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Keady J, Fisher M, Anderson E, LeMalenfant R, Turner J. Age-specific impacts of nicotine and withdrawal on hippocampal neuregulin signalling. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:4705-4719. [PMID: 35899607 PMCID: PMC9710301 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with 87% of smokers starting before the age of 18. Age of initiation is a major predictive factor for smoking frequency and successful smoking cessation. People who initiate smoking during adolescences are 2.33 times more likely to become heavy smokers and half as likely to quit compared with smokers who started during adulthood. Additionally, schizophrenia, a disease state linked to altered neurodevelopment during adolescence, is a major predictive factor for smoking status. Smoking rates among people suffering from schizophrenia are between 60% and 90%. Interestingly, the Neuregulin Signalling Pathway (NSP), which plays an important role in neurodevelopment, is implicated in both schizophrenia and nicotine use disorder. Specifically, SNPS in neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) and Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 4 (ErbB4) have been associated with smoking cessation outcomes and schizophrenia. Here, we examine the effects of chronic nicotine (18 mg/kg/day) and 24-h withdrawal on NSP gene expression in the hippocampus of adult (20-week-old) and adolescent (4-week-old) mice. We show that withdrawal from chronic nicotine decreased the expression of Erbb4 mRNA in the hippocampus of the adult mice but increased the expression of cytosolic Erbb4 protein in adolescent mice. Nrg3 mRNA and protein expression was not altered by chronic nicotine or withdrawal in the adult or adolescent cohorts, but Nrg3 mRNA and synaptosomal protein expression was lower in the adult withdrawal group when compared with their adolescent counterparts. These results highlight the age-specific effects of nicotine withdrawal on the NSP and may contribute to the lower quit rate and higher cigarette consumption of smokers who initiation during adolescences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Keady
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
| | - Miranda Fisher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
| | - Erin Anderson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Rachel LeMalenfant
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jill Turner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Lexington, Kentucky 40536–0596, USA
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2
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Greenwood TA. Genetic Influences on Cognitive Dysfunction in Schizophrenia. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 63:291-314. [PMID: 36029459 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe and debilitating psychotic disorder that is highly heritable and relatively common in the population. The clinical heterogeneity associated with schizophrenia is substantial, with patients exhibiting a broad range of deficits and symptom severity. Large-scale genomic studies employing a case-control design have begun to provide some biological insight. However, this strategy combines individuals with clinically diverse symptoms and ignores the genetic risk that is carried by many clinically unaffected individuals. Consequently, the majority of the genetic architecture underlying schizophrenia remains unexplained, and the pathways by which the implicated variants contribute to the clinically observable signs and symptoms are still largely unknown. Parsing the complex, clinical phenotype of schizophrenia into biologically relevant components may have utility in research aimed at understanding the genetic basis of liability. Cognitive dysfunction is a hallmark symptom of schizophrenia that is associated with impaired quality of life and poor functional outcome. Here, we examine the value of quantitative measures of cognitive dysfunction to objectively target the underlying neurobiological pathways and identify genetic variants and gene networks contributing to schizophrenia risk. For a complex disorder, quantitative measures are also more efficient than diagnosis, allowing for the identification of associated genetic variants with fewer subjects. Such a strategy supplements traditional analyses of schizophrenia diagnosis, providing the necessary biological insight to help translate genetic findings into actionable treatment targets. Understanding the genetic basis of cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia may thus facilitate the development of novel pharmacological and procognitive interventions to improve real-world functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Greenwood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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3
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Ru FX, Kong F, Ren CY, He YS, Xia SY, Li YN, Liang YP, Feng JJ, Wei ZY, Chen JH. Repeated Winning and Losing Experiences in Chronic Social Conflicts Are Linked to RNA Editing Pattern Difference. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:896794. [PMID: 35664469 PMCID: PMC9161819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.896794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Winner-loser effects influence subsequent agonistic interactions between conspecifics. Previous winning experiences could strengthen future aggression and increase the chance of winning the next agonistic interaction, while previous losing experiences could have the opposite effect. Although the role of A-to-I RNA editing has been recently implicated in chronic social defeat stress and aggressive behavior, it remains to be further elucidated in chronic social conflicts in agonistic interactions, especially in the repeated aggression (winners) and repeated defeat (losers) resulted from these conflicts. In the current study, transcriptome-wide A-to-I RNA editing in the dorsal striatum was investigated in a mouse model of chronic social conflicts, and compared between mice repeatedly winning and losing daily agonistic interactions. Our analysis identified 622 A-to-I RNA editing sites in the mouse dorsal striatum, with 23 to be differentially edited in 22 genes, most of which had been previously associated with neurological, psychiatric, or immune disorders. Among these differential RNA editing (DRE) sites four missense variants were observed in neuroligin 2 (Nlgn2), Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor 9 (Arhgef9) BLCAP apoptosis inducing factor (Blcap), and cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 2 (Cyfip2), as well as two noncoding RNA sites in small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (Snhg11) and the maternally expressed 3 (Meg3) gene. Moreover, significant changes were observed in gene functions and pathways enriched by genes with A-to-I RNA editing in losers and especially winners compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that repeated winning and losing experiences in chronic social conflicts are linked to A-to-I RNA editing pattern difference, underlining its role in the molecular mechanism of agonistic interactions between conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Xia Ru
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Fanzhi Kong
- Shantou University Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Yan Ren
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Shan He
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Shou-Yue Xia
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Ning Li
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Jie Feng
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
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4
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Zhang Z, Li Y, He F, Cui Y, Zheng Y, Li R. Sex differences in circulating neuregulin1-β1 and β-secretase 1 expression in childhood-onset schizophrenia. Compr Psychiatry 2020; 100:152176. [PMID: 32430144 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2020.152176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early-onset schizophrenia is a severe and rare form of schizophrenia that is clinically and neurobiologically continuous with the adult form of schizophrenia. Neuregulin1 (NRG1)-mediated signaling is crucial for early neurodevelopment, which exerts its function by limited β-secretase 1 (BACE1) proteolysis processing. However, circulating neuregulin1-β1 (NRG1-β1), an isoform of NRG1, and its cleavage enzyme BACE1 have not been studied in early-onset patients with schizophrenia. METHODS In this study, we collected plasma and clinical information from 71 young patients (7 ≤ age years ≤20) with schizophrenia and 53 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Immunoassay was used to test levels of circulating NRG1-β1 and BACE1 expression. We further analyzed the relationship of disease-onset age and gender with NRG1-β1 and BACE1 levels. RESULTS We found that circulating plasma levels of NRG1-β1 were significantly decreased in young patients with early-onset schizophrenia. In males with childhood onset schizophrenia (COS), NRG1-β1 was reduced and was inversely correlated with positive symptom of PANSS; moreover, these male patients with higher plasma BACE1 levels showed more severe general symptoms of PANSS and defective social functioning; whereas, no aforementioned results were found in adolescent-onset schizophrenia (AOS). Notably, young female patients with COS and AOS had no significant change in NRG1-β1 and BACE1, which demonstrated a sex-dependent effect in early-onset schizophrenia. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that decreased levels of NRG1-β1 and its cleavage enzyme BACE1 contribute to increased risk of etiology of schizophrenia. Synthetic biomarkers may have clinical applications for the early diagnosis of male COS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengrong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Fan He
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yonghua Cui
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China
| | - Yi Zheng
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China.
