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The evolutionarily conserved miRNA-137 targets the neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin and modulates the wake to sleep ratio. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2112225119. [PMID: 35452310 PMCID: PMC9169915 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2112225119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypocretin (Hcrt, also known as orexin) neuropeptides regulate sleep and wake stability, and disturbances of Hcrt can lead to sleep disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that fine-tune protein expression levels, and miRNA-based therapeutics are emerging. We report a functional interaction between miRNA (miR-137) and Hcrt. We demonstrate that intracellular miR-137 levels in Hcrt neurons regulate Hcrt expression with downstream effects on wakefulness. Specifically, lowering of miR-137 levels increased wakefulness in mice. We further show that the miR-137:Hcrt interaction is conserved across mice and humans, that miR-137 also regulates sleep–wake balance in zebrafish, and that the MIR137 locus is genetically associated with sleep duration in humans. Together, our findings reveal an evolutionarily conserved sleep–wake regulatory role of miR-137. Hypocretin (Hcrt), also known as orexin, neuropeptide signaling stabilizes sleep and wakefulness in all vertebrates. A lack of Hcrt causes the sleep disorder narcolepsy, and increased Hcrt signaling has been speculated to cause insomnia, but while the signaling pathways of Hcrt are relatively well-described, the intracellular mechanisms that regulate its expression remain unclear. Here, we tested the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating Hcrt expression. We found that miR-137, miR-637, and miR-654-5p target the human HCRT gene. miR-137 is evolutionarily conserved and also targets mouse Hcrt as does miR-665. Inhibition of miR-137 specifically in Hcrt neurons resulted in Hcrt upregulation, longer episodes of wakefulness, and significantly longer wake bouts in the first 4 h of the active phase. IL-13 stimulation upregulated endogenous miR-137, while Hcrt mRNA decreased both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of miR-137 in zebrafish substantially increased wakefulness. Finally, we show that in humans, the MIR137 locus is genetically associated with sleep duration. In conclusion, these results show that an evolutionarily conserved miR-137:Hcrt interaction is involved in sleep–wake regulation.
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2
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Greer JB, Magnuson JT, McGruer V, Qian L, Dasgupta S, Volz DC, Schlenk D. miR133b Microinjection during Early Development Targets Transcripts of Cardiomyocyte Ion Channels and Induces Oil-like Cardiotoxicity in Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Embryos. Chem Res Toxicol 2021; 34:2209-2215. [PMID: 34558284 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that altered expression of a family of small noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, or miRs) regulates the expression of downstream mRNAs and is associated with diseases and developmental disorders. miR133b is highly expressed in mammalian cardiac and skeletal muscle, and aberrant expression is associated with cardiac disorders and electrophysiological changes in cardiomyocytes. Similarly, cardiac dysfunction has been observed in early life-stage mahi-mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) exposed to crude oil, a phenotype that has been associated with an upregulation of miR133b as well as subsequent downregulation of a delayed rectifier potassium channel (IKr) and calcium signaling genes that are important for proper heart development during embryogenesis. To examine the potential role of miR133b in oil-induced early life-stage cardiotoxicity in fish, cleavage-stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos were either (1) microinjected with ∼3 nL of negative control miR (75 μM) or miR133b (75 μM) or (2) exposed to a treatment solution containing 5 μM benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), a model polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, as a positive control. At 72 h post fertilization (hpf), miR133b-injected fish exhibited BaP-like cardiovascular malformations, including a significantly increased pericardial area relative to negative control miR-injected embryos, as well as a significantly reduced eye area. qPCR revealed that miR133b microinjection decreased the abundance of cardiac-specific IKr kcnh6 at 5 hpf, which may contribute to action potential elongation in oil-exposed cardiomyocytes. Additionally, ryanodine receptor 2, a crucial calcium receptor in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, was also downregulated by miR133b. These results indicate that an oil-induced increase in miR133b may contribute to cardiac abnormalities in oil-exposed fish by targeting cardiac-specific genes essential for proper heart development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin B Greer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,U.S. Geological Survey, Western Fisheries Research Center, Seattle, Washington 98115, United States
| | - Jason T Magnuson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Victoria McGruer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Le Qian
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,College of Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Subham Dasgupta
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - David C Volz
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Daniel Schlenk
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, United States.,Institute of Environmental Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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3
