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Rezaei S, Prévot TD, Vieira E, Sibille E. LPS-induced inflammation reduces GABAergic interneuron markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in mouse prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100761. [PMID: 38586282 PMCID: PMC10992730 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, reduced gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) function and altered neuroplasticity are co-occurring pathophysiologies in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the link between these biological changes remains unclear. We hypothesized that inflammation induces deficits in GABAergic interneuron markers and that this effect is mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We report here that systemic inflammation induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg/kg) in the first cohort of C57BL/6 mice (n = 72; 10-11 weeks; 50% female) resulted in increased interleukin 1-beta and interleukin-6 in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qPCR) was used to explore the effect of LPS on the expression of GABAergic interneuron markers. In the PFC of the second cohort (n = 39; 10-11 weeks; 50% female), 2 mg/kg of LPS decreased the expression of somatostatin (Sst) (p = 0.0014), parvalbumin (Pv) (p = 0.0257), cortistatin (Cort) (p = 0.0003), neuropeptide Y (Npy) (p = 0.0033) and cholecystokinin (Cck) (p = 0.0041), and did not affect corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (Vip) expression. In the HPC, 2 mg/kg of LPS decreased the expression of Sst (p = 0.0543), Cort (p = 0.0011), Npy (p = 0.0001), and Cck (p < 0.0001), and did not affect Crh, Pv, and Vip expression. LPS decreased the expression of Bdnf in the PFC (p < 0.0001) and HPC (p = 0.0003), which significantly correlated with affected markers (Sst, Pv, Cort, Cck, and Npy). Collectively, these results suggest that inflammation may causally contribute to cortical cell microcircuit GABAergic deficits observed in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rezaei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Thomas D. Prévot
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Erica Vieira
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Etienne Sibille
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute at CAMH, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, M5T 1R8, Canada
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Cecerska-Heryć E, Polikowska A, Serwin N, Michalczyk A, Stodolak P, Goszka M, Zoń M, Budkowska M, Tyburski E, Podwalski P, Waszczuk K, Rudkowski K, Kucharska-Mazur J, Mak M, Samochowiec A, Misiak B, Sagan L, Samochowiec J, Dołęgowska B. The importance of oxidative biomarkers in diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring schizophrenia patients. Schizophr Res 2024; 270:44-56. [PMID: 38851167 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of schizophrenia (SCZ), an incredibly complex disorder, remains multifaceted. Literature suggests the involvement of oxidative stress (OS) in the pathophysiology of SCZ. OBJECTIVES Determination of selected OS markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with chronic SCZ and those in states predisposing to SCZ-first episode psychosis (FP) and ultra-high risk (UHR). MATERIALS AND METHODS Determination of OS markers and BDNF levels by spectrophotometric methods and ELISA in 150 individuals (116 patients diagnosed with SCZ or in a predisposed state, divided into four subgroups according to the type of disorder: deficit schizophrenia, non-deficit schizophrenia, FP, UHR). The control group included 34 healthy volunteers. RESULTS Lower activities of analyzed antioxidant enzymes and GSH and TAC concentrations were found in all individuals in the study group compared to controls (p < 0.001). BDNF concentration was also lower in all groups compared to controls except in the UHR subgroup (p = 0.01). Correlations were observed between BDNF, R-GSSG, GST, GPx activity, and disease duration (p < 0.02). A small effect of smoking on selected OS markers was also noted (rho<0.06, p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS OS may play an important role in the pathophysiology of SCZ before developing the complete clinical pattern of the disorder. The redox imbalance manifests itself with such severity in individuals with SCZ and in a state predisposing to the development of this psychiatric disease that natural antioxidant systems become insufficient to compensate against it completely. The discussed OS biomarkers may support the SCZ diagnosis and predict its progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Polikowska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Serwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Anna Michalczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Stodolak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Goszka
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Martyn Zoń
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Budkowska
- Department of Analytical Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Ernest Tyburski
- Department of Health Psychology, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Podwalski
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Waszczuk
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Rudkowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Kucharska-Mazur
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Monika Mak
- Department of Health Psychology, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Consultation Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Leszek Sagan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 71-252 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jerzy Samochowiec
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Barbara Dołęgowska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University of Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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3
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Kim HJ, Phan TT, Lee K, Kim JS, Lee SY, Lee JM, Do J, Lee D, Kim SP, Lee KP, Park J, Lee CJ, Park JM. Long-lasting forms of plasticity through patterned ultrasound-induced brainwave entrainment. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk3198. [PMID: 38394205 PMCID: PMC10889366 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk3198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Achieving long-lasting neuronal modulation with low-intensity, low-frequency ultrasound is challenging. Here, we devised theta burst ultrasound stimulation (TBUS) with gamma bursts for brain entrainment and modulation of neuronal plasticity in the mouse motor cortex. We demonstrate that two types of TBUS, intermittent and continuous TBUS, induce bidirectional long-term potentiation or depression-like plasticity, respectively, as evidenced by changes in motor-evoked potentials. These effects depended on molecular pathways associated with long-term plasticity, including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin receptor kinase B activation, as well as de novo protein synthesis. Notably, bestrophin-1 and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 play important roles in these enduring effects. Moreover, pretraining TBUS enhances the acquisition of previously unidentified motor skills. Our study unveils a promising protocol for ultrasound neuromodulation, enabling noninvasive and sustained modulation of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Jeong Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tien Thuy Phan
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunhyung Lee
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Sook Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Yeong Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Moo Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongrok Do
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Doyun Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Phil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Pil Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyoung Park
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - C. Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Min Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan, Republic of Korea
- University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Zosen D, Kondratskaya E, Kaplan-Arabaci O, Haugen F, Paulsen RE. Antidepressants escitalopram and venlafaxine up-regulate BDNF promoter IV but down-regulate neurite outgrowth in differentiating SH-SY5Y neurons. Neurochem Int 2023; 169:105571. [PMID: 37451345 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105571] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressants are used to treat depression and some anxiety disorders, including use in pregnant patients. The pharmacological actions of these drugs generally determine the uptake and metabolism of a series of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine, along with an increase in BDNF expression. However, many aspects of antidepressant action remain unknown, particularly whether antidepressants interfere with normal neurodevelopment when taken by pregnant women. In order to reveal cellular and molecular implications crucial to the functioning of pathways related to antidepressant effects, we performed an investigation on neuronally differentiating human SH-SY5Y cells. To our knowledge, this is the first time human SH-SY5Y cells in cultures of purely neuronal cells induced by controlled differentiation with retinoic acid are followed by short-term 48-h exposure to 0.1-10 μM escitalopram or venlafaxine. Treatment with antidepressants (1 μM) did not affect the electrophysiological properties of SH-SY5Y cells. However, the percentage of mature neurons exhibiting voltage-gated sodium currents was substantially higher in cultures pre-treated with either antidepressant. After exposure to escitalopram or venlafaxine, we observed a concentration-dependent increase in activity-dependent BDNF promoter IV activation. The assessment of neurite metrics showed significant down-regulation of neurite outgrowth upon exposure to venlafaxine. Identified changes may represent links to molecular processes of importance to depression and be involved in neurodevelopmental alterations observed in postpartum children exposed to antidepressants antenatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Zosen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elena Kondratskaya
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, and Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Oykum Kaplan-Arabaci
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fred Haugen
- Department of Work Psychology and Physiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild Elisabeth Paulsen
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Roethler O, Zohar E, Cohen-Kashi Malina K, Bitan L, Gabel HW, Spiegel I. Single genomic enhancers drive experience-dependent GABAergic plasticity to maintain sensory processing in the adult cortex. Neuron 2023; 111:2693-2708.e8. [PMID: 37354902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.05.026] [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: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Experience-dependent plasticity of synapses modulates information processing in neural circuits and is essential for cognitive functions. The genome, via non-coding enhancers, was proposed to control information processing and circuit plasticity by regulating experience-induced transcription of genes that modulate specific sets of synapses. To test this idea, we analyze here the cellular and circuit functions of the genomic mechanisms that control the experience-induced transcription of Igf1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) in vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) interneurons (INs) in the visual cortex of adult mice. We find that two sensory-induced enhancers selectively and cooperatively drive the activity-induced transcription of Igf1 to thereby promote GABAergic inputs onto VIP INs and to homeostatically control the ratio between excitation and inhibition (E/I ratio)-in turn, this restricts neural activity in VIP INs and principal excitatory neurons and maintains spatial frequency tuning. Thus, enhancer-mediated activity-induced transcription maintains sensory processing in the adult cortex via homeostatic modulation of E/I ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ori Roethler
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eran Zohar
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Katayun Cohen-Kashi Malina
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lidor Bitan
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Harrison Wren Gabel
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ivo Spiegel
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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6
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Costa GA, de Gusmão Taveiros Silva NK, Marianno P, Chivers P, Bailey A, Camarini R. Environmental Enrichment Increased Bdnf Transcripts in the Prefrontal Cortex: Implications for an Epigenetically Controlled Mechanism. Neuroscience 2023; 526:277-289. [PMID: 37419403 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is a condition characterized by its complexity regarding social contact, exposure to novelty, tactile stimuli and voluntary exercise, also is considered as a eustress model. The impact of EE on brain physiology and behavioral outcomes may be at least partly underpinned by mechanisms involving the modulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but the connection between specific Bdnf exon expression and their epigenetic regulation remain poorly understood. This study aimed to dissect the transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory effect of 54-day exposure to EE on BDNF by analysing individual BDNF exons mRNA expression and the DNA methylation profile of a key transcriptional regulator of the Bdnf gene, exon IV, in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of C57BL/6 male mice (sample size = 33). Bdnf exons II, IV, VI and IX mRNA expression were upregulated and methylation levels at two CpG sites of exon IV were reduced in the PFC of EE mice. As deficit in exon IV expression has also been causally implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, we also assessed anxiety-like behavior and plasma corticosterone levels in these mice to determine any potential correlation. However, no changes were observed in EE mice. The findings may suggest an EE-induced epigenetic control of BDNF exon expression via a mechanism involving exon IV methylation. The findings of this study contribute to the current literature by dissecting the Bdnf gene topology in the PFC where transcriptional and epigenetic regulatory effect of EE takes place.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Araújo Costa
- Pharmacology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Priscila Marianno
- Pharmacology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priti Chivers
- School of Biosciences & Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK.
