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Zhou H, Gelernter J. Human genetics and epigenetics of alcohol use disorder. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172885. [PMID: 39145449 PMCID: PMC11324314 DOI: 10.1172/jci172885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prominent contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Its complex etiology involves genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors. We review progress in understanding the genetics and epigenetics of AUD, summarizing the key findings. Advancements in technology over the decades have elevated research from early candidate gene studies to present-day genome-wide scans, unveiling numerous genetic and epigenetic risk factors for AUD. The latest GWAS on more than one million participants identified more than 100 genetic variants, and the largest epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in blood and brain samples have revealed tissue-specific epigenetic changes. Downstream analyses revealed enriched pathways, genetic correlations with other traits, transcriptome-wide association in brain tissues, and drug-gene interactions for AUD. We also discuss limitations and future directions, including increasing the power of GWAS and EWAS studies as well as expanding the diversity of populations included in these analyses. Larger samples, novel technologies, and analytic approaches are essential; these include whole-genome sequencing, multiomics, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, deep-learning prediction of variant function, and integrated methods for disease risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
- Center for Brain and Mind Health
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Genetics, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Zillich L, Artioli A, Pohořalá V, Zillich E, Stertz L, Belschner H, Jabali A, Frank J, Streit F, Avetyan D, Völker M, Müller S, Hansson A, Meyer T, Rietschel M, Spanagel R, Oliveira A, Walss-Bass C, Bernardi R, Koch P, Witt S. Cell type-specific Multi-Omics Analysis of Cocaine Use Disorder in the Human Caudate Nucleus. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4834308. [PMID: 39184101 PMCID: PMC11343288 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4834308/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Structural and functional alterations in the brain's reward circuitry are present in cocaine use disorder (CocUD), but their molecular underpinnings remain unclear. To investigate these mechanisms, we performed single-nuclei multiome profiling on postmortem caudate nucleus tissue from six individuals with CocUD and eight controls. We profiled 31,178 nuclei, identifying 13 cell types including D1- and D2-medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and glial cells. We observed 1,383 differentially regulated genes and 10,235 differentially accessible peaks, with alterations in MSNs and astrocytes related to neurotransmitter activity and synapse organization. Gene regulatory network analysis identified the transcription factor ZEB1 as exhibiting distinct CocUD-specific subclusters, activating downstream expression of ion- and calcium-channels in MSNs. Further, PDE10A emerged as a potential drug target, showing conserved effects in a rat model. This study highlights cell type-specific molecular alterations in CocUD and provides targets for further investigation, demonstrating the value of multi-omics approaches in addiction research.
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3
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Tian G, Bartas K, Hui M, Chen L, Vasquez JJ, Azouz G, Derdeyn P, Manville RW, Ho EL, Fang AS, Li Y, Tyler I, Setola V, Aoto J, Abbott GW, Beier KT. Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00540-3. [PMID: 39153478 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.07.018] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit that acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. Here, we show that GPe parvalbumin-positive (GPePV) cells mediate cocaine responses by selectively modulating ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTADA) cells projecting to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). Interestingly, GPePV cell activity in cocaine-naive mice is correlated with behavioral responses following cocaine, effectively predicting cocaine sensitivity. Expression of the voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 that control intrinsic cellular excitability following cocaine was downregulated, contributing to the elevation in GPePV cell excitability. Acutely activating channels containing KCNQ3 and/or KCNQ5 using the small molecule carnosic acid, a key psychoactive component of Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) extract, reduced GPePV cell excitability and impaired cocaine reward, sensitization, and volitional cocaine intake, indicating its therapeutic potential to counteract psychostimulant use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilian Tian
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Katrina Bartas
- Program in Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - May Hui
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lingxuan Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jose J Vasquez
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ghalia Azouz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Pieter Derdeyn
- Program in Mathematical, Computational, and Systems Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Rían W Manville
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Erick L Ho
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Amanda S Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Isabella Tyler
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Setola
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA; Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jason Aoto
- University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kevin T Beier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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4
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Green N, Gao H, Chu X, Yuan Q, McGuire P, Lai D, Jiang G, Xuei X, Reiter J, Stevens J, Sutherland G, Goate A, Pang Z, Slesinger P, Hart RP, Tischfield JA, Agrawal A, Wang Y, Duren Z, Edenberg HJ, Liu Y. Integrated Single-Cell Multiomic Profiling of Caudate Nucleus Suggests Key Mechanisms in Alcohol Use Disorder. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.606355. [PMID: 39149227 PMCID: PMC11326171 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.606355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is likely associated with complex transcriptional alterations in addiction-relevant brain regions. We characterize AUD-associated differences in cell type-specific gene expression and chromatin accessibility in the caudate nucleus by conducting a single-nucleus RNA-seq assay and a single-nucleus RNA-seq + ATAC-seq (multiome) assay on caudate tissue from 143 human postmortem brains (74 with AUD). We identified 17 cell types. AUD was associated with a higher proportion of microglia in an activated state and more astrocytes in a reactive state. There was widespread evidence for differentially expressed genes across cell types with the most identified in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, including genes involved in immune response and synaptic regulation, many of which appeared to be regulated in part by JUND and OLIG2. Microglia-astrocyte communication via interleukin-1 beta, and microglia-astrocyte-oligodendrocyte interaction via transforming growth factor beta 1 were increased in individuals with AUD. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed potential driver genes of AUD, including ADAL, that may protect against AUD in medium spiny neurons and interneurons. This work provides a thorough profile of the effects of AUD in the human brain and identifies several promising genes for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Green
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Hongyu Gao
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Xiaona Chu
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Quiyue Yuan
- Clemson University, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Greenwood, SC 29646, United States
| | - Patrick McGuire
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Dongbing Lai
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Guanglong Jiang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Xiaoling Xuei
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Jill Reiter
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Julia Stevens
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Greg Sutherland
- New South Wales Brain Tissue Research Centre, Charles Perkins Centre and School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Alison Goate
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
- Department of Genetics & Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Zhiping Pang
- Human Genetics Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and The Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, United States
| | - Paul Slesinger
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, United States
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Human Genetics Institute, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
- Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey 08854, United States
| | - Jay A Tischfield
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States
| | - Yue Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
| | - Zhana Duren
- Clemson University, Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Greenwood, SC 29646, United States
| | - Howard J Edenberg
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, United States
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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Zhu J, Hou Y, Li W, Wang X, Li F, Li N, Hu Y, Wang X, Ge SN. miR-181a expressed in the dorsal hippocampus regulates the reinstatement of cocaine CPP by targeting PRKAA1. Behav Brain Res 2024; 471:115097. [PMID: 38878971 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115097] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Neuroadaptive changes in the hippocampus underlie addictive-like behaviors in humans or animals chronically exposed to cocaine. miR-181a, which is widely expressed in the hippocampus, acts as a regulator for synaptic plasticity, while its role in drug reinstatement is unclear. In this study, we found that miR-181a regulates the reinstatement of cocaine conditioned place preference(CPP), and altered miR-181a expression changes the complexity of hippocampal neurons and the density and morphology of dendritic spines. By using a luciferase gene reporter, we found that miR-181a targets PRKAA1, an upstream molecule in the mTOR pathway. High miR-181a expression reduced the expression of the PRKAA1 mRNA and promoted mTOR activity and the reinstatement of cocaine CPP. These results indicate that miR-181a is involved in neuronal structural plasticity induced by reinstatement of cocaine CPP, possibly through the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway. This study provides new microRNA targets and a theoretical foundation for the prevention of cocaine-induced reinstatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China; Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xian Yang, Shaanxi 712046, China
| | - Yueru Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China; Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xian Yang, Shaanxi 712046, China
| | - Wan Li
- Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Yan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
| | - Shun-Nan Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China.
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Kim HS, Xiao Y, Chen X, He S, Im J, Willner MJ, Finlayson MO, Xu C, Zhu H, Choi SJ, Mosharov EV, Kim H, Xu B, Leong KW. Chronic Opioid Treatment Arrests Neurodevelopment and Alters Synaptic Activity in Human Midbrain Organoids. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400847. [PMID: 38549185 PMCID: PMC11151039 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the impact of long-term opioid exposure on the embryonic brain is critical due to the surging number of pregnant mothers with opioid dependency. However, this has been limited by human brain inaccessibility and cross-species differences in animal models. Here, a human midbrain model is established that uses hiPSC-derived midbrain organoids to assess cell-type-specific responses to acute and chronic fentanyl treatment and fentanyl withdrawal. Single-cell mRNA sequencing of 25,510 cells from organoids in different treatment groups reveals that chronic fentanyl treatment arrests neuronal subtype specification during early midbrain development and alters synaptic activity and neuron projection. In contrast, acute fentanyl treatment increases dopamine release but does not significantly alter gene expression related to cell lineage development. These results provide the first examination of the effects of opioid exposure on human midbrain development at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research CenterDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Yang Xiao
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Xuejing Chen
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
- Department of PhysicsTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Siyu He
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Jongwon Im
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Moshe J. Willner
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Michael O. Finlayson
- Single Cell Analysis CoreJP Sulzberger Columbia Genome CenterColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
| | - Cong Xu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
| | - Huixiang Zhu
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
| | - Se Joon Choi
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
- Division of Molecular TherapeuticsNew York State Psychiatric InstituteNew YorkNY10032USA
| | - Eugene V. Mosharov
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
- Division of Molecular TherapeuticsNew York State Psychiatric InstituteNew YorkNY10032USA
| | - Hae‐Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN)Dankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research CenterDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science and BK21 PLUS NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative MedicineDankook UniversityCheonan31116Republic of Korea
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of PsychiatryColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
| | - Kam W. Leong
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringColumbia UniversityNew YorkNY10027USA
- Department of Systems BiologyColumbia University Irving Medical CenterNew YorkNY10032USA
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Heidari N, Hajikarim-Hamedani A, Heidari A, Ghane Y, Ashabi G, Zarrindast MR, Sadat-Shirazi MS. Alcohol: Epigenome alteration and inter/transgenerational effect. Alcohol 2024; 117:27-41. [PMID: 38508286 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.03.008] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
While DNA serves as the fundamental genetic blueprint for an organism, it is not a static entity. Gene expression, the process by which genetic information is utilized to create functional products like proteins, can be modulated by a diverse range of environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, play a pivotal role in mediating the intricate interplay between the environment and gene expression. Intriguingly, alterations in the epigenome have the potential to be inherited across generations. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) poses significant health issues worldwide. Alcohol has the capability to induce changes in the epigenome, which can be inherited by offspring, thus impacting them even in the absence of direct alcohol exposure. This review delves into the impact of alcohol on the epigenome, examining how its effects vary based on factors such as the age of exposure (adolescence or adulthood), the duration of exposure (chronic or acute), and the specific sample collected (brain, blood, or sperm). The literature underscores that alcohol exposure can elicit diverse effects on the epigenome during different life stages. Furthermore, compelling evidence from human and animal studies demonstrates that alcohol induces alterations in epigenome content, affecting both the brain and blood. Notably, rodent studies suggest that these epigenetic changes can result in lasting phenotype alterations that extend across at least two generations. In conclusion, the comprehensive literature analysis supports the notion that alcohol exposure induces lasting epigenetic alterations, influencing the behavior and health of future generations. This knowledge emphasizes the significance of addressing the potential transgenerational effects of alcohol and highlights the importance of preventive measures to minimize the adverse impact on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Heidari
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Heidari
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yekta Ghane
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Tian G, Bartas K, Hui M, Chen L, Vasquez JJ, Azouz G, Derdeyn P, Manville RW, Ho EL, Fang AS, Li Y, Tyler I, Setola V, Aoto J, Abbott GW, Beier KT. Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.29.596557. [PMID: 38853899 PMCID: PMC11160764 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.29.596557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit, receiving strong input from the indirect pathway and regulating a variety of functions, including locomotor output and habit formation. We recently showed that it also acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity, as inhibition of parvalbumin-positive cells in the GPe (GPe PV ) prevents the development of cocaine-induced reward and sensitization. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. Here we show that GPe PV cells control cocaine reward and sensitization by inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr GABA ), and ultimately, selectively modulating the activity of ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA DA ) cells projecting to the lateral shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAcLat). A major input to GPe PV cells is the indirect pathway of the dorsomedial striatum (DMS D 2 ), which receives DAergic innervation from collaterals of VTA DA →NAcLat cells, making this a closed-loop circuit. Cocaine likely facilitates reward and sensitization not directly through actions in the GPe, but rather in the upstream DMS, where the cocaine-induced elevation of DA triggers a depression in DMS D 2 cell activity. This cocaine-induced elevation in DA levels can be blocked by inhibition of GPe PV cells, closing the loop. Interestingly, the level of GPe PV cell activity prior to cocaine administration is correlated with the extent of reward and sensitization that animals experience in response to future administration of cocaine, indicating that GPe PV cell activity is a key predictor of future behavioral responses to cocaine. Single nucleus RNA-sequencing of GPe cells indicated that genes encoding voltage-gated potassium channels KCNQ3 and KCNQ5 that control intrinsic cellular excitability are downregulated in GPe PV cells following a single cocaine exposure, contributing to the elevation in GPe PV cell excitability. Acutely activating channels containing KCNQ3 and/or KCNQ5 using the small molecule carnosic acid, a key psychoactive component of Salvia rosmarinus (rosemary) extract, reduced GPe PV cell excitability and also impaired cocaine reward, sensitization, and volitional cocaine intake, indicating its potential as a therapeutic to counteract psychostimulant use disorder. Our findings illuminate the molecular and circuit mechanisms by which the GPe orchestrates brain-wide changes in response to cocaine that are required for reward, sensitization, and self-administration behaviors.
