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Badae NM, Abdelmonsif DA, Aly RG, Omar AM, Shoela MS, Omar EM. Effect of spermidine on long non-coding RNAs MALAT1 in a rotenone induced-rat model of Parkinson's disease. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2024; 38:718-729. [PMID: 38279557 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermidine is a natural biologically active substance that has widespread influences on the body. OBJECTIVE This study aims to enhance our understanding of the potential effect of spermidine on long non-coding RNA MALAT1 and explore the underlying mechanism in the rotenone-induced rat model of Parkinson's disease. METHODS Rats were sacrificed after locomotor behavioral testing. Striatal tissues were used to assess the expression of MALAT1, oxidative stress markers, and autophagy markers. RESULTS Our study found that treatment with spermidine for 2 weeks during the induction of the model significantly improved behavioral assessment, dopamine levels, and attenuated the histopathological changes that occurred in PD in comparison to the non-treated group. CONCLUSION Our preliminary study supports the protective effect of spermidine on the activation of autophagy and its antioxidant properties. Part of the antioxidant activity is due to the inhibition of MALAT1. However, MALAT1 does not correlate with the spermidine-induced autophagy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mohamed Badae
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Abdelmonsif
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Rania Gaber Aly
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amira M Omar
- Department of Histology & Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai S Shoela
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Eman M Omar
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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James BC, Cox AJ, Lewohl JM. Current trends in the role of neuroinflammation & α-synuclein in alcohol use disorder: A systematic quantitative literature review. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:1209-1220. [PMID: 38724887 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
The neurodegenerative effects alcohol use disorder (AUD) have been well characterized and are likely due to the long-term effects of alcohol on the brain. The molecular events that underlie regional neuronal loss are a focus of current research. Chronic inflammation in the central nervous system, termed neuroinflammation, contributes to the progressive loss of neurons in the brain. Using data from genome-wide association studies and genetic and gene expression data, α-synuclein was identified as a gene of interest for AUD almost 10 years ago. Despite this and the well-recognized role of α-synuclein in mediating neuroinflammation in other neurodegenerative diseases, its role in alcohol-induced brain damage and AUD is yet to be elucidated. This systematic literature review quantifies and analyzes relationships between AUD, α-synuclein, and neuroinflammation. The review identified fewer studies focused on the role in AUD of α-synuclein (30) than on neuroinflammation (177), with published studies heavily centered on the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)-dependent toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. The systematic review revealed that no original literature investigates the roles of α-synuclein and neuroinflammation in AUD and that there are significantly fewer published articles on the role of α-synuclein in AUD than in other neuroinflammatory conditions. Studies of the role of neuroinflammation in AUD are largely centered on the TLR4 signaling cascade, followed by TLR2 and TLR3, and soluble cytokines such as IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Key research themes identified in other neurodegenerative disorders provide new insights for further investigation in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C James
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Amanda J Cox
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Joanne M Lewohl
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Kalinichenko LS, Kohl Z, Mühle C, Hassan Z, Hahn A, Schmitt EM, Macht K, Stoyanov L, Moghaddami S, Bilbao R, Eulenburg V, Winkler J, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Sex-specific pleiotropic changes in emotional behavior and alcohol consumption in human α-synuclein A53T transgenic mice during early adulthood. J Neurochem 2024; 168:269-287. [PMID: 38284431 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16051] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Point mutations in the α-synuclein coding gene may lead to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). PD is often accompanied by other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and drug use disorders, which typically emerge in adulthood. Some of these point mutations, such as SNCA and A30T, have been linked to behavioral effects that are not commonly associated with PD, especially regarding alcohol consumption patterns. In this study, we investigated whether the familial PD point mutation A53T is associated with changes in alcohol consumption behavior and emotional states at ages not yet characterized by α-synuclein accumulation. The affective and alcohol-drinking phenotypes remained unaltered in female PDGF-hA53T-synuclein-transgenic (A53T) mice during both early and late adulthood. Brain region-specific activation of ceramide-producing enzymes, acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), and neutral sphingomyelinase (NSM), known for their neuroprotective properties, was observed during early adulthood but not in late adulthood. In males, the A53T mutation was linked to a reduction in alcohol consumption in both early and late adulthood. However, male A53T mice displayed increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors during both early and late adulthood. Enhanced ASM activity in the dorsal mesencephalon and ventral hippocampus may potentially contribute to these adverse behavioral effects of the mutation in males during late adulthood. In summary, the A53T gene mutation was associated with diverse changes in emotional states and alcohol consumption behavior long before the onset of PD, and these effects varied by sex. These alterations in behavior may be linked to changes in brain ceramide metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liubov S Kalinichenko
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zacharias Kohl
- Division of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Zurina Hassan
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Agnes Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kilian Macht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lyubomir Stoyanov
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Schayan Moghaddami
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roberto Bilbao
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Volker Eulenburg
- Department for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Winkler
- Division of Molecular Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Center for Rare Diseases Erlangen (ZSEER), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Williams KE, Zou Y, Qiu B, Kono T, Guo C, Garcia D, Chen H, Graves T, Lai Z, Evans-Molina C, Ma YY, Liangpunsakul S, Yong W, Liang T. Sex-Specific Impact of Fkbp5 on Hippocampal Response to Acute Alcohol Injection: Involvement in Alterations of Metabolism-Related Pathways. Cells 2023; 13:89. [PMID: 38201293 PMCID: PMC10778370 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010089] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
High levels of alcohol intake alter brain gene expression and can produce long-lasting effects. FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP51) encoded by Fkbp5 is a physical and cellular stress response gene and has been associated with alcohol consumption and withdrawal severity. Fkbp5 has been previously linked to neurite outgrowth and hippocampal morphology, sex differences in stress response, and epigenetic modification. Presently, primary cultured Fkbp5 KO and WT mouse neurons were examined for neurite outgrowth and mitochondrial signal with and without alcohol. We found neurite specification differences between KO and WT; particularly, mesh-like morphology was observed after alcohol treatment and confirmed higher MitoTracker signal in cultured neurons of Fkbp5 KO compared to WT at both naive and alcohol-treated conditions. Brain regions that express FKBP51 protein were identified, and hippocampus was confirmed to possess a high level of expression. RNA-seq profiling was performed using the hippocampus of naïve or alcohol-injected (2 mg EtOH/Kg) male and female Fkbp5 KO and WT mice. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between Fkbp5 KO and WT at baseline and following alcohol treatment, with female comparisons possessing a higher number of DEGs than male comparisons. Pathway analysis suggested that genes affecting calcium signaling, lipid metabolism, and axon guidance were differentially expressed at naïve condition between KO and WT. Alcohol treatment significantly affected pathways and enzymes involved in biosynthesis (Keto, serine, and glycine) and signaling (dopamine and insulin receptor), and neuroprotective role. Functions related to cell morphology, cell-to-cell signaling, lipid metabolism, injury response, and post-translational modification were significantly altered due to alcohol. In summary, Fkbp5 plays a critical role in the response to acute alcohol treatment by altering metabolism and signaling-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kent E. Williams
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (K.E.W.); (T.G.); (S.L.)
| | - Yi Zou
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.Z.); (D.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Bin Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA;
| | - Tatsuyoshi Kono
- Diabetes Research Center, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (T.K.); (C.E.-M.)
| | - Changyong Guo
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (C.G.); (Y.-Y.M.)
| | - Dawn Garcia
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.Z.); (D.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Hanying Chen
- Department Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tamara Graves
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (K.E.W.); (T.G.); (S.L.)
| | - Zhao Lai
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.Z.); (D.G.); (Z.L.)
| | - Carmella Evans-Molina
- Diabetes Research Center, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (T.K.); (C.E.-M.)
| | - Yao-Ying Ma
- Department Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (C.G.); (Y.-Y.M.)
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (K.E.W.); (T.G.); (S.L.)
- Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Weidong Yong
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (K.E.W.); (T.G.); (S.L.)