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Tromp A, Mowry B, Giacomotto J. Neurexins in autism and schizophrenia-a review of patient mutations, mouse models and potential future directions. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:747-760. [PMID: 33191396 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the family of neurexins (NRXN1, NRXN2 and NRXN3) have been repeatedly identified in patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). However, it remains unclear how these DNA variants affect neurexin functions and thereby predispose to these neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding both the wild-type and pathologic roles of these genes in the brain could help unveil biological mechanisms underlying mental disorders. In this regard, numerous studies have focused on generating relevant loss-of-function (LOF) mammalian models. Although this has increased our knowledge about their normal functions, the potential pathologic role(s) of these human variants remains elusive. Indeed, after reviewing the literature, it seems apparent that a traditional LOF-genetic approach based on complete LOF might not be sufficient to unveil the role of these human mutations. First, these genes present a very complex transcriptome and total-LOF of all isoforms may not be the cause of toxicity in patients, particularly given evidence that causative variants act through haploinsufficiency. Moreover, human DNA variants may not all lead to LOF but potentially to intricate transcriptome changes that could also include the generation of aberrant isoforms acting as a gain-of-function (GOF). Furthermore, their transcriptomic complexity most likely renders them prone to genetic compensation when one tries to manipulate them using traditional site-directed mutagenesis approaches, and this could act differently from model to model leading to heterogeneous and conflicting phenotypes. This review compiles the relevant literature on variants identified in human studies and on the mouse models currently deployed, and offers suggestions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Tromp
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Bryan Mowry
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jean Giacomotto
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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4
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Segaran RC, Chan LY, Wang H, Sethi G, Tang FR. Neuronal Development-Related miRNAs as Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease, Depression, Schizophrenia and Ionizing Radiation Exposure. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:19-52. [PMID: 31965936 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200121122910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Radiation exposure may induce Alzheimer's disease (AD), depression or schizophrenia. A number of experimental and clinical studies suggest the involvement of miRNA in the development of these diseases, and also in the neuropathological changes after brain radiation exposure. The current literature review indicated the involvement of 65 miRNAs in neuronal development in the brain. In the brain tissue, blood, or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), 11, 55, or 28 miRNAs are involved in the development of AD respectively, 89, 50, 19 miRNAs in depression, and 102, 35, 8 miRNAs in schizophrenia. We compared miRNAs regulating neuronal development to those involved in the genesis of AD, depression and schizophrenia and also those driving radiation-induced brain neuropathological changes by reviewing the available data. We found that 3, 11, or 8 neuronal developmentrelated miRNAs from the brain tissue, 13, 16 or 14 miRNAs from the blood of patient with AD, depression and schizophrenia respectively were also involved in radiation-induced brain pathological changes, suggesting a possibly specific involvement of these miRNAs in radiation-induced development of AD, depression and schizophrenia respectively. On the other hand, we noted that radiationinduced changes of two miRNAs, i.e., miR-132, miR-29 in the brain tissue, three miRNAs, i.e., miR- 29c-5p, miR-106b-5p, miR-34a-5p in the blood were also involved in the development of AD, depression and schizophrenia, thereby suggesting that these miRNAs may be involved in the common brain neuropathological changes, such as impairment of neurogenesis and reduced learning memory ability observed in these three diseases and also after radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Chandra Segaran
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Li Yun Chan
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Hong Wang
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore
| | - Feng Ru Tang
- Radiation Physiology Lab, Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative, National University of Singapore, CREATE Tower, Singapore 138602, Singapore
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5