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Pharmacology Department, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Hu X, Yuan X, Yang M, Han M, Ommati MM, Ma Y. Arsenic exposure induced anxiety-like behaviors in male mice via influencing the GABAergic Signaling in the prefrontal cortex. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:86352-86364. [PMID: 37402917 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-28426-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in drinking water causes a global public health problem. Emerging evidence suggests that arsenic may act as an environmental risk factor for anxiety disorders. However, the exact mechanism underlying the adverse effects has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety-like behaviors of mice exposed to arsenic trioxide (As2O3), to observe the neuropathological changes, and to explore the link between the GABAergic system and behavioral manifestations. For this purpose, male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to various doses of As2O3 (0, 0.15, 1.5, and 15 mg/L) through drinking water for 12 weeks. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using the open field test (OFT), light/dark choice test, and elevated zero maze (EZM). Neuronal injuries in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were assessed by light microscopy with H&E and Nissl staining. Ultrastructural alteration in the cerebral cortex was assessed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The expression levels of GABAergic system-related molecules (i.e., glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transporter, and GABAB receptor subunits) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) were determined by qRT-PCR and western blotting. Arsenic exposure showed a striking anxiogenic effect on mice, especially in the group exposed to 15 mg/L As2O3. Light microscopy showed neuron necrosis and reduced cell counts. TEM revealed marked ultrastructural changes, including the vacuolated mitochondria, disrupted Nissl bodies, an indentation in the nucleus membrane, and delamination of myelin sheath in the cortex. In addition, As2O3 influenced the GABAergic system in the PFC by decreasing the expression of the glutamate decarboxylase 1 (GAD1) and the GABAB2 receptor subunit, but not the GABAB1 receptor subunit. To sum up, sub-chronic exposure to As2O3 is associated with increased anxiety-like behaviors, which may be mediated by altered GABAergic signaling in the PFC. These findings shed light on the mechanisms responsible for the neurotoxic effects of arsenic and therefore more cautions should be taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingyu Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mingsheng Han
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanqin Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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Esvald EE, Tuvikene J, Kiir CS, Avarlaid A, Tamberg L, Sirp A, Shubina A, Cabrera-Cabrera F, Pihlak A, Koppel I, Palm K, Timmusk T. Revisiting the expression of BDNF and its receptors in mammalian development. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1182499. [PMID: 37426074 PMCID: PMC10325033 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1182499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes the survival and functioning of neurons in the central nervous system and contributes to proper functioning of many non-neural tissues. Although the regulation and role of BDNF have been extensively studied, a rigorous analysis of the expression dynamics of BDNF and its receptors TrkB and p75NTR is lacking. Here, we have analyzed more than 3,600 samples from 18 published RNA sequencing datasets, and used over 17,000 samples from GTEx, and ~ 180 samples from BrainSpan database, to describe the expression of BDNF in the developing mammalian neural and non-neural tissues. We show evolutionarily conserved dynamics and expression patterns of BDNF mRNA and non-conserved alternative 5' exon usage. Finally, we also show increasing BDNF protein levels during murine brain development and BDNF protein expression in several non-neural tissues. In parallel, we describe the spatiotemporal expression pattern of BDNF receptors TrkB and p75NTR in both murines and humans. Collectively, our in-depth analysis of the expression of BDNF and its receptors gives insight into the regulation and signaling of BDNF in the whole organism throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli-Eelika Esvald
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Jürgen Tuvikene
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
- dxlabs LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Carl Sander Kiir
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Annela Avarlaid
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Laura Tamberg
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Alex Sirp
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Anastassia Shubina
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | | | - Indrek Koppel
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
- Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
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9
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Arévalo JC, Deogracias R. Mechanisms Controlling the Expression and Secretion of BDNF. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050789. [PMID: 37238659 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived nerve factor (BDNF), through TrkB receptor activation, is an important modulator for many different physiological and pathological functions in the nervous system. Among them, BDNF plays a crucial role in the development and correct maintenance of brain circuits and synaptic plasticity as well as in neurodegenerative diseases. The proper functioning of the central nervous system depends on the available BDNF concentrations, which are tightly regulated at transcriptional and translational levels but also by its regulated secretion. In this review we summarize the new advances regarding the molecular players involved in BDNF release. In addition, we will address how changes of their levels or function in these proteins have a great impact in those functions modulated by BDNF under physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Arévalo
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Institute of Neurosciences of Castille and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rubén Deogracias
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Institute of Neurosciences of Castille and Leon (INCyL), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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10
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Jazvinšćak Jembrek M, Oršolić N, Karlović D, Peitl V. Flavonols in Action: Targeting Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation in Major Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086888. [PMID: 37108052 PMCID: PMC10138550 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental illnesses that highly impairs quality of life. Pharmacological interventions are mainly focused on altered monoamine neurotransmission, which is considered the primary event underlying the disease's etiology. However, many other neuropathological mechanisms that contribute to the disease's progression and clinical symptoms have been identified. These include oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, hippocampal atrophy, reduced synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, the depletion of neurotrophic factors, and the dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Current therapeutic options are often unsatisfactory and associated with adverse effects. This review highlights the most relevant findings concerning the role of flavonols, a ubiquitous class of flavonoids in the human diet, as potential antidepressant agents. In general, flavonols are considered to be both an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of depression, which is largely based on their prominent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, preclinical studies have provided evidence that they are capable of restoring the neuroendocrine control of the HPA axis, promoting neurogenesis, and alleviating depressive-like behavior. Although these findings are promising, they are still far from being implemented in clinical practice. Hence, further studies are needed to more comprehensively evaluate the potential of flavonols with respect to the improvement of clinical signs of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Jazvinšćak Jembrek
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nada Oršolić
- Division of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Rooseveltov trg 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dalibor Karlović
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vjekoslav Peitl
- School of Medicine, Catholic University of Croatia, Ilica 242, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Psychiatry, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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You H, Lu B. Diverse Functions of Multiple Bdnf Transcripts Driven by Distinct Bdnf Promoters. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040655. [PMID: 37189402 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) consists of nine non-coding exons driven by unique promoters, leading to the expression of nine Bdnf transcripts that play different roles in various brain regions and physiological stages. In this manuscript, we present a comprehensive overview of the molecular regulation and structural characteristics of the multiple Bdnf promoters, along with a summary of the current knowledge on the cellular and physiological functions of the distinct Bdnf transcripts produced by these promoters. Specifically, we summarized the role of Bdnf transcripts in psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and anxiety, as well as the cognitive functions associated with specific Bdnf promoters. Moreover, we examine the involvement of different Bdnf promoters in various aspects of metabolism. Finally, we propose future research directions that will enhance our understanding of the complex functions of Bdnf and its diverse promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- He You
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Centre, 10 Marais Street, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
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12
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Franks H, Wang R, Li M, Wang B, Wildmann A, Ortyl T, O’Brien S, Young D, Liao FF, Sakata K. Heat shock factor HSF1 regulates BDNF gene promoters upon acute stress in the hippocampus, together with pCREB. J Neurochem 2023; 165:131-148. [PMID: 36227087 PMCID: PMC10097844 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a master stress-responsive transcriptional factor, protecting cells from death. However, its gene regulation in vivo in the brain in response to neuronal stimuli remains elusive. Here, we investigated its direct regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Bdnf) in response to acute neuronal stress stimuli in the brain. The results of immunohistochemistry and chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative PCR (ChIP-qPCR) showed that administration of kainic acid (a glutamate receptor agonist inducing excitotoxity) to young adult mice induced HSF1 nuclear translocation and its binding to multiple Bdnf promoters in the hippocampus. Footshock, a physical stressor used for learning, also induced HSF1 binding to selected Bdnf promoters I and IV. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of HSF1 gene regulation in response to neuronal stimuli in the hippocampus in vivo. HSF1 binding sites (HSEs) in Bdnf promoters I and IV were also detected when immunoprecipitated by an antibody of phosphorylated (p)CREB (cAMP-responsive element-binding protein), suggesting their possible interplay in acute stress-induced Bdnf transcription. Interestingly, their promoter binding patterns differed by KA and footshock, suggesting that HSF1 and pCREB orchestrate to render fine-tuned promoter control depending on the types of stress. Further, HSF1 overexpression increased Bdnf promoter activity in a luciferase assay, while virus infection of constitutively active-form HSF1 increased levels of BDNF mRNA and protein in vitro in primary cultured neurons. These results indicated that HSF1 activation of Bdnf promoter was sufficient to induce BDNF expression. Taken together, these results suggest that HSF1 promoter-specific control of Bdnf gene regulation plays an important role in neuronal protection and plasticity in the hippocampus in response to acute stress, possibly interplaying with pCREB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Franks
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ruishan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mingqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ashton Wildmann
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tyler Ortyl
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Shannon O’Brien
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Deborah Young
- Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, The
University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Francesca-Fang Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kazuko Sakata
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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13
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Hearing Vocalizations during First Social Experience with Pups Increase Bdnf Transcription in Mouse Auditory Cortex. Neural Plast 2023; 2023:5225952. [PMID: 36845359 PMCID: PMC9946766 DOI: 10.1155/2023/5225952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
While infant cues are often assumed to innately motivate maternal response, recent research highlights how the neural coding of infant cues is altered through maternal care. Infant vocalizations are important social signals for caregivers, and evidence from mice suggests that experience caring for mouse pups induces inhibitory plasticity in the auditory cortex (AC), though the molecular mediators for such AC plasticity during the initial pup experience are not well delineated. Here, we used the maternal mouse communication model to explore whether transcription in AC of a specific, inhibition-linked, memory-associated gene, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) changes due to the very first pup caring experience hearing vocalizations, while controlling for the systemic influence of the hormone estrogen. Ovariectomized and estradiol or blank-implanted virgin female mice hearing pup calls with pups present had significantly higher AC exon IV Bdnf mRNA compared to females without pups present, suggesting that the social context of vocalizations induces immediate molecular changes at the site of auditory cortical processing. E2 influenced the rate of maternal behavior but did not significantly affect Bdnf mRNA transcription in the AC. To our knowledge, this is the first time Bdnf has been associated with processing social vocalizations in the AC, and our results suggest that it is a potential molecular component responsible for enhancing future recognition of infant cues by contributing to AC plasticity.