| | - Rena Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100088, China; Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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5
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Greenwood TA, Lazzeroni LC, Maihofer AX, Swerdlow NR, Calkins ME, Freedman R, Green MF, Light GA, Nievergelt CM, Nuechterlein KH, Radant AD, Siever LJ, Silverman JM, Stone WS, Sugar CA, Tsuang DW, Tsuang MT, Turetsky BI, Gur RC, Gur RE, Braff DL. Genome-wide Association of Endophenotypes for Schizophrenia From the Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia (COGS) Study. JAMA Psychiatry 2019; 76:1274-1284. [PMID: 31596458 PMCID: PMC6802253 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.2850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The Consortium on the Genetics of Schizophrenia (COGS) uses quantitative neurophysiological and neurocognitive endophenotypes with demonstrated deficits in schizophrenia as a platform from which to explore the underlying neural circuitry and genetic architecture. Many of these endophenotypes are associated with poor functional outcome in schizophrenia. Some are also endorsed as potential treatment targets by the US Food and Drug Administration. OBJECTIVE To build on prior assessments of heritability, association, and linkage in the COGS phase 1 (COGS-1) families by reporting a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 11 schizophrenia-related endophenotypes in the independent phase 2 (COGS-2) cohort of patients with schizophrenia and healthy comparison participants (HCPs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 1789 patients with schizophrenia and HCPs of self-reported European or Latino ancestry were recruited through a collaborative effort across the COGS sites and genotyped using the PsychChip. Standard quality control filters were applied, and more than 6.2 million variants with a genotyping call rate of greater than 0.99 were available after imputation. Association was performed for data sets stratified by diagnosis and ancestry using linear regression and adjusting for age, sex, and 5 principal components, with results combined through weighted meta-analysis. Data for COGS-1 were collected from January 6, 2003, to August 6, 2008; data for COGS-2, from June 30, 2010, to February 14, 2014. Data were analyzed from October 28, 2016, to May 4, 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES A genome-wide association study was performed to evaluate association for 11 neurophysiological and neurocognitive endophenotypes targeting key domains of schizophrenia related to inhibition, attention, vigilance, learning, working memory, executive function, episodic memory, and social cognition. RESULTS The final sample of 1533 participants included 861 male participants (56.2%), and the mean (SD) age was 41.8 (13.6) years. In total, 7 genome-wide significant regions (P < 5 × 10-8) and 2 nearly significant regions (P < 9 × 10-8) containing several genes of interest, including NRG3 and HCN1, were identified for 7 endophenotypes. For each of the 11 endophenotypes, enrichment analyses performed at the level of P < 10-4 compared favorably with previous association results in the COGS-1 families and showed extensive overlap with regions identified for schizophrenia diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These analyses identified several genomic regions of interest that require further exploration and validation. These data seem to demonstrate the utility of endophenotypes for resolving the genetic architecture of schizophrenia and characterizing the underlying biological dysfunctions. Understanding the molecular basis of these endophenotypes may help to identify novel treatment targets and pave the way for precision-based medicine in schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura C. Lazzeroni
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California,Sierra Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Adam X. Maihofer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Neal R. Swerdlow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | | | - Robert Freedman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver
| | - Michael F. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregory A. Light
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla,Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California
| | | | | | - Allen D. Radant
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle,Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Larry J. Siever
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,Research & Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jeremy M. Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York,Research & Development, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - William S. Stone
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston
| | - Catherine A. Sugar
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California,Department of Biostatistics, UCLA School of Public Health
| | - Debby W. Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle,Northwest Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ming T. Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
| | | | - Ruben C. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - David L. Braff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla
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6
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Lee YJ, Ch'ng TH. RIP at the Synapse and the Role of Intracellular Domains in Neurons. Neuromolecular Med 2019; 22:1-24. [PMID: 31346933 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-019-08556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) occurs in a cell when transmembrane proteins are cleaved by intramembrane proteases such as secretases to generate soluble protein fragments in the extracellular environment and the cytosol. In the cytosol, these soluble intracellular domains (ICDs) have local functions near the site of cleavage or in many cases, translocate to the nucleus to modulate gene expression. While the mechanism of RIP is relatively well studied, the fate and function of ICDs for most substrate proteins remain poorly characterized. In neurons, RIP occurs in various subcellular compartments including at the synapse. In this review, we summarize current research on RIP in neurons, focusing specifically on synaptic proteins where the presence and function of the ICDs have been reported. We also briefly discuss activity-driven processing of RIP substrates at the synapse and the cellular machinery that support long-distance transport of ICDs from the synapse to the nucleus. Finally, we describe future challenges in this field of research in the context of understanding the contribution of ICDs in neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Jun Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Clinical Science Building, 11 Mandalay Road, 10-01-01 M, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.,Interdisciplinary Graduate School (IGS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Toh Hean Ch'ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Clinical Science Building, 11 Mandalay Road, 10-01-01 M, Singapore, 308232, Singapore. .,School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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7
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Zhao Y, Liang X, Zhu F, Wen Y, Xu J, Yang J, Ding M, Cheng B, Ma M, Zhang L, Cheng S, Wu C, Wang S, Wang X, Ning Y, Guo X, Zhang F. A large-scale integrative analysis of GWAS and common meQTLs across whole life course identifies genes, pathways and tissue/cell types for three major psychiatric disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:347-352. [PMID: 30339835 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BP) and schizophrenia (SCZ) are complex psychiatric disorders. We conducted a large-scale integrative analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and life course consistent methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTLs) datasets. The GWAS data of ADHD (including 20,183 cases and 35,191 controls), BP (including 7481 cases and 9250 controls) and SCZ (including 36,989 cases and 113,075 controls) were derived from published GWAS. Life course consistent meQTLs dataset was obtained from a longitudinal meQTLs analysis of 1018 mother-child pairs. Gene prioritization, pathway and tissue/cell type enrichment analysis were conducted by DEPICT. We identified multiple genes and pathways with common or disease specific effects, such as NISCH (P = 9.87 × 10-3 for BP and 2.49 × 10-6 for SCZ), ST3GAL3 (P = 1.19 × 10-2 for ADHD), and KEGG_MAPK_SIGNALING_PATHWAY (P = 1.56 × 10-3 for ADHD, P = 4.71 × 10-2 for BP, P = 4.60 × 10-4 for SCZ). Our study provides novel clues for understanding the genetic mechanism of ADHD, BP and SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yan Wen
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Jiawen Xu
- Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Jian Yang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Miao Ding
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Bolun Cheng
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Mei Ma
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Shiqiang Cheng
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Cuiyan Wu
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Sen Wang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yujie Ning
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiong Guo
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Public Health, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China.