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Anjos PAR, Marchette RCN, Kremer R, Granzotto N, Alves TM, Fadanni GP, Mazur FG, Anton EL, da Silva-Santos JE, Linder ÁE, Izídio GS. The influence of chromosome 4 on high ethanol consumption and blood pressure. Alcohol 2022; 102:1-10. [PMID: 35500756 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) strain was developed through selective breeding for high systolic blood pressure. In our laboratory, we established a congenic rat strain named SHR.Lewis-Anxrr16 (SLA16). The SLA16 rat strain is genetically identical to the SHR except for the inserted Anxrr16 region in chromosome 4. Our objective was to evaluate the influence of this genomic region on ethanol consumption and blood pressure. First, we exposed SHR and SLA16 male and female rats to ethanol consumption. Results showed that, regardless of strain, females consumed more ethanol than males during forced (10% v/v) and spontaneous ethanol consumption (SEC; 2.5-20% v/v). Then, females from both strains were used to evaluate sensitivity to ethanol. No strain differences in the loss of righting reflex were observed after ethanol treatment (3 g/kg, 20% w/v, intraperitoneal [i.p.]). But, in the triple test, female SHR rats presented lower sensitivity to the ethanol (1.2 g/kg, 14% w/v, i.p.). Surprisingly, female SHR rats also presented higher blood pressure after SEC (10% v/v). Finally, losartan treatment was effective in decreasing the blood pressure of female rats of both strains, but had specific effects on SHR ethanol consumption. Our data suggest that SLA16 female rats consume less ethanol (10%), are more sensitive to its effects, and present lower blood pressure than SHR female rats. We demonstrated that the Anxrr16 locus in chromosome 4 is a genetic candidate to explain high ethanol consumption and blood pressure, at least in females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renata Cristina Nunes Marchette
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Neurobiology of Addiction Section, Integrative Neuroscience Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rafael Kremer
- Department of Cellular Biology, Embryology, and Genetics - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Department of Medicine - Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Natalli Granzotto
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Thalita Mello Alves
- Department of Cellular Biology, Embryology, and Genetics - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pasetto Fadanni
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Department of Cellular Biology, Embryology, and Genetics - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Fernando Gabriel Mazur
- Department of Cellular Biology, Embryology, and Genetics - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Elaine Leocádia Anton
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Áurea Elizabeth Linder
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Department of Pharmacology - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Department of Cellular Biology, Embryology, and Genetics - Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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6
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Alcohol. Alcohol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816793-9.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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7
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Spence JP, Lai D, Reiter JL, Cao S, Bell RL, Williams KE, Liang T. Epigenetic changes on rat chromosome 4 contribute to disparate alcohol drinking behavior in alcohol-preferring and -nonpreferring rats. Alcohol 2020; 89:103-112. [PMID: 32798691 PMCID: PMC7722131 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paternal alcohol abuse is a well-recognized risk factor for the development of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). In addition to genetic and environmental risk factors, heritable epigenetic factors also have been proposed to play a key role in the development of AUD. However, it is not clear whether epigenetic factors contribute to the genetic inheritance in families affected by AUD. We used reciprocal crosses of the alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) rat lines to test whether epigenetic factors also impacted alcohol drinking in up to two generations of offspring. METHODS F1 offspring derived by reciprocal breeding of P and NP rats were tested for differences in alcohol consumption using a free-choice protocol of 10% ethanol, 20% ethanol, and water that were available concurrently. In a separate experiment, an F2 population was tested for alcohol consumption not only due to genetic differences. These rats were generated from inbred P (iP) and iNP rat lines that were reciprocally bred to produce genetically identical F1 offspring that remained alcohol-naïve. Intercrosses of the F1 generation animals produced the F2 generation. Alcohol consumption was then assessed in the F2 generation using a standard two-bottle choice protocol, and was analyzed using genome-wide linkage analysis. Alcohol consumption measures were also analyzed for sex differences. RESULTS Average alcohol consumption was higher in the F1 offspring of P vs. NP sires and in the F2 offspring of F0 iP vs. iNP grandsires. Linkage analyses showed the maximum LOD scores for alcohol consumption in both male and female offspring were on chromosome 4 (Chr 4). The LOD score for both sexes considered together was higher when the grandsire was iP vs. iNP (5.0 vs. 3.35, respectively). Furthermore, the F2 population displayed enhanced alcohol consumption when the P alleles from the F0 sire were present. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that epigenetic and/or non-genetic factors mapping to rat chromosome 4 contribute to a transgenerational paternal effect on alcohol consumption in the P and NP rat model of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Spence
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Dongbing Lai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Jill L Reiter
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Sha Cao
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Kent E Williams
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States.
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Cahill CM, Aleyadeh R, Gao J, Wang C, Rogers JT. Alpha-Synuclein in Alcohol Use Disorder, Connections with Parkinson's Disease and Potential Therapeutic Role of 5' Untranslated Region-Directed Small Molecules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1465. [PMID: 33096655 PMCID: PMC7589448 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein (α-Syn) is a 140-amino acid (aa) protein encoded by the Synuclein alpha SNCA gene. It is the synaptic protein associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) and is the most highly expressed protein in the Lewy bodies associated with PD and other alpha synucleopathies, including Lewy body dementia (LBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Iron deposits are present in the core of Lewy bodies, and there are reports suggesting that divalent metal ions including Cu2+ and Fe2+ enhance the aggregation of α-Syn. Differential expression of α-Syn is associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD), and specific genetic variants contribute to the risk for alcoholism, including alcohol craving. Spliced variants of α-Syn, leading to the expression of several shorter forms which are more prone to aggregation, are associated with both PD and AUD, and common transcript variants may be able to predict at-risk populations for some movement disorders or subtypes of PD, including secondary Parkinsonism. Both PD and AUD are associated with liver and brain iron dyshomeostasis. Research over the past decade has shown that α-Syn has iron import functions with an ability to oxidize the Fe3+ form of iron to Fe2+ to facilitate its entry into cells. Our prior research has identified an iron-responsive element (IRE) in the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of α-Syn mRNA, and we have used the α-Syn 5'UTR to screen for small molecules that modulate its expression in the H4 neuronal cell line. These screens have led us to identify several interesting small molecules capable of both decreasing and increasing α-Syn expression and that may have the potential, together with the recently described mesenchymal stem cell therapies, to normalize α-Syn expression in different regions of the alcoholic and PD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine M. Cahill
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | | | - Jin Gao
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao 266011, China;
| | - Changning Wang
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
| | - Jack T. Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA;
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9
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Sasan H, Hashemabadi M, Amandadi M, Ravan H. Alteration in the Expression of Parkinson’s-Related Genes in Rat Hippocampus by Exercise and Morphine Treatments. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420040122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Spence JP, Reiter JL, Qiu B, Gu H, Garcia DK, Zhang L, Graves T, Williams KE, Bice PJ, Zou Y, Lai Z, Yong W, Liang T. Estrogen-Dependent Upregulation of Adcyap1r1 Expression in Nucleus Accumbens Is Associated With Genetic Predisposition of Sex-Specific QTL for Alcohol Consumption on Rat Chromosome 4. Front Genet 2018; 9:513. [PMID: 30564267 PMCID: PMC6288178 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans show sex differences related to alcohol use disorders (AUD). Animal model research has the potential to provide important insight into how sex differences affect alcohol consumption, particularly because female animals frequently drink more than males. In previous work, inbred strains of the selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and non-preferring (NP) rat lines revealed a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on rat chromosome 4, with a logarithm of the odds score of 9.2 for alcohol consumption. Recently, interval-specific congenic strains (ISCS) were developed by backcrossing the congenic P.NP line to inbred P (iP) rats to further refine the chromosome 4 QTL region. Two ISCS sub-strains, ISCS-A and ISCS-B, were obtained with a narrowed QTL, where the smallest region of overlap consisted of 8.9 Mb in ISCS-B. Interestingly, we found that females from both ISCS lines consumed significantly less alcohol than female iP controls (p < 0.05), while no differences in alcohol consumption were observed between male ISCS and iP controls. RNA-sequencing was performed on the nucleus accumbens of alcohol-naïve female ISCS-B and iP rats, which revealed differentially expressed genes (DEG) with greater than 2-fold change and that were functionally relevant to behavior. These DEGs included down-regulation of Oxt, Asb4, Gabre, Gabrq, Chat, Slc5a7, Slc18a8, Slc10a4, and Ngfr, and up-regulation of Ttr, Msln, Mpzl2, Wnt6, Slc17a7, Aldh1a2, and Gstm2. Pathway analysis identified significant alterations in gene networks controlling nervous system development and function, as well as cell signaling, GABA and serotonin receptor signaling and G-protein coupled receptor signaling. In addition, β-estradiol was identified as the most significant upstream regulator. The expression levels of estrogen-responsive genes that mapped to the QTL interval and have been previously associated with alcohol consumption were measured using RT-qPCR. We found that expression of the Adcyap1r1 gene, encoding the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 (PAC1) receptor, was upregulated in female ISCS-B compared to female iP controls, while no differences were exhibited in males. In addition, sequence variants in the Adcyap1r1 promoter region showed a differential response to estrogen stimulation in vitro. These findings demonstrate that rat chromosome 4 QTL contains genetic variants that respond to estrogen and are associated with female alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Spence
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jill L Reiter
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bin Qiu
- Comparative Medical Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Gu
- Comparative Medical Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Dawn K Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Comparative Medical Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tamara Graves
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kent E Williams
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Paula J Bice
- Department of Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States
| | - Yi Zou
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Zhao Lai
- Department of Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, MO, United States
| | - Weidong Yong
- Comparative Medical Center, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Persyn W, Houchi H, Papillon CA, Martinetti M, Antol J, Guillaumont C, Dervaux A, Naassila M. Ethanol (EtOH)-Related Behaviors in α-Synuclein Mutant Mice and Association of SNCA SNPs with Anxiety in EtOH-Dependent Patients. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:2172-2185. [PMID: 30120834 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13875] [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: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data have shown a role of α-synuclein in anxiety and also in addiction, particularly in alcohol use disorders (AUD). Since the comorbidity between AUD and anxiety is very high and because anxiety is an important factor in ethanol (EtOH) relapse, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of α-synuclein in moderating EtOH intake, the anxiolytic effects of EtOH, and EtOH withdrawal-induced anxiety and convulsions in mice. The study aimed to determine whether SNCA variants moderated anxiety in EtOH-dependent patients. METHODS We analyzed the moderator effect of 3 SNCA Tag-single nucleotide polymorphisms (Tag-SNPs) rs356200, rs356219, and rs2119787 on the anxiety symptoms in 128 EtOH-dependent patients. We used the C57BL/6JOlaHsd Snca mutant mice to assess EtOH intake; sensitivity to the anxiolytic effects of EtOH in a test battery comprising the open field, the light-dark box, and the elevated plus maze; and both anxiety and convulsions induced by EtOH withdrawal. RESULTS Our results demonstrated a reduction in both EtOH intake and preference and also a lack of sensitivity to the anxiolytic effects of EtOH in α-synuclein mutant mice. Results on anxiety-like behavior were mixed, but mutant mice displayed increased anxiety when exposed to a low anxiogenic environment. Mutant mice also displayed an increase in handling-induced convulsion scores during withdrawal after EtOH inhalation, but did not differ in terms of EtOH withdrawal-induced anxiety. In humans, we found a significant association of the rs356219 SNP with a high level of anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory score >15) and the rs356200 SNP with a positive familial history of AUD. CONCLUSIONS Our translational study highlights a significant role of α-synuclein in components of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Persyn
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Unité d'alcoologie SESAME , Centre hospitalier Psychiatrique Philippe Pinel, Amiens, France
| | - Hakim Houchi
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Charles-Antoine Papillon
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Margaret Martinetti
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Department of Psychology , The College of New Jersey, Ewing, New Jersey
| | - Johann Antol
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
| | - Cyrille Guillaumont
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,Unité d'alcoologie SESAME , Centre hospitalier Psychiatrique Philippe Pinel, Amiens, France
| | - Alain Dervaux
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France.,CHU Sud , Service de consultations de Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Amiens Cedex, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- Research Group on Alcohol & Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé (CURS) , INSERM U1247, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France
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Nonprotein-coding RNAs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:299-342. [PMID: 29933954 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Early developmental exposure to ethanol, a known teratogen, can result in a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively referred to as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs). Changes in the environment, including exposure to teratogens, can result in long term alterations to the epigenetic landscape of a cell, thereby altering gene expression. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) can affect transcription and translation of networks of genes. ncRNAs are dynamically expressed during development and have been identified as a target of alcohol. ncRNAs therefore make for attractive targets for novel therapeutics to address the developmental deficits associated with FASDs.