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Langova V, Vales K, Horka P, Horacek J. The Role of Zebrafish and Laboratory Rodents in Schizophrenia Research. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:703. [PMID: 33101067 PMCID: PMC7500259 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe disorder characterized by positive, negative and cognitive symptoms, which are still not fully understood. The development of efficient antipsychotics requires animal models of a strong validity, therefore the aims of the article were to summarize the construct, face and predictive validity of schizophrenia models based on rodents and zebrafish, to compare the advantages and disadvantages of these models, and to propose future directions in schizophrenia modeling and indicate when it is reasonable to combine these models. The advantages of rodent models stem primarily from the high homology between rodent and human physiology, neurochemistry, brain morphology and circuitry. The advantages of zebrafish models stem in the high fecundity, fast development and transparency of the embryo. Disadvantages of both models originate in behavioral repertoires not allowing specific symptoms to be modeled, even when the models are combined. Especially modeling the verbal component of certain positive, negative and cognitive symptoms is currently impossible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Langova
- Translational Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Karel Vales
- Translational Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Petra Horka
- Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiri Horacek
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia.,Brain Electrophysiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
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6
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The α 1-adrenoceptor inhibitor ρ-TIA facilitates net hunting in piscivorous Conus tulipa. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17841. [PMID: 31780714 PMCID: PMC6882899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54186-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cone snails use separately evolved venoms for prey capture and defence. While most use a harpoon for prey capture, the Gastridium clade that includes the well-studied Conus geographus and Conus tulipa, have developed a net hunting strategy to catch fish. This unique feeding behaviour requires secretion of "nirvana cabal" peptides to dampen the escape response of targeted fish allowing for their capture directly by mouth. However, the active components of the nirvana cabal remain poorly defined. In this study, we evaluated the behavioural effects of likely nirvana cabal peptides on the teleost model, Danio rerio (zebrafish). Surprisingly, the conantokins (NMDA receptor antagonists) and/or conopressins (vasopressin receptor agonists and antagonists) found in C. geographus and C. tulipa venom failed to produce a nirvana cabal-like effect in zebrafish. In contrast, low concentrations of the non-competitive adrenoceptor antagonist ρ-TIA found in C. tulipa venom (EC50 = 190 nM) dramatically reduced the escape response of zebrafish larvae when added directly to aquarium water. ρ-TIA inhibited the zebrafish α1-adrenoceptor, confirming ρ-TIA has the potential to reverse the known stimulating effects of norepinephrine on fish behaviour. ρ-TIA may act alone and not as part of a cabal, since it did not synergise with conopressins and/or conantokins. This study highlights the importance of using ecologically relevant animal behaviour models to decipher the complex neurobiology underlying the prey capture and defensive strategies of cone snails.
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Gawel K, Banono NS, Michalak A, Esguerra CV. A critical review of zebrafish schizophrenia models: Time for validation? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:6-22. [PMID: 31381931 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that affects 1% of the population worldwide and is manifested as a broad spectrum of symptoms, from hallucinations to memory impairment. It is believed that genetic and/or environmental factors may contribute to the occurrence of this disease. Recently, the zebrafish has emerged as a valuable and attractive model for various neurological disorders including schizophrenia. In this review, we describe current pharmacological models of schizophrenia with special emphasis on providing insights into the pros and cons of using zebrafish as a behavioural model of this disease. Moreover, we highlight the advantages and utility of using zebrafish for elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying this psychiatric disorder. We believe that the zebrafish has high potential also in the area of precision medicine and may complement the development of therapeutics, especially for pharmacoresistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Agnieszka Michalak
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki St. 4A, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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8
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BDNF, Brain, and Regeneration: Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103155. [PMID: 30322169 PMCID: PMC6214035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a teleost fish widely accepted as a model organism for neuroscientific studies. The adults show common basic vertebrate brain structures, together with similar key neuroanatomical and neurochemical pathways of relevance to human diseases. However, the brain of adult zebrafish possesses, differently from mammals, intense neurogenic activity, which can be correlated with high regenerative properties. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, has multiple roles in the brain, due also to the existence of several biologically active isoforms, that interact with different types of receptors. BDNF is well conserved in the vertebrate evolution, with the primary amino acid sequences of zebrafish and human BDNF being 91% identical. Here, we review the available literature regarding BDNF in the vertebrate brain and the potential involvement of BDNF in telencephalic regeneration after injury, with particular emphasis to the zebrafish. Finally, we highlight the potential of the zebrafish brain as a valuable model to add new insights on future BDNF studies.
