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Zhong X, Li J, Xu X. Adolescent exposure to bisphenol-a antagonizes androgen regulation of social behavior in male mice. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2024; 105:107374. [PMID: 39097242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2024.107374] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Social behavior is sexually dimorphic, which is regulated by gonadal hormones in the brain. Our recent study found that exposure to low doses of bisphenol-A (BPA) during adolescence, permanently alters social behavior in adult male mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using adolescent gonadectomy (GDX) male mice with testosterone propionate (TP, 0.5 mg/kg) supplement (TP-GDX), this study showed that BPA antagonized promoting effects of TP on social interaction, sexual behavior, and aggression in GDX mice. BPA eliminated the reversal effects of TP on GDX-induced decrease in the number of immunoreactive to arginine vasopressin (AVP-ir) neurons in the medial amygdala (MeA) and the levels of AVP receptor 1a (V1aR) in the MeA and the nucleus accumbens (NAc). In addition, BPA removed down-regulation in the levels of dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and DA receptor 1 (DR1) in the NAc of TP-GDX mice. BPA exposure reduced testosterone (T) levels in the brain and serum and the expression of androgen receptor (AR) protein in the amygdala and striatum of sham-operated and TP-GDX males. These results suggest that adolescent exposure to BPA inhibits regulation of androgen in AVP and DA systems of the brain regions associated with social behavior, and thus alters social behaviors of adult male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhong
- Life Science College, Key laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Jisui Li
- Life Science College, Key laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Life Science College, Key laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China.
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2
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Kawabata-Sakata Y, Kanda S, Okubo K. Male-specific vasotocin expression in the medaka tuberal hypothalamus: Androgen dependence and probable role in aggression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 580:112101. [PMID: 37923055 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Terrestrial vertebrates have a population of androgen-dependent vasotocin (VT)-expressing neurons in the extended amygdala that are more abundant in males and mediate male-typical social behaviors, including aggression. Teleosts lack these neurons but instead have novel male-specific VT-expressing neurons in the tuberal hypothalamus. Here we found in medaka that vt expression in these neurons is dependent on post-pubertal gonadal androgens and that androgens can act on these neurons to directly stimulate vt transcription via the androgen receptor subtype Ara. Furthermore, administration of exogenous VT induced aggression in females and alterations in the androgen milieu led to correlated changes in the levels of tuberal hypothalamic vt expression and aggression in both sexes. However, genetic ablation of vt failed to prevent androgen-induced aggression in females. Collectively, our results demonstrate a marked androgen dependence of male-specific vt expression in the teleost tuberal hypothalamus, although its relevance to male-typical aggression needs to be further validated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukika Kawabata-Sakata
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan; Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, 160-8402, Japan
| | - Shinji Kanda
- Laboratory of Physiology, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8564, Japan
| | - Kataaki Okubo
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
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3
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Smiley KO, Munley KM, Aghi K, Lipshutz SE, Patton TM, Pradhan DS, Solomon-Lane TK, Sun SED. Sex diversity in the 21st century: Concepts, frameworks, and approaches for the future of neuroendocrinology. Horm Behav 2024; 157:105445. [PMID: 37979209 PMCID: PMC10842816 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex is ubiquitous and variable throughout the animal kingdom. Historically, scientists have used reductionist methodologies that rely on a priori sex categorizations, in which two discrete sexes are inextricably linked with gamete type. However, this binarized operationalization does not adequately reflect the diversity of sex observed in nature. This is due, in part, to the fact that sex exists across many levels of biological analysis, including genetic, molecular, cellular, morphological, behavioral, and population levels. Furthermore, the biological mechanisms governing sex are embedded in complex networks that dynamically interact with other systems. To produce the most accurate and scientifically rigorous work examining sex in neuroendocrinology and to capture the full range of sex variability and diversity present in animal systems, we must critically assess the frameworks, experimental designs, and analytical methods used in our research. In this perspective piece, we first propose a new conceptual framework to guide the integrative study of sex. Then, we provide practical guidance on research approaches for studying sex-associated variables, including factors to consider in study design, selection of model organisms, experimental methodologies, and statistical analyses. We invite fellow scientists to conscientiously apply these modernized approaches to advance our biological understanding of sex and to encourage academically and socially responsible outcomes of our work. By expanding our conceptual frameworks and methodological approaches to the study of sex, we will gain insight into the unique ways that sex exists across levels of biological organization to produce the vast array of variability and diversity observed in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina O Smiley
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 639 North Pleasant Street, Morrill IVN Neuroscience, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Munley
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, 3695 Cullen Boulevard, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
| | - Krisha Aghi
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Sara E Lipshutz
- Department of Biology, Duke University, 130 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Tessa M Patton
- Bioinformatics Program, Loyola University Chicago, 1032 West Sheridan Road, LSB 317, Chicago, IL 60660, USA.
| | - Devaleena S Pradhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Mail Stop 8007, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA.
| | - Tessa K Solomon-Lane
- Scripps, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna Colleges, 925 North Mills Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
| | - Simón E D Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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4
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Tseng YT, Schaefke B, Wei P, Wang L. Defensive responses: behaviour, the brain and the body. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:655-671. [PMID: 37730910 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Most animals live under constant threat from predators, and predation has been a major selective force in shaping animal behaviour. Nevertheless, defence responses against predatory threats need to be balanced against other adaptive behaviours such as foraging, mating and recovering from infection. This behavioural balance in ethologically relevant contexts requires adequate integration of internal and external signals in a complex interplay between the brain and the body. Despite this complexity, research has often considered defensive behaviour as entirely mediated by the brain processing threat-related information obtained via perception of the external environment. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems have important roles in modulating behavioural responses to threat. In this Review, we focus on how predatory threat defence responses are shaped by threat imminence and review the circuitry between subcortical brain regions involved in mediating defensive behaviours. Then, we discuss the intersection of peripheral systems involved in internal states related to infection, hunger and mating with the neurocircuits that underlie defence responses against predatory threat. Through this process, we aim to elucidate the interconnections between the brain and body as an integrated network that facilitates appropriate defensive responses to threat and to discuss the implications for future behavioural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bernhard Schaefke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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5
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Cuarenta A, Kigar SL, Keese AP, Guagliardo SE, Chang L, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. DNA topoisomerase Top3β is impacted by early life stress in the developing female and male rat brain. Brain Res 2023; 1809:148339. [PMID: 36966960 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148339] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
DNA topoisomerases are essential for preserving genomic integrity. DNA topoisomerases induce breakage of DNA to facilitate replication and transcription by relaxing DNA and relieving supercoiling. Aberrant expression and deletions of topoisomerases are associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Our study investigated the effects of early life stress (ELS) on three topoisomerases, Top1, Top3α, and Top3β in the developing rat brain. Newborn rats were exposed to a predator odor stress on postnatal days 1, 2, and 3; brain tissue was collected either 30 min after the last stressor on postnatal day 3 or during the juvenile period. We found that exposure to predator odor resulted in a decrease in Top3β expression levels in the neonatal male amygdala and in the juvenile prefrontal cortex of males and females. These data suggest that developing males and females respond differently to predator odor-induced stress. As ELS results in lower Top3β levels, these data suggest that ELS experienced during development may have consequences for genomic structural integrity and increased mental health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Ashley P Keese
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Sarah E Guagliardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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6
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Effects of Group Size on Behavior, Reproduction, and mRNA Expression in Brains of Brandt's Voles. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020311. [PMID: 36831854 PMCID: PMC9954483 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
For social animals, a moderate group size is greatly important to maintain their reproductive success. However, the underlying neurobiological mechanism of group size on behavior and reproduction has rarely been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects of group size (1, 2, 4 pairs of adult male and female voles raised per cage) on behavior and reproduction. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of stress and reproduction response-related genes in male brains was detected. We found that Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) in the large-sized group fight more severely than those in the small-sized group. Meanwhile, male voles were more anxious than females. The average number of embryos and litters per female in the medium-sized group was significantly higher than that of large-sized group. In male voles, stress- or reproduction-response mRNA expressions were more related to final group size or final density due to death caused by fighting. Our results indicated that a moderate group size was beneficial to the reproductive output of Brandt's voles. Our study highlights the combined effects of stress- or reproduction-related gene expression or behavior in regulating the fitness of voles with different group sizes.
