1
|
Liu X, Ding Y, Jiang C, Xin Y, Ma X, Xu M, Wang Q, Hou B, Li Y, Zhang S, Shao B. Astragaloside IV mediates radiation-induced neuronal damage through activation of BDNF-TrkB signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155803. [PMID: 38876008 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electromagnetic radiation is relevant to human life, and radiation can trigger neurodegenerative diseases by altering the function of the central nervous system through oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and protein degradation. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, activates the BDNF-TrkB pathway and enhances synaptic plasticity in radiated mice, which can exert its neuroprotection. However, the exact molecular mechanisms are still unclear. PURPOSE This study investigated whether AS-IV could play a neuroprotective role by regulating BDNF-TrkB pathway in radiation damage and its underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS Transgenic mice (Thy1-YFP line H) were injected with AS-IV (40 mg/kg/day body weight) by intraperitoneal injection daily for 4 weeks, followed by X-rays. PC12 cells and primary cortical neurons were also exposed to UVA after 24 h of AS-IV treatment (25 μg/ml and 50 μg/ml) in vitro. The impact of radiation on learning and cognitive functions was visualized in the Morris water maze assay. Subsequently, Immunofluorescence and Golgi-Cox staining analyses were utilized to investigate the structural damage of neuronal dendrites and the density of dendritic spines. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to examine how the radiation affected the ultrastructure of neurons. Finally, western blotting analysis and Quantitative RT-PCR were used to evaluate the expression levels and locations of proteins in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Radiation induced BDNF-TrkB signaling dysregulation and decreased the levels of neuron-related functional genes (Ngf, Bdnf, Gap-43, Ras, Psd-95, Arc, Creb, c-Fos), PSD-95 and F-actin, which subsequently led to damage of neuronal ultrastructure and dendrites, loss of dendritic spines, and decreased dendritic complexity index, contributing to spatial learning and memory deficits. These abnormalities were prevented by AS-IV treatment. In addition, TrkB receptor antagonists antagonized these neuroprotective actions of AS-IV. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone and AS-IV had neuroprotective effects after radiation. CONCLUSION AS-IV inhibits morphological damage of neurons and cognitive dysfunction in mice after radiation exposure, resulting in a neuroprotective effect, which were mediated by activating the BDNF-TrkB pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Yanping Ding
- School of Life Sciences, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Chenxin Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Xin
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Xin Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Min Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Qianhao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Boru Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Yingdong Li
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Shengxiang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China
| | - Baoping Shao
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Key Laboratory of Biomonitoring and Bioremediation for Environmental Pollution, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Caban Rivera C, Price R, Fortuna RP, Li C, Do C, Shinkle J, Ghilotti MG, Shi X, Kirby LG, Smith GM, Unterwald EM. The ventral hippocampus and nucleus accumbens as neural substrates for cocaine contextual memory reconsolidation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.29.569314. [PMID: 38076811 PMCID: PMC10705494 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.29.569314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Drug craving triggered by cues that were once associated with drug intoxication is a major contributor to continued drug-seeking behaviors. Addictive drugs engage molecular pathways of associative learning and memory. Reactivated memories are vulnerable to disruption by interference with the process of reconsolidation, hence targeting reconsolidation could be a strategy to reduce cue-induced drug craving and relapse. Here we examined the circuitry of cocaine contextual memory reconsolidation and explored neuroplasticity following memory reactivation. Mice underwent chemogenetic inhibition of either nucleus accumbens (NA) neurons or the glutamatergic projection neurons from the ventral hippocampus (vHPC) to NA using inhibitory designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (iDREADD). Mice underwent cocaine conditioned place preference followed by reactivation of the cocaine contextual memory. Clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) was administered after memory reactivation to inhibit either NA neurons or the accumbens-projecting vHPC neurons during the reconsolidation period. When retested 3 days later, a significant reduction in the previously established preference for the cocaine context was found in both conditions. FosTRAP2-Ai14 mice were used to identify neurons activated by cocaine memory recall and to evaluate plasticity in NA medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and vHPC pyramidal neurons upon recall of cocaine memories. Results indicate a significant increase in dendritic spine density in NA MSNs activated by cocaine memory recall, particularly of the thin spine type. Sholl analysis indicated longer dendritic length and more branching of NA MSNs after cocaine memory recall than without memory reactivation. vHPC neurons showed increased spine density, with the most robust change in stubby spines. These results implicate a circuit involving glutamatergic projections from the vHPC onto NA neurons which is necessary for the reconsolidation of cocaine memories. Interruption of cocaine memory reconsolidation reduced drug-seeking behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Caban Rivera
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rachael Price
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ricardo P. Fortuna
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chen Li
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Chau Do
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Justin Shinkle
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Marco G. Ghilotti
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xiangdang Shi
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lynn G. Kirby
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - George M. Smith
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ellen M. Unterwald
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kaushik S, Ahmad F, Choudhary S, Mathkor DM, Mishra BN, Singh V, Haque S. Critical appraisal and systematic review of genes linked with cocaine addiction, depression and anxiety. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105270. [PMID: 37271299 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent lifestyle changes have resulted in tremendous peer pressure and mental stress, and increased the incidences of chronic psychological disorders; like addiction, depression and anxiety (ADA). In this context, the stress-tolerance levels vary amongst individuals and genetic factors play prominent roles. Vulnerable individuals may often be drawn towards drug-addiction to combat stress. This systematic review critically appraises the relationship of various genetic factors linked with the incidences of ADA development. For coherence, we focused solely on cocaine as a substance of abuse in this study. Online scholarly databases were used to screen pertinent literature using apt keywords; and the final retrieval included 42 primary-research articles. The major conclusion drawn from this systematic analysis states that there are 51 genes linked with the development of ADA; and 3 (BDNF, PERIOD2 and SLC6A4) of them are common to all the three aspects of ADA. Further, inter-connectivity analyses of the 51 genes further endorsed the central presence of BDNF and SLC6A4 genes in the development of ADA disorders. The conclusions derived from this systematic study pave the way for future studies for the identification of diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets; and for the development of novel and effective therapeutic regimens against ADA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shradhha Kaushik
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore 632014, India
| | - Sunita Choudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Darin Mansor Mathkor
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhartendu Nath Mishra
