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Flynn LT, Gao WJ. DNA methylation and the opposing NMDAR dysfunction in schizophrenia and major depression disorders: a converging model for the therapeutic effects of psychedelic compounds in the treatment of psychiatric illness. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4553-4567. [PMID: 37679470 PMCID: PMC11034997 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02235-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic compounds are being increasingly explored as a potential therapeutic option for treating several psychiatric conditions, despite relatively little being known about their mechanism of action. One such possible mechanism, DNA methylation, is a process of epigenetic regulation that changes gene expression via chemical modification of nitrogenous bases. DNA methylation has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). In this review, we propose alterations to DNA methylation as a converging model for the therapeutic effects of psychedelic compounds, highlighting the N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a crucial mediator of synaptic plasticity with known dysfunction in both diseases, as an example and anchoring point. We review the established evidence relating aberrant DNA methylation to NMDAR dysfunction in SZ and MDD and provide a model asserting that psychedelic substances may act through an epigenetic mechanism to provide therapeutic effects in the context of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Taylor Flynn
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- MD/PhD program, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology & Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Ding X, Lin Y, Chen C, Yan B, Liu Q, Zheng H, Wu Y, Zhou C. DNMT1 Mediates Chronic Pain-Related Depression by Inhibiting GABAergic Neuronal Activation in the Central Amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:672-684. [PMID: 37001844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain can induce depressive emotion. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) have been shown to be involved in the development of chronic pain and depression. However, the role and mechanism of DNMTs in chronic pain-induced depression are not well understood. METHODS In well-established spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced chronic pain-related depression models, the expression of DNMTs and the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of DNMT1 in central amygdala (CeA) GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) neurons were investigated using molecular, pharmacological, electrophysiological, optogenetic, and chemogenetic techniques and behavioral tests. RESULTS DNMT1, but not DNMT3a or DNMT3b, was upregulated in the CeA of rats with SNI-induced chronic pain-depression. Inhibition of DNMT1 by 5-Aza or viral knockdown of DNMT1 in GABAergic neurons in the CeA effectively ameliorated the depression-like behaviors induced by chronic pain. The DNMT1 action was associated with methylation at the CpG-rich Gad1 promoter and GAD67 downregulation, leading to a decrease of GABAergic neuronal activity. Optogenetic activation of GABAergic neurons in the CeA improved SNI-induced depression-like behaviors. Moreover, optogenetic or chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the CeA reversed DNMT1 knockdown-induced improvement of depression-like behaviors in SNI mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DNMT1 is involved in the development of chronic pain-related depression by epigenetic repression of GAD67, leading to the inhibition of GABAergic neuronal activation. This study indicates that DNMT1 could be a potential target for the treatment of chronic pain-related depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuwen Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Binbin Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Chenghua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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3
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Huang D, Alexander PB, Li QJ, Wang XF. GABAergic signaling beyond synapses: an emerging target for cancer therapy. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:403-412. [PMID: 36114091 PMCID: PMC10008753 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known for its role as a primary inhibitory neurotransmitter reducing neuronal excitability in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), thereby producing calming effects. However, an emerging body of data now supports a function for GABA beyond neurotransmission as a potent factor regulating cancer cell growth and metastasis, as well as the antitumor immune response, by shaping the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we review the current knowledge on GABA's effects on the function of tumor cells, tumor-immune interactions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Since altered GABAergic signaling is now recognized as a feature of certain types of solid tumors, we also discuss the potential of repurposing existing GABAergic agents as a new class of anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Peter B Alexander
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Qi-Jing Li
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
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Sahafnejad Z, Ramazi S, Allahverdi A. An Update of Epigenetic Drugs for the Treatment of Cancers and Brain Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14040873. [PMID: 37107631 PMCID: PMC10137918 DOI: 10.3390/genes14040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics has long been recognized as a significant field in biology and is defined as the investigation of any alteration in gene expression patterns that is not attributed to changes in the DNA sequences. Epigenetic marks, including histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylation, play crucial roles in gene regulation. Numerous studies in humans have been carried out on single-nucleotide resolution of DNA methylation, the CpG island, new histone modifications, and genome-wide nucleosome positioning. These studies indicate that epigenetic mutations and aberrant placement of these epigenetic marks play a critical role in causing the disease. Consequently, significant development has occurred in biomedical research in identifying epigenetic mechanisms, their interactions, and changes in health and disease conditions. The purpose of this review article is to provide comprehensive information about the different types of diseases caused by alterations in epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation or methylation. Recent studies reported that epigenetics could influence the evolution of human cancer via aberrant methylation of gene promoter regions, which is associated with reduced gene function. Furthermore, DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the DNA methylation process as well as histone acetyltransferases (HATs)/histone deacetylases (HDACs) and histone methyltransferases (HMTs)/demethylases (HDMs) in histone modifications play important roles both in the catalysis and inhibition of target gene transcription and in many other DNA processes such as repair, replication, and recombination. Dysfunction in these enzymes leads to epigenetic disorders and, as a result, various diseases such as cancers and brain diseases. Consequently, the knowledge of how to modify aberrant DNA methylation as well as aberrant histone acetylation or methylation via inhibitors by using epigenetic drugs can be a suitable therapeutic approach for a number of diseases. Using the synergistic effects of DNA methylation and histone modification inhibitors, it is hoped that many epigenetic defects will be treated in the future. Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetic marks and their effects on brain and cancer diseases. Designing appropriate drugs could provide novel strategies for the management of these diseases in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sahafnejad
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Shahin Ramazi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, Tehran P.O. Box 14115-111, Iran
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5
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Smith RC, Sershen H, Youssef M, Lajtha A, Jin H, Zhang M, Chen A, Guidotti A, Davis JM. Deficits in odor discrimination versus odor identification in patients with schizophrenia and negative correlations with GABAergic and DNA methyltransferase mRNAs in lymphocytes. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1115399. [PMID: 37056402 PMCID: PMC10088370 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1115399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction People with schizophrenia have been reported to show deficits in tests of olfactory function. DNA methylation and GABAergic input have been implicated in biochemical processes controlling odor in animal studies, but this has not been investigated in human studies. Methods In a study of measures of DNA methylation and GABAergic mRNAs in lymphocytes, we also measured odor identification and discrimination with the Sniffin' Sticks battery in 58 patients with chronic schizophrenia (CSZ) and 48 controls. mRNAs in lymphocytes were assessed by qPCR using TaqManTM probes. Cognition was assessed by the MATRICS battery (Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia) in CSZ and controls, and symptoms in CSZ were assessed by PANSS scale (Positive and Negative Symptom Scale). The relationships of odor deficits with mRNA, cognition, and symptoms were explored by correlation analysis. Variables which significantly differentiated CSZ from controls were explored by logistic regression. Results Overall, CSZ showed significantly (P≤.001) lower scores on odor discrimination compared to controls, with a moderate effect size, but no difference in odor identification. Deficits in odor discrimination, which has not been standardly assessed in many prior studies, strongly differentiated CSZ from controls. In logistic regression analysis, odor discrimination, but not odor identification, was a significant variable predicting schizophrenia versus control class membership. This is the first study to report relationship between odor deficits and DNA methylation and GABAergic mRNAs in blood cells of human subjects. There were negative correlations of odor identification with DNA methylation enzymes mRNAs and significant negative correlations with odor discrimination and GABAergic mRNAs. Lower odor scores were significantly associated with lower cognitive scores on the MATRICS battery in CSZ but not control subjects. In CSZ, lower odor scores were significantly associated with negative symptom scores, while higher odor identification scores were associated with PANNS Excitement factor. Discussion Odor discrimination was a more powerful variable than odor identification in discriminating CSZ from controls and should be used more regularly as an odor measure in studies of schizophrenia. The substantive meaning of the negative correlations of odor discrimination and GABAergic mRNA variables in peripheral lymphocytes of CSZ needs more investigation and comparison with results in neural tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Smith
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Robert C. Smith, ;
| | - Henry Sershen
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mary Youssef
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
| | - Abel Lajtha
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hua Jin
- Department of Psychiatry and VA San Diego Healthcare System, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Mumei Zhang
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anmei Chen
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - John M. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
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Dwivedi Y, Shelton RC. Genomics in Treatment Development. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 30:363-385. [PMID: 36928858 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21054-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The Human Genome Project mapped the 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, which ushered in a new generation of genomically focused treatment development. While this has been very successful in other areas, neuroscience has been largely devoid of such developments. This is in large part because there are very few neurological or mental health conditions that are related to single-gene variants. While developments in pharmacogenomics have been somewhat successful, the use of genetic information in practice has to do with drug metabolism and adverse reactions. Studies of drug metabolism related to genetic variations are an important part of drug development. However, outside of cancer biology, the actual translation of genomic information into novel therapies has been limited. Epigenetics, which relates in part to the effects of the environment on DNA, is a promising newer area of relevance to CNS disorders. The environment can induce chemical modifications of DNA (e.g., cytosine methylation), which can be induced by the environment and may represent either shorter- or longer-term changes. Given the importance of environmental influences on CNS disorders, epigenetics may identify important treatment targets in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Richard C Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Su Y, Yang X, Yang L, Liu X, She Z, Zhang Y, Dong Z. Thyroid hormones regulate reelin expression in neuropsychiatric disorders. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2022; 100:1033-1044. [PMID: 36166833 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2022-0270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The incidence and prevalence of hypothyroidism in pregnancy have increased over the past two decades, leading to the occurrence of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of thyroid hormone (TH)-regulated gene expression and neuropsychiatric development during the postnatal period remain unknown. Recent achievements have shown that reelin, a large extracellular glycoprotein, plays a crucial role in neuronal migration and localization during the development of neocortex and cerebellar cortex, thereby participating in the development of neuropsychiatric diseases. Reelin-induced neuronal migration requires triiodothyronine (T3) from the deiodination of thyroxine (T4) by fetal brain deiodinases. Previous studies have reported decreased reelin levels and abnormal gene expression, which are the same as the pathological alternations in reelin-induced neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and autism. Low T3 in the fetal brain due to hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy may be detrimental to neuronal migration, leading to neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focus on the reelin expression between hypothyroidism and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadi Su