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del Valle E, Rubio-Sardón N, Menéndez-Pérez C, Martínez-Pinilla E, Navarro A. Apolipoprotein D as a Potential Biomarker in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15631. [PMID: 37958618 PMCID: PMC10650001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115631] [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: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs) are a diverse group of pathologies, including schizophrenia or bipolar disorders, that directly affect the mental and physical health of those who suffer from them, with an incidence that is increasing worldwide. Most NDs result from a complex interaction of multiple genes and environmental factors such as stress or traumatic events, including the recent Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In addition to diverse clinical presentations, these diseases are heterogeneous in their pathogenesis, brain regions affected, and clinical symptoms, making diagnosis difficult. Therefore, finding new biomarkers is essential for the detection, prognosis, response prediction, and development of new treatments for NDs. Among the most promising candidates is the apolipoprotein D (Apo D), a component of lipoproteins implicated in lipid metabolism. Evidence suggests an increase in Apo D expression in association with aging and in the presence of neuropathological processes. As a part of the cellular neuroprotective defense machinery against oxidative stress and inflammation, changes in Apo D levels have been demonstrated in neuropsychiatric conditions like schizophrenia (SZ) or bipolar disorders (BPD), not only in some brain areas but in corporal fluids, i.e., blood or serum of patients. What is not clear is whether variation in Apo D quantity could be used as an indicator to detect NDs and their progression. This review aims to provide an updated view of the clinical potential of Apo D as a possible biomarker for NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva del Valle
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (E.d.V.); (N.R.-S.); (C.M.-P.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nuria Rubio-Sardón
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (E.d.V.); (N.R.-S.); (C.M.-P.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Carlota Menéndez-Pérez
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (E.d.V.); (N.R.-S.); (C.M.-P.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Eva Martínez-Pinilla
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (E.d.V.); (N.R.-S.); (C.M.-P.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Navarro
- Department of Morphology and Cell Biology, University of Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (E.d.V.); (N.R.-S.); (C.M.-P.); (A.N.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33006 Oviedo, Spain
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10
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Ehlinger JV, Goodrich JM, Dolinoy DC, Watkins DJ, Cantoral A, Mercado-García A, Téllez-Rojo MM, Peterson KE. Associations between blood leukocyte DNA methylation and sustained attention in mid-to-late childhood. Epigenomics 2023; 15:965-981. [PMID: 37942546 PMCID: PMC10718163 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: To identify associations between DNA methylation (DNAm) across the epigenome and symptoms related to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a population of Hispanic children. Materials & methods: Among 517 participants in the ELEMENT study aged 9-18 years, we conducted an epigenome-wide association study examining associations between blood leukocyte DNAm and performance on the Conners' continuous performance test (CPT3). Results: DNAm at loci in or near ZNF814, ELF4 and OR6K6 and functional enrichment for gene pathways pertaining to ferroptosis, inflammation, immune response and neurotransmission were significantly related to CPT3 scores. Conclusion: DNAm was associated with CPT3 performance. Further analysis is warranted to understand how these genes and enriched pathways contribute to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessa V Ehlinger
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jaclyn M Goodrich
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Deborah J Watkins
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | | | | | - Karen E Peterson
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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11
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Zhao Y, Han X, Zheng ZL. Analysis of the brain transcriptome for substance-associated genes: An update on large-scale genome-wide association studies. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13332. [PMID: 37753566 PMCID: PMC10539015 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) arises from the initiation to subsequent regular, irregular and harmful use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco/nicotine and cannabis. While thousands of genetic variants have been identified from recent large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), understanding their functions in substance involvement and investigating the mechanisms by which they act in the addiction circuits remains challenging. In this study, we re-analysed the brain regional transcriptome data from the most comprehensive postmortem transcriptomic study, with a focus on up- or down-regulation of substance-associated protein-coding genes in the addiction circuit-related brain regions (AddictRegions), including six cortical and 11 subcortical regions. We found that substance-associated genes were overrepresented in AddictRegions. Interestingly, we observed a greater degree of genetic overlap between initiation and use and between use and SUD than between initiation and SUD. Moreover, substance initiation, use and SUD-associated genes tend to shift their enriched AddictRegions from the cortical for initiation and, to a lesser extent, substance use to subcortical regions for SUD (e.g., thalamus, substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area). We also uncovered a pattern of coordinated cortical up-regulation and subcortical down-regulation for the genes associated with tobacco initiation and alcohol use. Moreover, the Gene Ontology terms of glutamate receptor activity and neurotransmitter binding were most significantly overrepresented in AddictRegion-upregulated, substance-associated genes, with the strongest enrichment for those involved in common substance use behaviours. Overall, our analysis provides a resource of AddictRegion-related transcriptomes for studying substance-associated genes and generates intriguing insights into the genetic control of substance initiation, use and SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihong Zhao
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xuewei Han
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhi-Liang Zheng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehman College, City University of New York, Bronx, NY 10068, USA
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12
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Zhang S, Zhang H, Forrest MP, Zhou Y, Sun X, Bagchi VA, Kozlova A, Santos MD, Piguel NH, Dionisio LE, Sanders AR, Pang ZP, He X, Penzes P, Duan J. Multiple genes in a single GWAS risk locus synergistically mediate aberrant synaptic development and function in human neurons. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100399. [PMID: 37719141 PMCID: PMC10504676 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The mechanistic tie between genome-wide association study (GWAS)-implicated risk variants and disease-relevant cellular phenotypes remains largely unknown. Here, using human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons as a neurodevelopmental model, we identify multiple schizophrenia (SZ) risk variants that display allele-specific open chromatin (ASoC) and are likely to be functional. Editing the strongest ASoC SNP, rs2027349, near vacuolar protein sorting 45 homolog (VPS45) alters the expression of VPS45, lncRNA AC244033.2, and a distal gene, C1orf54. Notably, the transcriptomic changes in neurons are associated with SZ and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurons carrying the risk allele exhibit increased dendritic complexity and hyperactivity. Interestingly, individual/combinatorial gene knockdown shows that these genes alter cellular phenotypes in a non-additive synergistic manner. Our study reveals that multiple genes at a single GWAS risk locus mediate a compound effect on neural function, providing a mechanistic link between a non-coding risk variant and disease-related cellular phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Zhang
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hanwen Zhang
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Marc P. Forrest
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yifan Zhou
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiaotong Sun
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Vikram A. Bagchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alena Kozlova
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Nicolas H. Piguel
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonardo E. Dionisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alan R. Sanders
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zhiping P. Pang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Xin He
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jubao Duan
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, IL 60201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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13
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D'Acunzo P, Ungania JM, Kim Y, Barreto BR, DeRosa S, Pawlik M, Canals‐Baker S, Erdjument‐Bromage H, Hashim A, Goulbourne CN, Neubert TA, Saito M, Sershen H, Levy E. Cocaine perturbs mitovesicle biology in the brain. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12301. [PMID: 36691887 PMCID: PMC9871795 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine, an addictive psychostimulant, has a broad mechanism of action, including the induction of a wide range of alterations in brain metabolism and mitochondrial homeostasis. Our group recently identified a subpopulation of non-microvesicular, non-exosomal extracellular vesicles of mitochondrial origin (mitovesicles) and developed a method to isolate mitovesicles from brain parenchyma. We hypothesised that the generation and secretion of mitovesicles is affected by mitochondrial abnormalities induced by chronic cocaine exposure. Mitovesicles from the brain extracellular space of cocaine-administered mice were enlarged and more numerous when compared to controls, supporting a model in which mitovesicle biogenesis is enhanced in the presence of mitochondrial alterations. This interrelationship was confirmed in vitro. Moreover, cocaine affected mitovesicle protein composition, causing a functional alteration in mitovesicle ATP production capacity. These data suggest that mitovesicles are previously unidentified players in the biology of cocaine addiction and that target therapies to fine-tune brain mitovesicle functionality may be beneficial to mitigate the effects of chronic cocaine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale D'Acunzo
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Jonathan M. Ungania
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Yohan Kim
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Bryana R. Barreto
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Steven DeRosa
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Monika Pawlik
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Stefanie Canals‐Baker
- Division of NeurochemistryNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Hediye Erdjument‐Bromage
- Department of Cell BiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Audrey Hashim
- Division of NeurochemistryNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Chris N. Goulbourne
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Thomas A. Neubert
- Department of Cell BiologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Mariko Saito
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Division of NeurochemistryNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Henry Sershen
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Division of NeurochemistryNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
| | - Efrat Levy
- Center for Dementia ResearchNathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric ResearchOrangeburgNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychiatryNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular PharmacologyNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- NYU Neuroscience InstituteNew York University Grossman School of MedicineNew YorkNew YorkUSA
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14