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vineeta Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow 226021, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, the United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma J, Xiong F, Li Z, Dong G, Sun X, Yin W, Cai H. The effect of chronic alcohol exposure on spatial memory and BDNF-TrkB- PLCγ1 signaling in the hippocampus of male and female mice. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16660. [PMID: 37303582 PMCID: PMC10248118 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is a commonly used drug worldwide, and abuse of alcohol has become a serious public health problem. Alcohol consumption over time can cause cognitive deficits and memory impairment, which is thought to be associated with changes in the hippocampus. Given previously known effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in regulating synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, we investigated the effect of chronic alcohol consumption on spatial memory impairment in both sexes and changes in BDNF signaling in the hippocampus. After 4 weeks of intermittent access to 20% alcohol, memory impairment in both male and female mice was evaluated using the Morris water maze and the expression of BDNF, TrkB, phosphorylation of PLCγ1 (p-PLCγ1) and PLCγ1 in the hippocampus was examined using Western blot. As expected, females spent longer escape latencies during the training phase, and both sexes spent shorter time in the target quadrant. Furthermore, after 4 weeks 20% alcohol exposure, we found significantly decreased expression levels of BDNF in the hippocampus of female mice but increased levels in male mice. TrkB and PLCγ1 expression showed no significant change in the hippocampus of both sexes. These findings suggest that chronic alcohol exposure may induce spatial memory impairment in both sexes and opposite changes in expression of BDNF and p-PLCγ1 in the hippocampus of males and females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hongxing Cai
- Corresponding author. .Department of Forensic Science, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Anderson EM, Taniguchi M. Epigenetic Effects of Addictive Drugs in the Nucleus Accumbens. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:828055. [PMID: 35813068 PMCID: PMC9260254 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.828055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use induces long-lasting behavioral changes and drug craving. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic gene regulation contributes to the development and expression of these long-lasting behavioral alterations. Here we systematically review extensive evidence from rodent models of drug-induced changes in epigenetic regulation and epigenetic regulator proteins. We focus on histone acetylation and histone methylation in a brain region important for drug-related behaviors: the nucleus accumbens. We also discuss how experimentally altering these epigenetic regulators via systemically administered compounds or nucleus accumbens-specific manipulations demonstrate the importance of these proteins in the behavioral effects of drugs and suggest potential therapeutic value to treat people with substance use disorder. Finally, we discuss limitations and future directions for the field of epigenetic studies in the behavioral effects of addictive drugs and suggest how to use these insights to develop efficacious treatments.
Collapse
|
6
|
García-Blanco A, Domingo-Rodriguez L, Cabana-Domínguez J, Fernández-Castillo N, Pineda-Cirera L, Mayneris-Perxachs J, Burokas A, Espinosa-Carrasco J, Arboleya S, Latorre J, Stanton C, Cormand B, Fernández-Real JM, Martín-García E, Maldonado R. MicroRNAs signatures associated with vulnerability to food addiction in mice and humans. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:156281. [PMID: 35349487 PMCID: PMC9106358 DOI: 10.1172/jci156281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Food addiction is characterized by a loss of behavioral control over food intake and is associated with obesity and other eating disorders. The mechanisms underlying this behavioral disorder are largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the changes in miRNA expression promoted by food addiction in animals and humans and their involvement in the mechanisms underlying the behavioral hallmarks of this disorder. We found sharp similitudes between miRNA signatures in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of our animal cohort and circulating miRNA levels in our human cohort, which allowed us to identify several miRNAs of potential interest in the development of this disorder. Tough decoy (TuD) inhibition of miRNA-29c-3p in the mouse mPFC promoted persistence of the response and enhanced vulnerability to developing food addiction, whereas miRNA-665-3p inhibition promoted compulsion-like behavior and also enhanced food addiction vulnerability. In contrast, we found that miRNA-137-3p inhibition in the mPFC did not lead to the development of food addiction. Therefore, miRNA-29c-3p and miRNA-665-3p could be acting as protective factors with regard to food addiction. We believe the elucidation of these epigenetic mechanisms will lead to advances toward identifying innovative biomarkers and possible future interventions for food addiction and related disorders based on the strategies now available to modify miRNA activity and expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra García-Blanco
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Domingo-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Noèlia Fernández-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Pineda-Cirera
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jordi Mayneris-Perxachs
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Girona, Spain
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Aurelijus Burokas
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biological Models, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Jose Espinosa-Carrasco
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Silvia Arboleya
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Jessica Latorre
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Girona, Spain
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Catherine Stanton
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jose-Manuel Fernández-Real
- Nutrition, Eumetabolism and Health Group, Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IdibGi), Girona, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Girona, Spain
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
- Deparment of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-Neurophar, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bayassi-Jakowicka M, Lietzau G, Czuba E, Patrone C, Kowiański P. More than Addiction—The Nucleus Accumbens Contribution to Development of Mental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052618. [PMID: 35269761 PMCID: PMC8910774 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress and negative emotions evoked by social relationships and working conditions, frequently accompanied by the consumption of addictive substances, and metabolic and/or genetic predispositions, negatively affect brain function. One of the affected structures is nucleus accumbens (NAc). Although its function is commonly known to be associated with brain reword responses and addiction, a growing body of evidence also suggests its role in some mental disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia, as well as neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s. This may result from disintegration of the extensive connections based on numerous neurotransmitter systems, as well as impairment of some neuroplasticity mechanisms in the NAc. The consequences of NAc lesions are both morphological and functional. They include changes in the NAc’s volume, cell number, modifications of the neuronal dendritic tree and dendritic spines, and changes in the number of synapses. Alterations in the synaptic plasticity affect the efficiency of synaptic transmission. Modification of the number and structure of the receptors affects signaling pathways, the content of neuromodulators (e.g., BDNF) and transcription factors (e.g., pCREB, DeltaFosB, NFκB), and gene expression. Interestingly, changes in the NAc often have a different character and intensity compared to the changes observed in the other parts of the basal ganglia, in particular the dorsal striatum. In this review, we highlight the role of the NAc in various pathological processes in the context of its structural and functional damage, impaired connections with the other brain areas cooperating within functional systems, and progression of the pathological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Bayassi-Jakowicka
- Division of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.B.-J.); (E.C.)
| | - Grazyna Lietzau
- Division of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.B.-J.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (P.K.); Tel.: +48-58-349-14-01 (G.L. & P.K.)
| | - Ewelina Czuba
- Division of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.B.-J.); (E.C.)