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- College of Pediatrics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Lu Yang
- College of Stomatology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Xinjing Liu
- College of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Zhenghang She
- College of Pediatrics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Youwen Zhang
- College of Pediatrics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 401334, PR China
| | - Zhifang Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400014, PR China
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8
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Sultan FA, Sawaya BE. Gadd45 in Neuronal Development, Function, and Injury. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1360:117-148. [PMID: 35505167 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-94804-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible (Gadd) 45 proteins have been associated with numerous cellular mechanisms including cell cycle control, DNA damage sensation and repair, genotoxic stress, neoplasia, and molecular epigenetics. The genes were originally identified in in vitro screens of irradiation- and interleukin-induced transcription and have since been implicated in a host of normal and aberrant central nervous system processes. These include early and postnatal development, injury, cancer, memory, aging, and neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease states. The proteins act through a variety of molecular signaling cascades including the MAPK cascade, cell cycle control mechanisms, histone regulation, and epigenetic DNA demethylation. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the literature implicating each of the three members of the Gadd45 family in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faraz A Sultan
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Bassel E Sawaya
- Molecular Studies of Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,FELS Cancer Institute for Personalized Medicine Institute, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Departments of Neurology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Cancer and Cell Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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9
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Sánchez-Lafuente CL, Kalynchuk LE, Caruncho HJ, Ausió J. The Role of MeCP2 in Regulating Synaptic Plasticity in the Context of Stress and Depression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040748. [PMID: 35203405 PMCID: PMC8870391 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a transcriptional regulator that is highly abundant in the brain. It binds to methylated genomic DNA to regulate a range of physiological functions implicated in neuronal development and adult synaptic plasticity. MeCP2 has mainly been studied for its role in neurodevelopmental disorders, but alterations in MeCP2 are also present in stress-related disorders such as major depression. Impairments in both stress regulation and synaptic plasticity are associated with depression, but the specific mechanisms underlying these changes have not been identified. Here, we review the interplay between stress, synaptic plasticity, and MeCP2. We focus our attention on the transcriptional regulation of important neuronal plasticity genes such as BDNF and reelin (RELN). Moreover, we provide evidence from recent studies showing a link between chronic stress-induced depressive symptoms and dysregulation of MeCP2 expression, underscoring the role of this protein in stress-related pathology. We conclude that MeCP2 is a promising target for the development of novel, more efficacious therapeutics for the treatment of stress-related disorders such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L. Sánchez-Lafuente
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Lisa E. Kalynchuk
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Hector J. Caruncho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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10
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Sharma R, Sharma S, Thakur A, Singh A, Singh J, Nepali K, Liou JP. The Role of Epigenetic Mechanisms in Autoimmune, Neurodegenerative, Cardiovascular, and Imprinting Disorders. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:1977-2011. [PMID: 35176978 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220217103441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mutations like aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications, or RNA silencing are found in a number of human diseases. This review article discusses the epigenetic mechanisms involved in neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disorders, auto-immune disorder, and genomic imprinting disorders. In addition, emerging epigenetic therapeutic strategies for the treatment of such disorders are presented. Medicinal chemistry campaigns highlighting the efforts of the chemists invested towards the rational design of small molecule inhibitors have also been included. Pleasingly, several classes of epigenetic inhibitors, DNMT, HDAC, BET, HAT, and HMT inhibitors along with RNA based therapies have exhibited the potential to emerge as therapeutics in the longer run. It is quite hopeful that epigenetic modulator-based therapies will advance to clinical stage investigations by leaps and bounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sachin Sharma
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Arshdeep Singh
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jagjeet Singh
- School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Department of Pharmacy, Rayat-Bahara Group of Institutes, Hoshiarpur, India
| | - Kunal Nepali
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing Ping Liou
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Panariello F, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, Atti AR, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. Epigenetic Basis of Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:302-315. [PMID: 34433406 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210825101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are complex, multifactorial illnesses with a demonstrated biological component in their etiopathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications, through the modulation of DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference, tune tissue-specific gene expression patterns and play a relevant role in the etiology of psychiatric illnesses. OBJECTIVE This review aims to discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders, their modulation by environmental factors and their interactions with genetic variants, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of their mutual crosstalk. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted. RESULTS Exposure to environmental factors, such as poor socio-economic status, obstetric complications, migration, and early life stressors, may lead to stable changes in gene expression and neural circuit function, playing a role in the risk of psychiatric diseases. The most replicated genes involved by studies using different techniques are discussed. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions and they interact with genetic variants in determining the risk of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION An increasing amount of evidence suggests that epigenetics plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. New therapeutic approaches may work by reversing detrimental epigenetic changes that occurred during the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Panariello
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Inhibitors of DNA Methylation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1389:471-513. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-11454-0_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Ho AMC, Winham SJ, McCauley BM, Kundakovic M, Robertson KD, Sun Z, Ordog T, Webb LM, Frye MA, Veldic M. Plasma Cell-Free DNA Methylomics of Bipolar Disorder With and Without Rapid Cycling. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:774037. [PMID: 34916903 PMCID: PMC8669968 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.774037] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid cycling (RC) burdens bipolar disorder (BD) patients further by causing more severe disability and increased suicidality. Because diagnosing RC can be challenging, RC patients are at risk of rapid decline due to delayed suitable treatment. Here, we aimed to identify the differences in the circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylome between BD patients with and without RC. The cfDNA methylome could potentially be developed as a diagnostic test for BD RC. We extracted cfDNA from plasma samples of BD1 patients (46 RC and 47 non-RC). cfDNA methylation levels were measured by 850K Infinium MethylationEPIC array. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to assess global differences in methylome. cfDNA methylation levels were compared between RC groups using a linear model adjusted for age and sex. PCA suggested differences in methylation profiles between RC groups (p = 0.039) although no significant differentially methylated probes (DMPs; q > 0.15) were found. The top four CpG sites which differed between groups at p < 1E-05 were located in CGGPB1, PEX10, NR0B2, and TP53I11. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) on top DMPs (p < 0.05) showed significant enrichment of gene sets related to nervous system tissues, such as neurons, synapse, and glutamate neurotransmission. Other top notable gene sets were related to parathyroid regulation and calcium signaling. To conclude, our study demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing a microarray method to identify circulating cfDNA methylation sites associated with BD RC and found the top differentially methylated CpG sites were mostly related to the nervous system and the parathyroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ada Man-Choi Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Stacey J Winham
- Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Bryan M McCauley
- Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Keith D Robertson
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Department of Health Science Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Lauren M Webb
- Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mark A Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marin Veldic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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14
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Epigenetic Mechanisms in Memory and Cognitive Decline Associated with Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212280. [PMID: 34830163 PMCID: PMC8618067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, which include DNA methylation, a variety of post-translational modifications of histone proteins (acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, serotonylation, dopaminylation), chromatin remodeling enzymes, and long non-coding RNAs, are robust regulators of activity-dependent changes in gene transcription. In the brain, many of these epigenetic modifications have been widely implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been reported in the aged brain and is associated with or contributes to memory decline across the lifespan. Furthermore, alterations in the epigenome have been reported in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we review the diverse types of epigenetic modifications and their role in activity- and learning-dependent synaptic plasticity. We then discuss how these mechanisms become dysregulated across the lifespan and contribute to memory loss with age and in Alzheimer’s disease. Collectively, the evidence reviewed here strongly supports a role for diverse epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation, aging, and neurodegeneration in the brain.