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8
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Müller T, Braud S, Jüttner R, Voigt BC, Paulick K, Sheean ME, Klisch C, Gueneykaya D, Rathjen FG, Geiger JR, Poulet JF, Birchmeier C. Neuregulin 3 promotes excitatory synapse formation on hippocampal interneurons. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201798858. [PMID: 30049711 PMCID: PMC6120667 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201798858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal GABAergic interneurons are crucial for cortical network function and have been implicated in psychiatric disorders. We show here that Neuregulin 3 (Nrg3), a relatively little investigated low-affinity ligand, is a functionally dominant interaction partner of ErbB4 in parvalbumin-positive (PV) interneurons. Nrg3 and ErbB4 are located pre- and postsynaptically, respectively, in excitatory synapses on PV interneurons in vivo Additionally, we show that ablation of Nrg3 results in a similar phenotype as the one described for ErbB4 ablation, including reduced excitatory synapse numbers on PV interneurons, altered short-term plasticity, and disinhibition of the hippocampal network. In culture, presynaptic Nrg3 increases excitatory synapse numbers on ErbB4+ interneurons and affects short-term plasticity. Nrg3 mutant neurons are poor donors of presynaptic terminals in the presence of competing neurons that produce recombinant Nrg3, and this bias requires postsynaptic ErbB4 but not ErbB4 kinase activity. Furthermore, when presented by non-neuronal cells, Nrg3 induces postsynaptic membrane specialization. Our data indicate that Nrg3 provides adhesive cues that facilitate excitatory neurons to synapse onto ErbB4+ interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Müller
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Braud
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - René Jüttner
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit C Voigt
- Neural Circuits and Behaviour Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Paulick
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria E Sheean
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Constantin Klisch
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dilansu Gueneykaya
- Cellular Neuroscience Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz G Rathjen
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Rp Geiger
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - James Fa Poulet
- Neural Circuits and Behaviour Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroscience Research Center and Cluster of Excellence NeuroCure, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Developmental Biology/Signal Transduction Group, Max-Delbrueck-Centrum in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Avramopoulos D. Neuregulin 3 and its roles in schizophrenia risk and presentation. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:257-266. [PMID: 28556469 PMCID: PMC5735014 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulins, a four-member family of epidermal growth factor-like signaling molecules, have been studied for over two decades. They were first implicated in schizophrenia in 2002 with the detection of linkage and association at the NRG1 locus followed after a few years by NRG3. However, the associations with disease have not been very consistently observed. In contrast, association of NGR3 variants with disease presentation, specifically the presence of delusions, has been more consistent. This appears to be mediated by quantitative changes in the alternative splicing of the gene, which has also been consistently observed. Additional diseases and phenotypes, psychiatric or not, have also been connected with NRG3. These results demonstrate two important aspects of behavioral genetics research. The first is that if we only consider simple risk and fail to examine the details of each patient's individual phenotype, we will miss important insights on the disease biology. This is an important aspect of the goals of precision medicine. The second is that the functional consequences of variants are often more complex than simple alterations in levels of transcription of a particular gene, including, among others, regulation of alternative splicing. To accurately model and understand the biological consequences of phenotype-associated genetic variants, we need to study the biological consequences of each specific variant. Simply studying the consequences of a null allele of the orthologous gene in a model system, runs the risk of missing the many nuances of hypomorphic and/or gain of function variants in the genome of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Avramopoulos
- Johns Hopkins University, Institute of Genetic Medicine and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 733 North Broadway - MRB room 507, Baltimore MD 21205
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10
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Neuregulin 3 Mediates Cortical Plate Invasion and Laminar Allocation of GABAergic Interneurons. Cell Rep 2017; 18:1157-1170. [PMID: 28147272 PMCID: PMC5300889 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.12.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits in the cerebral cortex consist of excitatory pyramidal cells and inhibitory interneurons. These two main classes of cortical neurons follow largely different genetic programs, yet they assemble into highly specialized circuits during development following a very precise choreography. Previous studies have shown that signals produced by pyramidal cells influence the migration of cortical interneurons, but the molecular nature of these factors has remained elusive. Here, we identified Neuregulin 3 (Nrg3) as a chemoattractive factor expressed by developing pyramidal cells that guides the allocation of cortical interneurons in the developing cortical plate. Gain- and loss-of-function approaches reveal that Nrg3 modulates the migration of interneurons into the cortical plate in a process that is dependent on the tyrosine kinase receptor ErbB4. Perturbation of Nrg3 signaling in conditional mutants leads to abnormal lamination of cortical interneurons. Nrg3 is therefore a critical mediator in the assembly of cortical inhibitory circuits. Nrg3 acts a short-range chemoattractive molecule for cortical interneurons Nrg3 functions through ErbB4 to attract interneurons into the cortical plate Interneurons prefer Cxcl12 over Nrg3 during tangential migration Disruption of Nrg3 signaling causes abnormal interneuron lamination in the cortex
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11
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Levenga J, Wong H, Milstead RA, Keller BN, LaPlante LE, Hoeffer CA. AKT isoforms have distinct hippocampal expression and roles in synaptic plasticity. eLife 2017; 6:30640. [PMID: 29173281 PMCID: PMC5722612 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT is a kinase regulating numerous cellular processes in the brain, and mutations in AKT are known to affect brain function. AKT is indirectly implicated in synaptic plasticity, but its direct role has not been studied. Moreover, three highly related AKT isoforms are expressed in the brain, but their individual roles are poorly understood. We find in Mus musculus, each AKT isoform has a unique expression pattern in the hippocampus, with AKT1 and AKT3 primarily in neurons but displaying local differences, while AKT2 is in astrocytes. We also find isoform-specific roles for AKT in multiple paradigms of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in area CA1. AKT1, but not AKT2 or AKT3, is required for L-LTP through regulating activity-induced protein synthesis. Interestingly, AKT activity inhibits mGluR-LTD, with overlapping functions for AKT1 and AKT3. In summary, our studies identify distinct expression patterns and roles in synaptic plasticity for AKT isoforms in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josien Levenga
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute, Aurora, United States
| | - Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States
| | - Ryan A Milstead
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States
| | - Bailey N Keller
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States
| | - Lauren E LaPlante
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States.,Linda Crnic Institute, Aurora, United States.,Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, United States
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12