| | - Cesare Patrone
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Sjukhusbacken 17, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Przemysław Kowiański
- Division of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.B.-J.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.); (P.K.); Tel.: +48-58-349-14-01 (G.L. & P.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cai WT, Kim WY, Kwak MJ, Rim H, Lee SE, Riecken LB, Morrison H, Kim J. Disruption of amphetamine sensitization by alteration of dendritic thin spines in the nucleus accumbens core. J Neurochem 2022; 161:266-280. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ting Cai
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Wha Young Kim
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ji Kwak
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Haeun Rim
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Virus Facility, Research Animal Source Center Korea Institute of Science and Technology Seoul Republic of Korea
| | | | - Helen Morrison
- Leibniz Institute on Aging Fritz Lipmann Institute Jena Germany
| | - Jeong‐Hoon Kim
- Department of Physiology Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Sciences Yonsei University College of Medicine Seoul Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Prowse N, Hayley S. Microglia and BDNF at the crossroads of stressor related disorders: Towards a unique trophic phenotype. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:135-163. [PMID: 34537262 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stressors ranging from psychogenic/social to neurogenic/injury to systemic/microbial can impact microglial inflammatory processes, but less is known regarding their effects on trophic properties of microglia. Recent studies do suggest that microglia can modulate neuronal plasticity, possibly through brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is particularly important given the link between BDNF and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative pathology. We posit that certain activated states of microglia play a role in maintaining the delicate balance of BDNF release onto neuronal synapses. This focused review will address how different "activators" influence the expression and release of microglial BDNF and address the question of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression on microglia. We will then assess sex-based differences in microglial function and BDNF expression, and how microglia are involved in the stress response and related disorders such as depression. Drawing on research from a variety of other disorders, we will highlight challenges and opportunities for modulators that can shift microglia to a "trophic" phenotype with a view to potential therapeutics relevant for stressor-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Prowse
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Shawn Hayley
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neuroplasticity and Multilevel System of Connections Determine the Integrative Role of Nucleus Accumbens in the Brain Reward System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189806. [PMID: 34575969 PMCID: PMC8471564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that nucleus accumbens (NAc) plays a significant role not only in the physiological processes associated with reward and satisfaction but also in many diseases of the central nervous system. Summary of the current state of knowledge on the morphological and functional basis of such a diverse function of this structure may be a good starting point for further basic and clinical research. The NAc is a part of the brain reward system (BRS) characterized by multilevel organization, extensive connections, and several neurotransmitter systems. The unique role of NAc in the BRS is a result of: (1) hierarchical connections with the other brain areas, (2) a well-developed morphological and functional plasticity regulating short- and long-term synaptic potentiation and signalling pathways, (3) cooperation among several neurotransmitter systems, and (4) a supportive role of neuroglia involved in both physiological and pathological processes. Understanding the complex function of NAc is possible by combining the results of morphological studies with molecular, genetic, and behavioral data. In this review, we present the current views on the NAc function in physiological conditions, emphasizing the role of its connections, neuroplasticity processes, and neurotransmitter systems.
Collapse
|
11
|
da Silva MCM, Gomes GF, de Barros Fernandes H, da Silva AM, Teixeira AL, Moreira FA, de Miranda AS, de Oliveira ACP. Inhibition of CSF1R, a receptor involved in microglia viability, alters behavioral and molecular changes induced by cocaine. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15989. [PMID: 34362959 PMCID: PMC8346567 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Different data suggest that microglia may participate in the drug addiction process as these cells respond to neurochemical changes induced by the administration of these substances. In order to study the role of microglia in drug abuse, Swiss mice aged 8-9 weeks were treated with the CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 (40 mg/kg, p.o.) and submitted to behavioral sensitization or conditioned place preference (CPP) induced by cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.). Thereafter, brains were used to evaluate the effects of CSF1R inhibition and cocaine administration on morphological, biochemical and molecular changes. CSF1R inhibition attenuated behavioral sensitization, reduced the number of Iba-1+ cells and increased ramification and lengths of the branches in the remaining microglia. Additionally, both cocaine and PLX3397 increased the cell body to total cell size ratio of Iba-1+ cells, as well as CD68+ and GFAP+ stained areas, suggesting an activated pattern of the glial cells. Besides, CSF1R inhibition increased CX3CL1 levels in the striatum, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as reduced CX3CR1 expression in the hippocampus. In this region, cocaine also reduced BDNF levels, an effect that was enhanced by CSF1R inhibition. In summary, our results suggest that microglia participate in the behavioral and molecular changes induced by cocaine. This study contributes to the understanding of the role of microglia in cocaine addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Carolina Machado da Silva
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Freitas Gomes
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Heliana de Barros Fernandes
- Neurobiology Laboratory Conceição Machado, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Laboratory of Inflammatory Genes, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Aristóbolo Mendes da Silva
- Laboratory of Inflammatory Genes, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antônio Lúcio Teixeira
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science McGovern School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, USA
| | - Fabrício A Moreira
- Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Aline Silva de Miranda
- Neurobiology Laboratory Conceição Machado, Department of Morphology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Antônio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antonio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Shi L, Wang Y, Li C, Zhang K, Du Q, Zhao M. AddictGene: An integrated knowledge base for differentially expressed genes associated with addictive substance. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:2416-2422. [PMID: 34025933 PMCID: PMC8113760 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Addiction, a disorder of maladaptive brain plasticity, is associated with changes in numerous gene expressions. Nowadays, high-throughput sequencing data on addictive substance-induced gene expression have become widely available. A resource for comprehensive annotation of genes that show differential expression in response to commonly abused substances is necessary. So, we developed AddictGene by integrating gene expression, gene-gene interaction, gene-drug interaction and epigenetic regulatory annotation for over 70,156 items of differentially expressed genes associated with 7 commonly abused substances, including alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, morphine, heroin, methamphetamine, and amphetamine, across three species (human, mouse, rat). We also collected 1,141 addiction-related experimentally validated genes by techniques such as RT-PCR, northern blot and in situ hybridization. The easy-to-use web interface of AddictGene (http://159.226.67.237/sun/addictgedb/) allows users to search and browse multidimensional data on DEGs of their interest: 1) detailed gene-specific information extracted from the original studies; 2) basic information about the specific gene extracted from NCBI; 3) SNP associated with substance dependence and other psychiatry disorders; 4) expression alteration of specific gene in other psychiatric disorders; 5) expression patterns of interested gene across 31 primary and 54 secondary human tissues; 6) functional annotation of interested gene; 7) epigenetic regulators involved in the alteration of specific genes, including histone modifications and DNA methylation; 8) protein-protein interaction for functional linkage with interested gene; 9) drug-gene interaction for potential druggability. AddictGene offers a valuable repository for researchers to study the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction, and might provide valuable insights into potential therapies for drug abuse and relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Yan Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Kunlin Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Quansheng Du