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15
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Saxena S, Choudhury S, Maroju PA, Anne A, Kumar L, Mohan KN. Dysregulation of schizophrenia-associated genes and genome-wide hypomethylation in neurons overexpressing DNMT1. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1539-1555. [PMID: 34647491 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To study the effects of DNMT1 overexpression on transcript levels of genes dysregulated in schizophrenia and on genome-wide methylation patterns. Materials & methods: Transcriptome and DNA methylome comparisons were made between R1 (wild-type) and Dnmt1tet/tet mouse embryonic stem cells and neurons overexpressing DNMT1. Genes dysregulated in both Dnmt1tet/tet cells and schizophrenia patients were studied further. Results & conclusions: About 50% of dysregulated genes in patients also showed altered transcript levels in Tet/Tet neurons in a DNA methylation-independent manner. These neurons unexpectedly showed genome-wide hypomethylation, increased transcript levels of Tet1 and Apobec 1-3 genes and increased activity and copy number of LINE-1 elements. The observed similarities between Tet/Tet neurons and schizophrenia brain samples reinforce DNMT1 overexpression as a risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Saxena
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
| | - Sumana Choudhury
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India.,Centre for Human Disease Research, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
| | - Pranay Amruth Maroju
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
| | - Anuhya Anne
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India.,Centre for Human Disease Research, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
| | - Lov Kumar
- Computer Science & Information Systems, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
| | - Kommu Naga Mohan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India.,Centre for Human Disease Research, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Hyderabad, 500078, India
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16
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Sershen H, Guidotti A, Auta J, Drnevich J, Grayson DR, Veldic M, Meyers J, Youseff M, Zhubi A, Faurot K, Wu R, Zhao J, Jin H, Lajtha A, Davis JM, Smith RC. Gene Expression Of Methylation Cycle And Related Genes In Lymphocytes And Brain Of Patients With Schizophrenia And Non-Psychotic Controls. Biomark Neuropsychiatry 2021; 5. [PMID: 34368786 DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2021.100038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Some of the biochemical abnormalities underlying schizophrenia, involve differences in methylation and methylating enzymes, as well as other related target genes. We present results of a study of differences in mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) and post-mortem brains of chronic schizophrenics (CSZ) and non-psychotic controls (NPC), emphasizing the differential effects of sex and antipsychotic drug treatment on mRNA findings. We studied mRNA expression in lymphocytes of 61 CSZ and 49 NPC subjects using qPCR assays with TaqMan probes to assess levels of DNMT, TET, GABAergic, NR3C1, BDNF mRNAs, and several additional targets identified in a recent RNA sequence analysis. In parallel we studied DNMT1 and GAD67 in samples of brain tissues from 19 CSZ, 26 NPC. In PBLs DNMT1 and DNMT3A mRNA levels were significantly higher in male CSZ vs NPC. No significant differences were detected in females. The GAD1, NR3C1 and CNTNAP2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in CSZ than NPC. In CSZ patients treated with clozapine, GAD-1 related, CNTNAP2, and IMPA2 mRNAs were significantly higher than in CSZ subjects not treated with clozapine. Differences between CSZ vs NPC in these mRNAs was primarily attributable to the clozapine treatment. In the brain samples, DNMT1 was significantly higher and GAD67 was significantly lower in CSZ than in NPC, but there were no significant sex differences in diagnostic effects. These findings highlight the importance of considering sex and drug treatment effects in assessing the substantive significance of differences in mRNAs between CSZ and NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Sershen
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA.,NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York, New York, USA
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James Auta
- Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jenny Drnevich
- High Performance Biological Computing group and the Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center University of Illinois, Urbana, USA
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marin Veldic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jordan Meyers
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mary Youseff
- Harlem Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, US
| | - Adrian Zhubi
- Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Keturah Faurot
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Renrong Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hua Jin
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, San Diego, and VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Abel Lajtha
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA.,NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York, New York, USA
| | - John M Davis
- Psychiatric Institute University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Robert C Smith
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, New York, USA.,NYU Langone Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, New York, New York, USA
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17
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Implications of Extended Inhibitory Neuron Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105113. [PMID: 34066025 PMCID: PMC8150951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A prolonged developmental timeline for GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)-expressing inhibitory neurons (GABAergic interneurons) is an amplified trait in larger, gyrencephalic animals. In several species, the generation, migration, and maturation of interneurons take place over several months, in some cases persisting after birth. The late integration of GABAergic interneurons occurs in a region-specific pattern, especially during the early postnatal period. These changes can contribute to the formation of functional connectivity and plasticity, especially in the cortical regions responsible for higher cognitive tasks. In this review, we discuss GABAergic interneuron development in the late gestational and postnatal forebrain. We propose the protracted development of interneurons at each stage (neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and network integration), as a mechanism for increased complexity and cognitive flexibility in larger, gyrencephalic brains. This developmental feature of interneurons also provides an avenue for environmental influences to shape neural circuit formation.
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18
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Analysis of transcript levels of a few schizophrenia candidate genes in neurons from a transgenic mouse embryonic stem cell model overexpressing DNMT1. Gene 2020; 757:144934. [PMID: 32640307 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of DNA Methyltransferase I (DNMT1) is considered as one of the etiological factors for schizophrenia (SZ). However, information on genes subjected to dysregulation because of DNMT1 overexpression is limited. To test whether a larger group of SZ-associated genes are affected, we selected 15 genes reported to be dysregulated in patients (Gad1, Reln, Ank3, Cacna1c, Dkk3, As3mt, Ppp1r11, Smad5, Syn1, Wnt1, Pdgfra, Gsk3b, Cxcl12, Tcf4 and Fez1). Transcript levels of these genes were compared between neurons derived from Dnmt1tet/tet (Tet/Tet) mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that overexpress DNMT1 with R1 (wild-type) neurons. Transcript levels of thirteen genes were significantly altered in Tet/Tet neurons of which, the dysregulation patterns of 11 were similar to patients. Transcript levels of eight out of these eleven were also significantly altered in Tet/Tet ESCs, but the dysregulation patterns of only five were similar to neurons. Comparative analyses among ESCs, embryoid bodies and neurons divided the 15 genes into four distinct groups with a majority showing developmental stage-specific patterns of dysregulation. Reduced Representational Bisulfite Sequencing data from neurons did not show any altered promoter DNA methylation for the dysregulated genes. Doxycycline treatment of Tet/Tet ESCs that eliminated DNMT1, reversed the direction of dysregulation of only four genes (Gad1, Dkk3, As3mt and Syn1). These results suggest that 1. Increased DNMT1 affected the levels of a majority of the transcripts studied, 2. Dysregulation appears to be independent of promoter methylation, 3. Effects of increased DNMT1 levels were reversible for only a subset of the genes studied, and 4. Increased DNMT1 levels may affect transcript levels of multiple schizophrenia-associated genes.