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Rotermund C, Reolon GK, Leixner S, Boden C, Bilbao A, Kahle PJ. Enhanced motivation to alcohol in transgenic mice expressing human α-synuclein. J Neurochem 2017; 143:294-305. [PMID: 28833174 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (αSYN) is the neuropathological hallmark protein of Parkinson's disease (PD) and related neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, the gene encoding αSYN (SNCA) is a major genetic contributor to PD. Interestingly, independent genome-wide association studies also identified SNCA as the most important candidate gene for alcoholism. Furthermore, single-nucleotide-polymorphisms have been associated with alcohol-craving behavior and alcohol-craving patients showed augmented αSYN expression in blood. To investigate the effect of αSYN on the addictive properties of chronic alcohol use, we examined consumption, motivation, and seeking responses induced by environmental stimuli and relapse behavior in transgenic mice expressing the human mutant [A30P]αSYN throughout the brain. The primary reinforcing effects of alcohol under operant self-administration conditions were increased, while consumption and the alcohol deprivation effect were not altered in the transgenic mice. The same mice were subjected to immunohistochemical measurements of immediate-early gene inductions in brain regions involved in addiction-related behaviors. Acute ethanol injection enhanced immunostaining for the phosphorylated form of cAMP response element binding protein in both amygdala and nucleus accumbens of αSYN transgenic mice, while in wild-type mice no effect was visible. However, at the same time, levels of cFos remain unchanged in both genotypes. These results provide experimental confirmation of SNCA as a candidate gene for alcoholism in addition to its known link to PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Rotermund
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gustavo K Reolon
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute of Clinical Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Leixner
- Behavioral Genetics Research Group, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cindy Boden
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ainhoa Bilbao
- Behavioral Genetics Research Group, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty of Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp J Kahle
- Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, German Center of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany.,Laboratory of Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegeneration, Hertie Institute of Clinical Brain Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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14
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Anokhin PK, Proskuryakova TV, Shamakina IY, Ustyugov AA, Bachurin SO. A comparison of the expression of α-synuclein mRNA in the brain of rats with different levels of alcohol consumption. NEUROCHEM J+ 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712416040036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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15
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Impact of Heat Stress on Cellular and Transcriptional Adaptation of Mammary Epithelial Cells in Riverine Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis). PLoS One 2016; 11:e0157237. [PMID: 27682256 PMCID: PMC5040452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0157237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to identify the heat responsive genes and biological pathways in heat stressed buffalo mammary epithelial cells (MECs). The primary mammary epithelial cells of riverine buffalo were exposed to thermal stress at 42°C for one hour. The cells were subsequently allowed to recover at 37°C and harvested at different time intervals (30 min to 48 h) along with control samples (un-stressed). In order to assess the impact of heat stress in buffalo MECs, several in-vitro cellular parameters (lactate dehydrogenase activity, cell proliferation assay, cellular viability, cell death and apoptosis) and transcriptional studies were conducted. The heat stress resulted in overall decrease in cell viability and cell proliferation of MECs while induction of cellular apoptosis and necrosis. The transcriptomic profile of heat stressed MECs was generated using Agilent 44 K bovine oligonucleotide array and at cutoff criteria of ≥3-or ≤3 fold change, a total of 153 genes were observed to be upregulated while 8 genes were down regulated across all time points post heat stress. The genes that were specifically up-regulated or down-regulated were identified as heat responsive genes. The upregulated genes in heat stressed MECs belonged to heat shock family viz., HSPA6, HSPB8, DNAJB2, HSPA1A. Along with HSPs, genes like BOLA, MRPL55, PFKFB3, PSMC2, ENDODD1, ARID5A, and SENP3 were also upregulated. Microarray data revealed that the heat responsive genes belonged to different functional classes viz., chaperons; immune responsive; cell proliferation and metabolism related. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment of several biological processes like; cellular process, metabolic process, response to stimulus, biological regulation, immune system processes and signaling. The transcriptome analysis data was further validated by RT-qPCR studies. Several HSP (HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, HSP90, and HSPB1), apoptotic (Bax and Bcl2), immune (IL6, TNFα and NF-kβ) and oxidative stress (GPX1 and DUSP1) related genes showed differential expression profile at different time points post heat stress. The transcriptional data strongly indicated the induction of survival/apoptotic mechanism in heat stressed buffalo MECs. The overrepresented pathways across all time points were; electron transport chain, cytochrome P450, apoptosis, MAPK, FAS and stress induction of HSP regulation, delta Notch signaling, apoptosis modulation by HSP70, EGFR1 signaling, cytokines and inflammatory response, oxidative stress, TNF-alpha and NF- kB signaling pathway. The study thus identified several genes from different functional classes and biological pathways that could be termed as heat responsive in buffalo MEC. The responsiveness of buffalo MECs to heat stress in the present study clearly suggested its suitability as a model to understand the modulation of buffalo mammary gland expression signature in response to environmental heat load.
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Sureshchandra S, Rais M, Stull C, Grant K, Messaoudi I. Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Disruption of Innate Immunity in Chronic Heavy Ethanol Consuming Female Rhesus Macaques. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0159295. [PMID: 27427759 PMCID: PMC4948771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0159295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that heavy ethanol consumption interferes with the immune system and inflammatory processes, resulting in increased risk for infectious and chronic diseases. However, these processes have yet to be systematically studied in a dose and sex-dependent manner. In this study, we investigated the impact of chronic heavy ethanol consumption on gene expression using RNA-seq in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from female rhesus macaques with daily consumption of 4% ethanol available 22hr/day for 12 months resulting in average ethanol consumption of 4.3 g/kg/day (considered heavy drinking). Differential gene expression analysis was performed using edgeR and gene enrichment analysis using MetaCore™. We identified 1106 differentially expressed genes, meeting the criterion of ≥ two-fold change and p-value ≤ 0.05 in expression (445 up- and 661 down-regulated). Pathway analysis of the 879 genes with characterized identifiers showed that the most enriched gene ontology processes were "response to wounding", "blood coagulation", "immune system process", and "regulation of signaling". Changes in gene expression were seen despite the lack of differences in the frequency of any major immune cell subtype between ethanol and controls, suggesting that heavy ethanol consumption modulates gene expression at the cellular level rather than altering the distribution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Collectively, these observations provide mechanisms to explain the higher incidence of infection, delay in wound healing, and increase in cardiovascular disease seen in subjects with Alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhas Sureshchandra
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Maham Rais
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
| | - Cara Stull
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Kathleen Grant
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
| | - Ilhem Messaoudi
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, California, United States of America
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Beaverton, OR, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Bell RL, Hauser S, Rodd ZA, Liang T, Sari Y, McClintick J, Rahman S, Engleman EA. A Genetic Animal Model of Alcoholism for Screening Medications to Treat Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 126:179-261. [PMID: 27055615 PMCID: PMC4851471 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2016.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present up-to-date pharmacological, genetic, and behavioral findings from the alcohol-preferring P rat and summarize similar past work. Behaviorally, the focus will be on how the P rat meets criteria put forth for a valid animal model of alcoholism with a highlight on its use as an animal model of polysubstance abuse, including alcohol, nicotine, and psychostimulants. Pharmacologically and genetically, the focus will be on the neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems that have received the most attention: cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, corticotrophin releasing hormone, opioid, and neuropeptide Y. Herein, we sought to place the P rat's behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes, and to some extent its genotype, in the context of the clinical literature. After reviewing the findings thus far, this chapter discusses future directions for expanding the use of this genetic animal model of alcoholism to identify molecular targets for treating drug addiction in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- R L Bell
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - S Hauser
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Z A Rodd
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - T Liang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Y Sari
- University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - J McClintick
- Center for Medical Genomics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - S Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
| | - E A Engleman
- Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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18
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Janeczek P, Brooker C, Dodd PR, Lewohl JM. Differential expression of α-synuclein splice variants in the brain of alcohol misusers: Influence of genotype. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 155:284-92. [PMID: 26297298 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol misuse causes damage in the central nervous system that may lead to tolerance, craving and dependence. These behavioural changes are likely the result of cellular adaptations that include changes in gene expression. α-Synuclein is involved in the dopaminergic reward pathway, where it regulates dopamine synthesis and release. Previous studies have found that the gene for α-synuclein, SNCA, is differentially expressed in alcohol misusers. METHODS The present study measured the expression of three α-synuclein variants, SNCA-140, SNCA-112, and SNCA-115 in the prefrontal cortex of controls and alcohol misusers with and without cirrhosis of the liver. In addition, eight SNPs located in the 5'- and 3'-UTRs were genotyped in a Caucasian population of 125 controls and 115 alcohol misusers. RESULTS The expression of SNCA-140 and SNCA-112 was significantly lower in alcohol misusers with cirrhosis than in controls. However, SNCA-115 expression was significantly greater in alcohol misusers with cirrhosis than in controls. Allele and genotype frequencies differed significantly between alcohol misusers and controls for three SNPs, rs356221, rs356219 and rs2736995. Two SNPs, rs356221 and rs356219, were in high linkage disequilibrium. There was no increased risk of alcoholism associated with specific genotypes or haplotypes. Our results suggest that the rs356219/356221 G-A haplotype may decrease the chance of having an alcohol misuse phenotype. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that alcohol misuse may alter the expression of the individual α-synuclein splice variants differently in human brain. There was no evidence of an effect of sequence variation on the expression of α-synuclein splice variants in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Janeczek
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia
| | - Corinne Brooker
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia
| | - Peter R Dodd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Joanne M Lewohl
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia.