- Department of Life Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wie J, Liu Z, Song H, Tropea TF, Yang L, Wang H, Liang Y, Cang C, Aranda K, Lohmann J, Yang J, Lu B, Chen-Plotkin AS, Luk KC, Ren D. A growth-factor-activated lysosomal K + channel regulates Parkinson's pathology. Nature 2021; 591:431-437. [PMID: 33505021 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03185-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Lysosomes have fundamental physiological roles and have previously been implicated in Parkinson's disease1-5. However, how extracellular growth factors communicate with intracellular organelles to control lysosomal function is not well understood. Here we report a lysosomal K+ channel complex that is activated by growth factors and gated by protein kinase B (AKT) that we term lysoKGF. LysoKGF consists of a pore-forming protein TMEM175 and AKT: TMEM175 is opened by conformational changes in, but not the catalytic activity of, AKT. The minor allele at rs34311866, a common variant in TMEM175, is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease and reduces channel currents. Reduction in lysoKGF function predisposes neurons to stress-induced damage and accelerates the accumulation of pathological α-synuclein. By contrast, the minor allele at rs3488217-another common variant of TMEM175, which is associated with a decreased risk of developing Parkinson's disease-produces a gain-of-function in lysoKGF during cell starvation, and enables neuronal resistance to damage. Deficiency in TMEM175 leads to a loss of dopaminergic neurons and impairment in motor function in mice, and a TMEM175 loss-of-function variant is nominally associated with accelerated rates of cognitive and motor decline in humans with Parkinson's disease. Together, our studies uncover a pathway by which extracellular growth factors regulate intracellular organelle function, and establish a targetable mechanism by which common variants of TMEM175 confer risk for Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Wie
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhenjiang Liu
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Haikun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Thomas F Tropea
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lu Yang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huanhuan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuling Liang
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chunlei Cang
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kimberly Aranda
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joey Lohmann
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jing Yang
- School of Life Sciences, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Boxun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Alice S Chen-Plotkin
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Dejian Ren
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
McGregor R, Thannickal TC, Siegel JM. Pleasure, addiction, and hypocretin (orexin). HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 180:359-374. [PMID: 34225941 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820107-7.00022-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypocretins/orexins were discovered in 1998. Within 2 years, this led to the discovery of the cause of human narcolepsy, a 90% loss of hypothalamic neurons containing these peptides. Further work demonstrated that these neurons were not simply linked to waking. Rather these neurons were active during pleasurable behaviors in waking and were silenced by aversive stimulation. This was seen in wild-type mice, rats, cats, and dogs. It was also evident in humans, with increased Hcrt release during pleasurable activities and decreased release, to the levels seen in sleep, during pain. We found that human heroin addicts have, on average, an increase of 54% in the number of detectable Hcrt neurons compared to "control" human brains and that these Hcrt neurons are substantially smaller than those in control brains. We found that in mice, chronic morphine administration induced the same changes in Hcrt neuron number and size. Our studies in the mouse allowed us to determine the specificity, dose response relations, time course of the change in the number of Hcrt neurons, and that the increased number of Hcrt neurons after opiates was not due to neurogenesis. Furthermore, we found that it took a month or longer for these anatomical changes in the mouse brain to return to baseline. Human narcoleptics, despite their prescribed use of several commonly addictive drugs, do not show significant evidence of dose escalation or substance use disorder. Similarly, mice in which the peptide has been eliminated are resistant to addiction. These findings are consistent with the concept that an increased number of Hcrt neurons may underlie and maintain opioid or cocaine use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald McGregor
- Neuropsychiatric Institute and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neurobiology Research, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thomas C Thannickal
- Neuropsychiatric Institute and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neurobiology Research, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jerome M Siegel
- Neuropsychiatric Institute and Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, United States; Neurobiology Research, Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu W, Li H, Wang L, Zhang J, Liu C, Wan X, Liu X, Hu Y, Fang Q, Xiao Y, Bu Q, Wang H, Tian J, Zhao Y, Cen X. Endocannabinoid signaling regulates the reinforcing and psychostimulant effects of ketamine in mice. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5962. [PMID: 33235205 PMCID: PMC7686380 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The abuse potential of ketamine limits its clinical application, but the precise mechanism remains largely unclear. Here we discovered that ketamine significantly remodels the endocannabinoid-related lipidome and activates 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) signaling in the dorsal striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen, CPu) of mice. Elevated 2-AG in the CPu is essential for the psychostimulant and reinforcing effects of ketamine, whereas blockade of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, a predominant 2-AG receptor, attenuates ketamine-induced remodeling of neuronal dendrite structure and neurobehaviors. Ketamine represses the transcription of the monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) gene by promoting the expression of PRDM5, a negative transcription factor of the MAGL gene, leading to increased 2-AG production. Genetic overexpression of MAGL or silencing of PRDM5 expression in the CPu robustly reduces 2-AG production and ketamine effects. Collectively, endocannabinoid signaling plays a critical role in mediating the psychostimulant and reinforcing properties of ketamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongchun Li
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Wang
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiamei Zhang
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunqi Liu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Wan
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaochong Liu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Hu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiyao Fang
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Xiao
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Bu
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongbo Wang
- Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, 264005, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwei Tian
- Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, 264005, Yantai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinglan Zhao
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaobo Cen