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14
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Lekk I, Cabrera-Cabrera F, Turconi G, Tuvikene J, Esvald EE, Rähni A, Casserly L, Garton DR, Andressoo JO, Timmusk T, Koppel I. Untranslated regions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA control its translatability and subcellular localization. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102897. [PMID: 36639028 PMCID: PMC9943900 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuronal survival and growth during development. In the adult nervous system, BDNF is important for synaptic function in several biological processes such as memory formation and food intake. In addition, BDNF has been implicated in development and maintenance of the cardiovascular system. The Bdnf gene comprises several alternative untranslated 5' exons and two variants of 3' UTRs. The effects of these entire alternative UTRs on translatability have not been established. Using reporter and translating ribosome affinity purification analyses, we show that prevalent Bdnf 5' UTRs, but not 3' UTRs, exert a repressive effect on translation. However, contrary to previous reports, we do not detect a significant effect of neuronal activity on BDNF translation. In vivo analysis via knock-in conditional replacement of Bdnf 3' UTR by bovine growth hormone 3' UTR reveals that Bdnf 3' UTR is required for efficient Bdnf mRNA and BDNF protein production in the brain, but acts in an inhibitory manner in lung and heart. Finally, we show that Bdnf mRNA is enriched in rat brain synaptoneurosomes, with higher enrichment detected for exon I-containing transcripts. In conclusion, these results uncover two novel aspects in understanding the function of Bdnf UTRs. First, the long Bdnf 3' UTR does not repress BDNF expression in the brain. Second, exon I-derived 5' UTR has a distinct role in subcellular targeting of Bdnf mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Lekk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Giorgio Turconi
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jürgen Tuvikene
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eli-Eelika Esvald
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Annika Rähni
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia,Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Laoise Casserly
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniel R. Garton
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaan-Olle Andressoo
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Division of Neurogeriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia; Protobios Llc, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Indrek Koppel
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.
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15
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Differential Regulation of the BDNF Gene in Cortical and Hippocampal Neurons. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9110-9128. [PMID: 36316156 PMCID: PMC9761680 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2535-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a widely expressed neurotrophin that supports the survival, differentiation, and signaling of various neuronal populations. Although it has been well described that expression of BDNF is strongly regulated by neuronal activity, little is known whether regulation of BDNF expression is similar in different brain regions. Here, we focused on this fundamental question using neuronal populations obtained from rat cerebral cortices and hippocampi of both sexes. First, we thoroughly characterized the role of the best-described regulators of BDNF gene - cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) family transcription factors, and show that activity-dependent BDNF expression depends more on CREB and the coactivators CREB binding protein (CBP) and CREB-regulated transcriptional coactivator 1 (CRTC1) in cortical than in hippocampal neurons. Our data also reveal an important role of CREB in the early induction of BDNF mRNA expression after neuronal activity and only modest contribution after prolonged neuronal activity. We further corroborated our findings at BDNF protein level. To determine the transcription factors regulating BDNF expression in these rat brain regions in addition to CREB family, we used in vitro DNA pulldown assay coupled with mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and bioinformatics, and propose a number of neurodevelopmentally important transcription factors, such as FOXP1, SATB2, RAI1, BCL11A, and TCF4 as brain region-specific regulators of BDNF expression. Together, our data reveal complicated brain region-specific fine-tuning of BDNF expression.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT To date, majority of the research has focused on the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain but much less is known whether the regulation of BDNF expression is universal in different brain regions and neuronal populations. Here, we report that the best described regulators of BDNF gene from the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) transcription factor family have a more profound role in the activity-dependent regulation of BDNF in cortex than in hippocampus. Our results indicate a brain region-specific fine tuning of BDNF expression. Moreover, we have used unbiased determination of novel regulators of the BDNF gene and report a number of neurodevelopmentally important transcription factors as novel potential regulators of the BDNF expression.
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16
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A novel intergenic enhancer that regulates Bdnf expression in developing cortical neurons. iScience 2022; 26:105695. [PMID: 36582820 PMCID: PMC9792897 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neuronal differentiation and survival and is implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders. Here, we identified a novel intergenic enhancer located 170 kb from the Bdnf gene, which promotes the expression of Bdnf transcript variants during mouse neuronal differentiation and activity. Following Bdnf activation, enhancer-promoter contacts increase, and the region moves away from the repressive nuclear periphery. Bdnf enhancer activity is necessary for neuronal clustering and dendritogenesis in vitro, and for cortical development in vivo. Our findings provide the first evidence of a regulatory mechanism whereby the activation of a distal enhancer promotes Bdnf expression during brain development.
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17
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Orciani C, Hall H, Pentz R, Foret MK, Do Carmo S, Cuello AC. Long-term nucleus basalis cholinergic depletion induces attentional deficits and impacts cortical neurons and BDNF levels without affecting the NGF synthesis. J Neurochem 2022; 163:149-167. [PMID: 35921478 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) represent the main source of cholinergic innervation to the cortex and hippocampus and degenerate early in Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Phenotypic maintenance of BFCNs depends on levels of mature nerve growth factor (mNGF) and mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF), produced by target neurons and retrogradely transported to the cell body. Whether a reciprocal interaction where BFCN inputs impact neurotrophin availability and affect cortical neuronal markers is unknown. To address our hypothesis, we immunolesioned the nucleus basalis (nb), a basal forebrain cholinergic nuclei projecting mainly to the cortex, by bilateral stereotaxic injection of 192-IgG-Saporin (the cytotoxin Saporin binds p75ntr receptors expressed exclusively by BFCNs) in 2.5-month-old Wistar rats. At six months post-lesion, Saporin-injected rats (SAP) showed an impairment in a modified version of the 5-Choice Serial Reaction Time Task (5-choice task). Post-mortem analyses of the brain revealed a reduction of Choline Acetyltransferase-immunoreactive neurons compared to wild-type controls. A diminished number of cortical vesicular acetylcholine transporter-immunoreactive boutons was accompanied by a reduction in BDNF mRNA, mBDNF protein levels, markers of glutamatergic (vGluT1) and GABAergic (GAD65) neurons in the SAP-group compared to the controls. NGF mRNA, NGF precursor and mNGF protein levels were not affected. Additionally, cholinergic markers correlated with the attentional deficit and BDNF levels. Our findings demonstrate that while cholinergic nb loss impairs cognition and reduces cortical neuron markers, it produces differential effects on neurotrophin availability, affecting BDNF but not NGF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Orciani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Helene Hall
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rowan Pentz
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Morgan K Foret
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia Do Carmo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - A Claudio Cuello
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, US (Visiting Professor)
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18
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Chen Y, Li S, Zhang T, Yang F, Lu B. Corticosterone antagonist or TrkB agonist attenuates schizophrenia-like behavior in a mouse model combining Bdnf-e6 deficiency and developmental stress. iScience 2022; 25:104609. [PMID: 35789832 PMCID: PMC9250029 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shangjin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Tianyi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Feng Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100084, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
- Corresponding author
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19
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Laureano-Melo R, Dos-Santos RC, da Conceição RR, de Souza JS, da Silva Almeida C, Reis LC, Marinho BG, Giannocco G, Ahmed RG, da Silva Côrtes W. Neonatal D-fenfluramine treatment promotes long-term behavioral changes in adult mice. Int J Dev Neurosci 2022; 82:486-498. [PMID: 35718760 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin exerts a significant role in the mammalian central nervous system embryogenesis and brain ontogeny. Therefore, we investigate the effect of neonatal treatment of d-fenfluramine (d-FEN), a serotonin (5-HT) releaser, on the behavioral expression of adult male Swiss mice. For this purpose, we divided pregnant female Swiss mice into two groups (n = 6 each and ~35 g). Their offspring were treated with d-FEN (3 mg/kg, s.c.) from postnatal days (PND) 5 to 20. At PND 21, one male puppy of each litter was euthanized; the midbrain and the hippocampus were dissected for RNA analysis. At PND 70, the male offspring underwent a behavioral assessment in the open field, elevated plus-maze, light-dark box, tail suspension, and rotarod test. The programmed animals had a decrease in 5HT1a, serotonin transporter (SERT), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the mesencephalic raphe region. Alternatively, there was a reduction only in the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) and BDNF expression in the hippocampus. In the light-dark box test, offspring of the treated group had higher latency to light and less time on the light side than the control. Also, it was observed less time of immobility in the tail suspension test. We also observed low motor skill learning in the rotarod test. These findings suggest that programming with d-FEN during the neonatal period alters a mesencephalic and hippocampal serotonergic system, promoting anxiety, antidepressant behavior, low coordination, and motor learning in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Laureano-Melo
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil.,Behavioral Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Barra Mansa Center University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raoni Conceição Dos-Santos
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues da Conceição
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina Sena de Souza
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio da Silva Almeida
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Luís Carlos Reis
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Bruno Guimarães Marinho
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Gisele Giannocco
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ragab Gaber Ahmed
- Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wellington da Silva Côrtes
- Multicenter and Regular Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
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20
