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Martinez B, Peplow PV. MicroRNAs as potential biomarkers for diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1957-1970. [PMID: 39101663 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder caused by exposure to severe traumatic life events. Currently, there are no validated biomarkers or laboratory tests that can distinguish between trauma survivors with and without post-traumatic stress disorder. In addition, the heterogeneity of clinical presentations of post-traumatic stress disorder and the overlap of symptoms with other conditions can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Evidence suggests that this condition is a multisystem disorder that affects many biological systems, raising the possibility that peripheral markers of disease may be used to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder. We performed a PubMed search for microRNAs (miRNAs) in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that could serve as diagnostic biomarkers and found 18 original research articles on studies performed with human patients and published January 2012 to December 2023. These included four studies with whole blood, seven with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, four with plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes, and one with serum exosomes. One of these studies had also used whole plasma. Two studies were excluded as they did not involve microRNA biomarkers. Most of the studies had collected samples from adult male Veterans who had returned from deployment and been exposed to combat, and only two were from recently traumatized adult subjects. In measuring miRNA expression levels, many of the studies had used microarray miRNA analysis, miRNA Seq analysis, or NanoString panels. Only six studies had used real time polymerase chain reaction assay to determine/validate miRNA expression in PTSD subjects compared to controls. The miRNAs that were found/validated in these studies may be considered as potential candidate biomarkers for PTSD and include miR-3130-5p in whole blood; miR-193a-5p, -7113-5p, -125a, -181c, and -671-5p in peripheral blood mononuclear cells; miR-10b-5p, -203a-3p, -4488, -502-3p, -874-3p, -5100, and -7641 in plasma extracellular vesicles/exosomes; and miR-18a-3p and -7-1-5p in blood plasma. Several important limitations identified in the studies need to be taken into account in future studies. Further studies are warranted with war veterans and recently traumatized children, adolescents, and adults having PTSD and use of animal models subjected to various stressors and the effects of suppressing or overexpressing specific microRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Nevada-Reno, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Philip V Peplow
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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2
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Kurtulmuş A, Koçana CÇ, Toprak SF, Sözer S. The role of Extracellular Genomic Materials (EGMs) in psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:262. [PMID: 37464177 PMCID: PMC10354097 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Genomic Materials (EGMs) are the nucleic acids secreted or released from all types of cells by endogenous or exogenous stimuli through varying mechanisms into the extracellular region and inevitably to all biological fluids. EGMs could be found as free, protein-bound, and/ or with vesicles. EGMs can potentially have immunophenotypic and/or genotypic characteristics of a cell of origin, travel to distant organs, and interact with the new microenvironment. To achieve all, EGMs might bi-directionally transit through varying membranes, including the blood-brain barrier. Such ability provides the transfer of any information related to the pathophysiological changes in psychiatric disorders in the brain to the other distant organ systems or vice versa. In this article, many aspects of EGMs have been elegantly reviewed, including their potential in diagnosis as biomarkers, application in treatment modalities, and functional effects in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The psychiatric disorders were studied under subgroups of Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and an autism spectrum disorders. EGMs provide a robust and promising tool in clinics for prognosis and diagnosis. The successful application of EGMs into treatment modalities might further provide encouraging outcomes for researchers and clinicians in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Kurtulmuş
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Istanbul Göztepe Prof.Dr.Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemal Çağıl Koçana
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Fulya Toprak
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selçuk Sözer
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Gebru NT, Hill SE, Blair LJ. Genetically engineered mouse models of FK506-binding protein 5. J Cell Biochem 2023:10.1002/jcb.30374. [PMID: 36780339 PMCID: PMC10423308 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP51) is a molecular chaperone that influences stress response. In addition to having an integral role in the regulation of steroid hormone receptors, including glucocorticoid receptor, FKBP51 has been linked with several biological processes including metabolism and neuronal health. Genetic and epigenetic alterations in the gene that encodes FKBP51, FKBP5, are associated with increased susceptibility to multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, which has fueled much of the research on this protein. Because of the complexity of these processes, animal models have been important in understanding the role of FKBP51. This review examines each of the current mouse models of FKBP5, which include whole animal knockout, conditional knockout, overexpression, and humanized mouse models. The generation of each model and observational details are discussed, including behavioral phenotypes, molecular changes, and electrophysiological alterations basally and following various challenges. While much has been learned through these models, there are still many aspects of FKBP51 biology that remain opaque and future studies are needed to help illuminate these current gaps in knowledge. Overall, FKBP5 continues to be an exciting potential target for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niat T. Gebru