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Gupta R, Qaiser B, He L, Hiekkalinna TS, Zheutlin AB, Therman S, Ollikainen M, Ripatti S, Perola M, Salomaa V, Milani L, Cannon TD, Madden PAF, Korhonen T, Kaprio J, Loukola A. Neuregulin signaling pathway in smoking behavior. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1212. [PMID: 28892072 PMCID: PMC5611747 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding molecular processes that link comorbid traits such as addictions and mental disorders can provide novel therapeutic targets. Neuregulin signaling pathway (NSP) has previously been implicated in schizophrenia, a neurodevelopmental disorder with high comorbidity to smoking. Using a Finnish twin family sample, we have previously detected association between nicotine dependence and ERBB4 (a neuregulin receptor), and linkage for smoking initiation at the ERBB4 locus on 2q33. Further, Neuregulin3 has recently been shown to associate with nicotine withdrawal in a behavioral mouse model. In this study, we scrutinized association and linkage between 15 036 common, low frequency and rare genetic variants in 10 NSP genes and phenotypes encompassing smoking and alcohol use. Using the Finnish twin family sample (N=1998 from 740 families), we detected 66 variants (representing 23 LD blocks) significantly associated (false discovery rate P<0.05) with smoking initiation, nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal. We comprehensively annotated the associated variants using expression (eQTL) and methylation quantitative trait loci (meQTL) analyses in a Finnish population sample. Among the 66 variants, we identified 25 eQTLs (in NRG1 and ERBB4), 22 meQTLs (in NRG3, ERBB4 and PSENEN), a missense variant in NRG1 (rs113317778) and a splicing disruption variant in ERBB4 (rs13385826). Majority of the QTLs in blood were replicated in silico using publicly available databases, with additional QTLs observed in brain. In conclusion, our results support the involvement of NSP in smoking behavior but not in alcohol use and abuse, and disclose functional potential for 56 of the 66 associated single-nucleotide polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gupta
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - B Qaiser
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L He
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - T S Hiekkalinna
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A B Zheutlin
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - S Therman
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - S Ripatti
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Perola
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Salomaa
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Milani
- Estonian Genome Center, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - T D Cannon
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - P A F Madden
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - T Korhonen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - J Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Loukola
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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13
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Gene-wide Association Study Reveals RNF122 Ubiquitin Ligase as a Novel Susceptibility Gene for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5407. [PMID: 28710364 PMCID: PMC5511183 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05514-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood-onset neurodevelopmental condition characterized by pervasive impairment of attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that can persist into adulthood. The aetiology of ADHD is complex and multifactorial and, despite the wealth of evidence for its high heritability, genetic studies have provided modest evidence for the involvement of specific genes and have failed to identify consistent and replicable results. Due to the lack of robust findings, we performed gene-wide and pathway enrichment analyses using pre-existing GWAS data from 607 persistent ADHD subjects and 584 controls, produced by our group. Subsequently, expression profiles of genes surpassing a follow-up threshold of P-value < 1e-03 in the gene-wide analyses were tested in peripheral blood mononucleated cells (PBMCs) of 45 medication-naive adults with ADHD and 39 healthy unrelated controls. We found preliminary evidence for genetic association between RNF122 and ADHD and for its overexpression in adults with ADHD. RNF122 encodes for an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in the proteasome-mediated processing, trafficking, and degradation of proteins that acts as an essential mediator of the substrate specificity of ubiquitin ligation. Thus, our findings support previous data that place the ubiquitin-proteasome system as a promising candidate for its involvement in the aetiology of ADHD.
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14
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Liu C, Bousman CA, Pantelis C, Skafidas E, Zhang D, Yue W, Everall IP. Pathway-wide association study identifies five shared pathways associated with schizophrenia in three ancestral distinct populations. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1037. [PMID: 28221366 PMCID: PMC5438037 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have confirmed the polygenic nature of schizophrenia and suggest that there are hundreds or thousands of alleles associated with increased liability for the disorder. However, the generalizability of any one allelic marker of liability is remarkably low and has bred the notion that schizophrenia may be better conceptualized as a pathway(s) disorder. Here, we empirically tested this notion by conducting a pathway-wide association study (PWAS) encompassing 255 experimentally validated Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways among 5033 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 5332 unrelated healthy controls across three distinct ethnic populations; European-American (EA), African-American (AA) and Han Chinese (CH). We identified 103, 74 and 87 pathways associated with schizophrenia liability in the EA, CH and AA populations, respectively. About half of these pathways were uniquely associated with schizophrenia liability in each of the three populations. Five pathways (serotonergic synapse, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, hedgehog signaling, adipocytokine signaling and renin secretion) were shared across all three populations and the single-nucleotide polymorphism sets representing these five pathways were enriched for single-nucleotide polymorphisms with regulatory function. Our findings provide empirical support for schizophrenia as a pathway disorder and suggest schizophrenia is not only a polygenic but likely also a poly-pathway disorder characterized by both genetic and pathway heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
| | - C A Bousman
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - C Pantelis
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE), University of Melbourne, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - E Skafidas
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE), University of Melbourne, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
| | - D Zhang
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Joint Center for Life Sciences/PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - W Yue
- Institute of Mental Health, The Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health & National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University), Beijing, China
| | - I P Everall
- Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Centre for Neural Engineering (CfNE), University of Melbourne, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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15
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Bridging the Gap between Genes and Language Deficits in Schizophrenia: An Oscillopathic Approach. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:422. [PMID: 27601987 PMCID: PMC4993770 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is characterized by marked language deficits, but it is not clear how these deficits arise from the alteration of genes related to the disease. The goal of this paper is to aid the bridging of the gap between genes and schizophrenia and, ultimately, give support to the view that the abnormal presentation of language in this condition is heavily rooted in the evolutionary processes that brought about modern language. To that end we will focus on how the schizophrenic brain processes language and, particularly, on its distinctive oscillatory profile during language processing. Additionally, we will show that candidate genes for schizophrenia are overrepresented among the set of genes that are believed to be important for the evolution of the human faculty of language. These genes crucially include (and are related to) genes involved in brain rhythmicity. We will claim that this translational effort and the links we uncover may help develop an understanding of language evolution, along with the etiology of schizophrenia, its clinical/linguistic profile, and its high prevalence among modern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London London, UK
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16
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Language deficits in schizophrenia and autism as related oscillatory connectomopathies: An evolutionary account. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 83:742-764. [PMID: 27475632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by marked language deficits, but it is not clear how these arise from gene mutations associated with the disorders. Our goal is to narrow the gap between SZ and ASD and, ultimately, give support to the view that they represent abnormal (but related) ontogenetic itineraries for the human faculty of language. We will focus on the distinctive oscillatory profiles of the SZ and ASD brains, in turn using these insights to refine our understanding of how the brain implements linguistic computations by exploring a novel model of linguistic feature-set composition. We will argue that brain rhythms constitute the best route to interpreting language deficits in both conditions and mapping them to neural dysfunction and risk alleles of the genes. Importantly, candidate genes for SZ and ASD are overrepresented among the gene sets believed to be important for language evolution. This translational effort may help develop an understanding of the aetiology of SZ and ASD and their high prevalence among modern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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17