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An α-synuclein gene (SNCA) polymorphism moderates the association of PTSD symptomatology with hazardous alcohol use, but not with aggression-related measures. J Anxiety Disord 2015; 30:41-7. [PMID: 25594371 PMCID: PMC4355301 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often precedes comorbid substance use disorder and has been associated with aggression. Prior research has evidenced that alcohol use and other externalizing behaviors share genetic factors with PTSD; however, few studies have examined if specific genes are associated with externalizing behaviors in PTSD. The purpose of the current study was to investigate whether an α-synuclein gene polymorphism (SNCA rs356195) moderates the association of PTSD symptomatology with externalizing behaviors. We examined the separate and combined effects of PTSD symptomatology and SNCA rs356195 on alcohol- and aggression-related measures in nonclinical participants (N=138 European Americans; 15 diagnosed with probable PTSD). Probable PTSD status and SNCA were both associated with externalizing measures. SNCA also moderated the association of PTSD symptomatology with hazardous alcohol use, but not with aggression-related measures. Current findings suggest that variations in SNCA may increase the likelihood that PTSD symptomatology results in excessive alcohol use.
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Janeczek P, MacKay RK, Lea RA, Dodd PR, Lewohl JM. Reduced expression of α-synuclein in alcoholic brain: influence of SNCA-Rep1 genotype. Addict Biol 2014; 19:509-15. [PMID: 22974310 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2012.00495.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein has recently been implicated in the pathophysiology of alcohol abuse due to its role in dopaminergic neurotransmission. In these studies, genetic variability in the α-synuclein gene influences its expression which may contribute to susceptibility to chronic alcohol abuse. Real-time PCR was used to quantify α-synuclein mRNA expression in autopsy samples of human dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Because of the association between length of the α-synuclein-repeat 1 microsatellite marker and expression levels of the gene, this marker was genotyped in a Caucasian sample of 126 controls and 117 alcoholics using capillary gel electrophoresis. The allele and genotype frequencies of α-synuclein-repeat 1 marker differed significantly between alcoholics and controls. Alcoholics had greater frequencies of the shortest allele found (267 bp). The shortest allele of the α-synuclein-repeat 1 marker was associated with decreased expression of α-synuclein in prefrontal cortex. Individuals with at least one copy of the 267 bp allele were more likely to exhibit an alcohol abuse phenotype. These results suggest that individuals with the 267 bp allele may be at increased risk of developing alcoholism and that genetic variation at the α-synuclein-repeat 1 locus may influence α-synuclein expression in the prefrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Janeczek
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Sciences; Griffith University; Australia
| | - Rachel K. MacKay
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Sciences; Griffith University; Australia
| | - Rodney A. Lea
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Sciences; Griffith University; Australia
| | - Peter R. Dodd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences; University of Queensland; Australia
| | - Joanne M. Lewohl
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Sciences; Griffith University; Australia
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Genetic risk prediction and neurobiological understanding of alcoholism. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e391. [PMID: 24844177 PMCID: PMC4035721 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have used a translational Convergent Functional Genomics (CFG) approach to discover genes involved in alcoholism, by gene-level integration of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from a German alcohol dependence cohort with other genetic and gene expression data, from human and animal model studies, similar to our previous work in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. A panel of all the nominally significant P-value SNPs in the top candidate genes discovered by CFG (n=135 genes, 713 SNPs) was used to generate a genetic risk prediction score (GRPS), which showed a trend towards significance (P=0.053) in separating alcohol dependent individuals from controls in an independent German test cohort. We then validated and prioritized our top findings from this discovery work, and subsequently tested them in three independent cohorts, from two continents. A panel of all the nominally significant P-value single-nucleotide length polymorphisms (SNPs) in the top candidate genes discovered by CFG (n=135 genes, 713 SNPs) were used to generate a Genetic Risk Prediction Score (GRPS), which showed a trend towards significance (P=0.053) in separating alcohol-dependent individuals from controls in an independent German test cohort. In order to validate and prioritize the key genes that drive behavior without some of the pleiotropic environmental confounds present in humans, we used a stress-reactive animal model of alcoholism developed by our group, the D-box binding protein (DBP) knockout mouse, consistent with the surfeit of stress theory of addiction proposed by Koob and colleagues. A much smaller panel (n=11 genes, 66 SNPs) of the top CFG-discovered genes for alcoholism, cross-validated and prioritized by this stress-reactive animal model showed better predictive ability in the independent German test cohort (P=0.041). The top CFG scoring gene for alcoholism from the initial discovery step, synuclein alpha (SNCA) remained the top gene after the stress-reactive animal model cross-validation. We also tested this small panel of genes in two other independent test cohorts from the United States, one with alcohol dependence (P=0.00012) and one with alcohol abuse (a less severe form of alcoholism; P=0.0094). SNCA by itself was able to separate alcoholics from controls in the alcohol-dependent cohort (P=0.000013) and the alcohol abuse cohort (P=0.023). So did eight other genes from the panel of 11 genes taken individually, albeit to a lesser extent and/or less broadly across cohorts. SNCA, GRM3 and MBP survived strict Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Taken together, these results suggest that our stress-reactive DBP animal model helped to validate and prioritize from the CFG-discovered genes some of the key behaviorally relevant genes for alcoholism. These genes fall into a series of biological pathways involved in signal transduction, transmission of nerve impulse (including myelination) and cocaine addiction. Overall, our work provides leads towards a better understanding of illness, diagnostics and therapeutics, including treatment with omega-3 fatty acids. We also examined the overlap between the top candidate genes for alcoholism from this work and the top candidate genes for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety from previous CFG analyses conducted by us, as well as cross-tested genetic risk predictions. This revealed the significant genetic overlap with other major psychiatric disorder domains, providing a basis for comorbidity and dual diagnosis, and placing alcohol use in the broader context of modulating the mental landscape.