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19
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Linde J, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methylation-Dependent Dysregulation of GABAergic Interneuron Functionality in Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:586133. [PMID: 33041771 PMCID: PMC7525021 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.586133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric diseases, such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, and autism, represent multifactorial disorders, differing in causes, disease onset, severity, and symptoms. A common feature of numerous neuropsychiatric conditions are defects in the cortical inhibitory GABAergic system. The balance of excitation and inhibition is fundamental for proper and efficient information processing in the cerebral cortex. Thus, altered inhibition is suggested to account for pathological symptoms like cognitive impairments and dysfunctional multisensory integration. While it became apparent that most of these diseases have a clear genetic component, environmental influences emerged as an impact of disease manifestation, onset, and severity. Epigenetic mechanisms of transcriptional control, such as DNA methylation, are known to be responsive to external stimuli, and are suspected to be implicated in the functional impairments of GABAergic interneurons, and hence, the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Here, we provide an overview about the multifaceted functional implications of DNA methylation and DNA methyltransferases in cortical interneuron development and function in health and disease. Apart from the regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid-related genes and genes relevant for interneuron development, we discuss the role of DNA methylation-dependent regulation of synaptic transmission by the modulation of endocytosis-related genes as potential pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric conditions. Deciphering the hierarchy and mechanisms of changes in epigenetic signatures is crucial to develop effective strategies for treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenice Linde
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses - MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
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20
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The clues in solving the mystery of major psychosis: The epigenetic basis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:51-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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21
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Symmank J, Bayer C, Reichard J, Pensold D, Zimmer-Bensch G. Neuronal Lhx1 expression is regulated by DNMT1-dependent modulation of histone marks. Epigenetics 2020; 15:1259-1274. [PMID: 32441560 PMCID: PMC7595593 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1767372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from the conventional view of repressive promoter methylation, the DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) was recently described to modulate gene expression through a variety of interactions with diverse epigenetic key players. We here investigated the DNMT1-dependent transcriptional control of the homeobox transcription factor LHX1, which we previously identified as an important regulator in cortical interneuron development. We found that LHX1 expression in embryonic interneurons originating in the embryonic pre-optic area (POA) is regulated by non-canonic DNMT1 function. Analysis of histone methylation and acetylation revealed that both epigenetic modifications seem to be implicated in the control of Lhx1 gene activity and that DNMT1 contributes to their proper establishment. This study sheds further light on the regulatory network of cortical interneuron development including the complex interplay of epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Reichard
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 MultiSenses, MultiScales, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pensold
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute for Human Genetics, Am Klinikum 1, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Polyclinic for Orthodontics, Leutragraben 3, University Hospital Jena , Jena, Germany.,Department of Functional Epigenetics in the Animal Model, Institute for Biology II, Worringerweg 3, RWTH Aachen University , Aachen, Germany
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22
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Gardea-Resendez M, Kucuker MU, Blacker CJ, Ho AMC, Croarkin PE, Frye MA, Veldic M. Dissecting the Epigenetic Changes Induced by Non-Antipsychotic Mood Stabilizers on Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders: A Systematic Review. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:467. [PMID: 32390836 PMCID: PMC7189731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epimutations secondary to gene-environment interactions have a key role in the pathophysiology of major psychiatric disorders. In vivo and in vitro evidence suggest that mood stabilizers can potentially reverse epigenetic deregulations found in patients with schizophrenia or mood disorders through mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. However, their activity on epigenetic processes has made them a research target for therapeutic approaches. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed and EMBASE for studies investigating the specific epigenetic changes induced by non-antipsychotic mood stabilizers (valproate, lithium, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine) in animal models, human cell lines, or patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder. Each paper was reviewed for the nature of research, the species and tissue examined, sample size, mood stabilizer, targeted gene, epigenetic changes found, and associated psychiatric disorder. Every article was appraised for quality using a modified published process and those who met a quality score of moderate or high were included. RESULTS A total of 2,429 records were identified; 1,956 records remained after duplicates were removed and were screened via title, abstract and keywords; 129 records were selected for full-text screening and a remaining of 38 articles were included in the qualitative synthesis. Valproate and lithium were found to induce broader epigenetic changes through different mechanisms, mainly DNA demethylation and histones acetylation. There was less literature and hence smaller effects attributable to lamotrigine and carbamazepine could be associated overall with the small number of studies on these agents. Findings were congruent across sample types. CONCLUSIONS An advanced understanding of the specific epigenetic changes induced by classic mood stabilizers in patients with major psychiatric disorders will facilitate personalized interventions. Further related drug discovery should target the induction of selective chromatin remodeling and gene-specific expression effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehmet Utku Kucuker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Caren J. Blacker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Ada M.-C. Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Paul E. Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Mark A. Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Marin Veldic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
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23
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Dysregulation of Epigenetic Control Contributes to Schizophrenia-Like Behavior in Ebp1 +/- Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072609. [PMID: 32283721 PMCID: PMC7178112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of epigenetic machinery can cause a variety of neurological disorders associated with cognitive abnormalities. In the hippocampus of postmortem Schizophrenia (SZ) patients, the most notable finding is the deregulation of GAD67 along with differential regulation of epigenetic factors associated with glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) expression. As we previously reported, ErbB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) is a potent epigenetic regulator. EBP1 can induce repression of Dnmt1, a well-studied transcriptional repressor of GAD67. In this study, we investigated whether EBP1 contributes to the regulation of GAD67 expression in the hippocampus, controlling epigenetic machinery. In accordance with SZ-like behaviors in Ebp1(+/−) mice, heterozygous deletion of EBP1 led to a dramatic reduction of GAD67 expression, reflecting an abnormally high level of Dnmt1. Moreover, we found that EBP1 binds to the promoter region of HDAC1, which leads to histone deacetylation of GAD67, and suppresses histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) expression, inversely mirroring an unusually high level of HDAC1 in Ebp1(+/−) mice. However, EBP1 mutant (p.Glu 183 Ter) found in SZ patients did not elevate the expression of GAD67, failing to suppress Dnmt1 and/or HDAC1 expression. Therefore, this data supports the hypothesis that a reduced amount of EBP1 may contribute to an etiology of SZ due to a loss of transcriptional inhibition of epigenetic repressors, leading to a decreased expression of GAD67.