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7
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The Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Metabolism and Endocrinology. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020256. [PMID: 36829533 PMCID: PMC9953656 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Each cell in a multicellular organism has its own phenotype despite sharing the same genome. Epigenetics is a somatic, heritable pattern of gene expression or cellular phenotype mediated by structural changes in chromatin that occur without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic modification is an important factor in determining the level and timing of gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. There is also growing evidence concerning the interaction between epigenetics and metabolism. Accordingly, several enzymes that consume vital metabolites as substrates or cofactors are used during the catalysis of epigenetic modification. Therefore, altered metabolism might lead to diseases and pathogenesis, including endocrine disorders and cancer. In addition, it has been demonstrated that epigenetic modification influences the endocrine system and immune response-related pathways. In this regard, epigenetic modification may impact the levels of hormones that are important in regulating growth, development, reproduction, energy balance, and metabolism. Altering the function of the endocrine system has negative health consequences. Furthermore, endocrine disruptors (EDC) have a significant impact on the endocrine system, causing the abnormal functioning of hormones and their receptors, resulting in various diseases and disorders. Overall, this review focuses on the impact of epigenetics on the endocrine system and its interaction with metabolism.
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8
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Alward BA, Hoadley AP, Jackson LR, Lopez MS. Genetic dissection of steroid-hormone modulated social behavior: Novel paralogous genes are a boon for discovery. Horm Behav 2023; 147:105295. [PMID: 36502603 PMCID: PMC9839648 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Research across species has led to important discoveries on the functions of steroid hormones in the regulation of behavior. However, like in many fields, advancements in transgenic and mutagenic technology allowed mice to become the premier genetic model for conducting many experiments to understand how steroids control social behavior. Since there has been a general lack of parallel methodological developments in other species, many of the findings cannot be generalized. This is especially the case for teleost fish, in which a whole-genome duplication produced novel paralogs for key steroid hormone signaling genes. In this review, we summarize technical advancements over the history of the field of neuroendocrinology that have led to important insights in our understanding of the control of social behavior by steroids. We demonstrate that early mouse genetic models to understand these mechanisms suffered from several issues that were remedied by more precise transgenic technological advancements. We then highlight the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tools that will in time bridge the gap between mice and non-traditional model species for understanding principles of steroid hormone action in the modulation of social behavior. We specifically highlight the role of teleost fish in bridging this gap because they are 1) highly genetically tractable and 2) provide a novel advantage in achieving precise genetic control. The field of neuroendocrinology is entering a new "gene editing revolution" that will lead to novel discoveries about the roles of steroid hormones in the regulation and evolutionary trajectories of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beau A Alward
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America; University of Houston, Department of Biology and Biochemistry, United States of America.
| | - Andrew P Hoadley
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Lillian R Jackson
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
| | - Mariana S Lopez
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology, United States of America
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9
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Bi Y, Guo P, Liu L, Chen L, Zhang W. Elucidation of sterol biosynthesis pathway and its co-regulation with fatty acid biosynthesis in the oleaginous marine protist Schizochytrium sp. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1188461. [PMID: 37180050 PMCID: PMC10174431 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1188461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterols constitute vital structural and regulatory components of eukaryotic cells. In the oleaginous microorganism Schizochytrium sp. S31, the sterol biosynthetic pathway primarily produces cholesterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol, and cycloartenol. However, the sterol biosynthesis pathway and its functional roles in Schizochytrium remain unidentified. Through Schizochytrium genomic data mining and a chemical biology approach, we first in silico elucidated the mevalonate and sterol biosynthesis pathways of Schizochytrium. The results showed that owing to the lack of plastids in Schizochytrium, it is likely to use the mevalonate pathway as the terpenoid backbone pathway to supply isopentenyl diphosphate for the synthesis of sterols, similar to that in fungi and animals. In addition, our analysis revealed a chimeric organization of the Schizochytrium sterol biosynthesis pathway, which possesses features of both algae and animal pathways. Temporal tracking of sterol profiles reveals that sterols play important roles in Schizochytrium growth, carotenoid synthesis, and fatty acid synthesis. Furthermore, the dynamics of fatty acid and transcription levels of genes involved in fatty acid upon chemical inhibitor-induced sterol inhibition reveal possible co-regulation of sterol synthesis and fatty acid synthesis, as the inhibition of sterol synthesis could promote the accumulation of fatty acid in Schizochytrium. Sterol and carotenoid metabolisms are also found possibly co-regulated, as the inhibition of sterols led to decreased carotenoid synthesis through down-regulating the gene HMGR and crtIBY in Schizochytrium. Together, elucidation of the Schizochytrium sterol biosynthesis pathway and its co-regulation with fatty acid synthesis lay the essential foundation for engineering Schizochytrium for the sustainable production of lipids and high-value chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Bi
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China
| | - Pengfei Guo
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China
| | - Liangsen Liu
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwen Zhang
- Laboratory of Synthetic Microbiology, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Frontier Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education of China, Tianjin, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tianjin, China
- Center for Biosafety Research and Strategy, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Weiwen Zhang,
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10
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Ngo P, Lignereux L, O'Handley R, Vyas A. An extended epiphenotype for an extended phenotype in
Toxoplasma gondii
infected feral house mice. Funct Ecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2435.14223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Ngo
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
| | - Louis Lignereux
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Australia
| | - Ryan O'Handley
- School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Australia
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University Singapore
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11
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dos Santos SV, Fortuna GDLS, Barbosa LM, Meireles LR, Tiago ÉS, Chieffi PP. Evaluation of aversive behavior in Rattus norvegicus experimentally infected by two distinct strains of Toxoplasma gondii (ME49 and VEG): study of epigenetic markers. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2022; 55:e01222022. [PMID: 36287471 PMCID: PMC9592110 DOI: 10.1590/0037-8682-0122-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Behavioral changes in Rattus norvegicus infected with two strains of Toxoplasma gondii (ME49 and VEG) were investigated. METHODS Rats were evaluated for motor activity and aversion or attraction to cat urine 60 days after infection. After euthanasia, arginine-vasopressin gene methylation in the central nervous system was evaluated. RESULTS A significant difference was observed in the methylation of the arginine-vasopressin promoter gene between rats infected with the ME49 and VEG strains. CONCLUSIONS Although differences were not observed in many parameters, significant differences were observed in the methylation of the arginine-vasopressin promoter gene in rats infected with the two studied strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vieira dos Santos
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Giulio de los Santos Fortuna
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Lariane Monteiro Barbosa
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Luciana Regina Meireles
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Medicina Tropical, Laboratório de Protozoologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Érico Silva Tiago
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Pedro Paulo Chieffi
- Santa Casa de São Paulo, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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12
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Crespi B, Procyshyn T, Mokkonen M. Natura Non Facit Saltus: The Adaptive Significance of Arginine Vasopressin in Human Affect, Cognition, and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:814230. [PMID: 35586834 PMCID: PMC9108674 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.814230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones coordinate internal bodily systems with cognition, affect, and behavior, and thereby influence aspects of social interactions including cooperation, competition, isolation, and loneliness. The adaptive significance and contextuality of oxytocin (OXT) and testosterone (T) have been well-studied, but a unified theory and evolutionary framework for understanding the adaptive functions of arginine vasopressin (AVP) remain undeveloped. We propose and evaluate the hypothesis that AVP mediates adaptive variation in the presence and strength of social and sociosexual salience, attention and behavior specifically in situations that involve combinations of cooperation with conflict or competition. This hypothesis can help to explain the ancestral, original functions of AVP-like peptides, and their continuity with the current roles of AVP, for humans, in male-male competition, male-male reciprocity, male-to-female pair bonding, female-female interactions, social integration, and social attention and anxiety. In this context, social isolation and loneliness may be mediated by reduced abilities or interests in navigation of social opportunities and situations, due in part to low AVP levels or reactivity, and in part to reductions in levels of OXT-mediated social reward.