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Mehterov N, Minchev D, Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Maes M. Interactions Among Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Neuroimmune Pathways Are Key Components of the Major Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:4926-4952. [PMID: 35657457 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the reciprocal associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and immune-inflammatory pathways and how these links may explain the involvement of this neurotrophin in the immune pathophysiology of mood disorders and schizophrenia. Toward this end, we delineated the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network centered around BDNF and searched PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct for papers dealing with the involvement of BDNF in the major psychosis, neurodevelopment, neuronal functions, and immune-inflammatory and related pathways. The PPI network was built based on the significant interactions of BDNF with neurotrophic (NTRK2, NTF4, and NGFR), immune (cytokines, STAT3, TRAF6), and cell-cell junction (CTNNB, CDH1) DEPs (differentially expressed proteins). Enrichment analysis shows that the most significant terms associated with this PPI network are the tyrosine kinase receptor (TRKR) and Src homology region two domain-containing phosphatase-2 (SHP2) pathways, tyrosine kinase receptor signaling pathways, positive regulation of kinase and transferase activity, cytokine signaling, and negative regulation of the immune response. The participation of BDNF in the immune response and its interactions with neuroprotective and cell-cell adhesion DEPs is probably a conserved regulatory process which protects against the many detrimental effects of immune activation and hyperinflammation including neurotoxicity. Lowered BDNF levels in mood disorders and schizophrenia (a) are associated with disruptions in neurotrophic signaling and activated immune-inflammatory pathways leading to neurotoxicity and (b) may interact with the reduced expression of other DEPs (CTNNB1, CDH1, or DISC1) leading to multiple aberrations in synapse and axonal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay Mehterov
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Michael Maes
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria. .,Department of Psychiatry, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
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21
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Zhao XP, Li H, Dai RP. Neuroimmune crosstalk through brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its precursor pro-BDNF: New insights into mood disorders. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:379-392. [PMID: 35433323 PMCID: PMC8968497 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i3.379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood disorders are the most common mental disorders, affecting approximately 350 million people globally. Recent studies have shown that neuroimmune interaction regulates mood disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its precursor pro-BDNF, are involved in the neuroimmune crosstalk during the development of mood disorders. BDNF is implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders especially in antidepressant pharmacotherapy. In this review, we describe the functions of BDNF/pro-BDNF signaling in the central nervous system in the context of mood disorders. In addition, we summarize the developments for BDNF and pro-BDNF functions in mood disorders. This review aims to provide new insights into the impact of neuroimmune interaction on mood disorders and reveal a new basis for further development of diagnostic targets and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Pei Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ru-Ping Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
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22
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Suzuki T, Tanaka KF. Downregulation of Bdnf Expression in Adult Mice Causes Body Weight Gain. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:2645-2655. [PMID: 34982395 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03523-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Gain or loss of appetite and resulting body weight changes are commonly observed in major depressive disorders (MDDs). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is broadly expressed in the brain and is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of MDDs and obesity. Congenital loss of function of BDNF causes weight gain in both humans and rodents; however, it is not clear whether acquired loss of function of BDNF also affects body weight. Thus, we exploited mutant mice in which the Bdnf expression level is regulated by the tetracycline-dependent transcriptional silencer (tTS)-tetracycline operator sequence (tetO) system. Time-controlled Bdnf expression using this system allowed us to establish congenital and acquired loss of function of Bdnf in mice. We demonstrated that changes in Bdnf expression influenced body weight during not only the developmental stage but also the adult stage of mice. Although it is still unclear whether acquired Bdnf loss of function in rodents mimics the pathology of MDD, our findings may bridge the mechanistic gap between MDDs and body weight gain in line with BDNF dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Suzuki
- Division of Brain Sciences, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Division of Brain Sciences, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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23
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Gomes MGS, Tractenberg SG, Orso R, Viola TW, Grassi-Oliveira R. Sex differences in risk behavior parameters in adolescent mice: Relationship with brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the medial prefrontal cortex. Neurosci Lett 2022; 766:136339. [PMID: 34762979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is as a period of development characterized by impulsive and risk-seeking behaviors. Risk behaviors (RB) involves exposure to dangerous or negative consequences to achieve goal-directed behaviors, such as reward-seeking. On the other hand, risk aversion/assessment behaviors allow the individual to gather information or avoid potentially threatening situations. Evidence has suggested that both behavioral processes, RB and risk assessment (RA), may have sex-differences. However, sex-specific behavioral patterns implicated in RB and RA are not fully understood. To address that, we investigated sex differences in risk-behavioral parameters in a decision-making task developed for rodents. In addition, we investigated the potential role of sex-dependent differences in gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) exon IV in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which has been implicated to mediate PFC-related behavioral dysfunctions. Male and female C57BL/6J adolescent mice were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess anxiety-like behaviors and in the predator-odor risk taking (PORT) task. The PORT task is a decision-making paradigm in which a conflict between the motivation towards reward pursuit and the threat elicited by predatory olfactory cues (coyote urine) is explored. After behavioral testing, animals were euthanized and BDNF exon IV gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Comparative and correlational analyses for behavioral and molecular parameters were performed for both sexes. We observed that female mice spent more time exploring the middle chamber of the PORT apparatus in the aversive condition, which is an indicative of avoidance behavior. Female mice also had a higher latency to collect the reward than male mice and presented less time exploring the open arms of the EPM. BDNF exon IV gene expression was higher among females, and there was a positive correlation between the BDNF and PORT behavioral parameters. Our findings suggest sex-dependent effects in the PORT task. Females presented higher RA and avoidance behavior profile and expressed higher levels of BDNF exon IV in the mPFC. Moreover, higher BDNF expression was correlated with RA behaviors, which suggests that adolescent females tend to evaluate the risks more than adolescent males and that BDNF gene expression may be mediating decision-making processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco G S Gomes
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical University Catholic of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Saulo G Tractenberg
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical University Catholic of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Orso
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical University Catholic of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Thiago W Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical University Catholic of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab (DCNL), Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical University Catholic of Rio Grande Do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
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24
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Miyasaka Y, Yamamoto N. Neuronal Activity Patterns Regulate Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Cortical Cells via Neuronal Circuits. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:699583. [PMID: 34955705 PMCID: PMC8702648 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.699583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, cortical circuits are remodeled by spontaneous and sensory-evoked activity via alteration of the expression of wiring molecules. An intriguing question is how physiological neuronal activity modifies the expression of these molecules in developing cortical networks. Here, we addressed this issue, focusing on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), one of the factors underlying cortical wiring. Real-time imaging of BDNF promoter activity in organotypic slice cultures revealed that patterned stimuli differentially regulated the increase and the time course of the promoter activity in upper layer neurons. Calcium imaging further demonstrated that stimulus-dependent increases in the promoter activity were roughly proportional to the increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration per unit time. Finally, optogenetic stimulation showed that the promoter activity was increased efficiently by patterned stimulation in defined cortical circuits. These results suggest that physiological stimulation patterns differentially tune activity-dependent gene expression in developing cortical neurons via cortical circuits, synaptic responses, and alteration of intracellular calcium signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Miyasaka
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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25
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de Mendonça Filho EJ, Barth B, Bandeira DR, de Lima RMS, Arcego DM, Dalmaz C, Pokhvisneva I, Sassi RB, Hall GBC, Meaney MJ, Silveira PP. Cognitive Development and Brain Gray Matter Susceptibility to Prenatal Adversities: Moderation by the Prefrontal Cortex Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Co-expression Network. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:744743. [PMID: 34899157 PMCID: PMC8652300 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.744743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies focused on the relationship between prenatal conditions and neurodevelopmental outcomes later in life, but few have explored the interplay between gene co-expression networks and prenatal adversity conditions on cognitive development trajectories and gray matter density. Methods: We analyzed the moderation effects of an expression polygenic score (ePRS) for the Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor gene network (BDNF ePRS) on the association between prenatal adversity and child cognitive development. A score based on genes co-expressed with the prefrontal cortex (PFC) BDNF was created, using the effect size of the association between the individual single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and the BDNF expression in the PFC. Cognitive development trajectories of 157 young children from the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment (MAVAN) cohort were assessed longitudinally in 4-time points (6, 12, 18, and 36 months) using the Bayley-II mental scales. Results: Linear mixed-effects modeling indicated that BDNF ePRS moderates the effects of prenatal adversity on cognitive growth. In children with high BDNF ePRS, higher prenatal adversity was associated with slower cognitive development in comparison with those exposed to lower prenatal adversity. Parallel-Independent Component Analysis (pICA) suggested that associations of expression-based SNPs and gray matter density significantly differed between low and high prenatal adversity groups. The brain IC included areas involved in visual association processes (Brodmann area 19 and 18), reallocation of attention, and integration of information across the supramodal cortex (Brodmann area 10). Conclusion: Cognitive development trajectories and brain gray matter seem to be influenced by the interplay of prenatal environmental conditions and the expression of an important BDNF gene network that guides the growth and plasticity of neurons and synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euclides José de Mendonça Filho