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24
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Zhong H, Rong J, Zhu C, Liang M, Li Y, Zhou R. Epigenetic Modifications of GABAergic Interneurons Contribute to Deficits in Adult Hippocampus Neurogenesis and Depression-Like Behavior in Prenatally Stressed Mice. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:274-285. [PMID: 32211762 PMCID: PMC7177164 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress (PRS) is considered a risk factor for depressive disorder. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is believed to play a role in the regulation of affective behaviors. GABAergic interneuron is a key modulator in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Growing evidence indicates that PRS has adverse effects on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and DNA epigenetic modifications of the GABAergic system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic GABAergic dysfunction participates in the negative impact of PRS on adult hippocampal neurogenesis and related emotional behaviors. METHODS Behavioral tests were used to explore PRS-induced depression-like behaviors of adult female mice. Immunohistochemistry staining, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were employed to detect adult neurogenesis and epigenetic changes of the GABAergic system in the hippocampus of PRS mice. RESULTS PRS mice developed a depression phenotype accompanied by the inhibited maturation of hippocampal newborn neurons. Compared with control mice, PRS mice showed decreased expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 at the mRNA and protein levels. GABAA receptor agonist phenobarbital could rectify the decrease of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine/neuronal nuclei double-positive (BrdU+/NeuN+) cells in PRS mice. PRS mice also showed increased expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 and increased binding of DNA methyltransferase 1 to glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 promoter region. The treatment with DNA methyltransferase 1 inhibitor 5-aza-deoxycytidine restored the decrease of BrdU+/NeuN+ cells and depression-like behaviors in PRS mice via improving GABAergic system. CONCLUSIONS The present results indicate that epigenetic changes of the GABAergic system are responsible for adult hippocampus neurogenesis and depression-like behaviors in PRS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiquan Zhong
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Rong
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunting Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Liang
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yingchun Li
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China,Correspondence: Rong Zhou, PhD, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, China 211166 ()
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25
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Abstract
DNA methylation at CpG sites is an essential epigenetic mark that regulates gene expression during mammalian development and diseases. Methylome refers to the entire set of methylation modifications present in the whole genome. Over the last several years, an increasing number of reports on brain DNA methylome reported the association between aberrant methylation and the abnormalities in the expression of critical genes known to have critical roles during aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Consequently, the role of methylation in understanding neurodegenerative diseases has been under focus. This review outlines the current knowledge of the human brain DNA methylomes during aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We describe the differentially methylated genes from fetal stage to old age and their biological functions. Additionally, we summarize the key aspects and methylated genes identified from brain methylome studies on neurodegenerative diseases. The brain methylome studies could provide a basis for studying the functional aspects of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renuka Prasad
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
| | - Eek-Hoon Jho
- Department of Life Science, University of Seoul, Seoul 02504, Korea
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26
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Pensold D, Reichard J, Van Loo KMJ, Ciganok N, Hahn A, Bayer C, Liebmann L, Groß J, Tittelmeier J, Lingner T, Salinas-Riester G, Symmank J, Halfmann C, González-Bermúdez L, Urbach A, Gehrmann J, Costa I, Pieler T, Hübner CA, Vatter H, Kampa B, Becker AJ, Zimmer-Bensch G. DNA Methylation-Mediated Modulation of Endocytosis as Potential Mechanism for Synaptic Function Regulation in Murine Inhibitory Cortical Interneurons. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:3921-3937. [PMID: 32147726 PMCID: PMC7264686 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The balance of excitation and inhibition is essential for cortical information processing, relying on the tight orchestration of the underlying subcellular processes. Dynamic transcriptional control by DNA methylation, catalyzed by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and DNA demethylation, achieved by ten–eleven translocation (TET)-dependent mechanisms, is proposed to regulate synaptic function in the adult brain with implications for learning and memory. However, focus so far is laid on excitatory neurons. Given the crucial role of inhibitory cortical interneurons in cortical information processing and in disease, deciphering the cellular and molecular mechanisms of GABAergic transmission is fundamental. The emerging relevance of DNMT and TET-mediated functions for synaptic regulation irrevocably raises the question for the targeted subcellular processes and mechanisms. In this study, we analyzed the role dynamic DNA methylation has in regulating cortical interneuron function. We found that DNMT1 and TET1/TET3 contrarily modulate clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Moreover, we provide evidence that DNMT1 influences synaptic vesicle replenishment and GABAergic transmission, presumably through the DNA methylation-dependent transcriptional control over endocytosis-related genes. The relevance of our findings is supported by human brain sample analysis, pointing to a potential implication of DNA methylation-dependent endocytosis regulation in the pathophysiology of temporal lobe epilepsy, a disease characterized by disturbed synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pensold
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Julia Reichard
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses-Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Karen M J Van Loo
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Natalja Ciganok
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Anne Hahn
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Cathrin Bayer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lutz Liebmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Jonas Groß
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Lingner
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas-Riester
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Transcriptome and Genome Analysis Laboratory (TAL), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Judit Symmank
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Claas Halfmann
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Anja Urbach
- Clinic for Neurology, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Julia Gehrmann
- Institute for Computational Genomics, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ivan Costa
- Institute for Computational Genomics, University Hospital Aachen, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Tomas Pieler
- Department of Developmental Biochemistry, Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB), University of Goettingen, 37077 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christian A Hübner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Hartmut Vatter
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Björn Kampa
- Division of Systems Neurophysiology, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,JARA BRAIN, Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425, Germany
| | - Albert J Becker
- Department of Neuropathology, Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, University of Bonn Medical Center, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Division of Functional Epigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology 2), RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Research Training Group 2416 Multi Senses-Multi Scales, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
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27
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Snyder MA, Gao WJ. NMDA receptor hypofunction for schizophrenia revisited: Perspectives from epigenetic mechanisms. Schizophr Res 2020; 217:60-70. [PMID: 30979669 PMCID: PMC7258307 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with cognitive deficits manifesting during early stages of the disease. Evidence suggests that genetic factors in combination with environmental insults lead to complex changes to glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic systems. In particular, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), a major glutamate receptor subtype, is implicated in both the disease progression and symptoms of SZ. NMDARs are critical for synaptic plasticity and cortical maturation, as well as learning and memory processes. In fact, any deviation from normal NMDAR expression and function can have devastating consequences. Surprisingly, there is little evidence from human patients that direct mutations of NMDAR genes contribute to SZ. One intriguing hypothesis is that epigenetic changes, which could result from early insults, alter protein expression and contribute to the NMDAR hypofunction found in SZ. Epigenetics is referred to as modifications that alter gene transcription without changing the DNA sequence itself. In this review, we first discuss how epigenetic changes to NMDAR genes could contribute to NMDAR hypofunction. We then explore how NMDAR hypofunction may contribute to epigenetic changes in other proteins or genes that lead to synaptic dysfunction and symptoms in SZ. We argue that NMDAR hypofunction occurs in early stage of the disease, and it may consequentially initiate GABA and dopamine deficits. Therefore, targeting NMDAR dysfunction during the early stages would be a promising avenue for prevention and therapeutic intervention of cognitive and social deficits that remain untreatable. Finally, we discuss potential questions regarding the epigenetic of SZ and future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Snyder
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1H 8M5,Correspondence: Wen-Jun Gao, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129, Phone: (215) 991-8907, Fax: (215) 843-9802, ; Melissa A. Snyder, Ph.D.,
| | - Wen-Jun Gao
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19129, United States of America.
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28
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Molecular programs underlying differences in the expression of mood disorders in males and females. Brain Res 2019; 1719:89-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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29
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Chang YC, Daza R, Hevner R, Costa LG, Cole TB. Prenatal and early life diesel exhaust exposure disrupts cortical lamina organization: Evidence for a reelin-related pathogenic pathway induced by interleukin-6. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 78:105-115. [PMID: 30668980 PMCID: PMC6557404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Several epidemiological studies have shown associations between developmental exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders with increasing prevalence rate in the United States. Though animal studies have provided support for these associations, little is known regarding possible underlying mechanisms. In a previous study we found that exposure of C57BL/6J mice of both sexes to environmentally relevant levels (250-300 µg/m3) of diesel exhaust (DE) from embryonic day 0 to postnatal day 21 (E0 to PND21) caused significant changes in all three characteristic behavioral domains of ASD in the offspring. In the present study we investigated a potential mechanistic pathway that may be of relevance for ASD-like changes associated with developmental DE exposure. Using the same DE exposure protocol (250-300 µg/m3 DE from E0 to PND21) several molecular markers were examined in the brains of male and female mice at PND3, 21, and 60. Exposure to DE as above increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in placenta and in neonatal brain. The JAK2/STAT3 pathway, a target for IL-6, was activated by STAT3 phosphorylation, and the expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), a STAT3 target gene, was increased in DE-exposed neonatal brain. DNMT1 has been reported to down-regulate expression of reelin (RELN), an extracellular matrix glycoprotein important in regulating the processes of neuronal migration. RELN is considered an important modulator for ASD, since there are several polymorphisms in this gene linked to the disease, and since lower levels of RELN have been reported in brains of ASD patients. We observed decreased RELN expression in brains of the DE-exposed mice at PND3. Since disorganized patches in the prefrontal cortex have been reported in ASD patients and disrupted cortical organization has been found in RELN-deficient mice, we also assessed cortical organization, by labeling cells expressing the lamina-specific-markers RELN and calretinin. In DE-exposed mice we found increased cell density in deeper cortex (lamina layers VI-IV) for cells expressing either RELN or calretinin. These findings demonstrate that developmental DE exposure is associated with subtle disorganization of the cerebral cortex at PND60, and suggest a pathway involving IL-6, STAT3, and DNMT1 leading to downregulation of RELN expression that could be contributing to this long-lasting disruption in cortical laminar organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Ray Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Robert Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lucio G. Costa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Toby B. Cole
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Center on Human Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA,Corresponding author at: Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Box 357234, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA, USA. (Y.-C. Chang), , (R. Daza), , (R. Hevner), (L.G. Costa), (T.B. Cole)
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30
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Labonté B, Jeong YH, Parise E, Issler O, Fatma M, Engmann O, Cho KA, Neve R, Nestler EJ, Koo JW. Gadd45b mediates depressive-like role through DNA demethylation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4615. [PMID: 30874581 PMCID: PMC6420662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40844-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies using chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) in mice showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) circuit is important for the development of social aversion. However, the downstream molecular targets after BDNF release from ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA terminals are unknown. Here, we show that depressive-like behaviors induced by CSDS are mediated in part by Gadd45b downstream of BDNF signaling in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). We show that Gadd45b mRNA levels are increased in susceptible but not resilient mice. Intra-NAc infusion of BDNF or optical stimulation of VTA DA terminals in NAc enhanced Gadd45b expression levels in the NAc. Importantly, Gadd45b downregulation reversed social avoidance in susceptible mice. Together, these data suggest that Gadd45b in NAc contributes to susceptibility to social stress. In addition, we investigated the function of Gadd45b in demethylating CpG islands of representative gene targets, which have been associated with a depressive phenotype in humans and animal models. We found that Gadd45b downregulation changes DNA methylation levels in a phenotype-, gene-, and locus-specific fashion. Together, these results highlight the contribution of Gadd45b and changes in DNA methylation in mediating the effects of social stress in the mesolimbic DA circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Labonté
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Yun Ha Jeong
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41068, Korea
| | - Eric Parise
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Orna Issler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Mena Fatma
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivia Engmann
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Kyung-Ah Cho
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41068, Korea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rachael Neve
- Viral Gene Transfer Core, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ja Wook Koo
- Department of Neural Development and Disease, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41068, Korea.