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Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a complex disorder affecting all social and ethnic groups. Although the scientific understanding of the mechanism governing this multifactorial disease is still in its infancy, understanding its biological bases, including the potential contribution of genetic factors, is key to characterizing individual's risk and developing efficacious therapeutic target to combat the disease. This review provides an overview of different approaches that are being increasingly integrated to extend our knowledge of the genetic underpinnings of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awoyemi A Awofala
- a Department of Biological Sciences , Tai Solarin University of Education , Ijagun , Ogun State , Nigeria
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23
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Yong W, Spence JP, Eskay R, Fitz SD, Damadzic R, Lai D, Foroud T, Carr LG, Shekhar A, Chester JA, Heilig M, Liang T. Alcohol-preferring rats show decreased corticotropin-releasing hormone-2 receptor expression and differences in HPA activation compared to alcohol-nonpreferring rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:1275-83. [PMID: 24611993 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortins (UCNs) bind to corticotropin-releasing hormone type 2 receptor (CRF2 receptor ), a Gs protein-coupled receptor that plays an important role in modulation of anxiety and stress responses. The Crhr2 gene maps to a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for alcohol preference on chromosome 4 previously identified in inbred alcohol-preferring (iP) and-nonpreferring (iNP) F2 rats. METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to screen for differences in Crhr2 mRNA expression in the central nervous system (CNS) of male iP and iNP rats. DNA sequence analysis was then performed to screen for polymorphism in Crhr2 in order to identify genetic variation, and luciferase reporter assays were then applied to test their functional significance. Next, binding assays were used to determine whether this polymorphism affected CRF2 receptor binding affinity as well as CRF2 receptor density in the CNS. Finally, social interaction and corticosterone levels were measured in the P and NP rats before and after 30-minute restraint stress. RESULTS Crhr2 mRNA expression studies found lower levels of Crhr2 mRNA in iP rats compared to iNP rats. In addition, DNA sequencing identified polymorphisms in the promoter region, coding region, and 3'-untranslated region between the iP and iNP rats. A 7 bp insertion in the Crhr2 promoter of iP rats altered expression in vitro as measured by reporter assays, and we found that CRF2 receptor density was lower in the amygdala of iP as compared to iNP rats. Male P rats displayed decreased social interaction and significantly higher corticosterone levels directly following 30-minute restraint when compared to male NP rats. CONCLUSIONS This study identified Crhr2 as a candidate gene of interest underlying the chromosome 4 QTL for alcohol consumption that was previously identified in the P and NP model. Crhr2 promoter polymorphism is associated with reduced mRNA expression in certain brain regions, particularly the amygdala, and lowered the density of CRF2 receptor in the amygdala of iP compared to iNP rats. Together, these differences between the animals may contribute to the drinking disparity as well as the anxiety differences of the P and NP rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Yong
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science , Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) & Peking Union Medical College (PUMC), Beijing, China; Department of Pediatrics , Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Medeiros GFD, Corrêa FJ, Corvino ME, Izídio GDS, Ramos A. The Long Way from Complex Phenotypes to Genes: The Story of Rat Chromosome 4 and Its Behavioral Effects. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.4236/wjns.2014.43024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Janeczek P, Lewohl JM. The role of α-synuclein in the pathophysiology of alcoholism. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:154-62. [PMID: 23791711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism has complex etiology and there is evidence for both genetic and environmental factors in its pathophysiology. Chronic, long-term alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence are associated with neuronal loss with the prefrontal cortex being particularly susceptible to neurotoxic damage. This brain region is involved in the development and persistence of alcohol addiction and neurotoxic damage is likely to exacerbate the reinforcing effects of alcohol and may hinder treatment. Understanding the mechanism of alcohol's neurotoxic effects on the brain and the genetic risk factors associated with alcohol abuse are the focus of current research. Because of its well-established role in neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders, and its emerging role in the pathophysiology of addiction, here we review the genetic and epigenetic factors involved in regulating α-synuclein expression and its potential role in the pathophysiology of chronic alcohol abuse. Elucidation of the mechanisms of α-synuclein regulation may prove beneficial in understanding the role of this key synaptic protein in disease and its potential for therapeutic modulation in the treatment of substance use disorders as well as other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Janeczek
- Griffith Health Institute, School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia
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Chandrasekar R. Alcohol and NMDA receptor: current research and future direction. Front Mol Neurosci 2013; 6:14. [PMID: 23754976 PMCID: PMC3664776 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2013.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is one of the major targets of alcohol actions. Most of the excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system is mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. However, one of the most devastating effects of alcohol leads to brain shrinkage, loss of nerve cells at specific regions through a mechanism involving excitotoxicity, oxidative stress. Earlier studies have indicated that chronic exposure to ethanol both in vivo and in vitro, increases NR1 and NR2B gene expression and their polypeptide levels. The effect of alcohol and molecular changes on the regulatory process, which modulates NMDAR functions including factors altering transcription, translation, post-translational modifications, and protein expression, as well as those influencing their interactions with different regulatory proteins (downstream effectors) are incessantly increasing at the cellular level. Further, I discuss the various genetically altered mice approaches that have been used to study NMDA receptor subunits and their functional implication. In a recent countable review, epigenetic dimension (i.e., histone modification-induced chromatin remodeling and DNA methylation, in the process of alcohol related neuroadaptation) is one of the key molecular mechanisms in alcohol mediated NMDAR alteration. Here, I provide a recount on what has already been achieved, current trends and how the future research/studies of the NMDA receptor might lead to even greater engagement with many possible new insights into the neurobiology and treatment of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Chandrasekar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology Core Facility, Kansas State University Manhattan, KS, USA
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López-Jiménez A, Walter NAR, Giné E, Santos Á, Echeverry-Alzate V, Bühler KM, Olmos P, Giezendanner S, Moratalla R, Montoliu L, Buck KJ, López-Moreno JA. A spontaneous deletion of α-synuclein is associated with an increase in CB1 mRNA transcript and receptor expression in the hippocampus and amygdala: effects on alcohol consumption. Synapse 2013; 67:280-9. [PMID: 23345080 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
α-Synuclein (α-syn) protein and endocannabinoid CB1 receptors are primarily located in presynaptic terminals. An association between α-syn and CB1 receptors has recently been established in Parkinson's disease, but it is completely unknown whether there is an association between these two proteins in alcohol addiction. Therefore, we aimed to examine the α-syn mRNA transcript and protein expression levels in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, amygdala and hippocampus. These brain regions are the most frequently implicated in alcohol and other drug addiction. In these studies, we used C57BL/6 mice carrying a spontaneous deletion of the α-syn gene (C57BL/6(Snca-/-) ) and their respective controls (C57BL/6(Snca) (+/) (+) ). These animals were monitored for spontaneous alcohol consumption (3-10%) and their response to a hypnotic-sedative dose of alcohol (3 g kg(-1) ) was also assessed. Compared with the C57BL/6(Snca+/+) mice, we found that the C57BL/6(Snca-/-) mice exhibited a higher expression level of the CB1 mRNA transcript and CB1 receptor in the hippocampus and amygdala. Furthermore, C57BL/6(Snca-/-) mice showed an increase in alcohol consumption when offered a 10% alcohol solution. There was no significant difference in sleep time after the injection of 3 g/kg alcohol. These results are the first to reveal an association between α-syn and the CB1 receptor in the brain regions that are most frequently implicated in alcohol and other drug addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Jiménez
- Department of Psychobiology, Faculty of Psychology, Campus de Somosaguas, Complutense University, 28223 Madrid, Spain
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Lenz B, Klafki HW, Hillemacher T, Frieling H, Clepce M, Gossler A, Thuerauf N, Winterer G, Kornhuber J, Bleich S. ERK1/2 protein and mRNA levels in human blood are linked to smoking behavior. Addict Biol 2012; 17:1026-35. [PMID: 21070506 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00264.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
From studies in cultured cells and animal models, nicotine and alcohol are known to regulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Alterations of ERK1/2 are thought to contribute to the drugs' rewarding effects. Accumulating evidence supports the importance of ERK1/2 in the molecular pathophysiology of depression and affective regulation in the hippocampus. We recently showed that the expression and phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) in human buffy coat were associated with smoking behavior. Because ERK1/2 is known to effect phosphorylation of CREB, the aim of the present study was to further elucidate whether cigarette smoking leads to alterations in terms of ERK1/2 in human buffy coat as well. In a comparison of 53 smokers with 146 non-smoking controls, we found significantly higher levels of ERK1/2 protein (P=0.004). In contrast, phospho-ERK1/2, phospho-/total-ERK1/2 ratio, mRNA-ERK1 and mRNA-ERK2 were not significantly different. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant relation among the number of cigarettes smoked daily (R(2)=0.266, P=0.003), the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score (R(2)=0.149, P=0.032) and the mRNA expression of ERK1. Moreover, our analysis suggests that the mRNA expression of ERK2 might be linked to mood (model summary: R(2)=0.087, P=0.019; mRNA-ERK2: P=0.026). Given that the ERK1/2 signaling pathway plays an important role in the physiology and pathophysiology of affective and addictive behavior, our findings provide a rationale basis for additional mechanistic studies that may lead to the development of novel signaling pathway selective therapeutics in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany.
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Bell RL, Sable HJ, Colombo G, Hyytia P, Rodd ZA, Lumeng L. Animal models for medications development targeting alcohol abuse using selectively bred rat lines: neurobiological and pharmacological validity. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2012; 103:119-55. [PMID: 22841890 PMCID: PMC3595005 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review paper is to present evidence that rat animal models of alcoholism provide an ideal platform for developing and screening medications that target alcohol abuse and dependence. The focus is on the 5 oldest international rat lines that have been selectively bred for a high alcohol-consumption phenotype. The behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes of these rat lines are reviewed and placed in the context of the clinical literature. The paper presents behavioral models for assessing the efficacy of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of alcohol abuse and dependence in rodents, with particular emphasis on rats. Drugs that have been tested for their effectiveness in reducing alcohol/ethanol consumption and/or self-administration by these rat lines and their putative site of action are summarized. The paper also presents some current and future directions for developing pharmacological treatments targeting alcohol abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Helen J.K. Sable
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Giancarlo Colombo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, Section of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Petri Hyytia
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zachary A. Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Lawrence Lumeng
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Dürsteler-MacFarland KM, Brugger I, Bönsch D, Schmid O, Kornhuber J, Bleich S, Wiesbeck GA. Alpha-synuclein and heroin craving in opiate-dependent patients on injectable heroin maintenance. Addict Biol 2012; 17:875-86. [PMID: 21309955 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00293.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that alpha-synuclein (SNCA) and NACP-Rep1, a polymorphic complex microsatellite repeat ~10 kb upstream of the SNCA gene translational start, may be involved in substance-use behaviors and craving. This study was the first to examine the effects of diacetylmorphine (DAM) on peripheral SNCA protein expression along with craving in opiate-dependent patients and to compare their NACP-Rep1 allele lengths with those of healthy controls. Using an experimental design, opiate-dependent patients on injectable heroin maintenance were investigated at four time points, twice pre- and post-injection of DAM. SNCA protein levels of 30 DAM-maintained patients were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Participant-rated effects were assessed in 42 patients by Tiffany's Heroin Craving Questionnaire (HCQ), Gossop's Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale and Visual Analogs. NACP-Rep1 alleles of 42 patients and 101 controls were analyzed. One-way repeated-measures ANOVAs provided significant overall effects for SNCA protein content (P = 0.028), craving (P < 0.001), withdrawal symptomatology (P < 0.001) and mood (P < 0.001), indicating that DAM injections may not only reduce craving but also SNCA protein expression. However, there was no association between protein expression and craving. Relative to controls, patients had significantly longer NACP-Rep1 alleles (P < 0.001). NACP-Rep1 allele lengths correlated positively with HCQ total scores averaged across all time points (r = 0.420; P = 0.006) as well as with post-DAM HCQ total scores in the morning (r = 0.488, P = 0.001) and afternoon (r = 0.423, P = 0.005). The findings provide evidence of a contributory role of SNCA and NACP-Rep1 for opiate dependence.