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Plasil SL, Collins VJ, Baratta AM, Farris SP, Homanics GE. Hippocampal ceRNA networks from chronic intermittent ethanol vapor-exposed male mice and functional analysis of top-ranked lncRNA genes for ethanol drinking phenotypes. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2022; 2:10831. [PMID: 36908580 PMCID: PMC10004261 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2022.10831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating the development and progression of alcohol use disorder (AUD) are largely unknown. While noncoding RNAs have previously been implicated as playing key roles in AUD, long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) remains understudied in relation to AUD. In this study, we first identified ethanol-responsive lncRNAs in the mouse hippocampus that are transcriptional network hub genes. Microarray analysis of lncRNA, miRNA, circular RNA, and protein coding gene expression in the hippocampus from chronic intermittent ethanol vapor- or air- (control) exposed mice was used to identify ethanol-responsive competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks. Highly interconnected lncRNAs (genes that had the strongest overall correlation to all other dysregulated genes identified) were ranked. The top four lncRNAs were novel, previously uncharacterized genes named Gm42575, 4930413E15Rik, Gm15767, and Gm33447, hereafter referred to as Pitt1, Pitt2, Pitt3, and Pitt4, respectively. We subsequently tested the hypothesis that CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis of the putative promoter and first exon of these lncRNAs in C57BL/6J mice would alter ethanol drinking behavior. The Drinking in the Dark (DID) assay was used to examine binge-like drinking behavior, and the Every-Other-Day Two-Bottle Choice (EOD-2BC) assay was used to examine intermittent ethanol consumption and preference. No significant differences between control and mutant mice were observed in the DID assay. Female-specific reductions in ethanol consumption were observed in the EOD-2BC assay for Pitt1, Pitt3, and Pitt4 mutant mice compared to controls. Male-specific alterations in ethanol preference were observed for Pitt1 and Pitt2. Female-specific increases in ethanol preference were observed for Pitt3 and Pitt4. Total fluid consumption was reduced in Pitt1 and Pitt2 mutants at 15% v/v ethanol and in Pitt3 and Pitt4 at 20% v/v ethanol in females only. We conclude that all lncRNAs targeted altered ethanol drinking behavior, and that lncRNAs Pitt1, Pitt3, and Pitt4 influenced ethanol consumption in a sex-specific manner. Further research is necessary to elucidate the biological mechanisms for these effects. These findings add to the literature implicating noncoding RNAs in AUD and suggest lncRNAs also play an important regulatory role in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- SL Plasil
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - VJ Collins
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - AM Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - SP Farris
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - GE Homanics
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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15
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Genetic and genomic signatures in ethanol withdrawal seizure-prone and seizure-resistant mice implicate genes involved in epilepsy and neuronal excitability. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4611-4623. [PMID: 36198764 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol withdrawal is a clinically important consequence and potential driver of Alcohol Use Disorder. However, susceptibility to withdrawal symptoms, ranging from craving and anxiety to seizures and delirium, varies greatly. Selectively bred Withdrawal Seizure-Prone (WSP) and Seizure-Resistant (WSR) mice are an animal model of differential susceptibility to withdrawal and phenotypes with which withdrawal severity correlates. To identify innate drivers of alcohol withdrawal severity, we performed a multi-omic study of the WSP and WSR lines and F2 mice derived from them, using genomic, genetic, and transcriptomic analyses. Genes implicated in seizures and epilepsy were over-represented among those that segregated between WSP and WSR mice and that displayed differential expression in F2 mice high and low in withdrawal. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of ethanol withdrawal convulsions identified several genome-wide significant loci and pointed to genes that modulate potassium channel function and neural excitability. Perturbations of expression of genes involved in synaptic transmission, including GABAergic and glutamatergic genes, were prominent in prefrontal cortex transcriptome. Expression QTL (eQTL) analysis fine mapped genes within the peak ethanol withdrawal QTL regions. Genetic association analysis in human subjects provided converging evidence for the involvement of those genes in severity of alcohol withdrawal and dependence. Our results reveal a polygenic network and neural signaling pathways contributing to ethanol withdrawal seizures and related phenotypes that overlap with genes modulating epilepsy and neuronal excitability.
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16
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Fischer DK, Krick KS, Han C, Woolf MT, Heller EA. Cocaine regulation of Nr4a1 chromatin bivalency and mRNA in male and female mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15735. [PMID: 36130958 PMCID: PMC9492678 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19908-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine epigenetically regulates gene expression via changes in histone post-translational modifications (HPTMs). We previously found that the immediate early gene Nr4a1 is epigenetically activated by cocaine in mouse brain reward regions. However, few studies have examined multiple HPTMs at a single gene. Bivalent gene promoters are simultaneously enriched in both activating (H3K4me3 (K4)) and repressive (H3K27me3 (K27)) HPTMs. As such, bivalent genes are lowly expressed but poised for activity-dependent gene regulation. In this study, we identified K4&K27 bivalency at Nr4a1 following investigator-administered cocaine in male and female mice. We applied sequential chromatin immunoprecipitation and qPCR to define Nr4a1 bivalency and expression in striatum (STR), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and hippocampus (HPC). We used Pearson's correlation to quantify relationships within each brain region across treatment conditions for each sex. In female STR, cocaine increased Nr4a1 mRNA while maintaining Nr4a1 K4&K27 bivalency. In male STR, cocaine enriched repressive H3K27me3 and K4&K27 bivalency at Nr4a1 and maintained Nr4a1 mRNA. Furthermore, cocaine epigenetically regulated a putative NR4A1 target, Cartpt, in male PFC. This study defined the epigenetic regulation of Nr4a1 in reward brain regions in male and female mice following cocaine, and, thus, shed light on the biological relevance of sex to cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney K Fischer
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Keegan S Krick
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chloe Han
- College of Arts & Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Morgan T Woolf
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
- Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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17
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Chang XW, Sun Y, Muhai JN, Li YY, Chen Y, Lu L, Chang SH, Shi J. Common and distinguishing genetic factors for substance use behavior and disorder: an integrated analysis of genomic and transcriptomic studies from both human and animal studies. Addiction 2022; 117:2515-2529. [PMID: 35491750 DOI: 10.1111/add.15908] [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: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Genomic and transcriptomic findings greatly broaden the biological knowledge regarding substance use. However, systematic convergence and comparison evidence of genome-wide findings is lacking for substance use. Here, we combined all the genome-wide findings from both substance use behavior and disorder (SUBD) and identified common and distinguishing genetic factors for different SUBDs. METHODS Systemic literature search for genome-wide association (GWAS) and RNA-seq studies of alcohol/nicotine/drug use behavior (partially meets or not reported diagnostic criteria) and alcohol use behavior and disorder (AUBD), nicotine use behavior and disorder (NUBD) and drug use behavior and disorder (DUBD) was performed using PubMed and the GWAS catalog. Drug use was focused upon cannabis, opioid, cocaine and methamphetamine use. GWAS studies required case-control or case/cohort samples. RNA-seq studies were based on brain tissues. The genes which contained significant single nucleotide polymorphism (P ≤ 1 × 10-6 ) in GWAS and reported as significant in RNA-seq studies were extracted. Pathway enrichment was performed by using Metascape. Gene interaction networks were identified by using the Protein Interaction Network Analysis database. RESULTS Total SUBD-related 2910 genes were extracted from 75 GWAS studies (2 773 889 participants) and 17 RNA-seq studies. By overlapping the genes and pathways of AUBD, NUBD and DUBD, four shared genes (CACNB2, GRIN2B, PLXDC2 and PKNOX2), four shared pathways [two Gene Ontology (GO) terms of 'modulation of chemical synaptic transmission', 'regulation of trans-synaptic signaling', two Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways of 'dopaminergic synapse', 'cocaine addiction'] were identified (significantly higher than random, P < 1 × 10-5 ). The top shared KEGG pathways (Benjamini-Hochberg-corrected P-value < 0.05) in the pairwise comparison of AUBD versus DUBD, NUBD versus DUBD, AUBD versus NUBD were 'Epstein-Barr virus infection', 'protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum' and 'neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction', respectively. We also identified substance-specific genetic factors: i.e. ADH1B and ALDH2 were unique for AUBD, while CHRNA3 and CHRNA4 were unique for NUBD. CONCLUSIONS This systematic review identifies the shared and unique genes and pathways for alcohol, nicotine and drug use behaviors and disorders at the genome-wide level and highlights critical biological processes for the common and distinguishing vulnerability of substance use behaviors and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Wen Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Na Muhai
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Yang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Lu
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Su-Hua Chang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, China
| | - Jie Shi
- National Institute on Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence Research, Peking University, Beijing, China.,The State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China.,The Key Laboratory for Neuroscience of the Ministry of Education and Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
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18
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Choi MR, Jin YB, Kim HN, Lee H, Chai YG, Lee SR, Kim DJ. Differential Gene Expression in the Hippocampi of Nonhuman Primates Chronically Exposed to Methamphetamine, Cocaine, or Heroin. Psychiatry Investig 2022; 19:538-550. [PMID: 35903056 PMCID: PMC9334808 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methamphetamine (MA), cocaine, and heroin cause severe public health problems as well as impairments in neural plasticity and cognitive function in the hippocampus. This study aimed to identify the genes differentially expressed in the hippocampi of cynomolgus monkeys in response to these drugs. METHODS After the monkeys were chronically exposed to MA, cocaine, and heroin, we performed large-scale gene expression profiling of the hippocampus using RNA-Seq technology and functional annotation of genes differentially expressed. Some genes selected from RNA-Seq analysis data were validated with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). And the expression changes of ADAM10 protein were assessed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The changes in genes related to axonal guidance (PTPRP and KAL1), the cell cycle (TLK2), and the regulation of potassium ions (DPP10) in the drug-treated groups compared to the control group were confirmed using RT-qPCR. Comparative analysis of all groups showed that among genes related to synaptic long-term potentiation, CREBBP and GRIN3A were downregulated in both the MA- and heroin-treated groups compared to the control group. In particular, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ADAM10 were decreased in the MA-treated group but increased in the cocaine-treated group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION These results provide insights into the genes that are upregulated and downregulated in the hippocampus by the chronic administration of MA, cocaine, or heroin and basic information for developing novel drugs for the treatment of hippocampal impairments caused by drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Ran Choi
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeung-Bae Jin
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Na Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejin Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gyu Chai
- Department of Molecular and Life Sciences, Hanyang University, Ansan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Rae Lee
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dai-Jin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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19
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Baratta AM, Brandner AJ, Plasil SL, Rice RC, Farris SP. Advancements in Genomic and Behavioral Neuroscience Analysis for the Study of Normal and Pathological Brain Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:905328. [PMID: 35813067 PMCID: PMC9259865 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.905328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric and neurological disorders are influenced by an undetermined number of genes and molecular pathways that may differ among afflicted individuals. Functionally testing and characterizing biological systems is essential to discovering the interrelationship among candidate genes and understanding the neurobiology of behavior. Recent advancements in genetic, genomic, and behavioral approaches are revolutionizing modern neuroscience. Although these tools are often used separately for independent experiments, combining these areas of research will provide a viable avenue for multidimensional studies on the brain. Herein we will briefly review some of the available tools that have been developed for characterizing novel cellular and animal models of human disease. A major challenge will be openly sharing resources and datasets to effectively integrate seemingly disparate types of information and how these systems impact human disorders. However, as these emerging technologies continue to be developed and adopted by the scientific community, they will bring about unprecedented opportunities in our understanding of molecular neuroscience and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa M. Baratta