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13
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Kozlova EV, Valdez MC, Denys ME, Bishay AE, Krum JM, Rabbani KM, Carrillo V, Gonzalez GM, Lampel G, Tran JD, Vazquez BM, Anchondo LM, Uddin SA, Huffman NM, Monarrez E, Olomi DS, Chinthirla BD, Hartman RE, Kodavanti PRS, Chompre G, Phillips AL, Stapleton HM, Henkelmann B, Schramm KW, Curras-Collazo MC. Persistent autism-relevant behavioral phenotype and social neuropeptide alterations in female mice offspring induced by maternal transfer of PBDE congeners in the commercial mixture DE-71. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:335-365. [PMID: 34687351 PMCID: PMC8536480 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that are known neuroendocrine disrupting chemicals with adverse neurodevelopmental effects. PBDEs may act as risk factors for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), characterized by abnormal psychosocial functioning, although direct evidence is currently lacking. Using a translational exposure model, we tested the hypothesis that maternal transfer of a commercial mixture of PBDEs, DE-71, produces ASD-relevant behavioral and neurochemical deficits in female offspring. C57Bl6/N mouse dams (F0) were exposed to DE-71 via oral administration of 0 (VEH/CON), 0.1 (L-DE-71) or 0.4 (H-DE-71) mg/kg bw/d from 3 wk prior to gestation through end of lactation. Mass spectrometry analysis indicated in utero and lactational transfer of PBDEs (in ppb) to F1 female offspring brain tissue at postnatal day (PND) 15 which was reduced by PND 110. Neurobehavioral testing of social novelty preference (SNP) and social recognition memory (SRM) revealed that adult L-DE-71 F1 offspring display deficient short- and long-term SRM, in the absence of reduced sociability, and increased repetitive behavior. These effects were concomitant with reduced olfactory discrimination of social odors. Additionally, L-DE-71 exposure also altered short-term novel object recognition memory but not anxiety or depressive-like behavior. Moreover, F1 L-DE-71 displayed downregulated mRNA transcripts for oxytocin (Oxt) in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and supraoptic nucleus, and vasopressin (Avp) in the BNST and upregulated Avp1ar in BNST, and Oxtr in the paraventricular nucleus. Our work demonstrates that developmental PBDE exposure produces ASD-relevant neurochemical, olfactory processing and behavioral phenotypes that may result from early neurodevelopmental reprogramming within central social and memory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Matthew C Valdez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Maximillian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Julia M Krum
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Kayhon M Rabbani
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Valeria Carrillo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Gwendolyn M Gonzalez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Gregory Lampel
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jasmin D Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Brigitte M Vazquez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Laura M Anchondo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Syed A Uddin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Nicole M Huffman
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Eduardo Monarrez
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Duraan S Olomi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari D Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Richard E Hartman
- Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Prasada Rao S Kodavanti
- Neurological and Endocrine Toxicology Branch, Public Health and Integrated Toxicology Division, CPHEA/ORD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27711, USA
| | - Gladys Chompre
- Biotechnology Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00717-9997, USA
| | - Allison L Phillips
- Duke University, Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | | | - Bernhard Henkelmann
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Molecular EXposomics (MEX), German National Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
| | - Karl-Werner Schramm
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen, Molecular EXposomics (MEX), German National Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstaedter Landstrasse 1, Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
- Department Für Biowissenschaftliche Grundlagen, TUM, Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan für Ernährung, Landnutzung Und Umwelt, Weihenstephaner Steig 23, 85350, Freising, Germany
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14
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Li C, Cao M, Zhou X. Role of epigenetics in parturition and preterm birth. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:851-873. [PMID: 34939297 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12825] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth occurs worldwide and is associated with high morbidity, mortality, and economic cost. Although several risk factors associated with parturition and preterm birth have been identified, mechanisms underlying this syndrome remain unclear, thereby limiting the implementation of interventions for prevention and management. Known triggers of preterm birth include conditions related to inflammatory and immunological pathways, as well as genetics and maternal history. Importantly, epigenetics, which is the study of heritable phenotypic changes that occur without alterations in the DNA sequence, may play a role in linking social and environmental risk factors for preterm birth. Epigenetic approaches to the study of preterm birth, including analyses of the effects of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, DNA methylation, and histone modification, have contributed to an improved understanding of the molecular bases of both term and preterm birth. Additionally, epigenetic modifications have been linked to factors already associated with preterm birth, including obesity and smoking. The prevention and management of preterm birth remains a challenge worldwide. Although epigenetic analysis provides valuable insights into the causes and risk factors associated with this syndrome, further studies are necessary to determine whether epigenetic approaches can be used routinely for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjin Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Maosheng Cao
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, China
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15
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Wang J, Jin S, Fu W, Liang Y, Yang Y, Xu X. Pubertal exposure to bisphenol-A affects social recognition and arginine vasopressin in the brain of male mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 226:112843. [PMID: 34601267 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Social recognition is an ability of animals to identify and distinguish conspecifics, which is essential for nearly all social species to establish social relationships. Social recognition provides the basis for a variety of social behaviors. Because of modulated by gonadal hormones, it is possible that social cognition is affected by environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs). In the present study, after being pubertal exposed to bisphenol A (BPA, 0.04, 0.4, and 4 mg/kg) for 18 days, adult male mice did not show significant dishabituation to a novel female stimulus in habituation-dishabituation task. The capacity for discriminating the odors between familiar and novel female urine or between male and female urine was suppressed in BPA-exposed male. In addition, BPA (0.4, 4 mg/kg) decreased the number of immunoreaction of AVP (AVP-ir) neurons in both the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and the medial amygdala (MeA), and BPA (0.04, 0.4, 4 mg/kg) reduced the level of V1αR in the lateral septum (LS) of adult male. Further, BPA decreased the levels of testosterone (T) in the brain and androgens receptor (AR) in the LS, the amygdala, and BNST, as well the levels of estrogen receptor α and β (ERα/β) in the amygdala and BNST. These results indicate that pubertal exposure to BPA affected the actions of both androgens and estrogens in the brain and inhibited AVP system of social circuits, and these alterations may be associated with impaired social recognition of adult male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Wang
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Shizhen Jin
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Wenshuang Fu
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Yufeng Liang
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Yani Yang
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China
| | - Xiaohong Xu
- Chemistry and Life Sciences College, Key Laboratory of Wildlife Biotechnology and Conservation and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Ecology, Zhejiang Normal University, PR China.
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16
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Török B, Fazekas CL, Szabó A, Zelena D. Epigenetic Modulation of Vasopressin Expression in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179415. [PMID: 34502322 PMCID: PMC8430944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin is a ubiquitous molecule playing an important role in a wide range of physiological processes thereby implicated in the pathomechanism of many disorders. Its effect is well characterized through V2 receptors, which regulates the water resorption in kidney, while its vasoconstrictory effect through V1a receptor also received a lot of attention in the maintenance of blood pressure during shock. However, the most striking is its central effect both through the V1b receptors in stress-axis regulation as well as through V1a receptors regulating many aspects of our behavior (e.g., social behavior, learning and memory). Vasopressin has been implicated in the development of depression, due to its connection with chronic stress, as well as schizophrenia because of its involvement in social interactions and memory processes. Epigenetic changes may also play a role in the development of these disorders. The possible mechanism includes DNA methylation, histone modification and/or micro RNAs, and these possible regulations will be in the focus of our present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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17
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Cabej NR. A mechanism of inheritance of acquired traits in animals. Dev Biol 2021; 475:106-117. [PMID: 33741349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Observational and experimental evidence for the inheritance of acquired traits in animals is slowly, but steadily accumulating. The onset and transmission of acquired traits implies the acquisition and transmission from parents to progeny of new information, which is different from the genetic information contained in DNA. The new non-genetic information most commonly is passed on from parents to the offspring via gamete(s), but how it is precisely transmitted to the successive generations is still unknown. Based on adequate empirical evidence presented herein, a hypothesis is proposed of the inheritance of acquired traits in animals and the flow of the relevant parental information to the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson R Cabej
- University of Tirana Faculty of Medicine, Universiteti i Mjekesise Tirane, Department of Biology, 147 Manhattan Terrace, Dumont, 07628, USA.