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
| | - Shannon E. Hill
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
| | - Laura J. Blair
- USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of South Florida, 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Florida 33613, United States
- Research Service, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, 13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
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4
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Zhang X, Bao L, Yu G, Wang H. Exosomal miRNA-profiling of pleural effusion in lung adenocarcinoma and tuberculosis. Front Surg 2023; 9:1050242. [PMID: 36684253 PMCID: PMC9852630 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1050242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pleural effusion (PE) caused by lung cancer is prevalent, and it is difficult to differentiate it from PE caused by tuberculosis. Exosome-based liquid biopsy offers a non-invasive technique to diagnose benign and malignant PE. Exosomal miRNAs are potential diagnostic markers and play an essential role in signal transduction and biological processes in tumor development. We hypothesized that exosomal miRNA expression profiles in PE would contribute to identifying its diagnostic markers and elucidating the molecular basis of PE formation in lung cancer. Methods The exosomes from PE caused by lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and pulmonary tuberculosis were isolated and verified by transmission electron microscopy. The exosomal miRNA profiles were identified using deep sequencing and validated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). We performed bioinformatic analysis for differentially expressed miRNAs to explore how exosomal miRNAs regulate pleural effusion. Results We identified 99 upregulated and 91 downregulated miRNAs in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) compared to tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE). Seven differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were validated by qRT-PCR, out of which 5 (71.4%) were confirmed through sequencing. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that most exosomal miRNAs target genes were involved in regulating cellular processes and nitrogen compound metabolism. According to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, the exosomal miRNAs target genes were mainly involved in Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, Rap1 signaling pathway, and breast cancer. The hub genes, including ITGAM, FOXO1, MAPK14, YWHAB, GRIN1, and PRF1, were screened through plug-in cytoHubba. The PFR1 was identified as a critical gene in MPE formation using single-cell sequencing analysis. Additionally, we hypothesized that tumor cells affected natural killer cells and promoted the generation of PE in LUAD via the exosomal hsa-miR-3120-5p-PRF1 axis. Conclusions We identified exosomal miRNA profiles in LUAD-MPE and TPE, which may help in the differential diagnosis of MPE and TPE. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these miRNAs might affect PE generation through tumor immune response in LUAD. Our results provided a new theoretical basis for understanding the function of exosomal miRNAs in LUAD-MPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuede Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Lingling Bao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Oncology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Beilun District People's Hospital, Ningbo, China,Correspondence: Haifeng Wang
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5
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Kong L, Zhang D, Huang S, Lai J, Lu L, Zhang J, Hu S. Extracellular Vesicles in Mental Disorders: A State-of-art Review. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:1094-1109. [PMID: 36923936 PMCID: PMC10008693 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale particles with various physiological functions including mediating cellular communication in the central nervous system (CNS), which indicates a linkage between these particles and mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, etc. To date, known characteristics of mental disorders are mainly neuroinflammation and dysfunctions of homeostasis in the CNS, and EVs are proven to be able to regulate these pathological processes. In addition, studies have found that some cargo of EVs, especially miRNAs, were significantly up- or down-regulated in patients with mental disorders. For many years, interest has been generated in exploring new diagnostic and therapeutic methods for mental disorders, but scale assessment and routine drug intervention are still the first-line applications so far. Therefore, underlying the downstream functions of EVs and their cargo may help uncover the pathogenetic mechanisms of mental disorders as well as provide novel biomarkers and therapeutic candidates. This review aims to address the connection between EVs and mental disorders, and discuss the current strategies that focus on EVs-related psychiatric detection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhuo Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Danhua Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shu Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jianbo Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Center for Mathematical Mental Health, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brian Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lin Lu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No.2018RU006), Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences and PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China.,National Health and Disease Human Brain Tissue Resource Center, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaohua Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China.,The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management in Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Brain Research Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Center for Mathematical Mental Health, Hangzhou 310003, China.,Department of Neurobiology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, School of Brain Science and Brian Medicine, and MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