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Hillemacher T. Biological mechanisms in alcohol dependence--new perspectives. Alcohol Alcohol 2012; 46:224-30. [PMID: 21508194 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agr026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurobiological research in alcohol dependence has led to a new understanding of this addictive disease. While some important mechanisms like alterations in the mesolimbic reward system or changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenocortical axis have been well studied, other possible neurobiological mechanisms are still unrevealed. This applies for the role of specific neuroendocrinological pathways like the appetite-regulating system and the modification of gene expression, particularly the influence of genetic variants of transcription factors or epigenetic mechanism like DNA methylation or histone acetylation. This review describes the current knowledge regarding these factors, focusing particularly on the role of appetite- and volume-regulating hormones, the role of genetic variants of specific transcription factors and the function of epigenetic alterations in the genomic sequence of candidate genes for alcohol dependence. A further understanding of the influence of transcription factors and epigenetic regulation may help to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms in the neurobiology of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hillemacher
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
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Alfonso-Loeches S, Guerri C. Molecular and behavioral aspects of the actions of alcohol on the adult and developing brain. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2011; 48:19-47. [PMID: 21657944 DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2011.580567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The brain is one of the major target organs of alcohol actions. Alcohol abuse can lead to alterations in brain structure and functions and, in some cases, to neurodegeneration. Cognitive deficits and alcohol dependence are highly damaging consequences of alcohol abuse. Clinical and experimental studies have demonstrated that the developing brain is particularly vulnerable to alcohol, and that drinking during gestation can lead to a range of physical, learning and behavioral defects (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders), with the most dramatic presentation corresponding to fetal alcohol syndrome. Recent findings also indicate that adolescence is a stage of brain maturation and that heavy drinking at this stage can have a negative impact on brain structure and functions causing important short- and long-term cognitive and behavioral consequences. The effects of alcohol on the brain are not uniform; some brain areas or cell populations are more vulnerable than others. The prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, the cerebellum, the white matter and glial cells are particularly susceptible to the effects of ethanol. The molecular actions of alcohol on the brain are complex and involve numerous mechanisms and signaling pathways. Some of the mechanisms involved are common for the adult brain and for the developing brain, while others depend on the developmental stage. During brain ontogeny, alcohol causes irreversible alterations to the brain structure. It also impairs several molecular, neurochemical and cellular events taking place during normal brain development, including alterations in both gene expression regulation and the molecules involved in cell-cell interactions, interference with the mitogenic and growth factor response, enhancement of free radical formation and derangements of glial cell functions. However, in both adult and adolescent brains, alcohol damages specific brain areas through mechanisms involving excitotoxicity, free radical formation and neuroinflammatory damage resulting from activation of the innate immune system mediated by TLR4 receptors. Alcohol also acts on specific membrane proteins, such as neurotransmitter receptors (e.g. NMDA, GABA-A), ion channels (e.g. L-type Ca²⁺ channels, GIRKs), and signaling pathways (e.g. PKA and PKC signaling). These effects might underlie the wide variety of behavioral effects induced by ethanol drinking. The neuroadaptive changes affecting neurotransmission systems which are more sensitive to the acute effects of alcohol occur after long-term alcohol consumption. Alcohol-induced maladaptations in the dopaminergic mesolimbic system, abnormal plastic changes in the reward-related brain areas and genetic and epigenetic factors may all contribute to alcohol reinforcement and alcohol addiction. This manuscript reviews the mechanisms by which ethanol impacts the adult and the developing brain, and causes both neural impairments and cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. The identification and the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in ethanol toxicity might contribute to the development of treatments and/or therapeutic agents that could reduce or eliminate the deleterious effects of alcohol on the brain.
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Izídio GS, Oliveira LC, Oliveira LFG, Pereira E, Wehrmeister TD, Ramos A. The influence of sex and estrous cycle on QTL for emotionality and ethanol consumption. Mamm Genome 2011; 22:329-40. [PMID: 21516450 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-011-9327-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Prasad K, Tarasewicz E, Strickland PAO, O’Neill M, Mitchell SN, Merchant K, Tep S, Hilton K, Datwani A, Buttini M, Mueller-Steiner S, Richfield EK. Biochemical and morphological consequences of human α-synuclein expression in a mouse α-synuclein null background. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 33:642-56. [PMID: 21272100 PMCID: PMC3072281 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07558.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
A consensus about the functions of human wild-type or mutated α-synuclein (αSYN) is lacking. Both forms of αSYN are implicated in Parkinson's disease, whereas the wild-type form is implicated in substance abuse. Interactions with other cellular proteins and organelles may meditate its functions. We developed a series of congenic mouse lines containing various allele doses or combinations of the human wild-type αSYN (hwαSYN) or a doubly mutated (A30P*A53T) αSYN (hm(2) αSYN) in a C57Bl/6J line spontaneously deleted in mouse αSYN (C57BL/6JOla). Both transgenes had a functional role in the nigrostriatal system, demonstrated by significant elevations in striatal catecholamines, metabolites and the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase compared with null-mice without a transgene. Consequences occurred when the transgenes were expressed at a fraction of the endogenous level. Hemizygous congenic mice did not exhibit any change in the number or size of dopaminergic neurons in the ventral midbrain at 9 months of age. Human αSYN was predominantly located in neuronal cell bodies, neurites, synapses, and in intraneuronal/intraneuritic aggregates. The hm(2) αSYN transgene resulted in more aggregates and dystrophic neurites than did the hw5 transgene. The hwαSYN transgene resulted in higher expression of two striatal proteins, synaptogamin 7 and UCHL1, compared with the levels of the hm(2) αSYN transgene. These observations suggest that mutations in αSYN may impair specific functional domains, leaving others intact. These lines may be useful for exploring interactions between hαSYN and environmental or genetic risk factors in dopamine-related disorders using a mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavita Prasad
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Elizabeth Tarasewicz
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | - Pamela A. Ohman Strickland
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854
| | | | | | | | - Samnang Tep
- Elan Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Kathryn Hilton
- Elan Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Akash Datwani
- Elan Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | - Manuel Buttini
- Elan Pharmaceuticals Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080
| | | | - Eric K. Richfield
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS), University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey (UMDNJ), Piscataway, NJ 08854
- Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI), Piscataway, NJ 08854
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Boyer F, Balado E, Piazza PV, Dreyer JL, Deroche-Gamonet V. A decrease in gamma-synuclein expression within the nucleus accumbens increases cocaine intravenous self-administration in the rat. Addict Biol 2011; 16:120-3. [PMID: 20579003 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00232.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Except as a marker of cancer progression, gamma-synuclein (GSyn) had received little attention. Recent data showed however that GSyn modulates cocaine-induced locomotor effects, suggesting that it could also play a role in cocaine reinforcing effects. In the rat, siRNAs targeting GSyn expression were injected in the nucleus accumbens and cocaine reinforcing effects were evaluated by means of intravenous self-administration. A dose-response curve was followed by procedures of progressive ratio, extinction, cocaine- and cue-induced reinstatements. Decrease of GSyn expression increased self-administration over a large range of doses. This effect was associated with an increase in cocaine-induced reinstatement. The present data reveal that GSyn exert a specific negative control on cocaine-induced reinforcing and incentive effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Boyer
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
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Bice PJ, Liang T, Zhang L, Graves TJ, Carr LG, Lai D, Kimpel MW, Foroud T. Fine mapping and expression of candidate genes within the chromosome 10 QTL region of the high and low alcohol-drinking rats. Alcohol 2010; 44:477-85. [PMID: 20705418 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Accepted: 06/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The high and low alcohol-drinking (HAD and LAD) rats were selectively bred for differences in alcohol intake. The HAD/LAD rats originated from the N/Nih heterogeneous stock developed from intercrossing eight inbred rat strains. The HAD×LAD F2 were genotyped, and a powerful analytical approach, using ancestral recombination and F2 recombination, was used to narrow a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for alcohol drinking to a 2-cM region on distal chromosome 10 that was in common in the HAD1/LAD1 and HAD2/LAD2 analyses. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to examine mRNA expression of six candidate genes (Crebbp, Trap1, Gnptg, Clcn7, Fahd1, and Mapk8ip3) located within the narrowed QTL region in the HAD1/LAD1 rats. Expression was examined in five brain regions, including the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, caudate putamen, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. All six genes showed differential expression in at least one brain region. Of the genes tested in this study, Crebbp and Mapk8ip3 may be the most promising candidates with regard to alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula J Bice
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Library Building, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Ash BL, Zanatta SD, Williams SJ, Lawrence AJ, Djouma E. The galanin-3 receptor antagonist, SNAP 37889, reduces operant responding for ethanol in alcohol-preferring rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 166:59-67. [PMID: 20736033 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2010.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Revised: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The galanin-3 receptor (GALR3) subtype has been identified as having a role in both feeding behaviour and the regulation of emotional states including anxiety. Despite the evidence for an association between galanin and alcohol, the current study is the first to explore the direct role of GALR3 in this context. The present study investigated the potential of the novel selective GALR3 antagonist, SNAP 37889, to reduce anxiety-like behaviour and voluntary ethanol consumption in the iP (alcohol-preferring) rat. This was achieved through a number of behavioural paradigms testing for anxiety, along with the operant self-administration model. RESULTS Overall, male iP rats treated with SNAP 37889 at a dose of 30 mg/kg (i.p.) did not show altered locomotor activity or changes in anxiety-like behaviour in the elevated plus maze or light-dark paradigms. Treatment with SNAP 37889 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced operant responding for solutions containing ethanol, sucrose and saccharin. Collectively, results from the current study showed that SNAP 37889 (30 mg/kg, i.p.) is effective in reducing operant responding for ethanol, independent of a sedative effect. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence that GALR3 antagonism reduces alcohol consumption and further suggest that GALR3 may be implicated in the rewarding effects of natural and drug reinforcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda L Ash