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18
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Loth MK, Donaldson ZR. Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Opioid Interactions Underlying Pair Bonding: Highlighting a Potential Role for Microglia. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6046188. [PMID: 33367612 PMCID: PMC7787427 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pair bonds represent some of the strongest attachments we form as humans. These relationships positively modulate health and well-being. Conversely, the loss of a spouse is an emotionally painful event that leads to numerous deleterious physiological effects, including increased risk for cardiac dysfunction and mental illness. Much of our understanding of the neuroendocrine basis of pair bonding has come from studies of monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), laboratory-amenable rodents that, unlike laboratory mice and rats, form lifelong pair bonds. Specifically, research using prairie voles has delineated a role for multiple neuromodulatory and neuroendocrine systems in the formation and maintenance of pair bonds, including the oxytocinergic, dopaminergic, and opioidergic systems. However, while these studies have contributed to our understanding of selective attachment, few studies have examined how interactions among these 3 systems may be essential for expression of complex social behaviors, such as pair bonding. Therefore, in this review, we focus on how the social neuropeptide, oxytocin, interacts with classical reward system modulators, including dopamine and endogenous opioids, during bond formation and maintenance. We argue that an understanding of these interactions has important clinical implications and is required to understand the evolution and encoding of complex social behaviors more generally. Finally, we provide a brief consideration of future directions, including a discussion of the possible roles that glia, specifically microglia, may have in modulating social behavior by acting as a functional regulator of these 3 neuromodulatory systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith K Loth
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Zoe R Donaldson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Correspondence: Zoe R. Donaldson, PhD, University of Colorado Boulder, 347 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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19
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Behavioral Manipulation by Toxoplasma gondii: Does Brain Residence Matter? Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:381-390. [PMID: 33461902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii infects a wide range of intermediate hosts. The parasite produces brain cysts during the latent phase of its infection, in parallel to causing a loss of innate aversion in the rat host towards cat odors. Host behavioral change presumably reflects a parasitic manipulation to increase predation by definitive felid hosts, although evidence for increased predation is not yet available. In this opinion piece, we propose a neuroendocrine loop to explain the role of gonadal steroids in the parasitized hosts in mediating the behavioral manipulation. We argue that the presence of tissue cysts within the host brain is merely incidental to the behavioral change, without a necessary or sufficient role.
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20
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Tong WH, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Medial Amygdala Arginine Vasopressin Neurons Regulate Innate Aversion to Cat Odors in Male Mice. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:505-520. [PMID: 32447337 DOI: 10.1159/000508862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aversion to environmental cues of predators is an integral part of defensive behaviors in many prey animals. It enhances their survival and probability of future reproduction. At the same time, animals cannot be maximally defended because imperatives of defense usually trade-off with behaviors required for sexual reproduction like display of dominance and production of sexual pheromones. Here, we approach this trade-off through the lens of arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons within the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) of mice. This neuronal population is known to be involved in sexual behaviors like approach to sexually salient cues. We show that chemogenetic partial ablation of this neuronal population increases aversion to predator odors. Moreover, overexpression of AVP within this population is sufficient to reduce aversion to predator odors. The loss of fear of the predator odor occurs in parallel with increased recruitment of AVP neurons within the MePD. These observations suggest that AVP neurons in the medial aspect of the extended amygdala are a proximate locus for the reduction in innate fear during life stages dominated by reproductive efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore,
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21
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Cuarenta A, Kigar SL, Henion IC, Karls KE, Chang L, Bakshi VP, Auger AP. Early life stress increases Line1 within the developing brain in a sex-dependent manner. Brain Res 2020; 1748:147123. [PMID: 32931818 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-interspersing element 1 (Line1)-a retrotransposon that comprises ~17% of the human genome and ~24% of the rat genome -is aberrantly expressed in psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Rett syndrome, suggesting it may play an important role in neurodevelopment. Retrotransposons such as Line1 have the ability to self-replicate via reverse transcription and can subsequently be reinserted throughout the genome, potentially increasing genetic diversity. We sought to understand whether early life stress (ELS), a known risk factor for the development of later psychiatric disorders in humans, would affect Line1 expression and DNA copy number. Our study uses a neonatal predator odor exposure (POE) paradigm to model ELS in rats. We found sex- and region-specific increases in both Line1 Open Reading Frame 1 (ORF1) and ORF2 mRNA following POE-induced stress. Interestingly, ELS increased Line1 DNA copy number within the male hippocampus. These data suggest the possibility that early life stress can mobilize Line1 in a sex- and region-specific manner, resulting in genomic heterogeneity between cells in the brain suggesting that some cells may have a different genetic makeup than others resulting in genomic heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cuarenta
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
| | - Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Ian C Henion
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Kaitlyn E Karls
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Vaishali P Bakshi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, United States.
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22
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Kelly AM, Ong JY, Witmer RA, Ophir AG. Paternal deprivation impairs social behavior putatively via epigenetic modification to lateral septum vasopressin receptor. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb9116. [PMID: 32917597 PMCID: PMC7467705 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb9116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Although it is well appreciated that the early-life social environment asserts subsequent long-term consequences on offspring brain and behavior, the specific mechanisms that account for this relationship remain poorly understood. Using a novel assay that forced biparental pairs or single mothers to prioritize caring for offspring or themselves, we investigated the impact of parental variation on adult expression of nonapeptide-modulated behaviors in prairie voles. We demonstrated that single mothers compensate for the lack of a co-parent. Moreover, mothers choose to invest in offspring over themselves when faced with a tradeoff, whereas fathers choose to invest in themselves. Furthermore, our study suggests a pathway whereby variation in parental behavior (specifically paternal care) may lead to alterations in DNA methylation within the vasopressin receptor 1a gene and gene expression in the lateral septum. These differences are concomitant with changes in social approach, a behavior closely associated with septal vasopressin receptor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, 36 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Yuen Ong
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Ruth A Witmer
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Alexander G Ophir
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, 211 Uris Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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23
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Abo-Al-Ela HG. Toxoplasmosis and Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders: A Step toward Understanding Parasite Pathogenesis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:2393-2406. [PMID: 31268676 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis, a disease that disrupts fetal brain development and severely affects the host's brain, has been linked to many behavioral and neurological disorders. There is growing interest in how a single-celled neurotropic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, can control or change the behavior of the host as well as how it dominates the host's neurons. Secrets beyond these could be answered by decoding the Toxoplasma gondii genome, unravelling the function of genomic sequences, and exploring epigenetics and mRNAs alterations, as well as the postulated mechanisms contributing to various neurological and psychiatric symptoms caused by this parasite. Substantial efforts have been made to elucidate the action of T. gondii on host immunity and the biology of its infection. However, the available studies on the molecular aspects of toxoplasmosis that affect central nervous system (CNS) circuits remain limited, and much research is still needed on this interesting topic. In my opinion, this parasite is a gift for studying the biology of the nervous system and related diseases. We should utilize the unique features of Toxoplasma, such as its abilities to modulate brain physiology, for neurological studies or as a possible tool or approach to cure neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitham G. Abo-Al-Ela
- Animal Health Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Shibin Al-Kom, El-Minufiya 7001, Egypt
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24
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Martínez-Rodríguez E, Martín-Sánchez A, Kul E, Bose A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Stork O, Martínez-García F, Lanuza E, Santos M, Agustín-Pavón C. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyses of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behaviour. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2219-2238. [PMID: 32749543 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT), two neuropeptides closely implicated in the modulation of social behaviours, have been reported in some early developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated to Rett syndrome and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Thus, we first analysed AVP and OT expression in the brain of Mecp2-mutant mice by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed no significant differences in these systems in young adult Mecp2-heterozygous females, as compared to WT littermates. By contrast, we found a significant reduction in the sexually dimorphic, testosterone-dependent, vasopressinergic innervation in several nuclei of the social brain network and oxytocinergic innervation in the lateral habenula of Mecp2-null males, as compared to WT littermates. Analysis of urinary production of pheromones shows that Mecp2-null males lack the testosterone-dependent pheromone darcin, strongly suggesting low levels of androgens in these males. In addition, resident-intruder tests revealed lack of aggressive behaviour in Mecp2-null males and decreased chemoinvestigation of the intruder. By contrast, Mecp2-null males exhibited enhanced social approach, as compared to WT animals, in a 3-chamber social interaction test. In summary, Mecp2-null males, which display internal testicles, display a significant reduction of some male-specific features, such as vasopressinergic innervation within the social brain network, male pheromone production and aggressive behaviour. Thus, atypical social behaviours in Mecp2-null males may be caused, at least in part, by the effect of lack of MeCP2 over sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Rodríguez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain.,Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aparajita Bose