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Adam J. Brandner
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sonja L. Plasil
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Rachel C. Rice
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Sean P. Farris
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Sean P. Farris,
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20
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Parker CC, Philip VM, Gatti DM, Kasparek S, Kreuzman AM, Kuffler L, Mansky B, Masneuf S, Sharif K, Sluys E, Taterra D, Taylor WM, Thomas M, Polesskaya O, Palmer AA, Holmes A, Chesler EJ. Genome-wide association mapping of ethanol sensitivity in the Diversity Outbred mouse population. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:941-960. [PMID: 35383961 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14825] [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: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A strong predictor for the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is altered sensitivity to the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Individual differences in the initial sensitivity to alcohol are controlled in part by genetic factors. Mice offer a powerful tool to elucidate the genetic basis of behavioral and physiological traits relevant to AUD, but conventional experimental crosses have only been able to identify large chromosomal regions rather than specific genes. Genetically diverse, highly recombinant mouse populations make it possible to observe a wider range of phenotypic variation, offer greater mapping precision, and thus increase the potential for efficient gene identification. METHODS We have taken advantage of the Diversity Outbred (DO) mouse population to identify and precisely map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with ethanol sensitivity. We phenotyped 798 male J:DO mice for three measures of ethanol sensitivity: ataxia, hypothermia, and loss of the righting response. We used high-density MegaMUGA and GigaMUGA to obtain genotypes ranging from 77,808 to 143,259 SNPs. We also performed RNA sequencing in striatum to map expression QTLs and identify gene expression-trait correlations. We then applied a systems genetic strategy to identify narrow QTLs and construct the network of correlations that exists between DNA sequence, gene expression values, and ethanol-related phenotypes to prioritize our list of positional candidate genes. RESULTS We observed large amounts of phenotypic variation with the DO population and identified suggestive and significant QTLs associated with ethanol sensitivity on chromosomes 1, 2, and 16. The implicated regions were narrow (4.5-6.9 Mb in size) and each QTL explained ~4-5% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS Our results can be used to identify alleles that contribute to AUD in humans, elucidate causative biological mechanisms, or assist in the development of novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa C Parker
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Vivek M Philip
- Center for Computational Sciences, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Daniel M Gatti
- Center for Computational Sciences, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Steven Kasparek
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Andrew M Kreuzman
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Lauren Kuffler
- Center for Mammalian Genetics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - Benjamin Mansky
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Sophie Masneuf
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIAAA, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Kayvon Sharif
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Erica Sluys
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIAAA, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Dominik Taterra
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Walter M Taylor
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Mary Thomas
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Oksana Polesskaya
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Abraham A Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA.,Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, NIAAA, NIH, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Elissa J Chesler
- Center for Mammalian Genetics, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
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21
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Role of Mitochondrial Dynamics in Cocaine's Neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105418. [PMID: 35628228 PMCID: PMC9145816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic balance of mitochondrial fission and fusion maintains mitochondrial homeostasis and optimal function. It is indispensable for cells such as neurons, which rely on the finely tuned mitochondria to carry out their normal physiological activities. The potent psychostimulant cocaine impairs mitochondria as one way it exerts its neurotoxicity, wherein the disturbances in mitochondrial dynamics have been suggested to play an essential role. In this review, we summarize the neurotoxicity of cocaine and the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cellular physiology. Subsequently, we introduce current findings that link disturbed neuronal mitochondrial dynamics with cocaine exposure. Finally, the possible role and potential therapeutic value of mitochondrial dynamics in cocaine neurotoxicity are discussed.
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22
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Zillich L, Poisel E, Frank J, Foo JC, Friske MM, Streit F, Sirignano L, Heilmann-Heimbach S, Heimbach A, Hoffmann P, Degenhardt F, Hansson AC, Bakalkin G, Nöthen MM, Rietschel M, Spanagel R, Witt SH. Multi-omics signatures of alcohol use disorder in the dorsal and ventral striatum. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:190. [PMID: 35523767 PMCID: PMC9076849 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01959-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a major contributor to global mortality and morbidity. Postmortem human brain tissue enables the investigation of molecular mechanisms of AUD in the neurocircuitry of addiction. We aimed to identify differentially expressed (DE) genes in the ventral and dorsal striatum between individuals with AUD and controls, and to integrate the results with findings from genome- and epigenome-wide association studies (GWAS/EWAS) to identify functionally relevant molecular mechanisms of AUD. DNA-methylation and gene expression (RNA-seq) data was generated from postmortem brain samples of 48 individuals with AUD and 51 controls from the ventral striatum (VS) and the dorsal striatal regions caudate nucleus (CN) and putamen (PUT). We identified DE genes using DESeq2, performed gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and tested enrichment of DE genes in results of GWASs using MAGMA. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed for DNA-methylation and gene expression data and gene overlap was tested. Differential gene expression was observed in the dorsal (FDR < 0.05), but not the ventral striatum of AUD cases. In the VS, DE genes at FDR < 0.25 were overrepresented in a recent GWAS of problematic alcohol use. The ARHGEF15 gene was upregulated in all three brain regions. GSEA in CN and VS pointed towards cell-structure associated GO-terms and in PUT towards immune pathways. The WGCNA modules most strongly associated with AUD showed strong enrichment for immune response and inflammation pathways. Our integrated analysis of multi-omics data sets provides further evidence for the importance of immune- and inflammation-related processes in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Eric Poisel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jerome C Foo
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marion M Friske
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Sirignano
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heilmann-Heimbach
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - André Heimbach
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, 4003, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Degenhardt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Center for Innovative Psychiatric and Psychotherapeutic Research, Biobank, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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23
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De Sa Nogueira D, Bourdy R, Alcala-Vida R, Filliol D, Andry V, Goumon Y, Zwiller J, Romieu P, Merienne K, Olmstead MC, Befort K. Hippocampal Cannabinoid 1 Receptors Are Modulated Following Cocaine Self-administration in Male Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1896-1911. [PMID: 35032317 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02722-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a complex pathology inducing long-term neuroplastic changes that, in turn, contribute to maladaptive behaviors. This behavioral dysregulation is associated with transcriptional reprogramming in brain reward circuitry, although the mechanisms underlying this modulation remain poorly understood. The endogenous cannabinoid system may play a role in this process in that cannabinoid mechanisms modulate drug reward and contribute to cocaine-induced neural adaptations. In this study, we investigated whether cocaine self-administration induces long-term adaptations, including transcriptional modifications and associated epigenetic processes. We first examined endocannabinoid gene expression in reward-related brain regions of the rat following self-administered (0.33 mg/kg intravenous, FR1, 10 days) cocaine injections. Interestingly, we found increased Cnr1 expression in several structures, including prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, dorsal striatum, hippocampus, habenula, amygdala, lateral hypothalamus, ventral tegmental area, and rostromedial tegmental nucleus, with most pronounced effects in the hippocampus. Endocannabinoid levels, measured by mass spectrometry, were also altered in this structure. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR in the hippocampus revealed that two activating histone marks, H3K4Me3 and H3K27Ac, were enriched at specific endocannabinoid genes following cocaine intake. Targeting CB1 receptors using chromosome conformation capture, we highlighted spatial chromatin re-organization in the hippocampus, as well as in the nucleus accumbens, suggesting that destabilization of the chromatin may contribute to neuronal responses to cocaine. Overall, our results highlight a key role for the hippocampus in cocaine-induced plasticity and broaden the understanding of neuronal alterations associated with endocannabinoid signaling. The latter suggests that epigenetic modifications contribute to maladaptive behaviors associated with chronic drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Sa Nogueira
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.,Brain Health Institute, Rutgers University and Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, 683 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Romain Bourdy
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Rafael Alcala-Vida
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Filliol
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Andry
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR 3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yannick Goumon
- Institut Des Neurosciences Cellulaires Et Intégratives (INCI), UPR 3212, CNRS, 8 Allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Zwiller
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascal Romieu
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Karine Merienne
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mary C Olmstead
- Department of Psychology, Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Katia Befort
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives Et Adaptatives (LNCA), Centre de La Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, 12 rue Goethe, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
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24
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Non-coding RNA in alcohol use disorder by affecting synaptic plasticity. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:365-379. [PMID: 35028694 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most serious public health problems worldwide. AUD is a complex disorder, and there is ample evidence that genetic predisposition is critical to its development. Recent studies have shown that genetic predisposition leads to the onset of AUD, and alcohol metabolism can affect epigenetic inheritance, which in turn affects synaptic plasticity, alters brain function, and leads to more severe addictive behaviors. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), especially microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), play an important role in alcohol addiction. This paper reviews the regulatory role of ncRNAs. ncRNAs are involved in enzyme and neurotransmitter reaction systems during alcohol use disorder. Alcohol consumption regulates the expression of ncRNAs that mediate epigenetic modification and synaptic plasticity, which play an important role in the development of chronic AUD. ncRNAs may be used not only as predictors of therapeutic responses but also as therapeutic targets of AUD. Chronic alcoholism is more likely to lead to neuroimmune disorders, including permanent brain dysfunction. AUD induced by long-term alcoholism greatly alters the expression of genes in the human genome, especially the expression of ncRNAs. Alcohol can cause a series of pathological changes by interfering with gene expression, such as through disordered miRNA-mRNA expression networks, epigenetic modifications, disordered metabolism, and even synaptic remodeling. ncRNAs are involved in the transition from moderate drinking to alcohol dependence.