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31
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Tao R, Davis KN, Li C, Shin JH, Gao Y, Jaffe AE, Gondré-Lewis MC, Weinberger DR, Kleinman JE, Hyde TM. GAD1 alternative transcripts and DNA methylation in human prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in brain development, schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1496-1505. [PMID: 28485403 PMCID: PMC7564279 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variations and adverse environmental events in utero or shortly after birth can lead to abnormal brain development and increased risk of schizophrenia. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, plays a vital role in normal brain development. GABA synthesis is controlled by enzymes derived from two glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) genes, GAD1 and GAD2, both of which produce transcript isoforms. While the full-length GAD1 transcript (GAD67) has been implicated in the neuropathology of schizophrenia, the transcript structure of GAD1 in the human brain has not been fully characterized. In this study, with the use of RNA sequencing and PCR technologies, we report the discovery of 10 novel transcripts of GAD1 in the human brain. Expression levels of four novel GAD1 transcripts (8A, 8B, I80 and I86) showed a lifespan trajectory expression pattern that is anticorrelated with the expression of the full-length GAD1 transcript. In addition, methylation levels of two CpG loci within the putative GAD1 promoter were significantly associated with the schizophrenia-risk SNP rs3749034 and with the expression of GAD25 in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Moreover, schizophrenia patients who had completed suicide and/or were positive for nicotine exposure had significantly higher full-length GAD1 expression in the DLPFC. Alternative splicing of GAD1 and epigenetic state appear to play roles in the developmental profile of GAD1 expression and may contribute to GABA dysfunction in the PFC and hippocampus of patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Tao
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kasey N. Davis
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Laboratory for Neurodevelopment, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Chao Li
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joo Heon Shin
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yuan Gao
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew E. Jaffe
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marjorie C. Gondré-Lewis
- Laboratory for Neurodevelopment, Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Daniel R. Weinberger
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,McKusick Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joel E. Kleinman
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas M. Hyde
- The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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32
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Bayraktar G, Kreutz MR. The Role of Activity-Dependent DNA Demethylation in the Adult Brain and in Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:169. [PMID: 29875631 PMCID: PMC5975432 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, an increasing number of reports underscored the importance of epigenetic regulations in brain plasticity. Epigenetic elements such as readers, writers and erasers recognize, establish, and remove the epigenetic tags in nucleosomes, respectively. One such regulation concerns DNA-methylation and demethylation, which are highly dynamic and activity-dependent processes even in the adult neurons. It is nowadays widely believed that external stimuli control the methylation marks on the DNA and that such processes serve transcriptional regulation in neurons. In this mini-review, we cover the current knowledge on the regulatory mechanisms controlling in particular DNA demethylation as well as the possible functional consequences in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Bayraktar
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael R Kreutz
- RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Group 'Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function', Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf Hamburg, Germany
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33
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Fachim HA, Srisawat U, Dalton CF, Reynolds GP. Parvalbumin promoter hypermethylation in postmortem brain in schizophrenia. Epigenomics 2018; 10:519-524. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits of brain parvalbumin (PV) are a consistent finding in schizophrenia and models of psychosis. We investigated whether this is associated with abnormal PV gene (PVALB) methylation in the brain in schizophrenia. Bisulfite pyrosequencing was used to determine cytosine (CpG) methylation in a PVALB promoter sequence. Greater PVALB methylation was found in schizophrenia hippocampus, while no differences were observed in prefrontal cortex. LINE-1 methylation, a measure of global methylation, was also elevated in both regions in schizophrenia, although the PVALB change was independent of this effect. These results provide the first evidence that PVALB promoter methylation is abnormal in schizophrenia and suggest that this epigenetic finding may relate to the reduction of PV expression seen in the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene A Fachim
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Umarat Srisawat
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Caroline F Dalton
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gavin P Reynolds
- Biomolecular Sciences Research Center, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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34
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Grayson DR, Guidotti A. DNA Methylation in Animal Models of Psychosis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:105-132. [PMID: 29933947 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a debilitating disease that impacts 1% of the population worldwide. Association studies have shown that inherited genetic mutations account for a portion of disease risk. However, environmental factors play an important role in the pathophysiology of the disease by altering cellular epigenetic marks at the level of chromatin. Postmortem brain studies of SZ subjects suggest that the dynamic equilibrium between DNA methylation and demethylation network components is disrupted at the level of individual SZ target genes. Herein, we review the role of DNA methylation and demethylation in the context of what is currently known regarding SZ. Furthermore, we describe the deficits that accompany two mouse models of SZ. The chronic methionine mouse model of SZ is predicated on the administration of methionine to SZ patients and controls in the context of clinical studies that were carried out during the 1960s and 1970s. The prenatal restraint stress model of SZ is based on a prolonged stress paradigm administered to pregnant dams during gestation days 7-21. The adult offspring of these dams show various behavioral and biochemical deficits in adulthood. Both models are epigenetic in origin and mimic the positive and negative symptoms, as well as the cognitive endophenotypes commonly observed in SZ patients. We also discuss the utility of typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs in alleviating these symptoms in each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States
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35
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D’Addario C, Palazzo MC, Benatti B, Grancini B, Pucci M, Di Francesco A, Camuri G, Galimberti D, Fenoglio C, Scarpini E, Altamura AC, Maccarrone M, Dell’Osso B. Regulation of gene transcription in bipolar disorders: Role of DNA methylation in the relationship between prodynorphin and brain derived neurotrophic factor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 82:314-321. [PMID: 28830794 PMCID: PMC5859566 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar Disorder (BD) is a prevalent and disabling condition, determined by gene-environment interactions, possibly mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The present study aimed at investigating the transcriptional regulation of BD selected target genes by DNA methylation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of type I (BD-I) and type II (BD-II) Bipolar Disorders (n=99), as well as of healthy controls (CT, n=42). The analysis of gene expression revealed prodynorphin (PDYN) mRNA levels significantly reduced in subjects with BD-II but not in those with BD-I, when compared to CT. Other target genes (i.e. catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), glutamate decarboxylase (GAD67), serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA levels remained unaltered. Consistently, an increase in DNA methylation at PDYN gene promoter was observed in BD-II patients vs CT. After stratifying data on the basis of pharmacotherapy, patients on mood-stabilizers (i.e., lithium and anticonvulsants) were found to have lower DNA methylation at PDYN gene promoter. A significantly positive correlation in promoter DNA methylation was observed in all subjects between PDYN and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), whose methylation status had been previously found altered in BD. Moreover, among key genes relevant for DNA methylation establishment here analysed, an up-regulation of DNA Methyl Transferases 3b (DNMT3b) and of the methyl binding protein MeCP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) mRNA levels was also observed again just in BD-II subjects. A clear selective role of DNA methylation involvement in BD-II is shown here, further supporting a role for BDNF and its possible interaction with PDYN. These data might be relevant in the pathophysiology of BD, both in relation to BDNF and for the improvement of available treatments and development of novel ones that modulate epigenetic signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D’Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,Correspondence to: Claudio D’Addario, Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy,
| | - Maria Carlotta Palazzo
- Centro Sant’Ambrogio Ordine Ospedaliero San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- Department of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Benedetta Grancini
- Department of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Francesco
- Experimental Gerontology Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Giulia Camuri
- Department of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Galimberti
- Department of Neurology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Fenoglio
- Department of Neurology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Elio Scarpini
- Department of Neurology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - A. Carlo Altamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy,European Center for Brain Research, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Bernardo Dell’Osso
- Department of Psychiatry, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, CA, USA,Correspondence to: Bernardo Dell’Osso, Department of Psychiatry, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy,
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36