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Hayes LN, Shevelkin A, Zeledon M, Steel G, Chen PL, Obie C, Pulver A, Avramopoulos D, Valle D, Sawa A, Pletnikov MV. Neuregulin 3 Knockout Mice Exhibit Behaviors Consistent with Psychotic Disorders. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2016; 2:79-87. [PMID: 27606322 PMCID: PMC4996025 DOI: 10.1159/000445836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 3 (NRG3) is a paralog of NRG1. Genetic studies in schizophrenia demonstrate that risk variants in NRG3 are associated with cognitive and psychotic symptom severity, and several intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms in NRG3 are associated with delusions in patients with schizophrenia. In order to gain insights into the biological function of the gene, we generated a novel Nrg3 knockout (KO) mouse model and tested for neurobehavioral phenotypes relevant to psychotic disorders. KO mice displayed novelty-induced hyperactivity, impaired prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response, and deficient fear conditioning. No gross cytoarchitectonic or layer abnormalities were noted in the brain of KO mice. Our findings suggest that deletion of the Nrg3 gene leads to alterations consistent with aspects of schizophrenia. We propose that KO mice will provide a valuable animal model to determine the role of the NRG3 in the molecular pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay N. Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Alexey Shevelkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Mariela Zeledon
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Gary Steel
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cassandra Obie
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Ann Pulver
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Dimitrios Avramopoulos
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - David Valle
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Mikhail V. Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
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18
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Douet V, Chang L, Lee K, Ernst T. ERBB4 polymorphism and family history of psychiatric disorders on age-related cortical changes in healthy children. Brain Imaging Behav 2016; 9:128-40. [PMID: 25744101 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-015-9363-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variations in ERBB4 were associated with increased susceptibility for schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorders (BPD). Structural imaging studies showed cortical abnormalities in adolescents and adults with SCZ or BPD. However, less is known about subclinical cortical changes or the influence of ERBB4 on cortical development. 971 healthy children (ages 3-20 years old; 462 girls and 509 boys) were genotyped for the ERBB4-rs7598440 variants, had structural MRI, and cognitive evaluation (NIH Toolbox ®). We investigated the effects of ERBB4 variants and family history of SCZ and/or BPD (FH) on cortical measures and cognitive performances across ages 3-20 years using a general additive model. Variations in ERBB4 and FH impact differentially the age-related cortical changes in regions often affected by SCZ and BPD. The ERBB4-TT-risk genotype children with no FH had subtle cortical changes across the age span, primarily located in the left temporal lobe and superior parietal cortex. In contrast, the TT-risk genotype children with FH had more pronounced age-related changes, mainly in the frontal lobes compared to the non-risk genotype children. Interactive effects of age, FH and ERBB4 variations were also found on episodic memory and working memory, which are often impaired in SCZ and BPD. Healthy children carrying the risk-genotype in ERBB4 and/or with FH had cortical measures resembling those reported in SCZ or BPD. These subclinical cortical variations may provide early indicators for increased risk of psychiatric disorders and improve our understanding of the effect of the NRG1-ERBB4 pathway on brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Douet
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii and The Queen's Medical Center, 1356 Lusitana Street, UH Tower, Room 716, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA,
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19
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Role of the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway in Nicotine Dependence and Co-morbid Disorders. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 124:113-31. [PMID: 26472527 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Smoking is currently the leading cause of preventable death in the United States and is responsible for over four million deaths annually worldwide. Therefore, there is a vast clinical unmet need with regards to therapeutics targeting smoking cessation. This is even more apparent when examining smokers co-morbid with psychiatric illness, as rates of smoking in this population are ~4× higher than in the general population. Examining common genetic and molecular signaling pathways impinging upon both smoking behavior and psychiatric illness will lead to a better understanding of co-morbid disorders and potential development of novel therapeutics. Studies have implicated the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway in the pathophysiology of a number of psychiatric illnesses. Additionally, recent studies have also shown an association between the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway and smoking behaviors. This review outlines basic mechanisms of the Neuregulin Signaling Pathway and how it may be exploited for precision medicine approaches in treating nicotine dependence and mental illness.
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20
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Paredes RM, Piccart E, Navaira E, Cruz D, Javors MA, Koek W, Beckstead MJ, Walss-Bass C. Physiological and behavioral effects of amphetamine in BACE1(-/-) mice. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2015; 14:411-8. [PMID: 25912880 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
β-Site APP-cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a protease that has been linked to schizophrenia, a severe mental illness that is potentially characterized by enhanced dopamine (DA) release in the striatum. Here, we used acute amphetamine administration to stimulate neuronal activity and investigated the neurophysiological and locomotor-activity response in BACE1-deficient (BACE1(-/-) ) mice. We measured locomotor activity at baseline and after treatment with amphetamine (3.2 and 10 mg/kg). While baseline locomotor activity did not vary between groups, BACE1(-/-) mice exhibited reduced sensitivity to the locomotor-enhancing effects of amphetamine. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to measure DA and DA metabolites in the striatum, we found no significant differences in BACE1(-/-) compared with wild-type mice. To determine if DA neuron excitability is altered in BACE1(-/-) mice, we performed patch-clamp electrophysiology in putative DA neurons from brain slices that contained the substantia nigra. Pacemaker firing rate was slightly increased in slices from BACE1(-/-) mice. We next measured G protein-coupled potassium currents produced by activation of D2 autoreceptors, which strongly inhibit firing of these neurons. The maximal amplitude and decay times of D2 autoreceptor currents were not altered in BACE1(-/-) mice, indicating no change in D2 autoreceptor-sensitivity and DA transporter-mediated reuptake. However, amphetamine (30 µm)-induced potassium currents produced by efflux of DA were enhanced in BACE1(-/-) mice, perhaps indicating increased vesicular DA content in the midbrain. This suggests a plausible mechanism to explain the decreased sensitivity to amphetamine-induced locomotion, and provides evidence that decreased availability of BACE1 can produce persistent adaptations in the dopaminergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Madelaine Paredes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - E Piccart
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - E Navaira
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - D Cruz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - M A Javors
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - W Koek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - M J Beckstead