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25
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Li H, Zhao D, Liu Y, Xv J, Huang H, Jin Y, Lu Y, Qi Y, Zhou Q. Are There Neural Overlaps of Reactivity to Illegal Drugs, Tobacco, and Alcohol Cues? With Evidence From ALE and CMA. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:779239. [PMID: 35463497 PMCID: PMC9019580 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.779239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abuses of most illegal drugs, including methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and polydrug, are usually in conjunction with alcohol and tobacco. There are similarities and associations between the behavior, gene, and neurophysiology of such abusers, but the neural overlaps of their cue-reactivity and the correlation of neural overlap with drug craving still needs to be further explored. In this study, an Activation Likelihood Estimation (ALE) was performed on brain activation under legal (tobacco, alcohol) and illegal drug cues, for identifying the similarities in brain functions between different craving states. A Comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) on the correlation coefficient between brain activation and craving scores in the selected literatures with subjective craving reports explained the degree of the craving via brain imaging results. In ALE, co-activation areas of the three cue-reactivity (posterior cingulate, caudate, and thalamus) suggest that the three cue-reactivity may all arouse drug-use identity which is a predictor of relapse and generation of conditioned reflexes under reward memory, thus leading to illegal drug relapses. In CMA, the brain activation was significantly correlated with subjective craving, with a correlation coefficient of 0.222. The neural overlap of tobacco, alcohol and most of the prevalent illegal drug cues not only further helps us understand the neural mechanism of substance co-abuse and relapse, but also provides implications to detoxification. Furthermore, the correlation between brain activation and craving is low, suggesting the accuracy of craving-based quantitative evaluation by neuroimaging remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- HuiLing Li
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dong Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - YuQing Liu
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - JingWen Xv
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - HanZhi Huang
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yutong Jin
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yiying Lu
- Mental Health Education and Counseling Center, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - YuanYuan Qi
- Zhejiang Moganshan Female Drug Detoxification Center, Huzhou, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,The Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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26
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Fernàndez-Castillo N, Cabana-Domínguez J, Corominas R, Cormand B. Molecular genetics of cocaine use disorders in humans. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:624-639. [PMID: 34453125 PMCID: PMC8960411 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01256-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction, one of the major health problems worldwide, is characterized by the loss of control in drug intake, craving, and withdrawal. At the individual level, drugs of abuse produce serious consequences on health and have a negative impact on the family environment and on interpersonal and work relationships. At a wider scale, they have significant socio-economic and public health consequences and they cause delinquency and citizen insecurity. Cocaine, a psychostimulant substance, is one of the most used illicit drugs, especially in America, Western Europe, and Australia. Cocaine use disorders (CUD) are complex multifactorial conditions driven by both genetic and environmental influences. Importantly, not all people who use cocaine develop CUD, and this is due, at least in part, to biological factors that are encoded in the genome of individuals. Acute and repeated use of cocaine induces epigenetic and gene expression changes responsible for the neuronal adaptations and the remodeling of brain circuits that lead to the transition from use to abuse or dependence. The purpose of this review is to delineate such factors, which should eventually help to understand the inter-individual variability in the susceptibility to cocaine addiction. Heritability estimates for CUD are high and genetic risk factors for cocaine addiction have been investigated by candidate gene association studies (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), reviewed here. Also, the high comorbidity that exists between CUD and several other psychiatric disorders is well known and includes phenotypes like schizophrenia, aggression, antisocial or risk-taking behaviors. Such comorbidities are associated with a worse lifetime trajectory, and here we report shared genetic factors that may contribute to them. Gene expression changes and epigenetic modifications induced by cocaine use and chronic abuse in humans are addressed by reviewing transcriptomic studies performed on neuronal cells and on postmortem brains. We report some genes which expression is altered by cocaine that also bear genetic risk variants for the disorder. Finally, we have a glance to the pharmacogenetics of CUD treatments, still in early stages. A better understanding of the genetic underpinnings of CUD will foster the search of effective treatments and help to move forward to personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.452372.50000 0004 1791 1185Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia Spain
| | - Roser Corominas
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.452372.50000 0004 1791 1185Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain ,grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia Spain ,grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia Spain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. .,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
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27
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Bowen MT, George O, Muskiewicz DE, Hall FS. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ESCALATION OF ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:730-756. [PMID: 34839930 PMCID: PMC8892842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Understanding factors that contribute to the escalation of alcohol consumption is key to understanding how an individual transitions from non/social drinking to AUD and to providing better treatment. In this review, we discuss how the way ethanol is consumed as well as individual and environmental factors contribute to the escalation of ethanol consumption from intermittent low levels to consistently high levels. Moreover, we discuss how these factors are modelled in animals. It is clear a vast array of complex, interacting factors influence changes in alcohol consumption. Some of these factors act early in the acquisition of ethanol consumption and initial escalation, while others contribute to escalation of ethanol consumption at a later stage and are involved in the development of alcohol dependence. There is considerable need for more studies examining escalation associated with the formation of dependence and other hallmark features of AUD, especially studies examining mechanisms, as it is of considerable relevance to understanding and treating AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T. Bowen
- The University of Sydney, Brain and Mind Centre, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Psychology, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia,Corresponding Author: Michael T. Bowen, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia,
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychology, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dawn E. Muskiewicz
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
| | - F. Scott Hall
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacology and Pharmacological Science, University of Toledo, OH, USA
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28
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The interactions of alcohol and cocaine regulate the expression of genes involved in the GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems of male and female rats. Neuropharmacology 2021; 206:108937. [PMID: 34965406 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although the pharmacological and behavioural interactions between cocaine and alcohol are well established, less is known about how polyconsumption of these drugs affects the neurotransmitter systems involved in their psychoactive effects and in particular, in the process of addiction. Here, rats of both sexes at two stages of development were studied under a chronic regime of intravenous cocaine and/or alcohol administration. Brain samples from the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus and amygdala were extracted to analyse the mRNA expression of genes encoding subunits of the GABA, NMDA and AMPA receptors, as well as the expression of the CB1 receptor, and that of enzymes related to the biosynthesis and degradation of endocannabinoids. Moreover, two synaptic scaffold proteins related to GABA and NMDA receptors, gephyrin and PSD-95, were quantified in Western blots. Significant interactions between cocaine and alcohol were common, affecting the GABAergic and endocannabinoid systems in the medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala of young adults, whereas such interactions were evident in the glutamatergic and endocannabinoid systems in adults, as well as a more pronounced sex effect. Significant interactions between these drugs affecting the scaffold proteins were evident in the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens of young adults, and in the nucleus accumbens and amygdala of adults, but not in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of considering the interactions between cocaine and alcohol on neurotransmitter systems in the context of polyconsumption, specifically when treating problems of abuse of these two substances.
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Miguel-Hidalgo JJ. Astroglia in the Vulnerability and Maintenance of Alcohol Use Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 26:255-279. [PMID: 34888838 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-77375-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Changes induced in the morphology and the multiplicity of functional roles played by astrocytes in brain regions critical to the establishment and maintenance of alcohol abuse suggest that they make an important contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol use disorders. The understanding of the relevant mechanisms accounting for that contribution is complicated by the fact that alcohol itself acts directly on astrocytes altering their metabolism, gene expression, and plasticity, so that the ultimate result is a complex interaction of various cellular pathways, including intracellular calcium regulation, neuroimmune responses, and regulation of neurotransmitter and gliotransmitter release and uptake. The recent years have seen a steady increase in the characterization of several of the relevant mechanisms, but much remains to be done for a full understanding of the astrocytes' contribution to the vulnerability to alcohol dependence and abuse and for using that knowledge in designing effective therapies for AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Javier Miguel-Hidalgo
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
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30
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Huggett SB, Hatfield JS, Walters JD, McGeary JE, Welsh JW, Mackay TFC, Anholt RRH, Palmer RHC. Ibrutinib as a potential therapeutic for cocaine use disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:623. [PMID: 34880215 PMCID: PMC8654982 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01737-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use presents a worldwide public health problem with high socioeconomic cost. No current pharmacologic treatments are available for cocaine use disorder (CUD) or cocaine toxicity. To explore pharmaceutical treatments for tthis disorder and its sequelae we analyzed gene expression data from post-mortem brain tissue of individuals with CUD who died from cocaine-related causes with matched cocaine-free controls (n = 71, Mage = 39.9, 100% male, 49% with CUD, 3 samples/brain regions). To match molecular signatures from brain pathology with potential therapeutics, we leveraged the L1000 database honing in on neuronal mRNA profiles of 825 repurposable compounds (e.g., FDA approved). We identified 16 compounds that were negatively associated with CUD gene expression patterns across all brain regions (padj < 0.05), all of which outperformed current targets undergoing clinical trials for CUD (all padj > 0.05). An additional 43 compounds were positively associated with CUD expression. We performed an in silico follow-up potential therapeutics using independent transcriptome-wide in vitro (neuronal cocaine exposure; n = 18) and in vivo (mouse cocaine self-administration; n = 12-15) datasets to prioritize candidates for experimental validation. Among these medications, ibrutinib was consistently linked with the molecular profiles of both neuronal cocaine exposure and mouse cocaine self-administration. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of ibrutinib using the Drosophila melanogaster model. Ibrutinib reduced cocaine-induced startle response and cocaine-induced seizures (n = 61-142 per group; sex: 51% female), despite increasing cocaine consumption. Our results suggest that ibrutinib could be used for the treatment of cocaine use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer B Huggett
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Department of Psychology at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Jeffrey S Hatfield
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Joshua D Walters
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - John E McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Justine W Welsh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Trudy F C Mackay
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Robert R H Anholt
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry and Center for Human Genetics, Clemson University, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | - Rohan H C Palmer
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Department of Psychology at Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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31
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Borrajo A, Spuch C, Penedo MA, Olivares JM, Agís-Balboa RC. Important role of microglia in HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorders and the molecular pathways implicated in its pathogenesis. Ann Med 2021; 53:43-69. [PMID: 32841065 PMCID: PMC7877929 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2020.1814962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of effective combined anti-retroviral therapy (cART) led to a significant reduction in the death rate associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. However, recent studies indicate that considerably more than 50% of all HIV-1 infected patients develop HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Microglia are the foremost cells infected by HIV-1 in the central nervous system (CNS), and so, are also likely to contribute to the neurotoxicity observed in HAND. The activation of microglia induces the release of pro-inflammatory markers and altered secretion of cytokines, chemokines, secondary messengers, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) which activate signalling pathways that initiate neuroinflammation. In turn, ROS and inflammation also play critical roles in HAND. However, more efforts are required to understand the physiology of microglia and the processes involved in their activation in order to better understand the how HIV-1-infected microglia are involved in the development of HAND. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the involvement of oxidative stress mechanisms and role of HIV-induced ROS in the development of HAND. We also examine the academic literature regarding crucial HIV-1 pathogenicity factors implicated in neurotoxicity and inflammation in order to identify molecular pathways that could serve as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of this disease. KEY MESSAGES Neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity mechanisms are crucial in the pathogenesis of HAND. CNS infiltration by HIV-1 and immune cells through the blood brain barrier is a key process involved in the pathogenicity of HAND. Factors including calcium dysregulation and autophagy are the main challenges involved in HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Borrajo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - C. Spuch
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur)-Área Sanitaria de Vigo, SERGAS-UVigo, CIBERSAM, Vigo, Spain
| | - M. A. Penedo
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur)-Área Sanitaria de Vigo, SERGAS-UVigo, CIBERSAM, Vigo, Spain
| | - J. M. Olivares
- Department of Psychiatry, Área Sanitaria de Vigo, Vigo, Spain
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur)-Área Sanitaria de Vigo, SERGAS-UVigo, CIBERSAM, Vigo, Spain
| | - R. C. Agís-Balboa
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur)-Área Sanitaria de Vigo, SERGAS-UVigo, CIBERSAM, Vigo, Spain
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32
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Yamazaki J, Toyomaki H, Nakayama SMM, Yabe J, Muzandu K, Jelinek J, Yokoyama S, Ikenaka Y, Takiguchi M, Ishizuka M. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of dogs with high lead exposure living near a lead mining area in Kabwe, Zambia. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117229. [PMID: 33975213 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that has been proven to be toxic to both animals and humans. Genom-wide DNA methylation in domestic dogs exposed to high levels of Pb in Kabwe, Zambia was analyzed in this study. Using next-generation sequencing on samples from 20 domestic dogs (mean blood Pb concentration: 43.6 μg/dL and 7.2 μg/dL in the high and low exposure groups), a digital restriction enzyme analysis of methylation was performed to identify the genomic locations of differentially methylated CpG sites. A validation study on an additional 20 dogs followed (blood Pb concentration: 4.9-29.7 μg/dL). The cluster analysis resolved two broad clusters indicating high and low Pb exposure. The study identified 827 (1.2%) CpG sites with differences in methylation (101 CpG sites were hypermethylated in the low exposure group and 726 were hypermethylated in the high exposure group). The sites corresponded to 26 genes with differentially methylated CpG sites at their promoter regions, including the NGF gene. The methylation of four CpG sites was validated using bisulfite pyrosequencing. The results indicate that aberrant hypermethylation is prevalent in dogs exposed to Pb. The altered DNA methylation of the genes identified in this study contributes to a greater understanding of the epigenetic changes caused by Pb exposure and highlights novel biomarker discoveries across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumpei Yamazaki
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Haruya Toyomaki
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Shouta M M Nakayama
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan.