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6
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Birch JN, Vanderheyden WM. The Molecular Relationship between Stress and Insomnia. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2101203. [PMID: 35822937 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The bi-directional relationship between sleep and stress has been actively researched as sleep disturbances and stress have become increasingly common in society. Interestingly, the brain and underlying neural circuits important for sleep regulation may respond uniquely to stress that leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress that does not. In stress that does not lead to PTSD, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) pathway is activated normally that results in sympathetic nervous system activation that allows the brain and body to return to baseline functioning. However, exposure to stress that leads to PTSD, causes enhanced negative feedback of this same pathway and results in long-term physiological and psychological changes. In this review, how stress regulates glucocorticoid signaling pathways in brain glial cells called astrocytes, and then mediates stress-induced insomnia are examined. Astrocytes are critical sleep regulatory cells and their connections to sleep and stress due to disturbed glucocorticoid signaling provide a novel mechanism to explain how stress leads to insomnia. This review will examine the interactions of stress neurobiology, astrocytes, sleep, and glucocorticoid signaling pathways and will examine the how stress that leads to PTSD and stress that does not impacts sleep-regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine N Birch
- WSU Health Sciences Spokane, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA, 99 202, USA
| | - William M Vanderheyden
- WSU Health Sciences Spokane, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Building, Room 213/Lab 230, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, (Lab) 509-368-6809, Spokane, WA, 99 202, USA
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7
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Gene expression and epigenetic markers of prion diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 392:285-294. [PMID: 35307791 PMCID: PMC10113299 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03603-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetics, meaning the variety of mechanisms underpinning gene regulation and chromatin states, plays a key role in normal development as well as in disease initiation and progression. Epigenetic mechanisms like alteration of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, have been proposed as biomarkers for diagnosis, classification, or monitoring of responsiveness to treatment in many diseases. In prion diseases, the profound associations with human aging, the effects of cell type and differentiation on in vitro susceptibility, and recently identified human risk factors, all implicate causal epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we review the current state of the art of epigenetics in prion diseases and its interaction with genetic determinants. In particular, we will review recent advances made by several groups in the field profiling DNA methylation and microRNA expression in mammalian prion diseases and the potential for these discoveries to be exploited as biomarkers.
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8
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Gupta S, Guleria RS, Szabo YZ. MicroRNAs as biomarker and novel therapeutic target for posttraumatic stress disorder in Veterans. Psychiatry Res 2021; 305:114252. [PMID: 34739954 PMCID: PMC8857765 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder for military Veterans, characterized by hyperarousal, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and distress after experiencing traumatic events. Some of the known physiological effects of PTSD include hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis imbalance, a cortical function resulting in neuronal deficit and changes in behavior. Moreover, excessive discharge of inflammatory molecules and a dysregulated immune system are implicated in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Due to complex nature of this disorder, the biological underpinnings of PTSD remain inexplicable. Investigating novel biomarkers to understanding the pathogenesis of PTSD may reflect the underlying molecular network for therapeutic use and treatment. Circulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) and exosomes are evolving biomarkers that have shown a key role in psychiatric and neurological disorders including PTSD. Given the unique nature of combat trauma, as well as evidence that a large portion of Veterans do not benefit from frontline treatments, focus on veterans specifically is warranted. In the present review, we delineate the identification and role of several miRNAs in PTSD among veterans. An association of miRNA with HPA-axis regulation through FKBP5, a key modulator in PTSD is discussed as an emerging molecule in psychiatric diseases. We conclude that miRNAs may be used as circulatory biomarker detection in Veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhiranjan Gupta
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Biomarkers & Genetics Core, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 4800 Memorial Drive (151C), Waco, TX, 76711, USA.