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Barbara Barth
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Denise Ruschel Bandeira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Randriely Merscher Sobreira de Lima
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Danusa Mar Arcego
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carla Dalmaz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Geoffrey B. C. Hall
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michael J. Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
| | - Patricia Pelufo Silveira
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
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26
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Buck JM, Yu L, Knopik VS, Stitzel JA. DNA methylome perturbations: an epigenetic basis for the emergingly heritable neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with maternal smoking and maternal nicotine exposure†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:644-666. [PMID: 34270696 PMCID: PMC8444709 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with an ensemble of neurodevelopmental consequences in children and therefore constitutes a pressing public health concern. Adding to this burden, contemporary epidemiological and especially animal model research suggests that grandmaternal smoking is similarly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in grandchildren, indicative of intergenerational transmission of the neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal smoking. Probing the mechanistic bases of neurodevelopmental anomalies in the children of maternal smokers and the intergenerational transmission thereof, emerging research intimates that epigenetic changes, namely DNA methylome perturbations, are key factors. Altogether, these findings warrant future research to fully elucidate the etiology of neurodevelopmental impairments in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers and underscore the clear potential thereof to benefit public health by informing the development and implementation of preventative measures, prophylactics, and treatments. To this end, the present review aims to encapsulate the burgeoning evidence linking maternal smoking to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, to identify the strengths and weaknesses thereof, and to highlight areas of emphasis for future human and animal model research therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Valerie S Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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27
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Collins SA, Ninan I. Development-Dependent Plasticity in Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide Neurons in the Infralimbic Cortex. Cereb Cortex Commun 2021; 2:tgab007. [PMID: 33738453 PMCID: PMC7948133 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgab007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset of several neuropsychiatric disorders including anxiety disorders coincides with adolescence. Consistently, threat extinction, which plays a key role in the regulation of anxiety-related behaviors, is diminished during adolescence. Furthermore, this attenuated threat extinction during adolescence is associated with an altered synaptic plasticity in the infralimbic medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a brain region critical for threat extinction. However, the mechanism underlying the altered plasticity in the IL-mPFC during adolescence is unclear. Given the purported role of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide expressing interneurons (VIPINs) in disinhibition and hence their potential to affect cortical plasticity, we examined whether VIPINs exhibit an adolescence-specific plasticity in the IL-mPFC. We observed an increase in GABAergic transmission and a decrease in excitability in VIPINs during adolescence. Male mice show a significantly higher VIPIN-pyramidal neuron GABAergic transmission compared with female mice. The observed increase in GABAergic transmission and a decrease in membrane excitability in VIPINs during adolescence could play a role in the altered plasticity in the adolescent IL-mPFC. Furthermore, the suppression of VIPIN-mediated GABAergic transmission in females might be relevant to sex differences in anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Collins
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ipe Ninan
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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28
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Activation of BDNF by transcription factor Nrf2 contributes to antidepressant-like actions in rodents. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:140. [PMID: 33627628 PMCID: PMC7904924 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play a key role in depression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the crosstalk between Nrf2 and BDNF in depression remain unclear. We examined whether Nrf2 regulates the transcription of Bdnf by binding to its exon I promoter. Furthermore, the role of Nrf2 and BDNF in the brain regions from mice with depression-like phenotypes was examined. Nrf2 regulated the transcription of Bdnf by binding to its exon I promoter. Activation of Nrf2 by sulforaphane (SFN) showed fast-acting antidepressant-like effects in mice by activating BDNF as well as by inhibiting the expression of its transcriptional repressors (HDAC2, mSin3A, and MeCP2) and revising abnormal synaptic transmission. In contrast, SFN did not affect the protein expression of BDNF and its transcriptional repressor proteins in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus, nor did it reduce depression-like behaviors and abnormal synaptic transmission in Nrf2 knockout mice. In the mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), protein levels of Nrf2 and BDNF in the mPFC and hippocampus were lower than those of control and CSDS-resilient mice. In contrast, the protein levels of BDNF transcriptional repressors in the CSDS-susceptible mice were higher than those of control and CSDS-resilient mice. These data suggest that Nrf2 activation increases the expression of Bdnf and decreases the expression of its transcriptional repressors, which result in fast-acting antidepressant-like actions. Furthermore, abnormalities in crosstalk between Nrf2 and BDNF may contribute to the resilience versus susceptibility of mice against CSDS.
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29
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Tuvikene J, Esvald EE, Rähni A, Uustalu K, Zhuravskaya A, Avarlaid A, Makeyev EV, Timmusk T. Intronic enhancer region governs transcript-specific Bdnf expression in rodent neurons. eLife 2021; 10:65161. [PMID: 33560226 PMCID: PMC7891933 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) controls the survival, growth, and function of neurons both during the development and in the adult nervous system. Bdnf is transcribed from several distinct promoters generating transcripts with alternative 5' exons. Bdnf transcripts initiated at the first cluster of exons have been associated with the regulation of body weight and various aspects of social behavior, but the mechanisms driving the expression of these transcripts have remained poorly understood. Here, we identify an evolutionarily conserved intronic enhancer region inside the Bdnf gene that regulates both basal and stimulus-dependent expression of the Bdnf transcripts starting from the first cluster of 5' exons in mouse and rat neurons. We further uncover a functional E-box element in the enhancer region, linking the expression of Bdnf and various pro-neural basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors. Collectively, our results shed new light on the cell-type- and stimulus-specific regulation of the important neurotrophic factor BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Tuvikene
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.,Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eli-Eelika Esvald
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.,Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Annika Rähni
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Kaie Uustalu
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Anna Zhuravskaya
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annela Avarlaid
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Eugene V Makeyev
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tõnis Timmusk
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia.,Protobios LLC, Tallinn, Estonia
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30
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Intervention of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Other Neurotrophins in Adult Neurogenesis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1331:95-115. [PMID: 34453295 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-74046-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell survival during adult neurogenesis and the modulation of each step, namely, proliferation, lineage differentiation, migration, maturation, and functional integration of the newborn cells into the existing circuitry, is regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Transduction of extracellular niche signals triggers the activation of intracellular mechanisms that regulate adult neurogenesis by affecting gene expression. While the intrinsic factors include transcription factors and epigenetic regulators, the extrinsic factors are molecular signals that are present in the neurogenic niche microenvironment. These include morphogens, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and signaling molecules secreted as soluble factors or associated to the extracellular matrix. Among these molecular mechanisms are neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors which have been implicated in the regulation of adult neurogenesis at different levels, with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) being the most studied neurotrophin. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge about the role of neurotrophins in the regulation of adult neurogenesis in both the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ).
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31
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Laureano-Melo R, Dos-Santos RC, da Conceição RR, de Souza JS, da Silva Lau R, da Silva Souza Silva S, Marinho BG, Giannocco G, Ahmed RG, da Silva Côrtes W. Perinatal fluoxetine treatment promotes long-term behavioral changes in adult mice. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:1341-1351. [PMID: 32827287 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00606-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin exerts a significant role in the mammalian central nervous system embryogenesis and brain ontogeny. Therefore, we investigate the effect of perinatal fluoxetine (FLX), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, administration on the behavioral expression of adult male Swiss mice. For this purpose, two groups (n = 6 each, and ~ 35 g) of pregnant female Swiss mice were mated. Their offspring were treated with FLX (10 mg/Kg, s.c.) from postnatal day (PND) 5 to 15. At PND 16, one male puppy of each litter was euthanized, and the hippocampus was dissected for RNA analysis. At 70 days of life, the male offspring underwent a behavioral assessment in the open field, object recognition task, light-dark box, tail suspension and rotarod test. According to our results, the programmed animals had a decrease in TPH2, 5HT1a, SERT, BDNF, and LMX1B expression. Also, it was observed less time of immobility in tail suspension test and higher grooming time in the open field test. In the light-dark box test, the FLX-treated offspring had less time in the light side than control. We also observed a low cognitive performance in the object recognition task and poor motor skill learning in the rotarod test. These findings suggest that programming with FLX during the neonatal period alters a hippocampal serotonergic system, promoting anxiety and antidepressant behavior in adults, as well as a low mnemonic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Laureano-Melo
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil.