- National Chengdu Center for Safety Evaluation of Drugs, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zagrebelsky M, Tacke C, Korte M. BDNF signaling during the lifetime of dendritic spines. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:185-199. [PMID: 32537724 PMCID: PMC7529616 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03226-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are tiny membrane specialization forming the postsynaptic part of most excitatory synapses. They have been suggested to play a crucial role in regulating synaptic transmission during development and in adult learning processes. Changes in their number, size, and shape are correlated with processes of structural synaptic plasticity and learning and memory and also with neurodegenerative diseases, when spines are lost. Thus, their alterations can correlate with neuronal homeostasis, but also with dysfunction in several neurological disorders characterized by cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is important to understand how different stages in the life of a dendritic spine, including formation, maturation, and plasticity, are strictly regulated. In this context, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), belonging to the NGF-neurotrophin family, is among the most intensively investigated molecule. This review would like to report the current knowledge regarding the role of BDNF in regulating dendritic spine number, structure, and plasticity concentrating especially on its signaling via its two often functionally antagonistic receptors, TrkB and p75NTR. In addition, we point out a series of open points in which, while the role of BDNF signaling is extremely likely conclusive, evidence is still missing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Zagrebelsky
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Inhoffenstr. 7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Charlotte Tacke
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Martin Korte
- Division of Cellular Neurobiology, Zoological Institute, TU Braunschweig, Spielmannstr 7, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, AG NIND, Inhoffenstr. 7, D-38124, Braunschweig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Schweppe CA, Burzynski C, Jayanthi S, Ladenheim B, Cadet JL, Gardner EL, Xi ZX, van Praag H, Newman AH, Keck TM. Neurochemical and behavioral comparisons of contingent and non-contingent methamphetamine exposure following binge or yoked long-access self-administration paradigms. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:1989-2005. [PMID: 32388619 PMCID: PMC7974824 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05513-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Abuse of the psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) can cause long-lasting damage to brain monoaminergic systems and is associated with profound mental health problems for users, including lasting cognitive impairments. Animal models of METH exposure have been useful in dissecting the molecular effects of the drug on cognition, but many studies use acute, non-contingent "binge" administrations of METH which do not adequately approximate human METH use. Long-term METH exposure via long-access (LgA) self-administration paradigms has been proposed to more closely reflect human use and induce cognitive impairments. OBJECTIVE To better understand the role of contingency and patterns of exposure in METH-induced cognitive impairments, we analyzed behavioral and neurochemical outcomes in adult male rats, comparing non-contingent "binge" METH administration with contingent (LgA) METH self-administration and non-contingent yoked partners. RESULTS Binge METH (40 mg/kg, i.p., over 1 day) dramatically altered striatal and hippocampal dopamine, DOPAC, 5-HT, 5-HIAA, BDNF, and TrkB 75 days after drug exposure. In contrast, 6-h LgA METH self-administration (cumulative 24.8-48.9 mg METH, i.v., over 16 days) altered hippocampal BDNF in both contingent and yoked animals but reduced striatal 5-HIAA in only contingent animals. Neurochemical alterations following binge METH administration were not accompanied by cognitive deficits in Morris water maze, novel object recognition, or Y-maze tests. However, contingent LgA METH self-administration resulted in impaired spatial memory in the water maze. CONCLUSIONS Overall, substantial differences in neurochemical markers between METH exposure and self-administration paradigms did not consistently translate to deficits in cognitive tasks, highlighting the complexity of correlating METH-induced neurochemical changes with cognitive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Schweppe
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA,Present address: Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, 635 Charles E Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Caitlin Burzynski
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Bruce Ladenheim
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Eliot L. Gardner
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Zheng-Xiong Xi
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Henriette van Praag
- Neuroplasticity and Behavior Unit, Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA,Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Amy Hauck Newman
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Thomas M. Keck
- Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse – Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA,Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biosciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Rowan University, 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pitts EG, Barfield ET, Woon EP, Gourley SL. Action-Outcome Expectancies Require Orbitofrontal Neurotrophin Systems in Naïve and Cocaine-Exposed Mice. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:165-177. [PMID: 31218603 PMCID: PMC7007486 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00752-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine use during adolescence decreases the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment for recurrent drug use. In rodents, developmental cocaine exposure weakens action-consequence decision-making, causing a deferral to familiar, habit-like behavioral response strategies. Here, we aimed to improve action-outcome decision-making. We found that acute pharmacological stimulation of the tyrosine/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (trkB) via 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) blocked cocaine-induced habit biases by strengthening memory for action-outcome associations. We believe that MDMA acts by stimulating neurotrophin/trkB systems in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a region involved in prospectively evaluating the consequences of one's action, because 1) MDMA also increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the OFC, 2) MDMA corrected habit biases due to Bdnf loss in the OFC, and 3) overexpression of a truncated isoform of trkB occluded the memory-enhancing effects of MDMA. Thus, selecting actions based on their consequences requires BDNF-trkB in the OFC, the stimulation of which may improve goal attainment in both drug-naïve and cocaine-exposed individuals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Cocaine use during adolescence decreases the likelihood that individuals will seek treatment for recurrent drug use, even as adults. Understanding how early-life cocaine exposure impacts goal-oriented action and prospective decision-making in adulthood is thus important. One key aspect of goal-directed decision-making is anticipating the consequences of one's actions, a process that likely involves the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). In rodents, developmental cocaine exposure weakens action-consequence decision-making, causing a deferral to familiar, habit-like behavioral response strategies. Here, we report that we can improve memory for action-consequence relationships by stimulating neurotrophic factors, which support cell survival, development, and plasticity in the brain. With strengthened action-consequence associations, cocaine-exposed mice regain the ability to optimally select actions based on their likely outcomes. Brain region-selective manipulations reveal that neurotrophin systems in the OFC are necessary for stable memory of action-consequence relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Pitts
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Elizabeth T Barfield
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Ellen P Woon
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Systems Pharmacology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