- School of Human Biosciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Alam I, Carr LG, Liang T, Liu Y, Edenberg HJ, Econs MJ, Turner CH. Identification of genes influencing skeletal phenotypes in congenic P/NP rats. J Bone Miner Res 2010; 25:1314-25. [PMID: 20200994 PMCID: PMC3153136 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2009] [Revised: 10/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed that alcohol-preferring (P) rats have higher bone density than alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats. Genetic mapping in P and NP rats identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) between 4q22 and 4q34 for alcohol preference. At the same location, several QTLs linked to bone density and structure were detected in Fischer 344 (F344) and Lewis (LEW) rats, suggesting that bone mass and strength genes might cosegregate with genes that regulate alcohol preference. The aim of this study was to identify the genes segregating for skeletal phenotypes in congenic P and NP rats. Transfer of the NP chromosome 4 QTL into the P background (P.NP) significantly decreased areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) at several skeletal sites, whereas transfer of the P chromosome 4 QTL into the NP background (NP.P) significantly increased bone mineral content (BMC) and aBMD in the same skeletal sites. Microarray analysis from the femurs using Affymetrix Rat Genome arrays revealed 53 genes that were differentially expressed among the rat strains with a false discovery rate (FDR) of less than 10%. Nine candidate genes were found to be strongly correlated (r(2) > 0.50) with bone mass at multiple skeletal sites. The top three candidate genes, neuropeptide Y (Npy), alpha synuclein (Snca), and sepiapterin reductase (Spr), were confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed relationships among the candidate genes related to bone metabolism involving beta-estradiol, interferon-gamma, and a voltage-gated calcium channel. We identified several candidate genes, including some novel genes on chromosome 4 segregating for skeletal phenotypes in reciprocal congenic P and NP rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imranul Alam
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lucinda G Carr
- Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Pharmacology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tiebing Liang
- Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Howard J Edenberg
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michael J Econs
- Medicine, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Charles H Turner
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Biomechanics and Biomaterials Research Center, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Pelkonen A, Hiltunen M, Kiianmaa K, Yavich L. Stimulated dopamine overflow and alpha-synuclein expression in the nucleus accumbens core distinguish rats bred for differential ethanol preference. J Neurochem 2010; 114:1168-76. [PMID: 20533994 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2010.06844.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The key neurochemical systems and structures involved in the predisposition to substance abuse and preference to ethanol (EtOH) are not known in detail but clearly dopamine (DA) is an important modulator of addiction. Recent data indicate that alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn), a pre-synaptic protein, plays a role in regulation of DA release from the pre-synaptic terminals in striatum and the expression of this protein is different after drug abuse or following abstinence. In the present work, we analysed stimulated DA overflow in the dorsal and ventral striatum in EtOH naïve alko alchohol (AA) and alko non-alchohol (ANA) rats selected for more than 100 generations for their differential EtOH preference. In the same structures, we studied the expression of alpha-syn using western blotting. AA rats, in comparison with ANA rats, showed a marked reduction of stimulated peak DA overflow and higher levels of alpha-syn in the nucleus accumbens core. In the same structure, DA re-uptake was increased in AA rats in comparison with ANA rats. The effects of EtOH at low (0.1 g/kg) and higher (3 mg/kg) doses on DA overflow measured in the nucleus accumbens shell were similar in both lines. These results indicate that high expression of alpha-syn may contribute to the reduced DA overflow and the possible activation of re-uptake in the nucleus accumbens core of AA rats in comparison with ANA rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anssi Pelkonen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Ehlers CL, Walter NAR, Dick DM, Buck KJ, Crabbe JC. A comparison of selected quantitative trait loci associated with alcohol use phenotypes in humans and mouse models. Addict Biol 2010; 15:185-99. [PMID: 20148779 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2009.00195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence for genetic linkage to alcohol and other substance dependence phenotypes in areas of the human and mouse genome have now been reported with some consistency across studies. However, the question remains as to whether the genes that underlie the alcohol-related behaviors seen in mice are the same as those that underlie the behaviors observed in human alcoholics. The aims of the current set of analyses were to identify a small set of alcohol-related phenotypes in human and in mouse by which to compare quantitative trait locus (QTL) data between the species using syntenic mapping. These analyses identified that QTLs for alcohol consumption and acute and chronic alcohol withdrawal on distal mouse chromosome 1 are syntenic to a region on human chromosome 1q where a number of studies have identified QTLs for alcohol-related phenotypes. Additionally, a QTL on human chromosome 15 for alcohol dependence severity/withdrawal identified in two human studies was found to be largely syntenic with a region on mouse chromosome 9, where two groups have found QTLs for alcohol preference. In both of these cases, while the QTLs were found to be syntenic, the exact phenotypes between humans and mice did not necessarily overlap. These studies demonstrate how this technique might be useful in the search for genes underlying alcohol-related phenotypes in multiple species. However, these findings also suggest that trying to match exact phenotypes in humans and mice may not be necessary or even optimal for determining whether similar genes influence a range of alcohol-related behaviors between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy L Ehlers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Peña-Oliver Y, Buchman VL, Stephens DN. Lack of involvement of alpha-synuclein in unconditioned anxiety in mice. Behav Brain Res 2010; 209:234-40. [PMID: 20138921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2010.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 01/22/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-synuclein is implicated in the pathology of Parkinson disease (PD) and is involved in synaptic function, particularly in presynaptic events in dopamine (DA) synapses. Recently, a role for alpha-synuclein in reward and addiction, especially in alcoholism, has been reported. Since PD and alcohol dependence present a strong comorbidity with anxiety disorders, a role for alpha-synuclein in anxiety has been proposed. The aim of the present investigation was to study the involvement of alpha-synuclein in anxiety by testing alpha-synuclein knock out and wild type mice in three different emotionality tests: the open field, the elevated plus maze and the light-dark box. Alpha-synuclein knock out mice and wild type controls displayed consistently similar emotionality profiles in all the tests, suggesting a lack of involvement of alpha-synuclein in unconditioned anxiety in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Peña-Oliver
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
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42
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Liang T, Kimpel MW, McClintick JN, Skillman AR, McCall K, Edenberg HJ, Carr LG. Candidate genes for alcohol preference identified by expression profiling in alcohol-preferring and -nonpreferring reciprocal congenic rats. Genome Biol 2010; 11:R11. [PMID: 20128895 PMCID: PMC2872871 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2010-11-2-r11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats differ greatly in alcohol preference, in part due to a highly significant quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 4. Alcohol consumption scores of reciprocal chromosome 4 congenic strains NP.P and P.NP correlated with the introgressed interval. The goal of this study was to identify candidate genes that may influence alcohol consumption by comparing gene expression in five brain regions of alcohol-naïve inbred alcohol-preferring and P.NP congenic rats: amygdala, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, caudate putamen, and frontal cortex. RESULTS Within the QTL region, 104 cis-regulated probe sets were differentially expressed in more than one region, and an additional 53 were differentially expressed in a single region. Fewer trans-regulated probe sets were detected, and most differed in only one region. Analysis of the average expression values across the 5 brain regions yielded 141 differentially expressed cis-regulated probe sets and 206 trans-regulated probe sets. Comparing the present results from inbred alcohol-preferring vs. congenic P.NP rats to earlier results from the reciprocal congenic NP.P vs. inbred alcohol-nonpreferring rats demonstrated that 74 cis-regulated probe sets were differentially expressed in the same direction and with a consistent magnitude of difference in at least one brain region. CONCLUSIONS Cis-regulated candidate genes for alcohol consumption that lie within the chromosome 4 QTL were identified and confirmed by consistent results in two independent experiments with reciprocal congenic rats. These genes are strong candidates for affecting alcohol preference in the inbred alcohol-preferring and inbred alcohol-nonpreferring rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiebing Liang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, IB424G, 975 West Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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43
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Abstract
Psychiatric diseases are very debilitating and some of them highly prevalent (e.g., depression or anxiety). The rat remains one model of choice in this discipline to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying normal and pathological traits. Genomic tools are now applied to identify genes involved in psychiatric illnesses and also to provide new biomarkers for diagnostic and prognosis, new targets for treatment and more generally to better understand the functioning of the brain. In this report, we will review rat models, behavioral approaches used to model psychiatry-related traits and the major studies published in the field including genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL), transcriptomics, proteomics and transgenic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Moisan
- INRA, UMR 1286 PsyNuGen, CNRS, UMR 5226, Université de Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux, France