| | - John Yabe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia; Dept of Pathobiology, Faculty of Agriculture & Natural Resources, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Kaampwe Muzandu
- School of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | | | - Shoko Yokoyama
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ikenaka
- Translational Research Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan; Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan; One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Japan; Water Research Group, Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Mitsuyoshi Takiguchi
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Mayumi Ishizuka
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
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Walter N, Cervera-Juanes R, Zheng C, Darakjian P, Lockwood D, Cuzon-Carlson V, Ray K, Fei S, Conrad D, Searles R, Grant K, Hitzemann R. Effect of chronic ethanol consumption in rhesus macaques on the nucleus accumbens core transcriptome. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e13021. [PMID: 33942443 PMCID: PMC8588809 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) has been repeatedly demonstrated to be a key component of the circuitry associated with excessive ethanol consumption. Previous studies have illustrated that in a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of chronic ethanol consumption, there is significant epigenetic remodeling of the NAcc. In the current study, RNA-Seq was used to examine genome-wide gene expression in eight each of control, low/binge (LD*), and high/very high (HD*) rhesus macaque drinkers. Using an FDR < 0.05, zero genes were significantly differentially expressed (DE) between LD* and controls, six genes between HD* and LD*, and 734 genes between HD* and controls. Focusing on HD* versus control DE genes, the upregulated genes (N = 366) were enriched in genes with annotations associated with signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent co-translational protein targeting to membrane (FDR < 3 × 10-59 ), structural constituent of ribosome (FDR < 3 × 10-47 ), and ribosomal subunit (FDR < 5 × 10-48 ). Downregulated genes (N = 363) were enriched in annotations associated with behavior (FDR < 2 × 10-4 ), membrane organization (FDR < 1 × 10-4 ), inorganic cation transmembrane transporter activity (FDR < 2 × 10-3 ), synapse part (FDR < 4 × 10-10 ), glutamatergic synapse (FDR < 1 × 10-6 ), and GABAergic synapse (FDR < 6 × 10-4 ). Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that EIF2 signaling and mTOR pathways were significantly upregulated in HD* animals (FDR < 3 × 10-33 and <2 × 10-16 , respectively). Overall, the data supported our working hypothesis; excessive consumption would be associated with transcriptional differences in GABA/glutamate-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Walter
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rita Cervera-Juanes
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Christina Zheng
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Priscila Darakjian
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Denesa Lockwood
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Verginia Cuzon-Carlson
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Karina Ray
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Suzanne Fei
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Don Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Robert Searles
- Integrated Genomics Laboratory, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kathleen Grant
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Robert Hitzemann
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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34
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Campbell RR, Chen S, Beardwood JH, López AJ, Pham LV, Keiser AM, Childs JE, Matheos DP, Swarup V, Baldi P, Wood MA. Cocaine induces paradigm-specific changes to the transcriptome within the ventral tegmental area. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1768-1779. [PMID: 34155331 PMCID: PMC8357835 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
During the initial stages of drug use, cocaine-induced neuroadaptations within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are critical for drug-associated cue learning and drug reinforcement processes. These neuroadaptations occur, in part, from alterations to the transcriptome. Although cocaine-induced transcriptional mechanisms within the VTA have been examined, various regimens and paradigms have been employed to examine candidate target genes. In order to identify key genes and biological processes regulating cocaine-induced processes, we employed genome-wide RNA-sequencing to analyze transcriptional profiles within the VTA from male mice that underwent one of four commonly used paradigms: acute home cage injections of cocaine, chronic home cage injections of cocaine, cocaine-conditioning, or intravenous-self administration of cocaine. We found that cocaine alters distinct sets of VTA genes within each exposure paradigm. Using behavioral measures from cocaine self-administering mice, we also found several genes whose expression patterns corelate with cocaine intake. In addition to overall gene expression levels, we identified several predicted upstream regulators of cocaine-induced transcription shared across all paradigms. Although distinct gene sets were altered across cocaine exposure paradigms, we found, from Gene Ontology (GO) term analysis, that biological processes important for energy regulation and synaptic plasticity were affected across all cocaine paradigms. Coexpression analysis also identified gene networks that are altered by cocaine. These data indicate that cocaine alters networks enriched with glial cell markers of the VTA that are involved in gene regulation and synaptic processes. Our analyses demonstrate that transcriptional changes within the VTA depend on the route, dose and context of cocaine exposure, and highlight several biological processes affected by cocaine. Overall, these findings provide a unique resource of gene expression data for future studies examining novel cocaine gene targets that regulate drug-associated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Joy H Beardwood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alberto J López
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lilyana V Pham
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ashley M Keiser
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jessica E Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Dina P Matheos
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Vivek Swarup
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Pierre Baldi
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, School of Biological Sciences University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- UC Irvine Center for Addiction Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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35
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Li BX, Dong GH, Li HL, Zhang JS, Bing YH, Chu CP, Cui SB, Qiu DL. Chronic Ethanol Exposure Enhances Facial Stimulation-Evoked Mossy Fiber-Granule Cell Synaptic Transmission via GluN2A Receptors in the Mouse Cerebellar Cortex. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:657884. [PMID: 34408633 PMCID: PMC8365521 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.657884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory information is transferred to the cerebellar cortex via the mossy fiber–granule cell (MF–GC) pathway, which participates in motor coordination and motor learning. We previously reported that chronic ethanol exposure from adolescence facilitated the sensory-evoked molecular layer interneuron–Purkinje cell synaptic transmission in adult mice in vivo. Herein, we investigated the effect of chronic ethanol exposure from adolescence on facial stimulation-evoked MF–GC synaptic transmission in the adult mouse cerebellar cortex using electrophysiological recording techniques and pharmacological methods. Chronic ethanol exposure from adolescence induced an enhancement of facial stimulation-evoked MF–GC synaptic transmission in the cerebellar cortex of adult mice. The application of an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, D-APV (250 μM), induced stronger depression of facial stimulation-evoked MF–GC synaptic transmission in chronic ethanol-exposed mice compared with that in control mice. Chronic ethanol exposure-induced facilitation of facial stimulation evoked by MF–GC synaptic transmission was abolished by a selective GluN2A antagonist, PEAQX (10 μM), but was unaffected by the application of a selective GluN2B antagonist, TCN-237 (10 μM), or a type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor blocker, JNJ16259685 (10 μM). These results indicate that chronic ethanol exposure from adolescence enhances facial stimulation-evoked MF–GC synaptic transmission via GluN2A, which suggests that chronic ethanol exposure from adolescence impairs the high-fidelity transmission capability of sensory information in the cerebellar cortex by enhancing the NMDAR-mediated components of MF–GC synaptic transmission in adult mice in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Xue Li
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Hao-Long Li
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Jia-Song Zhang
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Yan-Hua Bing
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Chun-Ping Chu
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Song-Biao Cui
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - De-Lai Qiu
- Brain Science Research Center, Yanbian University, Yanji, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Yanbian University, Yanji, China
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36
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Cocaine-related DNA methylation in caudate neurons alters 3D chromatin structure of the IRXA gene cluster. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3134-3151. [PMID: 33046833 PMCID: PMC8039060 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00909-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, like those involving DNA methylation, are thought to mediate the relationship between chronic cocaine dependence and molecular changes in addiction-related neurocircuitry, but have been understudied in human brain. We initially used reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) to generate a methylome-wide profile of cocaine dependence in human post-mortem caudate tissue. We focused on the Iroquois Homeobox A (IRXA) gene cluster, where hypomethylation in exon 3 of IRX2 in neuronal nuclei was associated with cocaine dependence. We replicated this finding in an independent cohort and found similar results in the dorsal striatum from cocaine self-administering mice. Using epigenome editing and 3C assays, we demonstrated a causal relationship between methylation within the IRX2 gene body, CTCF protein binding, three-dimensional (3D) chromatin interaction, and gene expression. Together, these findings suggest that cocaine-related hypomethylation of IRX2 contributes to the development and maintenance of cocaine dependence through alterations in 3D chromatin structure in the caudate nucleus.