A potential role for microglia in stress- and drug-induced plasticity in the nucleus accumbens: A mechanism for stress-induced vulnerability to substance use disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:360-369. [PMID: 31550452 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stress is an important risk factor for the development of substance use disorder (SUD). Exposure to both stress and drugs abuse lead to changes in synaptic plasticity and stress-induced alterations in synaptic plasticity may contribute to later vulnerability to SUD. Recent developmental neuroscience studies have identified microglia as regulators of synaptic plasticity. As both stress and drugs of abuse lead to microglial activation, we propose this as a potential mechanism underlying their ability to change synaptic plasticity. This review focuses on three components of synaptic plasticity: spine density, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor expression. Their roles in addiction, stress, and development will be reviewed, as well as possible mechanisms by which microglia could regulate their function. Potential links between stress, vulnerability to addiction, and microglial activity will be explored.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bobadilla AC, Garcia-Keller C, Chareunsouk V, Hyde J, Medina Camacho D, Heinsbroek JA, Kalivas PW. Accumbens brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transmission inhibits cocaine seeking. Addict Biol 2019; 24:860-873. [PMID: 29890020 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates a variety of physiological processes, and several studies have explored the role of BDNF in addiction-related brain regions like the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore). We sought to understand the rapid effects of endogenous BDNF on cocaine seeking. Rats were trained to self-administer cocaine and extinguished. We then microinjected two inhibitors of BDNF stimulation of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), the non-competitive receptor antagonist ANA-12 and TrkB/Fc, a fusion protein that binds BDNF and prevents TrkB stimulation. Blocking TrkB or inactivating BDNF in NAcore potentiated active lever pressing, showing that endogenous BDNF tone was present and supplying inhibitory tone on cue-induced reinstatement. To determine if exogenous BDNF also negatively regulated reinstatement, BDNF was microinjected into NAcore 15 minutes before cue-induced reinstatement. BDNF decreased cocaine seeking through TrkB receptor binding, but had no effect on inactive lever pressing, spontaneous or cocaine-induced locomotion, or on reinstated sucrose seeking. BDNF-infusion potentiated within trial extinction when microinjected in the NAcore during cue- and context + cue induced reinstatement, and the inhibition of lever pressing lasted at least 3 days post injection. Although decreased reinstatement endured for 3 days when BDNF was administered prior to a reinstatement session, when microinjected before an extinction session or in the home cage, BDNF did not alter subsequent cued-reinstatement. Together, these data show that endogenous BDNF acts on TrKB to provide inhibitory tone on reinstated cocaine seeking, and this effect was recapitulated by exogenous BDNF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Clara Bobadilla
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | | | - Victoria Chareunsouk
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Jeffrey Hyde
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
- Western Washington University; Department of Psychology and Program in Behavioral Neuroscience; Bellingham WA USA
| | | | - Jasper A. Heinsbroek
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Knockdown of the histone di-methyltransferase G9a in nucleus accumbens shell decreases cocaine self-administration, stress-induced reinstatement, and anxiety. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:1370-1376. [PMID: 30587852 PMCID: PMC6785019 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0305-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction and anxiety could involve common underlying mechanisms. One potential mechanism involves epigenetic regulation of histone 3 dimethylation at lysine 9 residues (H3K9me2) by the histone dimethyltransferase G9a. Here we provide evidence that local AAV-RNAi-mediated knockdown of G9a expression in nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) of male rats reduces both addictive-related and anxiety-related behaviors. Specifically, G9a knockdown reduces sensitivity to low dose cocaine reinforcement when cocaine is freely available (fixed ratio schedule). Similarly, G9a knockdown reduces motivation for cocaine under higher effort demands (progressive ratio schedule). Following several weeks of forced abstinence, G9a knockdown attenuates extinction responding and reinstatement triggered by either cocaine-priming injections or footshock stress. This decrease in addictive behavior is associated with a long-term reduction in anxiety-like behavior as measured by the elevated plus maze (EPM). G9a knockdown also reduces basal anxiety-like behavior in EPM and marble burying tests in drug-naïve rats. These results complement our previous work showing that increased G9a expression in NAcSh enhances addictive-related and anxiety-related behaviors, indicating that G9a bi-directionally controls these responses. These results also suggest that regulation of G9a-influenced gene expression could be a common epigenetic mechanism for co-morbid anxiety and psychostimulant addiction.
Collapse
|
22
|
Parekh PK, Logan RW, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail D, Shelton MA, Hildebrand MA, Barko K, Huang YH, McClung CA. Cell-Type-Specific Regulation of Nucleus Accumbens Synaptic Plasticity and Cocaine Reward Sensitivity by the Circadian Protein, NPAS2. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4657-4667. [PMID: 30962277 PMCID: PMC6561687 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2233-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian transcription factor neuronal PAS domain 2 (NPAS2) is linked to psychiatric disorders associated with altered reward sensitivity. The expression of Npas2 is preferentially enriched in the mammalian forebrain, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a major neural substrate of motivated and reward behavior. Previously, we demonstrated that downregulation of NPAS2 in the NAc reduces the conditioned behavioral response to cocaine in mice. We also showed that Npas2 is preferentially enriched in dopamine receptor 1 containing medium spiny neurons (D1R-MSNs) of the striatum. To extend these studies, we investigated the impact of NPAS2 disruption on accumbal excitatory synaptic transmission and strength, along with the behavioral sensitivity to cocaine reward in a cell-type-specific manner. Viral-mediated knockdown of Npas2 in the NAc of male and female C57BL/6J mice increased the excitatory drive onto MSNs. Using Drd1a-tdTomato mice in combination with viral knockdown, we determined these synaptic adaptations were specific to D1R-MSNs relative to non-D1R-MSNs. Interestingly, NAc-specific knockdown of Npas2 blocked cocaine-induced enhancement of synaptic strength and glutamatergic transmission specifically onto D1R-MSNs. Last, we designed, validated, and used a novel Cre-inducible short-hairpin RNA virus for MSN-subtype-specific knockdown of Npas2 Cell-type-specific Npas2 knockdown in D1R-MSNs, but not D2R-MSNs, in the NAc reduced cocaine conditioned place preference. Together, our results demonstrate that NPAS2 regulates excitatory synapses of D1R-MSNs in the NAc and cocaine reward-related behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Drug addiction is a widespread public health concern often comorbid with other psychiatric disorders. Disruptions of the circadian clock can predispose or exacerbate substance abuse in vulnerable individuals. We demonstrate a role for the core circadian protein, NPAS2, in mediating glutamatergic neurotransmission at medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a region critical for reward processing. We find that NPAS2 negatively regulates functional excitatory synaptic plasticity in the NAc and is necessary for cocaine-induced plastic changes in MSNs expressing the dopamine 1 receptor (D1R). We further demonstrate disruption of NPAS2 in D1R-MSNs produces augmented cocaine preference. These findings highlight the significance of cell-type-specificity in mechanisms underlying reward regulation by NPAS2 and extend our knowledge of its function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puja K Parekh
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
- Center for Systems Genetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| | - Kyle D Ketchesin
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Darius Becker-Krail
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Micah A Shelton
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Mariah A Hildebrand
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Kelly Barko
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Yanhua H Huang
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
| | - Colleen A McClung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, and
- Center for Systems Genetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine 04609