| | - Rakeshwar S. Guleria
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Biomarkers & Genetics Core, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 4800 Memorial Drive (151C), Waco, Texas, 76711
| | - Yvette Z. Szabo
- VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans, Biomarkers & Genetics Core, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 4800 Memorial Drive (151C), Waco, Texas, 76711
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9
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Choi K, Lee J, Kang HJ. Myelination defects in the medial prefrontal cortex of Fkbp5 knockout mice. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21297. [PMID: 33410216 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001883r] [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] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a principal role in stress response regulation and has been implicated in the etiology of stress-related disorders. The HPA axis regulates the normal synthesis and release of glucocorticoids; dysregulation of the HPA axis causes abnormal responses to stress. FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5), a co-chaperone of heat shock protein 90 in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) molecular complex, is a key GR sensitivity regulator. FKBP5 single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with dysregulated HPA axis and increased risk of stress-related disorders, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. In this study, we profiled the microRNAs (miRNAs) in the medial prefrontal cortex of Fkbp5 knockout (Fkbp5-/- ) mice and identified the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs using sequence-based miRNA target prediction. Gene ontology analysis revealed that the differentially expressed miRNAs were involved in nervous system development, regulation of cell migration, and intracellular signal transduction. The validation of the expression of predicted target genes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that the expression of axon development-related genes, specifically actin-binding LIM protein 1 (Ablim1), lemur tyrosine kinase 2 (Lmtk2), kinesin family member 5c (Kif5c), neurofascin (Nfasc), and ephrin type-A receptor 4 (Epha4), was significantly decreased, while that of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) was significantly increased in the brain of Fkbp5-/- mice. These results suggest that axonal development-related genes can serve as potential targets in future studies focused on understanding the pathophysiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koeul Choi
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joonhee Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kang
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea
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10
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Dabin LC, Guntoro F, Campbell T, Bélicard T, Smith AR, Smith RG, Raybould R, Schott JM, Lunnon K, Sarkies P, Collinge J, Mead S, Viré E. Altered DNA methylation profiles in blood from patients with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Acta Neuropathol 2020; 140:863-879. [PMID: 32918118 PMCID: PMC7666287 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-020-02224-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prion diseases are fatal and transmissible neurodegenerative disorders caused by the misfolding and aggregation of prion protein. Although recent studies have implicated epigenetic variation in common neurodegenerative disorders, no study has yet explored their role in human prion diseases. Here we profiled genome-wide blood DNA methylation in the most common human prion disease, sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (sCJD). Our case–control study (n = 219), when accounting for differences in cell type composition between individuals, identified 38 probes at genome-wide significance (p < 1.24 × 10–7). Nine of these sites were taken forward in a replication study, performed in an independent case–control (n = 186) cohort using pyrosequencing. Sites in or close to FKBP5, AIM2 (2 probes), UHRF1, KCNAB2 successfully replicated. The blood-based DNA methylation signal was tissue- and disease-specific, in that the replicated probe signals were unchanged in case–control studies using sCJD frontal-cortex (n = 84), blood samples from patients with Alzheimer’s disease, and from inherited and acquired prion diseases. Machine learning algorithms using blood DNA methylation array profiles accurately distinguished sCJD patients and controls. Finally, we identified sites whose methylation levels associated with prolonged survival in sCJD patients. Altogether, this study has identified a peripheral DNA methylation signature of sCJD with a variety of potential biomarker applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C Dabin
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Fernando Guntoro
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Tracy Campbell
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Tony Bélicard
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences Du Cane Road London W12 0NN and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London Du Cane Road London W12 0NN, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Adam R Smith
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, RILD Building Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Rebecca G Smith
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, RILD Building Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Rachel Raybould
- Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, UHW Main Building, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jonathan M Schott
- Dementia Research Centre, UCL Institute of Neurology, 8-11 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AR, UK
| | - Katie Lunnon
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter University, RILD Building Level 4, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Barrack Rd, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Peter Sarkies
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences Du Cane Road London W12 0NN and Institute of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London Du Cane Road London W12 0NN, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - John Collinge
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
| | - Simon Mead
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK.
| | - Emmanuelle Viré
- MRC Prion Unit at UCL, UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, Courtauld Building, 33 Cleveland Street, London, W1W 7FF, UK
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