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Neurologie, Ammerland-Klinik GmbH, Westerstede, Germany
| | - Francisco José Martínez-Martínez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Martínez-García
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Mónica Santos
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, pólo I, 2º andar, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Agustín-Pavón
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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Rosvall KA, Bentz AB, George EM. How research on female vertebrates contributes to an expanded challenge hypothesis. Horm Behav 2020; 123:104565. [PMID: 31419407 PMCID: PMC7061077 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The bi-directional links between hormones and behavior have been a rich area of research for decades. Theory on the evolution of testosterone (T) was greatly advanced by the challenge hypothesis, which presented a framework for understanding interspecific, seasonal, and social variation in T levels in males, and how they are shaped by the competing demands of parental care and male-male competition. Female competition is also widespread in nature, although it is less clear whether or how the challenge hypothesis applies to females. Here, we evaluate this issue in four parts: (1) We summarize and update prior analyses of seasonal plasticity and interspecific variation in T in females. (2) We evaluate experimental links between T and female aggression on shorter timescales, asking how T manipulations affect aggression and conversely, how social manipulations affect T levels in female mammals, birds, lizards, and fishes. (3) We examine alternative mechanisms that may link aggression to the social environment independently of T levels in circulation. (4) We present a case study, including new data analyses, in an aggressive female bird (the tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor) to explore how variation in tissue-level processing of T may bridge the gap between circulating T and variation in behavior that is visible to natural selection. We close by connecting these multivariate levels of sex steroid signaling systems alongside different temporal scales (social, seasonal, and evolutionary) to generate broadly applicable insights into how animals respond to their social environment, regardless of whether they are male or female.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
| | - Alexandra B Bentz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Elizabeth M George
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Mathuru AS, Libersat F, Vyas A, Teseo S. Why behavioral neuroscience still needs diversity?: A curious case of a persistent need. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:130-141. [PMID: 32565172 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the past few decades, a substantial portion of neuroscience research has moved from studies conducted across a spectrum of animals to reliance on a few species. While this undoubtedly promotes consistency, in-depth analysis, and a better claim to unraveling molecular mechanisms, investing heavily in a subset of species also restricts the type of questions that can be asked, and impacts the generalizability of findings. A conspicuous body of literature has long advocated the need to expand the diversity of animal systems used in neuroscience research. Part of this need is utilitarian with respect to translation, but the remaining is the knowledge that historically, a diverse set of species were instrumental in obtaining transformative understanding. We argue that diversifying matters also because the current approach limits the scope of what can be discovered. Technological advancements are already bridging several practical gaps separating these two worlds. What remains is a wholehearted embrace by the community that has benefitted from past history. We suggest the time for it is now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay S Mathuru
- Yale-NUS College, 12 College Avenue West, Singapore; Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A⁎STAR, 61 Biopolis Drive, Singapore; Dept. of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Frédéric Libersat
- Dept. of Life Sciences and Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva 8410501 Israel
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
| | - Serafino Teseo
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551, Singapore
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Coyle CS, Caso F, Tolla E, Barrett P, Onishi KG, Tello JA, Stevenson TJ. Ovarian hormones induce de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the Siberian hamster suprachiasmatic nucleus. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12819. [PMID: 31800973 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated neuroanatomically localised changes in de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the female Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). The objectives were to identify the neuroendocrine substrates that exhibit rhythmic Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b expression across the oestrous cycle and also examine the role of ovarian steroids. Hypothalamic Dnmt3a expression was observed to significantly increase during the transition from pro-oestrous to oestrous. A single bolus injection of diethylstilbestrol and progesterone was sufficient to increase Dnmt3a cell numbers and Dnmt3b immunoreactive intensity in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In vitro analyses using an embryonic rodent cell line revealed that diethylstilbestrol was sufficient to induce Dnmt3b expression. Up-regulating DNA methylation in vitro reduced the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide, Vip, and the circadian clock gene, Bmal1. Together, these data indicate that ovarian steroids drive de novo DNA methyltransferase expression in the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus and increased methylation may regulate genes involved in the circadian timing of oestrous: Vip and Bmal1. Overall, epigenetically mediated neuroendocrine reproductive events may reflect an evolutionarily ancient process involved in the timing of female fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris S Coyle
- Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Federico Caso
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Elisabetta Tolla
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Perry Barrett
- Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Kenneth G Onishi
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Mind and Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Javier A Tello
- School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Tyler John Stevenson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Green MR, Zeidan M, Hodges TE, McCormick CM. Age-dependent regulation by androgens of gene expression in the anterior hypothalamus and stress-induced release of adrenal hormones in adolescent and adult male rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12714. [PMID: 30912177 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents show greater and/or more prolonged activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to stressors than adults, although the basis for such an age difference is not understood. We investigated developmental shifts in the regulation of HPA function by testosterone using androgen replacement in orchiectomised (OCX) pre-pubertal and post-pubertal adolescent rats and in adults, as well as using inhibitors of testosterone synthesis in non-operated rats. The expected dampening effect of testosterone in adult OCX rats did not meet statistical significance in all of the three experiments. Nevertheless, in each, adolescents had higher post-stress concentrations of corticosterone compared to adults despite similar concentrations of testosterone. The effect of testosterone was in the opposite direction in post-pubertal adolescents compared to that in adults, with testosterone replacement leading to increased rather than lower corticosterone concentration. Testosterone replacement decreased arginine vasopressin and corticotrophin-releasing hormone immune-reactive cell counts in the paraventricular nucleus at all ages. In a fourth experiment, we provide evidence that the basis of the age difference in corticosterone release is because of a greater conversion of testosterone to oestradiol in adolescents and a greater conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in adults: aromatase inhibition had little effect in adults and attenuated the age difference by decreasing stress-induced corticosterone release in adolescents. By contrast, 5α-reductase inhibition or an androgen receptor antagonist had little effect in adolescents and attenuated the age difference by increasing stress-induced corticosterone release in adults. In the adrenal gland, adolescents had reduced 5α-reductase and androgen receptor gene expression. There also were age differences in the regulation of hypothalamic mRNA expression of androgen receptors, oestrogen receptors and aromatase by testosterone. In sum, the results suggest that developmental shifts in the synthesis of testosterone and the regulation of gene expression are factors with respect to age differences in corticosterone release in response to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Green
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mostafa Zeidan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Travis E Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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29
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Maternal and paternal origin differentially affect prosocial behavior and neural mechanisms in prairie voles. Behav Brain Res 2019; 360:94-102. [PMID: 30521929 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypotheses that maternal and paternal effects differentially influence expression of their offspring's adult behavior and underlying neural mechanisms. We predicted that maternal influences would be greater than paternal influences on male offspring. We tested these hypotheses by cross-breeding two phenotypically-, behaviorally- and neuroanatomically-distinct populations of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) from Illinois, which are highly prosocial, and Kansas, which are significantly less prosocial. Females from each population were crossed with males from the other population. F1 crosses were tested as adults to determine the effect of parentage on the expression of prosocial behavior and aggression, using a same-sex dyadic encounter and a heterosexual partner preference test, and for the expression of oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). As predicted, all significant differences in males, behavioral, OT and AVP immunoreactivity, were associated exclusively with maternal influences. There was a significant effect of treatment in the OT immunoreactivity of females. The effect of treatment in females' OT was associated with an interaction of population and sex, while same-sex social interactions differences were associated with population. Finally, in females, paternity influenced heterosexual bonds, with females with Illinois sires forming a partner preference. The results indicate that maternal influences dominate in male offspring, suggesting a parent-of-origin effect, while paternal effects are limited to selected prosocial behavioral expression in daughters.