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - C Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Zeledón M, Eckart N, Taub M, Vernon H, Szymanski M, Wang R, Chen PL, Nestadt G, McGrath JA, Sawa A, Pulver AE, Avramopoulos D, Valle D. Identification and functional studies of regulatory variants responsible for the association of NRG3 with a delusion phenotype in schizophrenia. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2015; 1:36-46. [PMID: 26528484 PMCID: PMC4627703 DOI: 10.1159/000371518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported genetic linkage for Schizophrenia (SZ) (NPL of 4.7) at 10q22 in the Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) population. In follow up fine mapping we found strong evidence of association between three intronic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the 5' end of Neuregulin 3 (NRG3) and the delusion factor score of our phenotypic principal component analysis. Two independent groups replicated these findings, indicating that variants in NRG3 confer risk for a delusion-rich SZ subtype. To identify the causative variants, we sequenced the 162 kb linkage disequilibrium (LD) block covering the NRG3 5' end in 47 AJ SZ patients at the extremes of the delusion factor quantitative trait distribution. Among the identified variants we found 5 noncoding SNVs present on the high delusion factor haplotype and significantly overrepresented in high delusion factor subjects. We tested these for regulatory effects and found that risk alleles of rs10883866 and rs60827755 decreased and increased, respectively, the expression of a reporter gene as compared to the reference allele. In post-mortem brain RNA quantification experiments we found the same variants also perturb relative expression of alternative NRG3 isoforms. In summary, we have identified regulatory SNVs contributing to the association of NRG3 with delusion symptoms in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Zeledón
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Nicole Eckart
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Margaret Taub
- Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Hilary Vernon
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Megan Szymanski
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Predoctoral Training Program in Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Ruihua Wang
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Gerry Nestadt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - John A. McGrath
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Epidemiology-Genetics Program, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Ann E. Pulver
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Epidemiology-Genetics Program, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - Dimitrios Avramopoulos
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
| | - David Valle
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
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22
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Jajodia A, Kaur H, Kumari K, Gupta M, Baghel R, Srivastava A, Sood M, Chadda RK, Jain S, Kukreti R. Evidence for schizophrenia susceptibility alleles in the Indian population: An association of neurodevelopmental genes in case-control and familial samples. Schizophr Res 2015; 162:112-7. [PMID: 25579050 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder with lifetime prevalence of ~1% worldwide. A genotyping study was conducted using a custom panel of Illumina 1536 SNPs in 840 schizophrenia cases and 876 controls (351 patients and 385 controls from North India; and 436 patients, 401 controls and 143 familial samples with 53 probands containing 37 complete and 16 incomplete trios from South India). Meta-analysis of this population of Indo-European and Dravidian ancestry identified three strongly associated variants with schizophrenia: STT3A (rs548181, p=1.47×10(-5)), NRG1 (rs17603876, p=8.66×10(-5)) and GRM7 (rs3864075, p=4.06×10(-3)). Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted comparing our data with data from the Schizophrenia Psychiatric Genome-Wide Association Study Consortium (PGC-SCZ) that supported rs548181 (p=1.39×10(-7)). In addition, combined analysis of sporadic case-control association and a transmission disequilibrium test in familial samples from South Indian population identified three associations: rs1062613 (p=3.12×10(-3)), a functional promoter variant of HTR3A; rs6710782 (p=3.50×10(-3)), an intronic variant of ERBB4; and rs891903 (p=1.05×10(-2)), an intronic variant of EBF1. The results support the risk variants observed in the earlier published work and suggest a potential role of neurodevelopmental genes in the schizophrenia pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Jajodia
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Harpreet Kaur
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Kalpana Kumari
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Meenal Gupta
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Ruchi Baghel
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India
| | - Mamta Sood
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Chadda
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Sanjeev Jain
- Molecular Genetic Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560029, India
| | - Ritushree Kukreti
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Mall Road, Delhi 110007, India.
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23
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Abstract
Over 100 loci are now associated with schizophrenia risk as identified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genome-wide association studies. These findings mean that 'genes for schizophrenia' have unquestionably been found. However, many questions remain unanswered, including several which affect their therapeutic significance. The SNPs individually have minor effects, and even cumulatively explain only a modest fraction of the genetic predisposition. The remainder likely results from many more loci, from rare variants, and from gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. The risk SNPs are almost all non-coding, meaning that their biological significance is unclear; probably their effects are mediated via an influence on gene regulation, and emerging evidence suggests that some key molecular events occur during early brain development. The loci include novel genes of unknown function as well as genes and pathways previously implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, e.g. NMDA receptor signalling. Genes in the latter category have the clearer therapeutic potential, although even this will be a challenging process because of the many complexities concerning the genetic architecture and mediating mechanisms. This review summarises recent schizophrenia genetic findings and some key issues they raise, particularly with regard to their implications for identifying and validating novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Harrison
- University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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24
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Chohan TW, Boucher AA, Spencer JR, Kassem MS, Hamdi AA, Karl T, Fok SY, Bennett MR, Arnold JC. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 modulates the effects of stress on sensorimotor gating, dendritic morphology, and HPA axis activity in adolescent mice. Schizophr Bull 2014; 40:1272-84. [PMID: 24442851 PMCID: PMC4193694 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbt193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stress has been linked to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Genetic variation in neuregulin 1 (NRG1) increases the risk of developing schizophrenia and may help predict which high-risk individuals will transition to psychosis. NRG1 also modulates sensorimotor gating, a schizophrenia endophenotype. We used an animal model to demonstrate that partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 interacts with stress to promote neurobehavioral deficits of relevance to schizophrenia. Nrg1 heterozygous (HET) mice displayed greater acute stress-induced anxiety-related behavior than wild-type (WT) mice. Repeated stress in adolescence disrupted the normal development of higher prepulse inhibition of startle selectively in Nrg1 HET mice but not in WT mice. Further, repeated stress increased dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) selectively in Nrg1 HET mice. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 also modulated the adaptive response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to repeated stress, with Nrg1 HET displaying a reduced repeated stress-induced level of plasma corticosterone than WT mice. Our results demonstrate that Nrg1 confers vulnerability to repeated stress-induced sensorimotor gating deficits, dendritic spine growth in the mPFC, and an abberant endocrine response in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq W. Chohan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Aurelie A. Boucher
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jarrah R. Spencer
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mustafa S. Kassem
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Areeg A. Hamdi
- Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tim Karl
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Sandra Y. Fok
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Maxwell R. Bennett
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathon C. Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;,*To whom correspondence should be addressed; The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, 94-100 Mallett Street, Sydney, Australia; tel: +61-2-9351-0812, e-mail:
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25