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Cai WT, Yoon HS, Lee S, Kim JH. Repeated exposure to methiopropamine increases dendritic spine density in the rat nucleus accumbens core. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104487. [PMID: 31176680 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to classical psychomotor stimulants, like amphetamine (AMPH), produces locomotor sensitization and accompanied structural plasticity of dendritic spines in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Following our previous report that repeated administration of methiopropamine (MPA), a structural analog to meth-AMPH, produces locomotor sensitization, it was examined in the present study whether this behavioral change also accompanies with structural plasticity in the NAcc in a similar way to AMPH. A week after adeno-associated viral vectors containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) were microinjected into the NAcc core, rats were repeatedly injected with saline, AMPH (1 mg/kg, IP), or MPA (5 mg/kg, IP) once every 2-3 days for a total of 4 times. Two weeks after last injection, all rats were perfused and their brains were processed for immunohistochemical staining. The image stacks for dendrite segments of medium spiny neuronal cells in the NAcc core were obtained and dendritic spines were quantitatively analyzed. Interestingly, it was found that the number of total spine density, with thin spine as a major contributor, was significantly increased in MPA compared to saline pre-exposed group, in a similar way to AMPH. These results indicate that MPA, a novel psychoactive substance, has similar characteristics with AMPH in that they both produce structural as well as behavioral changes, further supporting MPA's dependence and abuse potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Ting Cai
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Hyung Shin Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Sooyeun Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Keimyung University, Daegu, 42601, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Physiology, Brain Korea 21 Plus Project for Medical Science, Brain Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Castro DC, Bruchas MR. A Motivational and Neuropeptidergic Hub: Anatomical and Functional Diversity within the Nucleus Accumbens Shell. Neuron 2019; 102:529-552. [PMID: 31071288 PMCID: PMC6528838 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The mesocorticolimbic pathway is canonically known as the "reward pathway." Embedded within the center of this circuit is the striatum, a massive and complex network hub that synthesizes motivation, affect, learning, cognition, stress, and sensorimotor information. Although striatal subregions collectively share many anatomical and functional similarities, it has become increasingly clear that it is an extraordinarily heterogeneous region. In particular, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) medial shell has repeatedly demonstrated that the rules dictated by more dorsal aspects of the striatum do not apply or are even reversed in functional logic. These discrepancies are perhaps most easily captured when isolating the functions of various neuromodulatory peptide systems within the striatum. Endogenous peptides are thought to play a critical role in modulating striatal signals to either amplify or dampen evoked behaviors. Here we describe the anatomical-functional backdrop upon which several neuropeptides act within the NAc to modulate behavior, with a specific emphasis on nucleus accumbens medial shell and stress responsivity. Additionally, we propose that, as the field continues to dissect fast neurotransmitter systems within the NAc, we must also provide considerable contextual weight to the roles local peptides play in modulating these circuits to more comprehensively understand how this important subregion gates motivated behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Castro
- Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Michael R Bruchas
- Center for Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
H3.3 Barcoding of Nucleus Accumbens Transcriptional Activity Identifies Novel Molecular Cascades Associated with Cocaine Self-administration in Mice. J Neurosci 2019; 39:5247-5254. [PMID: 31043484 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0015-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although numerous epigenetic modifications have been associated with addiction, little work has explored the turnover of histone variants. Uniquely, the H3.3 variant incorporates stably and preferentially into chromatin independently of DNA replication at active sites of transcription and transcription factor binding. Thus, genomic regions associated with H3.3-containing nucleosomes are particularly likely to be involved in plasticity, such as following repeated cocaine exposure. A recently developed mouse line expressing a neuron-specific hemagglutinin (HA)-tagged H3.3 protein was used to track transcriptionally active sites cumulatively across 19 d of cocaine self-administration. RNA-seq and H3.3-HA ChIP-seq analyses were performed on NAcc tissue collected following cocaine or food self-administration in male mice. RNA sequencing revealed five genes upregulated in cocaine relative to food self-administering mice: Fosb, Npas4, Vgf, Nptx2, and Pmepa1, which reflect known and novel cocaine plasticity-associated genes. Subsequent ChIP-seq analysis confirmed increased H3.3 aggregation at four of these five loci, thus validating H3.3 insertion as a marker of enhanced cocaine-induced transcription. Further motif recognition analysis of the ChIP-seq data showed that cocaine-associated differential H3.3 accumulation correlated with the presence of several transcription factor binding motifs, including RBPJ1, EGR1, and SOX4, suggesting that these are potentially important regulators of molecular cascades associated with cocaine-induced neuronal plasticity. Additional ontological analysis revealed differential H3.3 accumulation mainly near genes involved in neuronal differentiation and dendrite formation. These results establish the H3.3-HA transgenic mouse line as a compelling molecular barcoding tool to identify the cumulative effects of long-term environmental perturbations, such as exposure to drugs of abuse.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Histone H3.3 is a core histone variant that is stably incorporated at active sites of transcription. We used a tagged version of H3.3 expressed exclusively in neurons to delineate active transcription sites following extended cocaine self-administration in mice. This approach revealed the cumulative list of genes expressed in response to cocaine taking over the course of several weeks. We combined this technique with RNA sequencing of tissue collected from the same animals 24 h after the last cocaine exposure. Comparing these datasets provided a full picture of genes that respond to chronic cocaine exposure in NAcc neurons. These studies revealed novel transcription factors that are likely involved in cocaine-induced plasticity and addiction-like behaviors.
Collapse
|
26
|
Acupuncture on the Stress-Related Drug Relapse to Seeking. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:5367864. [PMID: 30416533 PMCID: PMC6207895 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5367864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disease, which causes serious social and economic problems. The most important trial for the successful treatment of drug addiction is to prevent the high rate of relapse to drug-seeking behaviors. Opponent process as a motivational theory with excessive drug seeking in the negative reinforcement of drug dependence reflects both loss of brain reward system and recruitment of brain stress system. The negative emotional state produced by brain stress system during drug withdrawal might contribute to the intense drug craving and drive drug-seeking behaviors via negative reinforcement mechanisms. Decrease in dopamine neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens and recruitment of corticotropin-releasing factor in the extended amygdala are hypothesized to be implicated in mediating this motivated behavior. Also, a brain stress response system is hypothesized to increase drug craving and contribute to relapse to drug-seeking behavior during the preoccupation and anticipation stage of dependence caused by the exposure to stress characterized as the nonspecific responses to any demands on the body. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for reducing drug addiction and stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to correct reversible brain malfunctions by regulating drug addiction and stress-related neurotransmitters. Accordingly, it seems reasonable to propose that acupuncture attenuates relapse to drug-seeking behavior through inhibition of stress response. In this review, a brief description of stress in relapse to drug-seeking behavior and the effects of acupuncture were presented.