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Arif M, Sadayappan S, Becker RC, Martin LJ, Urbina EM. Epigenetic modification: a regulatory mechanism in essential hypertension. Hypertens Res 2019; 42:1099-1113. [PMID: 30867575 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-019-0248-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Essential hypertension (EH) is a multifactorial disease of the cardiovascular system that is influenced by the interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. The molecular dynamics underlying EH etiopathogenesis is unknown; however, earlier studies have revealed EH-associated genetic variants. Nevertheless, this finding alone is not sufficient to explain the variability in blood pressure, suggesting that other risk factors are involved, such as epigenetic modifications. Therefore, this review highlights the potential contribution of well-defined epigenetic mechanisms in EH, specifically, DNA methylation, post-translational histone modifications, and microRNAs. We further emphasize global and gene-specific DNA methylation as one of the most well-studied hallmarks among all epigenetic modifications in EH. In addition, post-translational histone modifications, such as methylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation, are described as important epigenetic markers associated with EH. Finally, we discuss microRNAs that affect blood pressure by regulating master genes such as those implicated in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. These epigenetic modifications, which appear to contribute to various cardiovascular diseases, including EH, may be a promising research area for the development of novel future strategies for EH prevention and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Arif
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.,Division of Preventive Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Sakthivel Sadayappan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Richard C Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, Heart, Lung and Vascular Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Lisa J Martin
- Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Elaine M Urbina
- Division of Preventive Cardiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA.
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31
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Sadlonova M, Meyer T, Binder L, Wachter R, Edelmann F, Herrmann-Lingen C. Higher plasma levels of CT-proAVP are linked to less anxiety in men but not women with cardiovascular risk factors: Results from the observational Diast-CHF study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:272-277. [PMID: 30594111 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Using data from the multicenter, observational Diast-CHF (Diagnostic Trial on Prevalence and Clinical Course of Diastolic Dysfunction and Heart Failure) study, this post-hoc analysis aimed at assessing the association between serum concentrations of C-terminal pro-arginine vasopressin (CT-proAVP) and anxiety in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. BACKGROUND Animal studies have demonstrated that centrally released AVP is involved in the development of anxiety-like behaviors, however, it is unknown whether, also in humans, CT-proAVP used as a proxy for the co-secreted AVP is associated with self-reported anxiety. METHODS In 1463 study participants with cardiovascular risk factors (mean age 66.7 ± 8.1 years, 51.3% males, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 59.8 ± 8.3%), serum concentrations of CT-proAVP were measured by means of an ELISA assay, and anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). RESULTS Data showed that there was a significant and inverse correlation between HADS anxiety and CT-proAVP (rho = -0.074; p = 0.005). Serum CT-proAVP and the HADS anxiety differed between the two sexes: men displayed lower anxiety (4.7 ± 3.5 versus 5.5 ± 3.7) and had higher CT-proAVP levels (5.8 pmol/L, interquartile range 3.5-9.9 pmol/L versus 3.0 pmol/L, interquartile range 2.0-4.7) than women (both, p < 0.001). Using univariate ANOVA adjusted for age, body-mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, 6-minute walking distance, SF-36 physical functioning, and the natriuretic peptides NT-proBNP and MR-proANP, the interaction term sex*CT-proAVP was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.006). Further analysis showed that CT-proAVP was inversely related to anxiety only in men (B = -0.991; 95%CI = -1.650 to -0.331; p = 0.003), but not in women (p = 0.335). CONCLUSION In male study participants with cardiovascular risk factors, serum concentrations of CT-proAVP showed an inverse association with anxiety, which was independent from the severity of physical impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Sadlonova
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Binder
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Germany; Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf Wachter
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Germany; Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Cardiology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Frank Edelmann
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, University Medicine, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Herrmann-Lingen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Germany
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32
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Aylwin CF, Toro CA, Shirtcliff E, Lomniczi A. Emerging Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Pubertal Maturation in Adolescence. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2019; 29:54-79. [PMID: 30869843 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The adolescent transition begins with the onset of puberty which, upstream in the brain, is initiated by the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) pulse generator that activates the release of peripheral sex hormones. Substantial research in human and animal models has revealed a myriad of cellular networks and heritable genes that control the GnRH pulse generator allowing the individual to begin the process of reproductive competence and sexual maturation. Here, we review the latest knowledge in neuroendocrine pubertal research with emphasis on genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying the pubertal transition.
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33
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Tong WH, Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Testosterone Reduces Fear and Causes Drastic Hypomethylation of Arginine Vasopressin Promoter in Medial Extended Amygdala of Male Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:33. [PMID: 30863290 PMCID: PMC6399424 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone reduces anxiety-like behaviors in rodents and increases exploration of anxiogenic parts of the environment. Effects of testosterone on innate defensive behaviors remain understudied. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous testosterone reduces aversion to cat odor in male mice. This is reflected as increased exploration of area containing cat urine when castrated male mice are supplied with exogenous testosterone. We also report that exogenous testosterone leads to DNA hypomethylation of arginine vasopressin (AVP) promoter in posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) and medial bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST). Our observations suggest that testosterone acting on AVP system within extended medial amygdala might regulate defensive behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Han Tong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
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34
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Da Fonte DF, Xing L, Mikwar M, Trudeau VL. Secretoneurin-A inhibits aromatase B (cyp19a1b) expression in female goldfish (Carassius auratus) radial glial cells. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 257:106-112. [PMID: 28487180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the teleost brain, radial glial cells (RGCs) are the main macroglia and are stem-like progenitors that express key steroidogenic enzymes, including the estrogen-synthesizing enzyme, aromatase B (cyp19a1b). As a result, RGCs are integral to neurogenesis and neurosteroidogenesis, however little is known about the regulatory factors and signaling mechanisms that control these functions. A potential new role of the secretogranin II-derived neuropeptide secretoneurin A (SNa) in the control of goldfish (Carassius auratus) RGC function is the subject of this study. Immunohistochemistry revealed a close neuroanatomical relationship between RGCs and soma of SNa-immunoreactive magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the preoptic nucleus of female goldfish. Five hours following intracerebroventricular injection of 0.2ng/g SNa cyp19a1b mRNA levels were decreased by 86% (P<0.05) in the hypothalamus and by 88% (P<0.05) in the telencephalon. In vitro, 24 h incubation with 500nM SNa decreased cyp19a1b mRNA by 51% (P<0.05) in cultured RGCs. These data provide evidence that SNa can regulate aromatase expression in goldfish RGCs. By regulating neuroestrogen production in RGCs SNa may therefore be implicated in the control of major estrogen-dependent functions of the preoptic region such as reproductive behavior and osmoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon F Da Fonte
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Myy Mikwar
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Vance L Trudeau
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
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Elsner VR, Cechinel LR, de Meireles LCF, Bertoldi K, Siqueira IR. Epigenetic marks are modulated by gender and time of the day in the hippocampi of adolescent rats: A preliminary study. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:2160-2163. [PMID: 30323148 PMCID: PMC6199939 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.241467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the involvement of gender in epigenetic machinery in peripheral tissues during the neonatal period has been suggested, the gender-related epigenetic profile of brain areas during the adolescent period is rarely exploited. Furthermore, the influence of time of day on hippocampal acetylation marks has been demonstrated in young adult and aged rats; however, there are no studies reporting epigenetic changes in the adolescent period. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of gender on hippocampal DNA methyltransferase 1 content and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity of adolescent rats at different time points, specifically early morning and afternoon. Both epigenetic markers increased significantly in the hippocampi of female rats compared to the male group, an indicator of reduced transcriptional activity. In addition, HDAC activity during the early morning was higher compared to afternoon groups in both male and female rats, while DNA methyltransferase 1 content was not altered by the time of day. Our findings demonstrate that hippocampal DNA methylation and histone acetylation status can be influenced by gender during the adolescent period, while the time of the day impacts HDAC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Rostirola Elsner
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências e Reabilitação, Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA; Curso de Fisioterapia, Centro Universitário Metodista-IPA, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Laura Reck Cechinel
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Louisiana Carolina Ferreira de Meireles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Karine Bertoldi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
| | - Ionara Rodrigues Siqueira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
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36
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N 6-methyladenine is an epigenetic marker of mammalian early life stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:18078. [PMID: 29273787 PMCID: PMC5741724 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18414-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence described 6-methyladenine (6 mA) as a novel epigenetic regulator in a variety of multicellular species, including rodents; however, its capacity to influence gene expression in the mammalian brain remains unknown. We examined if 6 mA is present and regulated by early life stress associated with predator odor exposure (POE) within the developing rat amygdala. Our results provide evidence that 6 mA is present in the mammalian brain, is altered within the Htr2a gene promoter by early life stress and biological sex, and increased 6 mA is associated with gene repression. These data suggest that methylation of adenosine within mammalian DNA may be used as an additional epigenetic biomarker for investigating the development of stress-induced neuropathology.