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Ma L, Wu DD, Ma SL, Tan L, Chen X, Tang NLS, Yao YG. Molecular evolution in the CREB1 signal pathway and a rare haplotype in CREB1 with genetic predisposition to schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 57:84-9. [PMID: 25043418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CREB1 is a cAMP responsive transcriptional factor which plays a key role in neural development. CREB1 signal pathway (CSP) has been implicated repeatedly in studies of predisposition for schizophrenia. We speculated that CSP has undergone positive selection during evolution of modern human and some genes that have undergone natural selection in the past may predispose to schizophrenia (SCZ) in modern time. Positive selection and association analysis were employed to explore the molecular evolution of CSP and association with schizophrenia. Our results showed a pan-ethnic selection event on NRG1 and CREB1, as confirmed in all 14 ethnic populations studied, which also suggested a selection process occurred before the "Out of Africa" scenario. Analysis of 62 SNPs covering 6 CSP genes in 2019 Han Chinese (976 SCZ patients and 1043 healthy individuals) showed an association of two SNPs (rs4379857, P = 0.009, OR [95% CI]: 1.200 [1.379-1.046]; rs2238751, P = 0.023, OR [95% CI]: 1.253 [1.522-1.032]) with SCZ. However, none of these significances survived after multiple testing corrections. Nonetheless, we observed an association of a rare CREB1 haplotype CCGGC (Bonferroni corrected P = 1.74 × 10(-5)) with SCZ. Our study showed that there was substantial population heterogeneity in genetic predisposition to SCZ, and different genes in the CSP pathway may predispose to SCZ in different populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China
| | - Dong-Dong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China
| | - Suk Ling Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Liwen Tan
- Institute of Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaogang Chen
- Institute of Mental Health, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Nelson L S Tang
- KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming, Yunnan, China; Department of Chemical Pathology and Laboratory of Genetics of Disease Susceptibility, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Functional Genomics and Biostatistical Computing Laboratory, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yong-Gang Yao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, Yunnan 650223, China; Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan 650201, China; KIZ/CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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26
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Chohan TW, Nguyen A, Todd SM, Bennett MR, Callaghan P, Arnold JC. Partial genetic deletion of neuregulin 1 and adolescent stress interact to alter NMDA receptor binding in the medial prefrontal cortex. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:298. [PMID: 25324742 PMCID: PMC4179617 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is thought to arise due to a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors during early neurodevelopment. We have recently shown that partial genetic deletion of the schizophrenia susceptibility gene neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) and adolescent stress interact to disturb sensorimotor gating, neuroendocrine activity and dendritic morphology in mice. Both stress and Nrg1 may have converging effects upon N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) which are implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, sensorimotor gating and dendritic spine plasticity. Using an identical repeated restraint stress paradigm to our previous study, here we determined NMDAR binding across various brain regions in adolescent Nrg1 heterozygous (HET) and wild-type (WT) mice using [3H] MK-801 autoradiography. Repeated restraint stress increased NMDAR binding in the ventral part of the lateral septum (LSV) and the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus irrespective of genotype. Partial genetic deletion of Nrg1 interacted with adolescent stress to promote an altered pattern of NMDAR binding in the infralimbic (IL) subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex. In the IL, whilst stress tended to increase NMDAR binding in WT mice, it decreased binding in Nrg1 HET mice. However, in the DG, stress selectively increased the expression of NMDAR binding in Nrg1 HET mice but not WT mice. These results demonstrate a Nrg1-stress interaction during adolescence on NMDAR binding in the medial prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq W Chohan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - An Nguyen
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephanie M Todd
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maxwell R Bennett
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Callaghan
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; ANSTO LifeSciences, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jonathon C Arnold
- The Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia ; Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
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27
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Paterson C, Law AJ. Transient overexposure of neuregulin 3 during early postnatal development impacts selective behaviors in adulthood. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104172. [PMID: 25093331 PMCID: PMC4122441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuregulin 3 (NRG3), a specific ligand for ErbB4 and a neuronal-enriched neurotrophin is implicated in the genetic predisposition to a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental, neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, autism and schizophrenia. Genetic studies in schizophrenia demonstrate that risk variants in NRG3 are associated with cognitive and psychotic symptom severity, accompanied by increased expression of prefrontal cortical NRG3. Despite our expanding knowledge of genetic involvement of NRG3 in neurological disorders, little is known about the neurodevelopmental mechanisms of risk. Here we exploited the fact that a paralog of NRG3, NRG1, readily penetrates the murine blood brain barrier (BBB). In this study we synthesized the bioactive epidermal growth factor (EGF) domain of NRG3, and using previously validated in-vivo peripheral injection methodologies in neonatal mice, demonstrate that NRG3 successfully crosses the BBB, where it activates its receptor ErbB4 and downstream Akt signaling at levels of bioactivity comparable to NRG1. To determine the impact of NRG3 overexpression during one critical developmental window, C57BL/6 male mice were subcutaneously injected daily with NRG1-EGF, NRG3-EGF or vehicle from postnatal days 2–10. Mice were tested in adulthood using a comprehensive battery of behavioral tasks relevant to neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. In agreement with previous studies, developmental overexposure to NRG1 induced multiple non-CNS mediated peripheral effects as well as severely disrupting performance of prepulse inhibition of the startle response. In contrast, NRG3 had no effect on any peripheral measures investigated or sensorimotor gating. Specifically, developmental NRG3 overexposure produced an anxiogenic-like phenotype and deficits in social behavior in adulthood. These results provide primary data to support a role for NRG3 in brain development and function, which appears to be distinct from its paralog NRG1. Furthermore we demonstrate how perturbations in NRG3 expression at distinct developmental stages may contribute to the neurological deficits observed in brain disorders such as schizophrenia and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clare Paterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Amanda J. Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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28
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Fazzari P, Snellinx A, Sabanov V, Ahmed T, Serneels L, Gartner A, Shariati SAM, Balschun D, De Strooper B. Cell autonomous regulation of hippocampal circuitry via Aph1b-γ-secretase/neuregulin 1 signalling. eLife 2014; 3. [PMID: 24891237 PMCID: PMC4073283 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) and the γ-secretase subunit APH1B have been previously implicated as genetic risk factors for schizophrenia and schizophrenia relevant deficits have been observed in rodent models with loss of function mutations in either gene. Here we show that the Aph1b-γ-secretase is selectively involved in Nrg1 intracellular signalling. We found that Aph1b-deficient mice display a decrease in excitatory synaptic markers. Electrophysiological recordings show that Aph1b is required for excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, gain and loss of function and genetic rescue experiments indicate that Nrg1 intracellular signalling promotes dendritic spine formation downstream of Aph1b-γ-secretase in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our study sheds light on the physiological role of Aph1b-γ-secretase in brain and provides a new mechanistic perspective on the relevance of NRG1 processing in schizophrenia. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02196.001 Schizophrenia affects around 1% of the world's population, with symptoms including hallucinations and delusions, apathy and cognitive impairments. Multiple genes and environmental factors interact to increase the risk of schizophrenia, making the causes of the disease—which can differ between individuals—difficult to disentangle. However, Schizophrenia is known to be associated with a reduction in the number of dendritic spines, the small protrusions that allow brain cells to receive inputs from other brain cells. One gene that has repeatedly been implicated in schizophrenia is neuregulin 1 (NRG1), which encodes a signalling protein with more than thirty different variants. One of these variants, type III NRG1, is located on the cell membrane. An enzyme called γ-secretase can cleave the 'tail' of this protein, which means that the tail becomes free to move to the nucleus of the cell, where it can alter the expression of genes. Fazzari et al. have now studied how different γ-secretases interact with type III NRG1 by using genetic techniques to remove a specific part of the enzymes in the brains of mice. The brain cells of these mutant mice contained fewer dendritic spines than mice with normal γ-secretases. However, the number of dendritic spines in the mutant mice could be restored by introducing γ-secretase. These results are consistent with a model in which mutations that remove the ability of γ-secretases to cleave NRG1 lead to some of the structural and functional changes in the brain that are associated with schizophrenia. An improved understanding of the properties of the various γ-secretases could also lead to the design of safer versions of drugs called γ-secretase modulators that are used to treat Alzheimer's disease. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02196.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Fazzari
