Li
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Malcolm Moos
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research & Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Daliao Xiao
- Lawrence D. Longo, MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Division of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Charles Wang
- Center for Genomics, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA.,Division of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, Department of Basic Science, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, 11021 Campus St., Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
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Zhao Y, Qin F, Han S, Li S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Tian J, Cen X. MicroRNAs in drug addiction: Current status and future perspectives. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 236:108215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Anxiety, Depression, Psychological Symptoms, Negative Effects, and Other Symptoms of Nicotine Withdrawal. ADDICTIVE DISORDERS & THEIR TREATMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/adt.0000000000000288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sherafat Y, Bautista M, Fowler CD. Multidimensional Intersection of Nicotine, Gene Expression, and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:649129. [PMID: 33828466 PMCID: PMC8019722 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.649129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays a crucial role in nervous system function with important effects on developmental processes, cognition, attention, motivation, reward, learning, and memory. Nicotine, the reinforcing component of tobacco and e-cigarettes, directly acts on the cholinergic system by targeting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the brain. Activation of nAChRs leads to a multitude of immediate and long-lasting effects in specific cellular populations, thereby affecting the addictive properties of the drug. In addition to the direct actions of nicotine in binding to and opening nAChRs, the subsequent activation of circuits and downstream signaling cascades leads to a wide range of changes in gene expression, which can subsequently alter further behavioral expression. In this review, we provide an overview of the actions of nicotine that lead to changes in gene expression and further highlight evidence supporting how these changes can often be bidirectional, thereby inducing subsequent changes in behaviors associated with further drug intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Sherafat
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
| | - Malia Bautista
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
| | - Christie D Fowler
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, Unites States
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Bucklin M. A 5-Factor Framework for Assessing Tobacco Use Disorder. Tob Use Insights 2021; 14:1179173X21998355. [PMID: 33716514 PMCID: PMC7922618 DOI: 10.1177/1179173x21998355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette use is the leading cause of preventable death in the United
States. Despite the well documented dangers of smoking, nearly 20% of
adults report regular use of tobacco. A majority desire to discontinue
but the long-term cessation success rate remains near 4%. One
challenge to reducing the prevalence of tobacco use is an incomplete
understanding of the individual correlates that reinforce continued
use. Evidence from research on nicotine and tobacco suggests that
Tobacco Use Disorder is a complex, and multifactorial condition.
Personality traits, comorbidities, habits and lifestyle, genetics,
socioeconomic status, and mental and physical health all contribute to
the risk for dependence and to the likelihood of quitting. This
perspective review provides an overview of some common factors that
contribute to liability risk for Tobacco Use Disorder and a framework
for assessing individual tobacco users. The framework includes 5 areas
that research suggests contribute to continued tobacco use: nicotine
addiction, psychological influences, behavioral dependencies,
neurobiological factors, and social reinforcement. Nicotine addiction
includes drug-seeking behavior and the role of withdrawal avoidance.
Psychological and emotional states contribute to a perceived reliance
on tobacco. Behavioral dependence is reinforced by associative and
non-associative learning mechanisms. Neurobiological factors include
genetic variables, variations in neurotransmitters and receptors,
pharmacogenetics, and interaction between psychiatric illnesses and
nicotine use and dependence. Finally, social reinforcement of smoking
behavior is explained by a network phenomenon and consistent visual
cues to smoke. A comprehensive assessment of individual tobacco users
will help better determine appropriate treatment options to achieve
improved efficacy and outcomes.
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Midbrain circuits of novelty processing. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 176:107323. [PMID: 33053429 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Novelty triggers an increase in orienting behavior that is critical to evaluate the potential salience of unknown events. As novelty becomes familiar upon repeated encounters, this increase in response rapidly habituates as a form of behavioral adaptation underlying goal-directed behaviors. Many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders are associated with abnormal responses to novelty and/or familiarity, although the neuronal circuits and cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying these natural behaviors in the healthy brain are largely unknown, as is the maladaptive processes that occur to induce impairment of novelty signaling in diseased brains. In rodents, the development of cutting-edge tools that allow for measurements of real time activity dynamics in selectively identified neuronal ensembles by gene expression signatures is beginning to provide advances in understanding the neural bases of the novelty response. Accumulating evidence indicate that midbrain circuits, the majority of which linked to dopamine transmission, promote exploratory assessments and guide approach/avoidance behaviors to different types of novelty via specific projection sites. The present review article focuses on midbrain circuit analysis relevant to novelty processing and habituation with familiarity.
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