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9
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Mezzomo NJ, Fontana BD, Kalueff AV, Barcellos LJ, Rosemberg DB. Understanding taurine CNS activity using alternative zebrafish models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 90:471-485. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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10
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Vitorino M, Cunha N, Conceição N, Cancela ML. Expression pattern of cdkl5 during zebrafish early development: implications for use as model for atypical Rett syndrome. Mol Biol Rep 2018; 45:445-451. [PMID: 29752575 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-018-4180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Atypical Rett syndrome is a child neurodevelopmental disorder induced by mutations in CDKL5 gene and characterized by a progressive regression in development with loss of purposeful use of the hands, slowed brain and head growth, problems with walking, seizures, and intellectual disability. At the moment, there is no cure for this pathology and little information is available concerning animal models capable of mimicking its phenotypes, thus the development of additional animal models should be of interest to gain more knowledge about the disease. Zebrafish has been used successfully as model organism for many human genetic diseases; however, no information is available concerning the spatial and temporal expression of cdkl5 orthologous in this organism. In the present study, we identified the developmental expression patterns of cdkl5 in zebrafish by quantitative PCR and whole-mount in situ hybridization. cdkl5 is expressed maternally at low levels during the first 24 h of development. After that the expression of the gene increases significantly and it starts to be expressed mainly in the nervous system and in several brain structures, such as telencephalon, mesencephalon and diencephalon. The expression patterns of cdkl5 in zebrafish is in accordance with the tissues known to be affected in humans and associated to symptoms and deficits observed in Rett syndrome patients thus providing the first evidence that zebrafish could be an alternative model to study the molecular pathways of this disease as well as to test possible therapeutic approaches capable of rescuing the phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Vitorino
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Nídia Cunha
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Natércia Conceição
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Campus Gambelas, Edificio 2. Ala Norte, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Center of Marine Sciences (CCMAR), University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Medicine, University of Algarve, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.,Algarve Biomedical Center, Campus Gambelas, Edificio 2. Ala Norte, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
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11
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Sakamoto K, Crowley JJ. A comprehensive review of the genetic and biological evidence supports a role for MicroRNA-137 in the etiology of schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:242-256. [PMID: 29442441 PMCID: PMC5815396 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Since it was first associated with schizophrenia (SCZ) in a 2011 genome-wide association study (GWAS), there have been over 100 publications focused on MIR137, the gene encoding microRNA-137. These studies have examined everything from its fundamental role in the development of mice, flies, and fish to the intriguing enrichment of its target gene network in SCZ. Indeed, much of the excitement surrounding MIR137 is due to the distinct possibility that it could regulate a gene network involved in SCZ etiology, a disease which we now recognize is highly polygenic. Here we comprehensively review, to the best of our ability, all published genetic and biological evidence that could support or refute a role for MIR137 in the etiology of SCZ. Through a careful consideration of the literature, we conclude that the data gathered to date continues to strongly support the involvement of MIR137 and its target gene network in neuropsychiatric traits, including SCZ risk. There remain, however, more unanswered than answered questions regarding the mechanisms linking MIR137 genetic variation with behavior. These questions need answers before we can determine whether there are opportunities for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions based on MIR137. We conclude with a number of suggestions for future research on MIR137 that could help to provide answers and hope for a greater understanding of this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Sakamoto
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - James J. Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Abstract
Imaging genetics is a research methodology studying the effect of genetic variation on brain structure, function, behavior, and risk for psychopathology. Since the early 2000s, imaging genetics has been increasingly used in the research of schizophrenia (SZ). SZ is a severe mental disorder with no precise knowledge of its underlying neurobiology, however, new genetic and neurobiological data generate a climate for new avenues. The accumulating data of genome wide association studies (GWAS) continuously decode SZ risk genes. Global neuroimaging consortia produce collections of brain phenotypes from tens of thousands of people. In this context, imaging genetics will be strategically important both for the validation and discovery of SZ related findings. Thus, the study of GWAS supported risk variants as candidate genes to validate by neuroimaging is one trend. The study of epigenetic differences in relation to variations of brain phenotypes and the study of large scale multivariate analysis of genome wide and brain wide associations are other trends. While these studies hold a big potential for understanding the neurobiology of SZ, the problem of reproducibility appears as a major challenge, which requires standardizations in study designs and compensations of methodological limitations such as sensitivity and specificity. On the other hand, advancements of neuroimaging, optical and electron microscopy along with the use of genetically encoded fluorescent probes and robust statistical approaches will not only catalyze integrative methodologies but also will help better design the imaging genetics studies. In this invited paper, I will discuss the current perspective of imaging genetics and emerging opportunities of SZ research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayla Arslan
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Uskudar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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13
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Fontana BD, Mezzomo NJ, Kalueff AV, Rosemberg DB. The developing utility of zebrafish models of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders: A critical review. Exp Neurol 2018; 299:157-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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14
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Understanding taurine CNS activity using alternative zebrafish models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:525-539. [PMID: 28916270 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Taurine is a highly abundant "amino acid" in the brain. Despite the potential neuroactive role of taurine in vertebrates has long been recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms related to its pleiotropic effects in the brain remain poorly understood. Due to the genetic tractability, rich behavioral repertoire, neurochemical conservation, and small size, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful candidate for neuropsychopharmacology investigation and in vivo drug screening. Here, we summarize the main physiological roles of taurine in mammals, including neuromodulation, osmoregulation, membrane stabilization, and antioxidant action. In this context, we also highlight how zebrafish models of brain disorders may present interesting approaches to assess molecular mechanisms underlying positive effects of taurine in the brain. Finally, we outline recent advances in zebrafish drug screening that significantly improve neuropsychiatric translational researches and small molecule screens.