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37
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Wang Y, Jin L, Ma J, Chen L, Fu Y, Long K, Hu S, Song Y, Shang D, Tang Q, Wang X, Li X, Li M. Hemicastration induced spermatogenesis-related DNA methylation and gene expression changes in mice testis. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2017; 31:189-197. [PMID: 29059727 PMCID: PMC5767500 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.17.0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective Hemicastration is a unilateral orchiectomy to remove an injured testis, which can induce hormonal changes and compensatory hypertrophy of the remaining testis, and may influence spermatogenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the impact of hemicastration on remaining testicular function. Methods Prepubertal mice (age 24 days) were hemicastrated, and their growth was monitored until they reached physical maturity (age 72 days). Subsequently, we determined testis DNA methylation patterns using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing of normal and hemicastrated mice. Moreover, we profiled the testicular gene expression patterns by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to examine whether methylation changes affected gene expression in hemicastrated mice. Results Hemicastration did not significantly affect growth or testosterone (p>0.05) compared with control. The genome-wide DNA methylation pattern of remaining testis suggested that substantial genes harbored differentially methylated regions (1,139) in gene bodies, which were enriched in process of protein binding and cell adhesion. Moreover, RNA-seq results indicated that 46 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in meiotic cell cycle, synaptonemal complex assembly and spermatogenesis were upregulated in the hemicastration group, while 197 DEGs were downregulated, which were related to arachidonic acid metabolism. Integrative analysis revealed that proteasome 26S subunit ATPase 3 interacting protein gene, which encodes a protein crucial for homologous recombination in spermatocytes, exhibited promoter hypomethylation and higher expression level in hemicastrated mice. Conclusion Global profiling of DNA methylation and gene expression demonstrated that hemicastration-induced compensatory response maintained normal growth and testicular morphological structure in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Wang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Long Jin
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jideng Ma
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Li Chen
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yuhua Fu
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.,Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Keren Long
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Silu Hu
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yang Song
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Dazhi Shang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Qianzi Tang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Mingzhou Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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38
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Abdulai-Saiku S, Vyas A. Loss of predator aversion in female rats after Toxoplasma gondii infection is not dependent on ovarian steroids. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 65:95-98. [PMID: 28400143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2017.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection reduces aversion to cat odors in male rats. Relevant proximate mechanisms include interaction of gonadal testosterone and brain nonapeptide arginine-vasopressin. Both of these substrates are sexually dimorphic with preferential expression in males; suggesting either absence of behavioral change in females or mediation by analogous neuroendocrine substrates. Here we demonstrate that Toxoplasma gondii infection reduces aversion to cat odor in female rats. This change is not accompanied by altered steroid hormones; cannot be rescued by gonadal removal; and, does not depend on arginine-vasopressin. Thus behavioral change in males and female occur through non-analogous mechanisms that remain hitherto unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Abdulai-Saiku
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
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Herbison REH. Lessons in Mind Control: Trends in Research on the Molecular Mechanisms behind Parasite-Host Behavioral Manipulation. Front Ecol Evol 2017. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2017.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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40
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DiBenedictis BT, Nussbaum ER, Cheung HK, Veenema AH. Quantitative mapping reveals age and sex differences in vasopressin, but not oxytocin, immunoreactivity in the rat social behavior neural network. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2549-2570. [PMID: 28340511 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptides vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) have been implicated in the regulation of numerous social behaviors in adult and juvenile animals. AVP and OT signaling predominantly occur within a circuit of interconnected brain regions known collectively as the "social behavior neural network" (SBNN). Importantly, AVP and OT signaling within the SBNN has been shown to differentially regulate diverse social behaviors, depending on the age and/or sex of the animal. We hypothesized that variation in the display of these behaviors is due in part to age and sex differences in AVP and OT synthesis within the SBNN. However, a thorough characterization of AVP and OT-immunoreactive (ir) fibers and cell bodies across age and sex within the SBNN has been lacking in rats. We therefore quantified AVP- and OT-ir fibers and cell bodies in 22 subregions of the forebrain SBNN in juvenile and adult, male and female rats. We found numerous age (16 subregions) and sex (10 subregions) differences in AVP-ir fiber fractional areas, and AVP-ir cell body numbers, which were mainly observed in the medial amygdala/bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to lateral septum circuit. In contrast to AVP, we observed no age or sex differences in OT-ir fiber fractional areas or cell bodies in any of the 22 subregions of the forebrain SBNN. Thus, unlike the static pattern observed for OT, AVP innervation of the forebrain SBNN appears to undergo developmental changes, and is highly sexually dimorphic, which likely has significant functional consequences for the regulation of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett T DiBenedictis
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth R Nussbaum
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Harry K Cheung
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
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41
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Romano E, Cosentino L, Laviola G, De Filippis B. Genes and sex hormones interaction in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:9-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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42
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Kigar SL, Chang L, Hayne MR, Karls NT, Auger AP. Sex differences in Gadd45b expression and methylation in the developing rodent amygdala. Brain Res 2016; 1642:461-466. [PMID: 27086974 PMCID: PMC6701186 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Precise spatiotemporal epigenetic regulation of the genome facilitates species-typical development; sexual differentiation of the brain by gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes causes extensive epigenetic reprogramming of many cells in the body, including the brain, and may indirectly predispose males and females to different psychiatric conditions. We and others have demonstrated sex differences in DNA methylation, as well as in the enzymes that form, or 'write', this epigenetic modification. However, while a growing body of evidence suggests that DNA methylation undergoes rapid turnover and is dynamically regulated in vivo, to our knowledge no studies have been done investigating whether sex differences exist in the epigenetic 'erasers' during postnatal development. Here we report sex differences in the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage inducible factor β (Gadd45b), but not family members α (a) or γ (g), in the neonatal and juvenile rodent amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States.
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States.
| | - Margaret R Hayne
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Nicolette T Karls
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Anthony P Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1202 W Johnson St., Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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43
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Greenwood MP, Greenwood M, Gillard BT, Loh SY, Paton JFR, Murphy D. Epigenetic Control of the Vasopressin Promoter Explains Physiological Ability to Regulate Vasopressin Transcription in Dehydration and Salt Loading States in the Rat. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 26833868 PMCID: PMC4855680 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis of arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus is sensitive to increased plasma osmolality and a decreased blood volume, and thus is robustly increased by both dehydration (increased plasma osmolality and decreased blood volume) and salt loading (increased plasma osmolality). Both stimuli result in functional remodelling of the SON and PVN, a process referred to as functional-related plasticity. Such plastic changes in the brain have recently been associated with altered patterns of DNA methylation at CpG (cytosine-phosphate-guanine) residues, a process considered to be important for the regulation of gene transcription. In this regard, the proximal Avp promoter contains a number of CpG sites and is recognised as one of four CpG islands for the Avp gene, suggesting that methylation may be regulating Avp transcription. In the present study, we show that, in an immortalised hypothalamic cell line 4B, the proximal Avp promoter is highly methylated, and treatment of these cells with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine to demethylate DNA dramatically increases basal and stimulated Avp biosynthesis. We report no changes in the expression of DNA methyltransferases, Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a, whereas there is decreased expression of the demethylating enzyme ten-eleven-translocation 2, Tet2, in the SON by dehydration and salt loading. We found higher methylation of the SON Avp promoter in dehydrated but not salt-loaded rats. By analysis of individual CpG sites, we observed hypomethylation, hypermethylation and no change in methylation of specific CpGs in the SON Avp promoter of the dehydrated rat. Using reporter gene assays, we show that mutation of individual CpGs can result in altered Avp promoter activity. We propose that methylation of the SON Avp promoter is necessary to co-ordinate the duel inputs of increased plasma osmolality and decreased blood volume on Avp transcription in the chronically dehydrated rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Greenwood
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - M Greenwood
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - B T Gillard
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - S Y Loh
- Department of Physiology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - J F R Paton
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - D Murphy
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Physiology, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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44