Collapse
|
27
|
Anderson EM, Penrod RD, Barry SM, Hughes BW, Taniguchi M, Cowan CW. It is a complex issue: emerging connections between epigenetic regulators in drug addiction. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2477-2491. [PMID: 30251397 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug use leads to addiction in some individuals, but the underlying brain mechanisms that control the transition from casual drug use to an intractable substance use disorder (SUD) are not well understood. Gene x environment interactions such as the frequency of drug use and the type of substance used likely to promote maladaptive plastic changes in brain regions that are critical for controlling addiction-related behavior. Epigenetics encompasses a broad spectrum of mechanisms important for regulating gene transcription that are not dependent on changes in DNA base pair sequences. This review focuses on the proteins and complexes contributing to epigenetic modifications in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) following drug experience. We discuss in detail the three major mechanisms: histone acetylation and deacetylation, histone methylation, and DNA methylation. We discuss how drug use alters the regulation of the associated proteins regulating these processes and highlight how experimental manipulations of these proteins in the NAc can alter drug-related behaviors. Finally, we discuss the ways that histone modifications and DNA methylation coordinate actions by recruiting large epigenetic enzyme complexes to aid in transcriptional repression. Targeting these multiprotein epigenetic enzyme complexes - and the individual proteins that comprise them - might lead to effective therapeutics to reverse or treat SUDs in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Anderson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| | - Rachel D Penrod
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| | - Sarah M Barry
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| | - Brandon W Hughes
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| | - Makoto Taniguchi
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| | - Christopher W Cowan
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, MSC 510, Charleston, SC, 29425-2030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Anderson EM, Larson EB, Guzman D, Wissman AM, Neve RL, Nestler EJ, Self DW. Overexpression of the Histone Dimethyltransferase G9a in Nucleus Accumbens Shell Increases Cocaine Self-Administration, Stress-Induced Reinstatement, and Anxiety. J Neurosci 2018; 38:803-813. [PMID: 29217682 PMCID: PMC5783964 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1657-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Repeated exposure to cocaine induces lasting epigenetic changes in neurons that promote the development and persistence of addiction. One epigenetic alteration involves reductions in levels of the histone dimethyltransferase G9a in nucleus accumbens (NAc) after chronic cocaine administration. This reduction in G9a may enhance cocaine reward because overexpressing G9a in the NAc decreases cocaine-conditioned place preference. Therefore, we hypothesized that HSV-mediated G9a overexpression in the NAc shell (NAcSh) would attenuate cocaine self-administration (SA) and cocaine-seeking behavior. Instead, we found that G9a overexpression, and the resulting increase in histone 3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), increases sensitivity to cocaine reinforcement and enhances motivation for cocaine in self-administering male rats. Moreover, when G9a overexpression is limited to the initial 15 d of cocaine SA training, it produces an enduring postexpression enhancement in cocaine SA and prolonged (over 5 weeks) increases in reinstatement of cocaine seeking induced by foot-shock stress, but in the absence of continued global elevations in H3K9me2. The increase in stress-induced reinstatement is paralleled by heightened anxiety measures, suggesting that countering the cocaine-induced decreases in endogenous G9a with ectopic G9a overexpression leads to lasting anxiogenic effects. Finally, we found an enduring reduction in phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding protein levels in the NAcSh that could account for the increased anxiety. These data demonstrate a novel role for G9a in promoting comorbid cocaine addiction and anxiety and suggest that increased epigenetic repression of transcription through H3K9 during cocaine use can have long-lasting and unexpected negative consequences on behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cocaine addiction is a neuropsychiatric disorder that is detrimental to society and currently has no effective treatments. The difficulty in treating drug addiction is compounded by the high comorbidity with other psychiatric illnesses, including anxiety disorders. Here, we demonstrate that G9a, an epigenetic repressor of gene expression, acting in the nucleus accumbens, a brain reward region, is capable of increasing both addiction- and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. These findings are intriguing because repeated cocaine exposure decreases G9a in this region and thereby enhances expression of certain addiction-promoting genes. However, our results suggest that countering this cocaine-induced decrease in G9a activity actually exacerbates addiction and sensitivity to relapse under stressful situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan M Anderson
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seay Center for Basic and Applied Research in Psychiatric Illness, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
| | - Erin B Larson
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seay Center for Basic and Applied Research in Psychiatric Illness, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
| | - Daniel Guzman
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seay Center for Basic and Applied Research in Psychiatric Illness, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
| | - Anne Marie Wissman
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seay Center for Basic and Applied Research in Psychiatric Illness, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Viral Gene Transfer Core, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, and
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Neuroscience, New York, New York 10029
| | - David W Self
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seay Center for Basic and Applied Research in Psychiatric Illness, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, 75390,
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
HDAC5 and Its Target Gene, Npas4, Function in the Nucleus Accumbens to Regulate Cocaine-Conditioned Behaviors. Neuron 2017; 96:130-144.e6. [PMID: 28957664 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Individuals suffering from substance-use disorders develop strong associations between the drug's rewarding effects and environmental cues, creating powerful, enduring triggers for relapse. We found that dephosphorylated, nuclear histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) reduced cocaine reward-context associations and relapse-like behaviors in a cocaine self-administration model. We also discovered that HDAC5 associates with an activity-sensitive enhancer of the Npas4 gene and negatively regulates NPAS4 expression. Exposure to cocaine and the test chamber induced rapid and transient NPAS4 expression in a small subpopulation of FOS-positive neurons in the NAc. Conditional deletion of Npas4 in the NAc significantly reduced cocaine conditioned place preference and delayed learning of the drug-reinforced action during cocaine self-administration, without affecting cue-induced reinstatement of drug seeking. These data suggest that HDAC5 and NPAS4 in the NAc are critically involved in reward-relevant learning and memory processes and that nuclear HDAC5 limits reinstatement of drug seeking independent of NPAS4.
Collapse
|