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Barra Mansa University Center, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Raoni Conceição Dos-Santos
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Rodrigues da Conceição
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Janaina Sena de Souza
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Raphael da Silva Lau
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Samantha da Silva Souza Silva
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Bruno Guimarães Marinho
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
| | - Gisele Giannocco
- Molecular and Translational Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - R G Ahmed
- Division of Anatomy and Embryology, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Wellington da Silva Côrtes
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Health and Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropedica, Brazil
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32
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Xu H, Wang J, Jing H, Ellenbroek B, Shao F, Wang W. mPFC GABAergic transmission mediated the role of BDNF signaling in cognitive impairment but not anxiety induced by adolescent social stress. Neuropharmacology 2020; 184:108412. [PMID: 33245959 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Depression with comorbid anxiety or cognitive symptoms can vary in terms of symptoms, pathophysiology and antidepressant efficacy, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that as a classic animal model of depression, adolescent social stress (ASS) could stably induce a variety of emotional and cognitive alterations in adult animals, and accompanied by transcriptional decrease in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) total and promoter IV levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The present study further identified the GABAergic synaptic and molecular changes downstream of BDNF signaling impairment in the mPFC and roles in various behavioral phenotypes induced by ASS. We found that ASS induced a set of emotional and cognitive symptoms, including decreased social interest, impaired cognitive function, and increased anxiety-like behavior, as well as decreased GABAergic transmission in the mPFC. The specific deletion of BDNF promoter IV directly caused impairments in social interest, cognitive function, and inhibition of GABAergic transmission, but no changes in anxiety-like behavior. Acute microinjections of tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) agonists into the mPFC and chronic antidepressant treatment ameliorated the changes in social behavior and cognition, as well as the reduction in GABAergic synaptic transmission in the mPFC, but not anxiety in previously stressed adult mice. These results suggest that the downstream GABAergic transmission of BDNF signaling in the mPFC involved in depression with comorbid cognitive dysfunction induced by ASS and can be used as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in depression. This article is part of the special issue on Stress, Addiction and Plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiesi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyang Jing
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bart Ellenbroek
- School of Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington, Kelburn, Wellington, 6012, New Zealand
| | - Feng Shao
- School of Psychological and Cognitive Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Behavior and Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Neurotrophic Factor BDNF, Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential in Depression, Neurodegeneration and Brain Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207777. [PMID: 33096634 PMCID: PMC7589016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 344] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most distributed and extensively studied neurotrophins in the mammalian brain. BDNF signals through the tropomycin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the low affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). BDNF plays an important role in proper growth, development, and plasticity of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses and through modulation of neuronal differentiation, it influences serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. BDNF acts as paracrine and autocrine factor, on both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic target sites. It is crucial in the transformation of synaptic activity into long-term synaptic memories. BDNF is considered an instructive mediator of functional and structural plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing dendritic spines and, at least in the hippocampus, the adult neurogenesis. Changes in the rate of adult neurogenesis and in spine density can influence several forms of learning and memory and can contribute to depression-like behaviors. The possible roles of BDNF in neuronal plasticity highlighted in this review focus on the effect of antidepressant therapies on BDNF-mediated plasticity. Moreover, we will review data that illustrate the role of BDNF as a potent protective factor that is able to confer protection against neurodegeneration, in particular in Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, we will give evidence of how the involvement of BDNF in the pathogenesis of brain glioblastoma has emerged, thus opening new avenues for the treatment of this deadly cancer.
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Notaras M, van den Buuse M. Neurobiology of BDNF in fear memory, sensitivity to stress, and stress-related disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2251-2274. [PMID: 31900428 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0639-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is widely accepted for its involvement in resilience and antidepressant drug action, is a common genetic locus of risk for mental illnesses, and remains one of the most prominently studied molecules within psychiatry. Stress, which arguably remains the "lowest common denominator" risk factor for several mental illnesses, targets BDNF in disease-implicated brain regions and circuits. Altered stress-related responses have also been observed in animal models of BDNF deficiency in vivo, and BDNF is a common downstream intermediary for environmental factors that potentiate anxiety- and depressive-like behavior. However, BDNF's broad functionality has manifested a heterogeneous literature; likely reflecting that BDNF plays a hitherto under-recognized multifactorial role as both a regulator and target of stress hormone signaling within the brain. The role of BDNF in vulnerability to stress and stress-related disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a prominent example where inconsistent effects have emerged across numerous models, labs, and disciplines. In the current review we provide a contemporary update on the neurobiology of BDNF including new data from the behavioral neuroscience and neuropsychiatry literature on fear memory consolidation and extinction, stress, and PTSD. First we present an overview of recent advances in knowledge on the role of BDNF within the fear circuitry, as well as address mounting evidence whereby stress hormones interact with endogenous BDNF-TrkB signaling to alter brain homeostasis. Glucocorticoid signaling also acutely recruits BDNF to enhance the expression of fear memory. We then include observations that the functional common BDNF Val66Met polymorphism modulates stress susceptibility as well as stress-related and stress-inducible neuropsychiatric endophenotypes in both man and mouse. We conclude by proposing a BDNF stress-sensitivity hypothesis, which posits that disruption of endogenous BDNF activity by common factors (such as the BDNF Val66Met variant) potentiates sensitivity to stress and, by extension, vulnerability to stress-inducible illnesses. Thus, BDNF may induce plasticity to deleteriously promote the encoding of fear and trauma but, conversely, also enable adaptive plasticity during extinction learning to suppress PTSD-like fear responses. Ergo regulators of BDNF availability, such as the Val66Met polymorphism, may orchestrate sensitivity to stress, trauma, and risk of stress-induced disorders such as PTSD. Given an increasing interest in personalized psychiatry and clinically complex cases, this model provides a framework from which to experimentally disentangle the causal actions of BDNF in stress responses, which likely interact to potentiate, produce, and impair treatment of, stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Notaras
- Center for Neurogenetics, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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Dong BE, Chen H, Sakata K. BDNF deficiency and enriched environment treatment affect neurotransmitter gene expression differently across ages. J Neurochem 2020; 154:41-55. [PMID: 32222968 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Deficiency of activity-induced expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) disturbs neurotransmitter gene expression. Enriched environment treatment (EET) ameliorates the defects. However, how BDNF deficiency and EET affect the neurotransmitter gene expression differently across ages remains unclear. We addressed this question by determining the neurotransmitter gene expression across three life stages in wild-type and activity-dependent BDNF-deficient (KIV) mice. Mice received 2-months of standard control treatment (SCT) or EET at early-life development (ED: 0-2 months), young adulthood (2-4 months), and old adulthood (12-14 months) (N = 16/group). Half of these mice received additional 1-month SCT to examine persisting EET effects. High-throughput quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction measured expression of 81 genes for dopamine, adrenaline, serotonin, gamma aminobutyric acid, glutamate, acetylcholine, and BDNF systems in the frontal cortex (FC) and hippocampus. Results revealed that BDNF deficiency mostly reduced neurotransmitter gene expression, greatest at ED in the FC. EET increased expression of a larger number of genes at ED than adulthood, particularly in the KIV FC. Many genes down-regulated in KIV mice were up-regulated by EET, which persisted when EET was provided at ED (e.g., 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) transporter [5HTT], ADRA1D, GRIA3, GABRA5, GABBR2). In both the regions, BDNF deficiency decreased the density of gene co-expression network specifically at ED, while EET increased the density and hub genes (e.g., GAT1, GABRG3, GRIN1, CHRNA7). These results suggest that BDNF deficiency, which occurs under chronic stress, causes neurotransmitter dysregulations prominently at ED, particularly in the FC. EET at ED may be most effective to normalize the dysregulations, providing persisting effects later in life. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. More information about the Open Science badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany E Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kazuko Sakata
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Fukuchi M. Identifying inducers of BDNF gene expression from pharmacologically validated compounds; antipyretic drug dipyrone increases BDNF mRNA in neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 524:957-962. [PMID: 32059848 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key regulator of synaptic plasticity, are associated with neurological diseases, including depression and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, BDNF is a drug target for these diseases. Here we screened for inducers of neuronal Bdnf expression from a pharmacologically validated compound library using our recently developed screening assay based on luciferase activity in cultured cortical neurons. We identified 18 pharmacologically validated compounds, most of which were inferred to induce Bdnf expression by their validated pharmacological actions, such as Gs-coupled receptor activation or neuronal excitation. Unexpectedly, the screening assay identified the antipyretic drug, dipyrone, to increase Bdnf expression. Dipyrone induced endogenous Bdnf expression by Ca2+ influx evoked via L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, indicating that dipyrone induced activity-regulated Bdnf expression in neurons. However, dipyrone-induced Bdnf expression is independent of validated pharmacological effects. Although our screening assay is difficult to reveal how active compounds induce Bdnf expression, this method is convenient to identify inducers of Bdnf expression in primary neurons. Our screening assay evaluated neuronal BDNF induction and can be used to screen for drug re-positioning, as well as novel candidate drugs, for neurological diseases that have low levels of BDNF in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamoru Fukuchi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Pharmacy, Takasaki University of Health and Welfare, 60 Nakaorui-machi, Takasaki-shi, Gunma, 370-0033, Japan.
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Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a secretory growth factor that promotes neuronal proliferation and survival, synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation in the central nervous system. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor biosynthesis and secretion are chrono-topically regulated processes at the cellular level, accounting for specific localizations and functions. Given its role in regulating brain development and activity, BDNF represents a potentially relevant gene for schizophrenia, and indeed BDNF and its non-synonymous functional variant, rs6265 (C → T, Val → Met) have been widely studied in psychiatric genetics. Human and animal studies have indicated that brain-derived neurotrophic factor is relevant for schizophrenia-related phenotypes, and that: (1) fine-tuned regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor secretion and activity is necessary to guarantee brain optimal development and functioning; (2) the Val → Met substitution is associated with impaired activity-dependent secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor; (3) disruption of brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is associated with altered synaptic plasticity and neurodevelopment. However, genome-wide association studies failed to associate the BDNF locus with schizophrenia, even though a sub-threshold association exists. Here, we will review studies focused on the relationship between the genetic variation of BDNF and schizophrenia, trying to fill the gap between genetic risk per se and insights from molecular biology. A deeper understanding of brain-derived neurotrophic factor biology and of the epigenetic regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its interactome during development may help clarifying the potential role of this gene in schizophrenia, thus informing development of brain-derived neurotrophic factor-based strategies of prevention and treatment of this disorder.