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15
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Zhuo C, Hou W, Hu L, Lin C, Chen C, Lin X. Genomic Editing of Non-Coding RNA Genes with CRISPR/Cas9 Ushers in a Potential Novel Approach to Study and Treat Schizophrenia. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:28. [PMID: 28217082 PMCID: PMC5289958 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a genetically related mental illness, in which the majority of genetic alterations occur in the non-coding regions of the human genome. In the past decade, a growing number of regulatory non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified to be strongly associated with schizophrenia. However, the studies of these ncRNAs in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and the reverting of their genetic defects in restoration of the normal phenotype have been hampered by insufficient technology to manipulate these ncRNA genes effectively as well as a lack of appropriate animal models. Most recently, a revolutionary gene editing technology known as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9 (Cas9; CRISPR/Cas9) has been developed that enable researchers to overcome these challenges. In this review article, we mainly focus on the schizophrenia-related ncRNAs and the use of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing on the non-coding regions of the genomic DNA in proving causal relationship between the genetic defects and the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. We subsequently discuss the potential of translating this advanced technology into a clinical therapy for schizophrenia, although the CRISPR/Cas9 technology is currently still in its infancy and immature to put into use in the treatment of diseases. Furthermore, we suggest strategies to accelerate the pace from the bench to the bedside. This review describes the application of the powerful and feasible CRISPR/Cas9 technology to manipulate schizophrenia-associated ncRNA genes. This technology could help researchers tackle this complex health problem and perhaps other genetically related mental disorders due to the overlapping genetic alterations of schizophrenia with other mental illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanjun Zhuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh People's HospitalWenzhou, China; Department of Psychiatry, Tianjin Mental Health Center, Tianjin Anding HospitalTianjin, China; Department of Psychiatry, Tianjin Anning HospitalTianjin, China
| | - Weihong Hou
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Lirong Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital Wenzhou, China
| | - Chongguang Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital Wenzhou, China
| | - Ce Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital Wenzhou, China
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Mahmoudi E, Cairns MJ. MiR-137: an important player in neural development and neoplastic transformation. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:44-55. [PMID: 27620842 PMCID: PMC5414082 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent an important class of small regulatory RNAs that control gene expression posttranscriptionally by targeting mRNAs for degradation or translation inhibition. Early studies have revealed a complex role for miRNAs in major biological processes such as development, differentiation, growth and metabolism. MiR-137 in particular, has been of great interest due to its critical role in brain function and putative involvement in the etiology of both neuropsychiatric disorders and cancer. Several lines of evidence suggest that development, differentiation and maturation of the nervous system is strongly linked to the expression of miR-137 and its regulation of a large number of downstream target genes in various pathways. Dysregulation of this molecule has also been implicated in major mental illnesses through its position in a variant allele highly associated with schizophrenia in the largest mega genome-wide association studies. Interestingly, miR-137 has also been shown to act as a tumor suppressor, with numerous studies finding reduced expression in neoplasia including brain tumor. Restoration of miR-137 expression has also been shown to inhibit cell proliferation, migration and metastasis, and induce cell cycle arrest, differentiation and apoptosis. These properties of miR-137 propose its potential for prognosis, diagnosis and as a therapeutic target for treatment of several human neurological and neoplastic disorders. In this review, we provide details on the discovery, targets, function, regulation and disease involvement of miR-137 with a broad look at recent discovery in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Mahmoudi
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia,Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - M J Cairns
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia,Centre for Translational Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia,Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia. E-mail:
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