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Cardoso SD, Teles MC, Oliveira RF. Neurogenomic mechanisms of social plasticity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 218:140-9. [PMID: 25568461 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.106997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Group-living animals must adjust the expression of their social behaviour to changes in their social environment and to transitions between life-history stages, and this social plasticity can be seen as an adaptive trait that can be under positive selection when changes in the environment outpace the rate of genetic evolutionary change. Here, we propose a conceptual framework for understanding the neuromolecular mechanisms of social plasticity. According to this framework, social plasticity is achieved by rewiring or by biochemically switching nodes of a neural network underlying social behaviour in response to perceived social information. Therefore, at the molecular level, it depends on the social regulation of gene expression, so that different genomic and epigenetic states of this brain network correspond to different behavioural states, and the switches between states are orchestrated by signalling pathways that interface the social environment and the genotype. Different types of social plasticity can be recognized based on the observed patterns of inter- versus intra-individual occurrence, time scale and reversibility. It is proposed that these different types of social plasticity rely on different proximate mechanisms at the physiological, neural and genomic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara D Cardoso
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magda C Teles
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui F Oliveira
- ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Rua Jardim do Tabaco 34, 1149-041 Lisbon, Portugal Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal Champalimaud Neuroscience Programme, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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45
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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46
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Hoffmann A, Zimmermann CA, Spengler D. Molecular epigenetic switches in neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:120. [PMID: 26029068 PMCID: PMC4429584 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms encode information above and beyond DNA sequence and play a critical role in brain development and the long-lived effects of environmental cues on the pre- and postnatal brain. Switch-like, rather than graded changes, illustrate par excellence how epigenetic events perpetuate altered activity states in the absence of the initial cue. They occur from early neural development to maturation and can give rise to distinct diseases upon deregulation. Many neurodevelopmental genes harbor bivalently marked chromatin domains, states of balanced inhibition, which guide dynamic “ON or OFF” decisions once the balance is tilted in response to developmental or environmental cues. Examples discussed in this review include neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) into progenitors and beyond, activation of Kiss1 at puberty onset, and early experience-dependent programming of Avp, a major stress gene. At the genome-scale, genomic imprinting can be epigenetically switched on or off at select genes in a tightly controlled temporospatial manner and provides a versatile mechanism for dosage regulation of genes with important roles in stem cell quiescence or differentiation. Moreover, retrotransposition in neural progenitors provides an intriguing example of an epigenetic-like switch, which is stimulated by bivalently marked neurodevelopmental genes and possibly results in increased genomic flexibility regarding unprecedented challenge. Overall, we propose that molecular epigenetic switches illuminate the catalyzing function of epigenetic mechanisms in guiding dynamic changes in gene expression underpinning robust transitions in cellular and organismal phenotypes as well as in the mediation between dynamically changing environments and the static genetic blueprint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hoffmann
- Translational Research, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Christoph A Zimmermann
- Translational Research, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Dietmar Spengler
- Translational Research, Max Planck Society, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry Munich, Bavaria, Germany
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47
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Kigar SL, Chang L, Auger AP. Gadd45b is an epigenetic regulator of juvenile social behavior and alters local pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the rodent amygdala. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 46:60-9. [PMID: 25728234 PMCID: PMC4440808 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of the epigenome during perinatal development is critical to the formation of species-typical behavior later in life. Recent data suggests that Gadd45b facilitates active DNA demethylation by recruiting proteins involved in base excision repair (BER), which will catalyze substitution of 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC) for an unmodified cytosine. While a role for Gadd45b has been implicated in both hippocampal and amygdalar learning tasks, to the best of our knowledge, no study has been done investigating the involvement of Gadd45b in neurodevelopmental programming of social behavior. To address this, we used a targeted siRNA delivery approach to transiently knock down Gadd45b expression in the neonatal rat amygdala. We chose to examine social behavior in the juvenile period, as social deficits associated with neurodevelopmental disorders tend to emerge in humans at an equivalent age. We find that neonatal Gadd45b knock-down results in altered juvenile social behavior and reduced expression of several genes implicated in psychiatric disorders, including methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), Reelin, and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We furthermore report a novel role for Gadd45b in the programmed expression of α2-adrenoceptor (Adra2a). Consistent with Gadd45b's role in the periphery, we also observed changes in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (Il-6) and interleukin-1beta (Il-1beta) in the amygdala, which could potentially mediate or exacerbate effects of Gadd45b knockdown on the organization of social behavior. These data suggest a prominent role for Gadd45b in the epigenetic programming of complex juvenile social interactions, and may provide insight into the etiology of juvenile behavioral disorders such as ADHD, autism, and/or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey L. Kigar
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Liza Chang
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Anthony P. Auger
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI 53706, United States,Corresponding author at: 1202 W, Johnson St, Madison, WI 53706, United States. (A.P. Auger)
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48
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Štefánik P, Olexová L, Kršková L. Increased sociability and gene expression of oxytocin and its receptor in the brains of rats affected prenatally by valproic acid. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 131:42-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Revised: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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49
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Vyas A. Extended epigenotype in a Rattus novergicus - Toxoplasma gondii association. Commun Integr Biol 2015; 8:e992743. [PMID: 26844540 PMCID: PMC4594435 DOI: 10.4161/19420889.2014.992743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies demonstrate that rats (Rattus novergicus) infected with protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii exhibit lesser fear to cat odors. This is thought to increase transmission of the parasite to its definitive hosts, i.e. cats. This is an example of extended phenotype where a gene of an organism allegedly creates a phenotype in another organism. We examined a possible proximate mechanism for this phenotype, describing an epigenetic change in arginine vasopressin gene in medial amygdala of male rats. Exogenously mimicking medial amygdala DNA hypomethylation resulted in reduction of fear to cat odors in uninfected animals, thus suggesting sufficiency. Systemic blockade of infection-induced DNA hypomethylation countermanded infection-induced behavioral change, thus suggesting necessity. This leads us to propose an epigenetic basis for this extended phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajai Vyas
- School of Biological Sciences; Nanyang Technological University ; Singapore
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50
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Dkhil MA, Al-Quraishy S, Abdel-Baki AA, Ghanjati F, Arauzo-Bravo MJ, Delic D, Wunderlich F. Epigenetic modifications of gene promoter DNA in the liver of adult female mice masculinized by testosterone. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:121-30. [PMID: 25448745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) is known to masculinize the female phenotype of the liver, evidenced as up- and down-regulated expressions of male- and female-predominant genes, respectively, involved in hepatic metabolism. This study is aimed at identifying epigenetic modifications of promoters of these differently expressed genes in the liver after masculinization by T of adult female C57BL/6 mice using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation and NimbleGen microarrays. Among the 17,354 promoters examined, 82 promoters in the liver have been identified to be significantly changed by T (p<0.05), with 47 and 35 promoters exhibiting increased and decreased DNA methylation, respectively. Most of these promoters display the changes of DNA methylation in their Ups-regions, which are between +500 and +2000 bp upstream from the transcription start site (TSS) of the genes. Less T-induced modifications have been detected in the Cor-regions of the promoters, i.e., +500 to -500 bp around the TSS. Only 13 and 7 Cor-promoters are hyper- and hypo-methylated, respectively, among which are 10 hyper- and 5 hypo-methylated promoters of genes with annotated functions. Surprisingly, the promoters are largely unmethylated in those genes whose expression has been previously found to be permanently deregulated by T in the liver, as e.g. the T-upregulated male-predominant genes Cyp7b1, Cyp2d9, Cyp4a10, Ugt2b1, Ugt2b38, Hsd3b5, Slco1a1 as well as the T-downregulated female-predominant genes Cyp2b9, Cyp2b13, Cyp3a41, Cyp3a44, Fmo3, Sult2a2, respectively. Though methylatable, the promoter DNA of Ar, Esr1, and Esr2 remained unaffected by T. However, T decreases DNA-methylation of the Cor-promoter region of Ddc encoding the AR-coactivator dopa decarboxylase. Among the identified 15 Cor-promoters of genes with annotated functions are also those of Defb43, Cst11, and Sele involved in innate immunity. Our data support the view that T may exert long-lasting epigenetic effects on functions of the liver-inherent immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Dkhil
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Saleh Al-Quraishy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdel-Azeem Abdel-Baki
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, 11451 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Foued Ghanjati
- Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Marcos J Arauzo-Bravo
- Computational Biology and Systems Biomedicine, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, San Sebastion, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Denis Delic
- Department of Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Boehringer-Ingelheim, Biberach, Germany
| | - Frank Wunderlich
- Department of Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
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