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37
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The role of mitochondria in cocaine addiction. Biochem J 2021; 478:749-764. [PMID: 33626141 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of cocaine abuse is increasing especially in the U.K. where the rates are among the highest in Europe. In addition to its role as a psychostimulant, cocaine has profound effect on brain metabolism, impacting glycolysis and impairing oxidative phosphorylation. Cocaine exposure alters metabolic gene expression and protein networks in brain regions including the prefrontal cortex, the ventral tegmental area and the nucleus accumbens, the principal nuclei of the brain reward system. Here, we focus on how cocaine impacts mitochondrial function, in particular through alterations in electron transport chain function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and oxidative stress (OS), mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy. Finally, we describe the impact of cocaine on brain energy metabolism in the developing brain following prenatal exposure. The plethora of mitochondrial functions altered following cocaine exposure suggest that therapies maintaining mitochondrial functional integrity may hold promise in mitigating cocaine pathology and addiction.
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38
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Transcriptomics identifies STAT3 as a key regulator of hippocampal gene expression and anhedonia during withdrawal from chronic alcohol exposure. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:298. [PMID: 34016951 PMCID: PMC8170676 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01421-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly comorbid with depression. Withdrawal from chronic alcohol drinking results in depression and understanding brain molecular mechanisms that drive withdrawal-related depression is important for finding new drug targets to treat these comorbid conditions. Here, we performed RNA sequencing of the rat hippocampus during withdrawal from chronic alcohol drinking to discover key signaling pathways involved in alcohol withdrawal-related depressive-like behavior. Data were analyzed by weighted gene co-expression network analysis to identify several modules of co-expressed genes that could have a common underlying regulatory mechanism. One of the hub, or highly interconnected, genes in module 1 that increased during alcohol withdrawal was the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3), a known regulator of immune gene expression. Total and phosphorylated (p)STAT3 protein levels were also increased in the hippocampus during withdrawal after chronic alcohol exposure. Further, pSTAT3 binding was enriched at the module 1 genes Gfap, Tnfrsf1a, and Socs3 during alcohol withdrawal. Notably, pSTAT3 and its target genes were elevated in the postmortem hippocampus of human subjects with AUD when compared with control subjects. To determine the behavioral relevance of STAT3 activation during alcohol withdrawal, we treated rats with the STAT3 inhibitor stattic and tested for sucrose preference as a measure of anhedonia. STAT3 inhibition alleviated alcohol withdrawal-induced anhedonia. These results demonstrate activation of STAT3 signaling in the hippocampus during alcohol withdrawal in rats and in human AUD subjects, and suggest that STAT3 could be a therapeutic target for reducing comorbid AUD and depression.
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Histone Methylation Regulation in Neurodegenerative Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094654. [PMID: 33925016 PMCID: PMC8125694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances achieved with molecular biology and genomics technologies have permitted investigators to discover epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, which are critical for gene expression in almost all tissues and in brain health and disease. These advances have influenced much interest in understanding the dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders. Although these disorders diverge in their fundamental causes and pathophysiology, several involve the dysregulation of histone methylation-mediated gene expression. Interestingly, epigenetic remodeling via histone methylation in specific brain regions has been suggested to play a critical function in the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders, including that related to neurodegenerative diseases. Prominently, epigenetic dysregulation currently brings considerable interest as an essential player in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and drugs of abuse, including alcohol abuse disorder, where it may facilitate connections between genetic and environmental risk factors or directly influence disease-specific pathological factors. We have discussed the current state of histone methylation, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives for these disorders. While not somatically heritable, the enzymes responsible for histone methylation regulation, such as histone methyltransferases and demethylases in neurons, are dynamic and reversible. They have become promising potential therapeutic targets to treat or prevent several neurodegenerative disorders. These findings, along with clinical data, may provide links between molecular-level changes and behavioral differences and provide novel avenues through which the epigenome may be targeted early on in people at risk for neurodegenerative disorders.
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De Sa Nogueira D, Bourdy R, Filliol D, Romieu P, Befort K. Hippocampal mu opioid receptors are modulated following cocaine self-administration in rat. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3341-3349. [PMID: 33811699 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine addiction is a complex pathology induced by long-term brain changes. Understanding the neurochemical changes underlying the reinforcing effects of this drug of abuse is critical for reducing the societal burden of drug addiction. The mu opioid receptor plays a major role in drug reward. This receptor is modulated by chronic cocaine treatment in specific brain structures, but few studies investigated neurochemical adaptations induced by voluntary cocaine intake. In this study, we investigated whether intravenous cocaine-self administration (0.33 mg/kg/injection, fixed-ratio 1 [FR1], 10 days) in rats induces transcriptional and functional changes of the mu opioid receptor in reward-related brain regions. Epigenetic processes with histone modifications were examined for two activating marks, H3K4Me3, and H3K27Ac. We found an increase of mu opioid receptor gene expression along with a potentiation of its functionality in hippocampus of cocaine self-administering animals compared to saline controls. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by qPCR revealed no modifications of the histone mark H3K4Me3 and H3K27Ac levels at mu opioid receptor promoter. Our study highlights the hippocampus as an important target to further investigate neuroadaptive processes leading to cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- David De Sa Nogueira
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA UMR7364), Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Romain Bourdy
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA UMR7364), Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Dominique Filliol
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA UMR7364), Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pascal Romieu
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA UMR7364), Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Katia Befort
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA UMR7364), Centre de la Recherche Nationale Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Comprehensive Analysis of Differential m6A RNA Methylomes in the Hippocampus of Cocaine-Conditioned Mice. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:3759-3768. [PMID: 33826069 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02363-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification found in mRNAs and lncRNA and plays a vital role in posttranscriptional regulation in mammals. m6A is abundant in the nervous system, where it modulates neuronal development and hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. However, the roles of RNAs m6A modification and its related enzymes in cocaine reward are still not fully understood. In this study, we found that the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) demethylase, but not methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and 14 (METTL14), was downregulated in the hippocampus following cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP), and the level of m6A is notably higher in the hippocampus of cocaine CPP training mice. Using methylated m6A RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-m6A-seq), we identified a total of 6516 m6A peaks within 4460 mRNAs, and 3083 m6A peaks within 850 lncRNAs were significantly dysregulated. Intriguingly, the altered m6A peaks within mRNAs and lncRNAs were enriched in synapse maturation and localization processes. Our study uncovers a critical role for an m6A epitranscriptomic dysregulation and downregulation of FTO expression in the hippocampus following cocaine-induced CPP.
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Hade AC, Philips MA, Reimann E, Jagomäe T, Eskla KL, Traks T, Prans E, Kõks S, Vasar E, Väli M. Chronic Alcohol Use Induces Molecular Genetic Changes in the Dorsomedial Thalamus of People with Alcohol-Related Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:435. [PMID: 33805312 PMCID: PMC8066746 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediodorsal (MD) thalamus that represents a fundamental subcortical relay has been underrepresented in the studies focusing on the molecular changes in the brains of subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In the current study, MD thalamic regions from AUD subjects and controls were analyzed with Affymetrix Clariom S human microarray. Long-term alcohol use induced a significant (FDR ≤ 0.05) upregulation of 2802 transcripts and downregulation of 1893 genes in the MD thalamus of AUD subjects. A significant upregulation of GRIN1 (glutamate receptor NMDA type 1) and FTO (alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase) was confirmed in western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed similar heterogenous distribution of GRIN1 in the thalamic nuclei of both AUD and control subjects. The most prevalent functional categories of upregulated genes were related to glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, cellular metabolism, and neurodevelopment. The prevalent gene cluster among down-regulated genes was immune system mediators. Forty-two differentially expressed genes, including FTO, ADH1B, DRD2, CADM2, TCF4, GCKR, DPP6, MAPT and CHRH1, have been shown to have strong associations (FDR p < 10-8) with AUD or/and alcohol use phenotypes in recent GWA studies. Despite a small number of subjects, we were able to detect robust molecular changes in the mediodorsal thalamus caused by alcohol emphasizing the importance of deeper brain structures such as diencephalon, in the development of AUD-related dysregulation of neurocircuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas-Christian Hade
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (A.-C.H.); (M.V.)
- Forensic Medical Examination Department, Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 30 Tervise Street, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mari-Anne Philips
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ene Reimann
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Toomas Jagomäe
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kattri-Liis Eskla
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Traks
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Ele Prans
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marika Väli
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (A.-C.H.); (M.V.)