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Spence JP, Liang T, Liu L, Johnson PL, Foroud T, Carr LG, Shekhar A. From QTL to candidate gene: a genetic approach to alcoholism research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 2:127-34. [PMID: 19630743 DOI: 10.2174/1874473710902020127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A major focus of research in alcohol-related disorders is to identify the genes and pathways that modulate alcohol-seeking behavior. In light of this, animal models have been established to study various aspects of alcohol dependence. The selectively bred alcohol-preferring (P) and -nonpreferring (NP) lines were developed from Wistar rats to model high and low voluntary alcohol consumption, respectively. Using inbred P and NP strains, a strong QTL (LOD-9.2) for alcohol consumption was identified on rat chromosome 4. To search for candidate genes that underlie this chromosomal region, complementary molecular-based strategies were implemented to identify genetic targets that likely contribute to the linkage signal. In an attempt to validate these genetic targets, corroborative studies have been utilized including pharmacological studies, knock-out/transgenic models as well as human association studies. Thus far, three candidate genes, neuropeptide Y (Npy), alpha-synuclein (Snca), and corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2 (Crhr2), have been identified that may account for the linkage signal. With the recent advancements in bioinformatics and molecular biology, QTL analysis combined with molecular-based strategies provides a systematic approach to identify candidate genes that contribute to various aspects of addictive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Spence
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Expression of alpha-synuclein is increased in the hippocampus of rats with high levels of innate anxiety. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:894-905. [PMID: 18427558 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
A genomic region neighboring the alpha-synuclein gene, on rat chromosome 4, has been associated with anxiety- and alcohol-related behaviors in different rat strains. In this study, we have investigated potential molecular and physiological links between alpha-synuclein and the behavioral differences observed between Lewis (LEW) and Spontaneously Hypertensive (SHR) inbred rats, a genetic model of anxiety. As expected, LEW rats appeared more fearful than SHR rats in three anxiety models: open field, elevated plus maze and light/dark box. Moreover, LEW rats displayed a higher preference for alcohol and consumed higher quantities of alcohol than SHR rats. alpha-Synuclein mRNA and protein concentrations were higher in the hippocampus, but not the hypothalamus of LEW rats. This result inversely correlated with differences in dopamine turnover in the hippocampus of LEW and SHR rats, supporting the hypothesis that alpha-synuclein is important in the downregulation of dopamine neurotransmission. A novel single nucleotide polymorphism was identified in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of the alpha-synuclein cDNA between these two rat strains. Plasmid constructs based on the LEW 3'-UTR sequence displayed increased expression of a reporter gene in transiently transfected PC12 cells, in accordance with in-vivo findings, suggesting that this nucleotide exchange might participate in the differential expression of alpha-synuclein between LEW and SHR rats. These results are consistent with a novel role for alpha-synuclein in modulating rat anxiety-like behaviors, possibly through dopaminergic mechanisms. Since the behavioral and genetic differences between these two strains are the product of independent evolutionary histories, the possibility that polymorphisms in the alpha-synuclein gene may be associated with vulnerability to anxiety-related disorders in humans requires further investigation.
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46
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Spanagel R. Alcoholism: A Systems Approach From Molecular Physiology to Addictive Behavior. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:649-705. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00013.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 491] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is an integral part of daily life in many societies. The benefits associated with the production, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages come at an enormous cost to these societies. The World Health Organization ranks alcohol as one of the primary causes of the global burden of disease in industrialized countries. Alcohol-related diseases, especially alcoholism, are the result of cumulative responses to alcohol exposure, the genetic make-up of an individual, and the environmental perturbations over time. This complex gene × environment interaction, which has to be seen in a life-span perspective, leads to a large heterogeneity among alcohol-dependent patients, in terms of both the symptom dimensions and the severity of this disorder. Therefore, a reductionistic approach is not very practical if a better understanding of the pathological processes leading to an addictive behavior is to be achieved. Instead, a systems-oriented perspective in which the interactions and dynamics of all endogenous and environmental factors involved are centrally integrated, will lead to further progress in alcohol research. This review adheres to a systems biology perspective such that the interaction of alcohol with primary and secondary targets within the brain is described in relation to the behavioral consequences. As a result of the interaction of alcohol with these targets, alterations in gene expression and synaptic plasticity take place that lead to long-lasting alteration in neuronal network activity. As a subsequent consequence, alcohol-seeking responses ensue that can finally lead via complex environmental interactions to an addictive behavior.
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Brighina L, Schneider NK, Lesnick TG, de Andrade M, Cunningham JM, Mrazek D, Rocca WA, Maraganore DM. Alpha-synuclein, alcohol use disorders, and Parkinson disease: a case-control study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2009; 15:430-4. [PMID: 19196539 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2008.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2008] [Revised: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/13/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Collaborative pooled analyses demonstrated that allele length variability of the dinucleotide repeat sequence within the alpha-synuclein gene promoter (SNCA REP1) is associated with Parkinson disease (PD) worldwide. Other studies demonstrated that variability in the SNCA promoter is also associated with alcohol use disorders, but not consistently. Yet other studies demonstrated that alcohol use disorders are inversely associated with PD, but not consistently. The aim of this study was to clarify the patterns of association between REP1 genotype, alcohol use disorders, and PD. Cases were recruited from the Department of Neurology of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. The controls included unaffected siblings and unrelated controls. We assessed alcohol use via a structured telephone interview and screened for alcohol use disorders using the CAGE questionnaire. REP1 genotyping was performed using an ABI 3730XL platform. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using conditional logistic regression models. We recruited 893 case-control pairs. There was an increasing risk of PD with increasing SNCA REP1 allele length (OR 1.18 for each REP1 genotype score unit, 95% CI 1.02-1.35; p=0.02). There was a decreasing risk of PD with increasing CAGE score (p=0.01). The association of REP1 score with PD remained significant after adjusting for CAGE score, and the association of CAGE score with PD remained significant after adjusting for REP1 score. There were no pairwise interactions. Our findings suggest that SNCA REP1 genotype and alcohol use disorders are independently associated with PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Brighina
- Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Technologies, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Genetics, pharmacokinetics, and neurobiology of adolescent alcohol use. ALCOHOL RESEARCH & HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM 2009; 28:133-42. [PMID: 19093687 PMCID: PMC6601661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Complex behaviors such as the initiation and use of alcohol result from an intricate interplay between genes and environment. Genes shape physiological and behavioral responses to alcohol that can influence the likelihood that a young person will begin using alcohol and that he or she will progress to problem drinking. Youthful alcohol use also can have an impact on unfolding developmental patterns, and for some, early use becomes the entry point for pathways that lead to problems with alcohol. This article first describes research on genes that may be involved in the development of alcohol problems and how genetic factors may contribute to adolescent alcohol use. It then examines how the changes that occur during adolescent development--in alcohol metabolism, in the brain, and in the endocrine and stress response systems--may affect how a young person experiences alcohol and the likelihood that he or she will develop alcohol use problems.
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49
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Crabbe JC. Review. Neurogenetic studies of alcohol addiction. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2008; 363:3201-11. [PMID: 18640917 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2008.0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenetic studies of alcohol dependence have relied substantially on genetic animal models, particularly rodents. Studies of inbred strains, selectively bred lines and mutants bearing genes whose function has been targeted for over or under expression are reviewed. Studies focused on gene expression changes are the most recent contributors to this literature, and some genetic effects may work through epigenetic mechanisms. In a few instances, interesting parallels have been revealed between genetic risk in humans and studies in non-human animal models. Future approaches are likely to be increasingly complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Crabbe
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, VA Medical Center R&D 12, 3710 Southwest US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Wetherill L, Schuckit MA, Hesselbrock V, Xuei X, Liang T, Dick DM, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI, Tischfield JA, Porjesz B, Edenberg HJ, Foroud T. Neuropeptide Y receptor genes are associated with alcohol dependence, alcohol withdrawal phenotypes, and cocaine dependence. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2008; 32:2031-40. [PMID: 18828811 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00790.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several lines of evidence in both human and animal studies suggest that variation in neuropeptide Y (NPY) or its receptor genes (NPY1R, NPY2R and NPY5R) is associated with alcohol dependence as well as alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Additional studies suggest that cocaine may affect NPY expression. METHODS A total of 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped across NPY and its 3 receptor genes in a sample of 1,923 subjects from 219 multiplex alcoholic families of European American descent recruited as part of the Collaborative Studies on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) study. Family-based association analysis was performed to test the primary hypothesis that variation in these genes is associated with alcohol dependence. Secondary analyses evaluated whether there was an association of these SNPs with symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, cocaine dependence, or comorbid alcohol and cocaine dependence. RESULTS Although variations in NPY itself were not associated with these phenotypes, variations in 2 NPY-receptor genes were. SNPs in NPY2R provided significant evidence of association with alcohol dependence, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, comorbid alcohol and cocaine dependence, and cocaine dependence (all p < 0.03). Haplotype analyses strengthened the evidence for these phenotypes (global 0.0004 < p < 0.005). SNPs in NPY5R demonstrated significant association with alcohol withdrawal characterized by seizures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results indicate that sequence variations in NPY receptor genes are associated with alcohol dependence, particularly a severe subtype of alcohol dependence characterized by withdrawal symptoms, comorbid alcohol and cocaine dependence, and cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Wetherill
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA
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