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Hallock HL, Quillian HM, Mai Y, Maynard KR, Hill JL, Martinowich K. Manipulation of a genetically and spatially defined sub-population of BDNF-expressing neurons potentiates learned fear and decreases hippocampal-prefrontal synchrony in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:2239-2246. [PMID: 31170726 PMCID: PMC6898598 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-019-0429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling regulates synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus (HC) and prefrontal cortex (PFC), and has been extensively linked with fear memory expression in rodents. Notably, disrupting BDNF production from promoter IV-derived transcripts enhances fear expression in mice, and decreases fear-associated HC-PFC synchrony, suggesting that Bdnf transcription from promoter IV plays a key role in HC-PFC function during fear memory retrieval. To better understand how promoter IV-derived BDNF controls HC-PFC connectivity and fear expression, we generated a viral construct that selectively targets cells expressing promoter IV-derived Bdnf transcripts ("p4-cells") for tamoxifen-inducible Cre-mediated recombination (AAV8-p4Bdnf-ERT2CreERT2-PEST). Using this construct, we found that ventral hippocampal (vHC) p4-cells are recruited during fear expression, and that activation of these cells causes exaggerated fear expression that co-occurs with disrupted vHC-PFC synchrony in mice. Our data highlight how this novel construct can be used to interrogate genetically defined cell types that selectively contribute to BDNF-dependent behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry L. Hallock
- grid.429552.dThe Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Henry M. Quillian
- grid.429552.dThe Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Yishan Mai
- grid.429552.dThe Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kristen R. Maynard
- grid.429552.dThe Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Julia L. Hill
- grid.429552.dThe Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Keri Martinowich
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, 855N. Wolfe St., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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You H, Chu P, Guo W, Lu B. A subpopulation of Bdnf-e1-expressing glutamatergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus critical for thermogenesis control. Mol Metab 2019; 31:109-123. [PMID: 31918913 PMCID: PMC6920260 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Brown adipose tissue (BAT)–mediated thermogenesis plays a key role in energy homeostasis and the maintenance of body temperature. Previous work suggests that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in BAT thermogenesis, but the underlying neural circuits and molecular mechanism remain largely unknown. This is in part due to the difficulties in manipulating BDNF expression in different brain regions through different promoters and the lack of tools to identify neurons in the brain specifically involved in BAT thermogenesis. Methods We have created several lines of mutant mice in which BDNF transcription from a specific promoter was selectively disrupted by replacing Bdnf with green fluorescent protein (GFP; Bdnf-e1, -e4, and -e6−/− mice). As such, cells expressing Bdnf-e1, -e4, or -e6 were labeled with GFP. To identify BAT-connected thermogenesis neurons in brain, we applied the retrograde pseudorabies virus labeling method from BAT. We also used chemogenetic tools to manipulate specific neurons coupled with BAT temperature recording. Moreover, we developed a new TrkB agonist antibody to rescue the BAT thermogenesis deficits. Results We show that selective disruption of Bdnf expression from promoter 1 (Bdnf-e1) resulted in severe obesity and deficits of BAT-mediated thermogenesis. Body temperature response to cold was impaired in Bdnf-e1−/− mice. BAT expression of Ucp1 and Pcg1a, genes known to regulate thermogenesis, was also reduced, accompanying a decrease in the sympathetic activity of BAT. Staining of cells expressing Bdnf-e1 transcript, combined with transsynaptic, retrograde-tracing labeling of BAT-connected neurons, identified a group of excitatory neurons in lateral hypothalamus (LH) critical for thermogenesis regulation. Moreover, an adaptive thermogenesis defect in Bdnf-e1−/− mice was rescued by injecting an agonistic antibody for TrkB, the BDNF receptor, into LH. Remarkably, activation of the excitatory neurons (VGLUT2+) in LH through chemogenetic tools resulted in a rise of BAT temperature. Conclusions These results reveal a specific role of BDNF promoter I in thermogenesis regulation and define a small subset of neurons in LH that contribute to such regulation. Only Bdnf-e1−/−, but not Bdnf-e4−/− or Bdnf-e6−/−, mutant mice exhibited deficiencies of BAT thermogenesis. Neurons that are both Bdnf-e1 expressing and BAT-connected were found only in LH. BAT-connected neurons in LH are glutamatergic. Activation of the LH glutamatergic neurons resulted in an increase in BAT temperature. Administration of TrkB agonist antibody in LH rescued thermogenesis deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- He You
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Pengcheng Chu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China; School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Wei Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Bai Lu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Xenos D, Kamceva M, Tomasi S, Cardin JA, Schwartz ML, Vaccarino FM. Loss of TrkB Signaling in Parvalbumin-Expressing Basket Cells Results in Network Activity Disruption and Abnormal Behavior. Cereb Cortex 2019; 28:3399-3413. [PMID: 28968898 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The GABAergic system is regulated by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/Tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) pathway, but the cell-intrinsic role of TrkB signaling in parvalbumin cortical interneuron development and function is unclear. We performed conditional ablation of the TrkB receptor in parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons to study whether postnatal loss of TrkB in parvalbumin cells affects their survival, connectivity, spontaneous and evoked neuronal activity and behavior. Using in vivo recordings of local field potentials, we found reduced gamma oscillations in the sensory cortex of PVcre+; TrkBF/F conditional knockout mice (TrkB cKO), along with increased firing of putative excitatory neurons. There was a significant downregulation in parvalbumin neuron number in cerebral and cerebellar cortices of TrkB cKO mice. In addition, inhibitory synaptic connections between basket cells and pyramidal neurons were profoundly reduced in the neocortex of TrkB cKO mice and there was a loss of cortical volume. TrkB cKO mice also showed profound hyperactivity, stereotypies, motor deficits and learning/memory defects. Our findings demonstrate that the targeting and/or synapse formation of PV-expressing basket cells with principal excitatory neurons require TrkB signaling in parvalbumin cells. Disruption of this signaling has major consequences for parvalbumin interneuron connectivity, network dynamics, cognitive and motor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jessica A Cardin
- Department of Neuroscience.,Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Flora M Vaccarino
- Child Study Center.,Department of Neuroscience.,Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, USA
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Meis S, Endres T, Munsch T, Lessmann V. Impact of Chronic BDNF Depletion on GABAergic Synaptic Transmission in the Lateral Amygdala. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174310. [PMID: 31484392 PMCID: PMC6747405 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has previously been shown to play an important role in glutamatergic synaptic plasticity in the amygdala, correlating with cued fear learning. While glutamatergic neurotransmission is facilitated by BDNF signaling in the amygdala, its mechanism of action at inhibitory synapses in this nucleus is far less understood. We therefore analyzed the impact of chronic BDNF depletion on GABAA-mediated synaptic transmission in BDNF heterozygous knockout mice (BDNF+/−). Analysis of miniature and evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the lateral amygdala (LA) revealed neither pre- nor postsynaptic differences in BDNF+/− mice compared to wild-type littermates. In addition, long-term potentiation (LTP) of IPSCs was similar in both genotypes. In contrast, facilitation of spontaneous IPSCs (sIPSCs) by norepinephrine (NE) was significantly reduced in BDNF+/− mice. These results argue against a generally impaired efficacy and plasticity at GABAergic synapses due to a chronic BDNF deficit. Importantly, the increase in GABAergic tone mediated by NE is reduced in BDNF+/− mice. As release of NE is elevated during aversive behavioral states in the amygdala, effects of a chronic BDNF deficit on GABAergic inhibition may become evident in response to states of high arousal, leading to amygdala hyper-excitability and impaired amygdala function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Meis
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Endres
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Munsch
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Volkmar Lessmann
- Institut für Physiologie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, D-39106 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Sykes L, Haddon J, Lancaster TM, Sykes A, Azzouni K, Ihssen N, Moon AL, Lin TCE, Linden DE, Owen MJ, O’Donovan MC, Humby T, Wilkinson LS, Thomas KL, Hall J. Genetic Variation in the Psychiatric Risk Gene CACNA1C Modulates Reversal Learning Across Species. Schizophr Bull 2019; 45:1024-1032. [PMID: 30304534 PMCID: PMC6737471 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sby146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variation in CACNA1C, which encodes the alpha-1 subunit of Cav1.2 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), has been strongly linked to risk for psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. How genetic variation in CACNA1C contributes to risk for these disorders is however not fully known. Both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with impairments in reversal learning (RL), which may contribute to symptoms seen in these conditions. We used a translational RL paradigm to investigate whether genetic variation in CACNA1C affects RL in both humans and transgenic rats. Associated changes in gene expression were explored using in situ hybridization and quantitative PCR in rats and the BRAINEAC online human database. Risk-associated genetic variation in CACNA1C in healthy human participants was associated with impairments in RL. Consistent with this finding, rats bearing a heterozygous deletion of Cacna1c were impaired in an analogous touchscreen RL task. We investigated the possible molecular mechanism underlying this impairment and found that Cacna1c +/- rats show decreased expression of Bdnf in prefrontal cortex. Examination of BRAINEAC data showed that human risk-associated genetic variation in CACNA1C is also associated with altered expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex in humans. These results indicate that genetic variation in CACNA1C may contribute to risk for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by impacting behavioral flexibility, potentially through altered regulation of BDNF expression in the prefrontal cortex. Tests of RL may be useful for translational studies and in the development of therapies targeting VGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Sykes
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Thomas M Lancaster
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Arabella Sykes
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Karima Azzouni
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Niklas Ihssen
- Department of Psychology, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Anna L Moon
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tzu-Ching E Lin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David E Linden
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael C O’Donovan
- School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Trevor Humby
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lawrence S Wilkinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,School of Medicine, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK,To whom correspondence should be addressed; Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK; tel: 02920-688-342, fax: +44 2920 687 068, e-mail:
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Sano K, Kawashima M, Imada T, Suzuki T, Nakamura S, Mimura M, Tanaka KF, Tsubota K. Enriched environment alleviates stress-induced dry-eye through the BDNF axis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3422. [PMID: 30833600 PMCID: PMC6399317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39467-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients with dry eye disease (DED) is increasing, and DED has become an urgent public health problem. A comorbidity of mental disorders has been reported in DED patients. We hypothesized that physical and psychological stressors impair tear secretion. To examine the relationship between stress loading and decreased tear secretion, we established a stress-induced DED mouse model, which permitted us to address the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis and resilience. Enriched environment (EE) was an effective intervention to prevent and alleviate stress-induced decreased tear secretion. Because stress loading resulted in decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression while EE resulted in increased expression, we focused on the role of BDNF in tear secretion. Using two distinct Bdnf gene knockdown mice, we evaluated whether BDNF was a deterministic factor in regulating tear secretion in healthy and stressed conditions. Bdnf knockdown mice showed decreased basal tear secretion and loss of stress tolerance by EE for tear secretion. These results suggest that BDNF expression is related to tear secretion and to the pathology of DED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kokoro Sano
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Motoko Kawashima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Imada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toru Suzuki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shigeru Nakamura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masaru Mimura
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Kazuo Tsubota
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan.