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Snellinx
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victor Sabanov
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tariq Ahmed
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Annette Gartner
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S Ali M Shariati
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Detlef Balschun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart De Strooper
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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29
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Du X, An Y, Yu L, Liu R, Qin Y, Guo X, Sun D, Zhou S, Wu B, Jiang YH, Wang Y. A genomic copy number variant analysis implicates the MBD5 and HNRNPU genes in Chinese children with infantile spasms and expands the clinical spectrum of 2q23.1 deletion. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2014; 15:62. [PMID: 24885232 PMCID: PMC4061518 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-15-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Infantile spasms (IS) is a specific type of epileptic encephalopathy associated with severe developmental disabilities. Genetic factors are strongly implicated in IS, however, the exact genetic defects remain unknown in the majority of cases. Rare mutations in a single gene or in copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated in IS of children in Western countries. The objective of this study was to dissect the role of copy number variations in Chinese children with infantile spasms. Methods We used the Agilent Human Genome CGH microarray 180 K for genome-wide detection of CNVs. Real-time qPCR was used to validate the CNVs. We performed genomic and medical annotations for individual CNVs to determine the pathogenicity of CNVs related to IS. Results We report herein the first genome-wide CNV analysis in children with IS, detecting a total of 14 CNVs in a cohort of 47 Chinese children with IS. Four CNVs (4/47 = 8.5%) (1q21.1 gain; 1q44, 2q31.1, and 17p13 loss) are considered to be pathogenic. The CNV loss at 17p13.3 contains PAFAH1B1 (LIS1), a causative gene for lissencephaly. Although the CNVs at 1q21.1, 1q44, and 2q23.1 have been previously implicated in a wide spectrum of clinical features including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and generalized seizure, our study is the first report identifying them in individuals with a primary diagnosis of IS. The CNV loss in the 1q44 region contains HNRNPU, a strong candidate gene recently suggested in IS by the whole exome sequencing of children with IS. The CNV loss at 2q23.1 includes MBD5, a methyl-DNA binding protein that is a causative gene of ASD and a candidate gene for epileptic encephalopathy. We also report a distinct clinical presentation of IS, microcephaly, intellectual disability, and absent hallux in a case with the 2q23.1 deletion. Conclusion Our findings strongly support the role of CNVs in infantile spasms and expand the clinical spectrum associate with 2q23.1 deletion. In particular, our study implicates the HNRNPU and MBD5 genes in Chinese children with IS. Our study also supports that the molecular mechanisms of infantile spasms appear conserved among different ethnic backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wan Yuan Road, Shanghai 201102, China.
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30
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Parodi EM, Kuhn B. Signalling between microvascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes through neuregulin. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 102:194-204. [PMID: 24477642 PMCID: PMC3989448 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterocellular communication in the heart is an important mechanism for matching circulatory demands with cardiac structure and function, and neuregulins (Nrgs) play an important role in transducing this signal between the hearts' vasculature and musculature. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Nrgs, explaining their roles in transducing signals between the heart's microvasculature and cardiomyocytes. We highlight intriguing areas being investigated for developing new, Nrg-mediated strategies to heal the heart in acquired and congenital heart diseases, and note avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernhard Kuhn
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders Building, Room 1212, Brookline, MA 02115, USA
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31
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Abstract
Regular smoking is the major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and cancers, and thus is one of the most preventable causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intake of nicotine, its central nervous system effects, and its metabolism are regulated by biological pathways; some of these are well known, but others are not. Genetic studies offer a method for developing insights into the genes contributing to those pathways. In recent years, large genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analyses have consistently revealed that the strongest genetic contribution to smoking-related traits comes from variation in the nicotinic receptor subunit genes. Many other genes, including those coding for enzymes involved in nicotine metabolism, also have been implicated. However, the proportion of phenotypic variance explained by the identified genetic variants is very modest. This review intends to cover progress made in genetics and genetic epidemiology of smoking behavior in recent years, and focuses on studies revealing the nicotinic receptor gene cluster on chromosome 15q25. Evidence supporting the involvement of a novel pathway in the shared pathophysiology of nicotine dependence and schizophrenia is also briefly reviewed. A summary of the current knowledge on gene-environment interactions involved in smoking behavior is included.
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32
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Kipanyula MJ, Kimaro WH, Yepnjio FN, Aldebasi YH, Farahna M, Nwabo Kamdje AH, Abdel-Magied EM, Seke Etet PF. Signaling pathways bridging fate determination of neural crest cells to glial lineages in the developing peripheral nervous system. Cell Signal 2013; 26:673-82. [PMID: 24378534 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fate determination of neural crest cells is an essential step for the development of different crest cell derivatives. Peripheral glia development is marked by the choice of the neural crest cells to differentiate along glial lineages. The molecular mechanism underlying fate acquisition is poorly understood. However, recent advances have identified different transcription factors and genes required for the complex instructive signaling process that comprise both local environmental and cell intrinsic cues. Among others, at least the roles of Sox10, Notch, and neuregulin 1 have been documented in both in vivo and in vitro models. Cooperative interactions of such factors appear to be necessary for the switch from multipotent neural crest cells to glial lineage precursors in the peripheral nervous system. This review summarizes recent advances in the understanding of fate determination of neural crest cells into different glia subtypes, together with the potential implications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulilio John Kipanyula
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3016, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania.
| | - Wahabu Hamisi Kimaro
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3016, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Faustin N Yepnjio
- Neurology Department, Yaoundé Central Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 1937, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Yousef H Aldebasi
- Department of Optometry, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452 Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Farahna
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452 Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Eltuhami M Abdel-Magied
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, 51452 Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Paul Faustin Seke Etet
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452 Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
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