- Forensic Medical Examination Department, Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 30 Tervise Street, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia
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Lin HY, Wang X, Tseng TS, Kao YH, Fang Z, Molina PE, Cheng CH, Berglund AE, Eeles RA, Muir KR, Pashayan N, Haiman CA, Brenner H, Consortium TP, Park JY. Alcohol Intake and Alcohol-SNP Interactions Associated with Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness. J Clin Med 2021; 10:553. [PMID: 33540941 PMCID: PMC7867322 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10030553] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol intake is a well-known modifiable risk factor for many cancers. It is still unclear whether genetic variants or single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can modify alcohol intake's impact on prostate cancer (PCa) aggressiveness. The objective is to test the alcohol-SNP interactions of the 7501 SNPs in the four pathways (angiogenesis, mitochondria, miRNA, and androgen metabolism-related pathways) associated with PCa aggressiveness. We evaluated the impacts of three excessive alcohol intake behaviors in 3306 PCa patients with European ancestry from the PCa Consortium. We tested the alcohol-SNP interactions using logistic models with the discovery-validation study design. All three excessive alcohol intake behaviors were not significantly associated with PCa aggressiveness. However, the interactions of excessive alcohol intake and three SNPs (rs13107662 [CAMK2D, p = 6.2 × 10-6], rs9907521 [PRKCA, p = 7.1 × 10-5], and rs11925452 [ROBO1, p = 8.2 × 10-4]) were significantly associated with PCa aggressiveness. These alcohol-SNP interactions revealed contrasting effects of excessive alcohol intake on PCa aggressiveness according to the genotypes in the identified SNPs. We identified PCa patients with the rs13107662 (CAMK2D) AA genotype, the rs11925452 (ROBO1) AA genotype, and the rs9907521 (PRKCA) AG genotype were more vulnerable to excessive alcohol intake for developing aggressive PCa. Our findings support that the impact of excessive alcohol intake on PCa aggressiveness was varied by the selected genetic profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yi Lin
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Xinnan Wang
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Tung-Sung Tseng
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Yu-Hsiang Kao
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Zhide Fang
- Biostatistics Program, School of Public Health, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Patricia E Molina
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Comprehensive Alcohol Research Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Chia-Ho Cheng
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Anders E Berglund
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Rosalind A Eeles
- The Institute of Cancer Research, and The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Kenneth R Muir
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research, and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M139PT, UK
| | - Nora Pashayan
- Department of Applied Health Research, University College London, WC1E 7HB, London, UK
| | - Christopher A Haiman
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
| | - Hermann Brenner
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology and Aging Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Preventive Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - The Practical Consortium
- The Prostate Cancer Association Group to Investigate Cancer Associated Alterations in the Genome Consortium (PRACTICAL, http://practical.icr.ac.uk/), London SM2 5NG, UK. Additional members from The PRACTICAL Consortium were provided in the Supplement
| | - Jong Y Park
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Strong CE, Kabbaj M. Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Rewarding and Therapeutic Effects of Ketamine as a Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:593860. [PMID: 33362485 PMCID: PMC7759199 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.593860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most prevalent substance use disorder and causes a significant global burden. Relapse rates remain incredibly high after decades of attempting to develop novel treatment options that have failed to produce increased rates of sobriety. Ketamine has emerged as a potential treatment for AUD following its success as a therapeutic agent for depression, demonstrated by several preclinical studies showing that acute administration reduced alcohol intake in rodents. As such, ketamine's therapeutic effects for AUD are now being investigated in clinical trials with the hope of it being efficacious in prolonging sobriety from alcohol in humans (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT01558063). Importantly, ketamine's antidepressant effects only last for about 1-week and because AUD is a lifelong disorder, repeated treatment regimens would be necessary to maintain sobriety. This raises questions regarding its safety for AUD treatment since ketamine itself has the potential for addiction. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the neuroadaptations related to alcohol's addictive properties as well as ketamine's therapeutic and addictive properties. To do this, the focus will be on reward-related brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum, prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and ventral tegmental area (VTA) to understand how acute vs. chronic exposure will alter reward signaling over time. Additionally, evidence from these studies will be summarized in both male and female subjects. Accordingly, this review aims to address the safety of repeated ketamine infusions for the treatment of AUD. Although more work about the safety of ketamine to treat AUD is warranted, we hope this review sheds light on some answers about the safety of repeated ketamine infusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Strong
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Walker LC, Berizzi AE, Chen NA, Rueda P, Perreau VM, Huckstep K, Srisontiyakul J, Govitrapong P, Xiaojian J, Lindsley CW, Jones CK, Riddy DM, Christopoulos A, Langmead CJ, Lawrence AJ. Acetylcholine Muscarinic M 4 Receptors as a Therapeutic Target for Alcohol Use Disorder: Converging Evidence From Humans and Rodents. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:898-909. [PMID: 32331824 PMCID: PMC11390032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major socioeconomic burden on society, and current pharmacotherapeutic treatment options are inadequate. Aberrant alcohol use and seeking alters frontostriatal function. METHODS We performed genome-wide RNA sequencing and subsequent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and receptor binding validation in the caudate-putamen of human AUD samples to identify potential therapeutic targets. We then back-translated our top candidate targets into a rodent model of long-term alcohol consumption to assess concordance of molecular adaptations in the rat striatum. Finally, we adopted rat behavioral models of alcohol intake and seeking to validate a potential therapeutic target. RESULTS We found that G protein-coupled receptors were the top canonical pathway differentially regulated in individuals with AUD. The M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) was downregulated at the gene and protein levels in the putamen, but not in the caudate, of AUD samples. We found concordant downregulation of the M4 mAChR, specifically on dopamine D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons in the rat dorsolateral striatum. Systemic administration of the selective M4 mAChR positive allosteric modulator, VU0467154, reduced home cage and operant alcohol self-administration, motivation to obtain alcohol, and cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in rats. Local microinjections of VU0467154 in the rat dorsolateral striatum reduced alcohol self-administration and cue-induced reinstatement of alcohol seeking. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these results identify the M4 mAChR as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of AUD and the D1 receptor-positive medium spiny neurons in the dorsolateral striatum as a key site mediating the actions of M4 mAChR in relation to alcohol consumption and seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh C Walker
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alice E Berizzi
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicola A Chen
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Rueda
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria M Perreau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine Huckstep
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jirawoot Srisontiyakul
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Piyarat Govitrapong
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Jia Xiaojian
- Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Craig W Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience and Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience and Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Carrie K Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience and Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience and Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Darren M Riddy
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arthur Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher J Langmead
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Changes in the Expression of DNA Methylation Related Genes in Leukocytes of Persons with Alcohol and Drug Dependence. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2020. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2020-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background and objectives. Though numerous studies have shown that the dysregulation of the epigenetic control is involved in disease manifestation, limited data is available on the transcriptional activity of DNA methylation related genes in alcohol and drug addiction. With regard to this, in this study we analyzed the expression levels of genes involved in DNA methylation, including DNMT1, DNMT3a, MeCP2, MBD1, MBD2, MBD3 and MBD4, in blood samples of alcohol and drug dependent persons in comparison to healthy abstainers.
Methods. The study included 51 participants: 16 persons with alcohol dependence, 17 persons with drug dependence and 18 clinically healthy controls. To detect the relative mRNA expression levels of the studied genes, Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was applied.
Results. Of the seven studied genes, four showed altered expression. MeCP2 and MBD1 were downregulated in the alcohol dependent group (FC = 0.805, p = 0.015 and FC = 0.846, p = 0.034, respectively), while DNMT1 and MBD4 were upregulated in the group with drug dependence (FC = 1.262, p = 0.001 and FC = 1.249, p = 0.005, respectively). No statistically significant changes in the relative mRNA expression were found for DNMT3a, MBD2 and MBD3 genes.
Conclusions. Our results are indicative for a role of DNA methylation related genes in alcohol and drug addiction mediated through changes in their transcriptional activity. Studies in this direction will enable better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of addictions supporting the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
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Bohnsack JP, Pandey SC. Histone modifications, DNA methylation, and the epigenetic code of alcohol use disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:1-62. [PMID: 33461661 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Despite AUD's substantial contributions to lost economic productivity and quality of life, there are only a limited number of approved drugs for treatment of AUD in the United States. This chapter will update progress made on the epigenetic basis of AUD, with particular focus on histone post-translational modifications and DNA methylation and how these two epigenetic mechanisms interact to contribute to neuroadaptive processes leading to initiation, maintenance and progression of AUD pathophysiology. We will also evaluate epigenetic therapeutic strategies that have arisen from preclinical models of AUD and epigenetic biomarkers that have been discovered in human populations with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Peyton Bohnsack
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Subhash C Pandey
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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48
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Epigenetic and non-coding regulation of alcohol abuse and addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:63-86. [PMID: 33461665 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic debilitated condition adversely affecting the lives of millions of individuals throughout the modern world. Individuals suffering from an alcohol use disorder diagnosis frequently have serious cooccurring conditions, which often further exacerbates problematic drinking behavior. Comprehending the biochemical processes underlying the progression and perpetuation of disease is essential for mitigating maladaptive behavior in order to restore both physiological and psychological health. The range of cellular and biological systems contributing to, and affected by, alcohol use disorder and other comorbid disorders necessitates a fundamental grasp of intricate functional relationships that govern molecular biology. Epigenetic factors are recognized as essential mediators of cellular behavior, orchestrating a symphony of gene expression changes within multicellular environments that are ultimately responsible for directing human behavior. Understanding the epigenetic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of disease is important for improving available pharmacotherapies and reducing the incidence of alcohol abuse and cooccurring conditions.
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Neuroadaptations in the dorsal hippocampus underlie cocaine seeking during prolonged abstinence. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:26460-26469. [PMID: 33020308 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006133117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Relapse vulnerability in substance use disorder is attributed to persistent cue-induced drug seeking that intensifies (or "incubates") during drug abstinence. Incubated cocaine seeking has been observed in both humans with cocaine use disorder and in preclinical relapse models. This persistent relapse vulnerability is mediated by neuroadaptations in brain regions involved in reward and motivation. The dorsal hippocampus (DH) is involved in context-induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking but the role of the DH in cocaine seeking during prolonged abstinence has not been investigated. Here we found that transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily member activin A is increased in the DH on abstinence day (AD) 30 but not AD1 following extended-access cocaine self-administration compared to saline controls. Moreover, activin A does not affect cocaine seeking on AD1 but regulates cocaine seeking on AD30 in a bidirectional manner. Next, we found that activin A regulates phosphorylation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN2B and that GluN2B-containing NMDARs also regulate expression of cocaine seeking on AD30. Activin A and GluN2B-containing NMDARs have both previously been implicated in hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Therefore, we examined synaptic strength in the DH during prolonged abstinence and observed an increase in moderate long-term potentiation (LTP) in cocaine-treated rats compared to saline controls. Lastly, we examined the role of DH projections to the lateral septum (LS), a brain region implicated in cocaine seeking and found that DH projections to the LS govern cocaine seeking on AD30. Taken together, this study demonstrates a role for the DH in relapse behavior following prolonged abstinence from cocaine self-administration.
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Lathen DR, Merrill CB, Rothenfluh A. Flying Together: Drosophila as a Tool to Understand the Genetics of Human Alcoholism. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6649. [PMID: 32932795 PMCID: PMC7555299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) exacts an immense toll on individuals, families, and society. Genetic factors determine up to 60% of an individual's risk of developing problematic alcohol habits. Effective AUD prevention and treatment requires knowledge of the genes that predispose people to alcoholism, play a role in alcohol responses, and/or contribute to the development of addiction. As a highly tractable and translatable genetic and behavioral model organism, Drosophila melanogaster has proven valuable to uncover important genes and mechanistic pathways that have obvious orthologs in humans and that help explain the complexities of addiction. Vinegar flies exhibit remarkably strong face and mechanistic validity as a model for AUDs, permitting many advancements in the quest to understand human genetic involvement in this disease. These advancements occur via approaches that essentially fall into one of two categories: (1) discovering candidate genes via human genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptomics on post-mortem tissue from AUD patients, or relevant physiological connections, then using reverse genetics in flies to validate candidate genes' roles and investigate their molecular function in the context of alcohol. (2) Utilizing flies to discover candidate genes through unbiased screens, GWAS, quantitative trait locus analyses, transcriptomics, or single-gene studies, then validating their translational role in human genetic surveys. In this review, we highlight the utility of Drosophila as a model for alcoholism by surveying recent advances in our understanding of human AUDs that resulted from these various approaches. We summarize the genes that are conserved in alcohol-related function between humans and flies. We also provide insight into some advantages and limitations of these approaches. Overall, this review demonstrates how Drosophila have and can be used to answer important genetic questions about alcohol addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Lathen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
| | - Collin B. Merrill
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
| | - Adrian Rothenfluh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Ph.D. Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA;
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA;
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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