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McGregor CE, English AW. The Role of BDNF in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Activity-Dependent Treatments and Val66Met. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 12:522. [PMID: 30687012 PMCID: PMC6336700 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the ability of peripheral nerves to spontaneously regenerate after injury, recovery is generally very poor. The neurotrophins have emerged as an important modulator of axon regeneration, particularly brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF regulation and signaling, as well as its role in activity-dependent treatments including electrical stimulation, exercise, and optogenetic stimulation are discussed here. The importance of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene, Val66Met, which is present in 30% of the human population and may hinder the efficacy of these treatments in enhancing regeneration after injury is considered. Preliminary data are presented on the effectiveness of one such activity-dependent treatment, electrical stimulation, in enhancing axon regeneration in mice expressing the met allele of the Val66Met polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Emma McGregor
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Arthur W English
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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45
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Luo F, Mu Y, Gao C, Xiao Y, Zhou Q, Yang Y, Ni X, Shen WL, Yang J. Whole-brain patterns of the presynaptic inputs and axonal projections of BDNF neurons in the paraventricular nucleus. J Genet Genomics 2019; 46:31-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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46
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Shinoda Y, Sadakata T, Yagishita K, Kinameri E, Katoh-Semba R, Sano Y, Furuichi T. Aspects of excitatory/inhibitory synapses in multiple brain regions are correlated with levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor/neurotrophin-3. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 509:429-434. [PMID: 30594389 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.12.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate synapse formation during development is necessary for normal brain function, and synapse impairment is often associated with brain dysfunction. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) are key factors in regulating synaptic development. We previously reported that BDNF/NT-3 secretion was enhanced by calcium-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CADPS2). Although BDNF/NT-3 and CADPS2 are co-expressed in various brain regions, the effect of Cadps2-deficiency on brain region-specific BDNF/NT-3 levels and synaptic development remains elusive. Here, we show developmental changes of BDNF/NT-3 levels and we assess disruption of excitatory/inhibitory synapses in multiple brain regions (cerebellum, hypothalamus, striatum, hippocampus, parietal cortex and prefrontal cortex) of Cadps2 knockout (KO) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Compared with WT, BDNF levels in KO mice were reduced in young/adult hippocampus, but increased in young hypothalamus, while NT-3 levels were reduced in adult cerebellum and young hippocampus, but increased in adult parietal cortex. Immunofluorescence of vGluT1, an excitatory synapse marker, and vGAT, an inhibitory synapse marker, in adult KO showed that vGluT1 was higher in the cerebellum and parietal cortex but lower in the hippocampus, whereas vGAT was lower in the hippocampus and parietal cortex compared with WT. Immunolabeling for both vGluT1 and vGAT was increased in the parietal cortex but vGAT was decreased in the cerebellum in adult KO compared with WT. These data suggest that CADPS2-mediated secretion of BDNF/NT-3 may be involved in development and maturation of synapses and in the balance between inhibitory and excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Shinoda
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan; Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan; Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Tetsushi Sadakata
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan; Education and Research Support Center, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Kaori Yagishita
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Emi Kinameri
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ritsuko Katoh-Semba
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan; Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Sano
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan
| | - Teiichi Furuichi
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan; Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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47
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Barfield ET, Gourley SL. Prefrontal cortical trkB, glucocorticoids, and their interactions in stress and developmental contexts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:535-558. [PMID: 30477984 PMCID: PMC6392187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tropomyosin/tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate neuron structure and function and the hormonal stress response. Meanwhile, disruption of trkB and GR activity (e.g., by chronic stress) can perturb neuronal morphology in cortico-limbic regions implicated in stressor-related illnesses like depression. Further, several of the short- and long-term neurobehavioral consequences of stress depend on the developmental timing and context of stressor exposure. We review how the levels and activities of trkB and GR in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) change during development, interact, are modulated by stress, and are implicated in depression. We review evidence that trkB- and GR-mediated signaling events impact the density and morphology of dendritic spines, the primary sites of excitatory synapses in the brain, highlighting effects in adolescents when possible. Finally, we review the role of neurotrophin and glucocorticoid systems in stress-related metaplasticity. We argue that better understanding the long-term effects of developmental stressors on PFC trkB, GR, and related factors may yield insights into risk for chronic, remitting depression and related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Barfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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48
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Singer W, Manthey M, Panford-Walsh R, Matt L, Geisler HS, Passeri E, Baj G, Tongiorgi E, Leal G, Duarte CB, Salazar IL, Eckert P, Rohbock K, Hu J, Strotmann J, Ruth P, Zimmermann U, Rüttiger L, Ott T, Schimmang T, Knipper M. BDNF-Live-Exon-Visualization (BLEV) Allows Differential Detection of BDNF Transcripts in vitro and in vivo. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:325. [PMID: 30319348 PMCID: PMC6170895 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bdnf exon-IV and exon-VI transcripts are driven by neuronal activity and are involved in pathologies related to sleep, fear or memory disorders. However, how their differential transcription translates activity changes into long-lasting network changes is elusive. Aiming to trace specifically the network controlled by exon-IV and -VI derived BDNF during activity-dependent plasticity changes, we generated a transgenic reporter mouse for B DNF- l ive- e xon- v isualization (BLEV), in which expression of Bdnf exon-IV and -VI can be visualized by co-expression of CFP and YFP. CFP and YFP expression was differentially activated and targeted in cell lines, primary cultures and BLEV reporter mice without interfering with BDNF protein synthesis. CFP and YFP expression, moreover, overlapped with BDNF protein expression in defined hippocampal neuronal, glial and vascular locations in vivo. So far, activity-dependent BDNF cannot be explicitly monitored independent of basal BDNF levels. The BLEV reporter mouse therefore provides a new model, which can be used to test whether stimulus-induced activity-dependent changes in BDNF expression are instrumental for long-lasting plasticity modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Singer
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marie Manthey
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rama Panford-Walsh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lucas Matt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hyun-Soon Geisler
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eleonora Passeri
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Baj
- B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- B.R.A.I.N. Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Graciano Leal
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos B. Duarte
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ivan L. Salazar
- Centre for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Philipp Eckert
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Rohbock
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jing Hu
- Centre for Integrative Neuroscience (CIN), University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jörg Strotmann
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Physiology, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Peter Ruth
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Zimmermann
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Rüttiger
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Ott
- Transgenic Facility Tübingen, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schimmang
- Instituto de Biologíay Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Marlies Knipper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tübingen Hearing Research Centre (THRC), Molecular Physiology of Hearing, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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49
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Sun MK. Executive functioning: perspectives on neurotrophic activity and pharmacology. Behav Pharmacol 2018; 29:592-604. [PMID: 30179884 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Executive functioning is a high-level cognitive ability, regulating other abilities and behaviors to achieve desired goals. A typical executive task can be defined as the capacity to maintain one's attention on the current task, that is, responding only to the correct but not to distractive stimuli. Impairments of executive functions, or executive dysfunctions, have a growing impact on everyday life and academic achievement and are usually an early feature, and one of the core features, in brain injury and memory and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates that memory therapeutics cannot achieve their clinical benefits in cognition if executive dysfunction is not effectively and simultaneously treated. Improvement of executive functions might be achieved through targeting some signaling pathways in the brain, including the brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling pathways. These agents may be useful either as stand-alone interventions for patients with executive dysfunction and/or psychiatric and memory disorders or as essential adjuncts to drugs that target the underlying pathology in various brain injury and memory and behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Kun Sun
- Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
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50
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Porcher C, Medina I, Gaiarsa JL. Mechanism of BDNF Modulation in GABAergic Synaptic Transmission in Healthy and Disease Brains. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:273. [PMID: 30210299 PMCID: PMC6121065 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mature healthy mammalian neuronal networks, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) mediates synaptic inhibition by acting on GABAA and GABAB receptors (GABAAR, GABABR). In immature networks and during numerous pathological conditions the strength of GABAergic synaptic inhibition is much less pronounced. In these neurons the activation of GABAAR produces paradoxical depolarizing action that favors neuronal network excitation. The depolarizing action of GABAAR is a consequence of deregulated chloride ion homeostasis. In addition to depolarizing action of GABAAR, the GABABR mediated inhibition is also less efficient. One of the key molecules regulating the GABAergic synaptic transmission is the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF and its precursor proBDNF, can be released in an activity-dependent manner. Mature BDNF operates via its cognate receptors tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB) whereas proBDNF binds the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). In this review article, we discuss recent finding illuminating how mBDNF-TrkB and proBDNF-p75NTR signaling pathways regulate GABA related neurotransmission under physiological conditions and during epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Porcher
- Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Marseille, France.,Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), Marseille, France
| | - Igor Medina
- Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Marseille, France.,Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Luc Gaiarsa
- Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U901, Marseille, France.,Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée (INMED), Marseille, France
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