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Swathy B, Saradalekshmi KR, Nair IV, Nair C, Banerjee M. Understanding the influence of antipsychotic drugs on global methylation events and its relevance in treatment response. Epigenomics 2018; 10:233-247. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2017-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: The present study intends to evaluate whether antipsychotic drugs can modulate the host epigenome and if so whether drug-induced epigenetic modulation can explain the heterogeneity in drug response. Methods: Present study was conducted in in vitro cells and significance of these in vitro observations was further evaluated in a clinical setting, between drug responsive and nonresponsive schizophrenia patients. A number of DNA modifications were assessed at global level using 5-methylcytosine, 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and 5-formylcytosine followed by evaluating the expression of epigenetic modifier genes and their crosstalk with miRNAs. Results: In vitro data demonstrated that antipsychotic drugs induce epigenetic response by downregulating miRNA that target DNA methyltransferases, resulting in global hypermethylation. Similar trend was observed in clinical setting too and alterations were markedly associated with drug response rather than disease pathogenesis. Conclusion: Study demonstrates that antipsychotic drugs can influence host methylome and thereby indicating its role in mediating a strong pharmacoepigenomic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Swathy
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | | | - Indu V Nair
- Mental Health Centre, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
| | | | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
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37
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Ovenden ES, McGregor NW, Emsley RA, Warnich L. DNA methylation and antipsychotic treatment mechanisms in schizophrenia: Progress and future directions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 81:38-49. [PMID: 29017764 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antipsychotic response in schizophrenia is a complex, multifactorial trait influenced by pharmacogenetic factors. With genetic studies thus far providing little biological insight or clinical utility, the field of pharmacoepigenomics has emerged to tackle the so-called "missing heritability" of drug response in disease. Research on psychiatric disorders has only recently started to assess the link between epigenetic alterations and treatment outcomes. DNA methylation, the best characterised epigenetic mechanism to date, is discussed here in the context of schizophrenia and antipsychotic treatment outcomes. The majority of published studies have assessed the influence of antipsychotics on methylation levels in specific neurotransmitter-associated candidate genes or at the genome-wide level. While these studies illustrate the epigenetic modifications associated with antipsychotics, very few have assessed clinical outcomes and the potential of differential DNA methylation profiles as predictors of antipsychotic response. Results from other psychiatric disorder studies, such as depression and bipolar disorder, provide insight into what may be achieved by schizophrenia pharmacoepigenomics. Other aspects that should be addressed in future research include methodological challenges, such as tissue specificity, and the influence of genetic variation on differential methylation patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen S Ovenden
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Nathaniel W McGregor
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa
| | - Robin A Emsley
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Louise Warnich
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa.
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38
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Bosch C, Masachs N, Exposito-Alonso D, Martínez A, Teixeira CM, Fernaud I, Pujadas L, Ulloa F, Comella JX, DeFelipe J, Merchán-Pérez A, Soriano E. Reelin Regulates the Maturation of Dendritic Spines, Synaptogenesis and Glial Ensheathment of Newborn Granule Cells. Cereb Cortex 2018; 26:4282-4298. [PMID: 27624722 PMCID: PMC5066826 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance Statement The extracellular protein Reelin has an important role in neurological diseases, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and psychiatric diseases, targeting hippocampal circuits. Here we address the role of Reelin in the development of synaptic contacts in adult-generated granule cells (GCs), a neuronal population that is crucial for learning and memory and implicated in neurological and psychiatric diseases. We found that the Reelin pathway controls the shapes, sizes, and types of dendritic spines, the complexity of multisynaptic innervations and the degree of the perisynaptic astroglial ensheathment that controls synaptic homeostasis. These findings show a pivotal role of Reelin in GC synaptogenesis and provide a foundation for structural circuit alterations caused by Reelin deregulation that may occur in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carles Bosch
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona 08023, Spain
| | - Nuria Masachs
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - David Exposito-Alonso
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Albert Martínez
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Cátia M Teixeira
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Isabel Fernaud
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Montegancedo, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Instituto Cajal (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Lluís Pujadas
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona 08023, Spain
| | - Fausto Ulloa
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain
| | - Joan X Comella
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona 08023, Spain.,Institut de Neurociències, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Montegancedo, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Instituto Cajal (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Madrid 28002, Spain
| | - Angel Merchán-Pérez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Campus de Montegancedo, Madrid 28223, Spain.,Departamento de Arquitectura y Tecnología de Sistemas Informáticos, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Informáticos, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid 28660, Spain
| | - Eduardo Soriano
- Developmental Neurobiology and Regeneration Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Parc Científic de Barcelona and Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28031, Spain.,Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital Universitari de la Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona 08023, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats Academia, Barcelona 08010, Spain
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39
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Gao J, Cahill CM, Huang X, Roffman JL, Lamon-Fava S, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Rogers JT. S-Adenosyl Methionine and Transmethylation Pathways in Neuropsychiatric Diseases Throughout Life. Neurotherapeutics 2018; 15:156-175. [PMID: 29340929 PMCID: PMC5794704 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0593-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe), as a major methyl donor, exerts its influence on central nervous system function through cellular transmethylation pathways, including the methylation of DNA, histones, protein phosphatase 2A, and several catecholamine moieties. Based on available evidence, this review focuses on the lifelong range of severe neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases and their associated neuropathologies, which have been linked to the deficiency/load of SAMe production or/and the disturbance in transmethylation pathways. Also included in this review are the present-day applications of SAMe in the treatment in these diseases in each age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Catherine M Cahill
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xudong Huang
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua L Roffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefania Lamon-Fava
- Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Mischoulon
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jack T Rogers
- Neurochemistry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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40
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Subburaju S, Coleman AJ, Cunningham MG, Ruzicka WB, Benes FM. Epigenetic Regulation of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 67 in a Hippocampal Circuit. Cereb Cortex 2017; 27:5284-5293. [PMID: 27733539 PMCID: PMC6411031 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAergic dysfunction in hippocampus, a key feature of schizophrenia (SZ), may contribute to cognitive impairment in this disorder. In stratum oriens (SO) of sector CA3/2 of the human hippocampus, a network of genes involved in the regulation of glutamic acid decarboxylase GAD67 has been identified. Several of the genes in this network including epigenetic factors histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) and death-associated protein 6 (DAXX), the GABAergic enzyme GAD65 as well as the kainate receptor (KAR) subunits GluR6 and 7 show significant changes in expression in this area in SZ. We have tested whether HDAC1 and DAXX regulate GAD67, GAD65, or GluR in the intact rodent hippocampus. Stereotaxic injections of lentiviral vectors bearing shRNAi sequences for HDAC1 and DAXX were delivered into the SO of CA3/2, followed by laser microdissection of individual transduced GABA neurons. Quantitative PCR (QPCR) analyses demonstrated that inhibition of HDAC1 and DAXX increased expression of GAD67, GAD65, and GluR6 mRNA. Inhibition of DAXX, but not HDAC1 resulted in a significant increase in GluR7 mRNA. Our data support the hypothesis that HDAC1 and DAXX play a central role in coordinating the expression of genes in the GAD67 regulatory pathway in the SO of CA3/2.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/antagonists & inhibitors
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- CA2 Region, Hippocampal/cytology
- CA2 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/cytology
- CA3 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- GABAergic Neurons/cytology
- GABAergic Neurons/metabolism
- Glutamate Decarboxylase/metabolism
- Histone Deacetylase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Histone Deacetylase 1/metabolism
- Male
- Molecular Chaperones
- Neural Pathways/cytology
- Neural Pathways/metabolism
- Nuclear Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Nuclear Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Glutamate/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Subburaju
- Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean
Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478,
USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,
USA
| | - Andrew J Coleman
- Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean
Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478,
USA
| | - Miles G Cunningham
- Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean
Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478,
USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,
USA
| | - W Brad Ruzicka
- Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean
Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478,
USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,
USA
| | - Francine M Benes
- Program in Structural and Molecular Neuroscience, McLean
Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478,
USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115,
USA
- Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA 02115,
USA
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41
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42
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Jia YF, Choi Y, Ayers-Ringler JR, Biernacka JM, Geske JR, Lindberg DR, McElroy SL, Frye MA, Choi DS, Veldic M. Differential SLC1A2 Promoter Methylation in Bipolar Disorder With or Without Addiction. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:217. [PMID: 28785205 PMCID: PMC5520464 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
While downregulation of excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2), the main transporter removing glutamate from the synapse, has been recognized in bipolar disorder (BD), the underlying mechanisms of downregulation have not been elucidated. BD is influenced by environmental factors, which may, via epigenetic modulation of gene expression, differentially affect illness presentation. This study thus focused on epigenetic DNA methylation regulation of SLC1A2, encoding for EAAT2, in BD with variable environmental influences of addiction. High resolution melting PCR (HRM-PCR) and thymine–adenine (TA) cloning with sequence analysis were conducted to examine methylation of the promoter region of the SLC1A2. DNA was isolated from blood samples drawn from BD patients (N = 150) with or without addiction to alcohol, nicotine, or food, defined as binge eating, and matched controls (N = 32). In comparison to controls, the SLC1A2 promoter region was hypermethylated in BD without addiction but was hypomethylated in BD with addiction. After adjusting for age and sex, the association of methylation levels with nicotine addiction (p = 0.0009) and binge eating (p = 0.0002) remained significant. Consistent with HRM-PCR, direct sequencing revealed increased methylation in CpG site 6 in BD, but decreased methylation in three CpG sites (6, 48, 156) in BD with alcohol and nicotine addictions. These results suggest that individual point methylation within the SLC1A2 promoter region may be modified by exogenous addiction and may have a potential for developing clinically valuable epigenetic biomarkers for BD diagnosis and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fang Jia
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - YuBin Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | | | - Joanna M Biernacka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States.,Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - Jennifer R Geske
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - Daniel R Lindberg
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - Susan L McElroy
- Lindner Center of HOPE, MasonOH, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, CincinnatiOH, United States
| | - Mark A Frye
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - Doo-Sup Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States.,Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
| | - Marin Veldic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic Depression Center, Mayo Clinic, RochesterMN, United States
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43
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Chaumette B, Kebir O, Krebs MO. [Genetics and epigenetics of schizophrenia and other psychoses]. Biol Aujourdhui 2017; 211:69-82. [PMID: 28682228 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2017015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and other psychoses are categorical psychiatric diagnoses corresponding to frequent and heterogeneous disorders. Their physiopathology still remains largely unknown despite numerous recent advances. In particular, the last decade has identified different types of genetic variants, thanks to emergence of high-throughput methods. These methods allow both the identification of rare variants with a large effect such as punctual mutations or copy-number variants and the identification of frequent variants with a limited effect such as polymorphisms. Many impacted genes have been identified showing a very high genetic heterogeneity of psychoses. These genes are overrepresented in synaptic and neurotransmission pathways. Only a small fraction of psychoses could be easily explained by genetics but this screening in clinical practice is important as it can lead to therapeutic challenge or genetic counselling. Nowadays, it is clear that the pathophysiology of the psychoses can only be understood by an integrative approach taking into account the interaction between genes and environment. This interaction could be mediated by the epigenome defined as the modification of gene expression without changes in DNA sequence. Epigenome is stable but could be modified by environmental factors. Several epigenetic mechanisms have been studied in psychosis, in particular the DNA methylation, the modification of histones and the microRNA. All of these mechanisms are under regulation by genetic factors and variants in these epigenetic-involved genes and cofactors have been also associated with schizophrenia. Thus, pathophysiology of psychosis is complex and morestudiesare needed before definitive conclusions. Altogether, the recent advances in the genetics and epigenetics of psychosis are promising and could open the way to a recategorization of these disorders as well as the identification of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Chaumette
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Oussama Kebir
- INSERM, U894, Laboratoire "Physiopathologie des maladies psychiatriques", Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 102-108 rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France Institut de Psychiatrie-GDR 3557, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- INSERM, U894, Laboratoire "Physiopathologie des maladies psychiatriques", Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 102-108 rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris, France Institut de Psychiatrie-GDR 3557, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
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44
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Shamsi MB, Firoz AS, Imam SN, Alzaman N, Samman MA. Epigenetics of human diseases and scope in future therapeutics. J Taibah Univ Med Sci 2017; 12:205-211. [PMID: 31435241 PMCID: PMC6695077 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of nucleotide modifications that are heritable and act as regulatory mechanisms without changing the nucleotide sequence of the genome. Exogenous cues such as environment, lifestyle, nutrition, stress, and psychological factors affect epigenetic mechanisms. This mechanism is in concordance with the genetic information that plays an important role during prenatal and postnatal life of an individual. Recent epigenetic studies have revealed the potential of epigenetics in elucidating the mechanisms of different diseases. In this review, we discuss basic epigenetic mechanisms and their roles in health and disease. In addition, reported aberrations in epigenetic regulation for some common human diseases are described. Finally, we address some epigenetic approaches that have shown potential for targeted treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monis B Shamsi
- Center for Genetics & Inherited Diseases, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA
| | - Abdul S Firoz
- Center for Genetics & Inherited Diseases, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA
| | - Syed N Imam
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA
| | - Naweed Alzaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA
| | - Muhammad A Samman
- Center for Genetics & Inherited Diseases, Taibah University, Almadinah Almunawwarah, KSA
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45
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Bayraktar G, Kreutz MR. Neuronal DNA Methyltransferases: Epigenetic Mediators between Synaptic Activity and Gene Expression? Neuroscientist 2017; 24:171-185. [PMID: 28513272 PMCID: PMC5846851 DOI: 10.1177/1073858417707457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
DNMT3A and 3B are the main de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) in the brain that introduce new methylation marks to non-methylated DNA in postmitotic neurons. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mark that is known to regulate important cellular processes in neuronal development and brain plasticity. Accumulating evidence disclosed rapid and dynamic changes in DNA methylation of plasticity-relevant genes that are important for learning and memory formation. To understand how DNMTs contribute to brain function and how they are regulated by neuronal activity is a prerequisite for a deeper appreciation of activity-dependent gene expression in health and disease. This review discusses the functional role of de novo methyltransferases and in particular DNMT3A1 in the adult brain with special emphasis on synaptic plasticity, memory formation, and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Bayraktar
- 1 RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael R Kreutz
- 1 RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,2 Leibniz Group "Dendritic Organelles and Synaptic Function", ZMNH, Magdeburg, Germany
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46
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Swathy B, Banerjee M. Understanding epigenetics of schizophrenia in the backdrop of its antipsychotic drug therapy. Epigenomics 2017; 9:721-736. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The diatheses of gene and environment interaction in schizophrenia (SCZ) are becoming increasingly evident. Genetic and epigenetic backgrounds are being considered in stratifying and addressing phenotypic variation and drug response in SCZ. But how much of these epigenetic alterations are the primary contributing factor, toward disease pathogenesis and drug response, needs further clarity. Evidence indicates that antipsychotic drugs can also alter the epigenetic homeostasis thereby inducing pharmacoepigenomic effects. We re-examine the context of epigenetics in disease pathogenesis and antipsychotic drug therapy in SCZ to understand how much of these observations act as real indicators of the disease or therapeutic response. We propose that epigenetic viewpoint in SCZ needs to be critically examined under the genetic, epigenetic and pharmacoepigenetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babu Swathy
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Moinak Banerjee
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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47
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Rethinking the Epigenetic Framework to Unravel the Molecular Pathology of Schizophrenia. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040790. [PMID: 28387726 PMCID: PMC5412374 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder whose causes are still far from being known. Although researchers have focused on genetic or environmental contributions to the disease, we still lack a scientific framework that joins molecular and clinical findings. Epigenetic can explain how environmental variables may affect gene expression without modifying the DNA sequence. In fact, neuroepigenomics represents an effort to unify the research available on the molecular pathology of mental diseases, which has been carried out through several approaches ranging from interrogating single DNA methylation events and hydroxymethylation patterns, to epigenome-wide association studies, as well as studying post-translational modifications of histones, or nucleosomal positioning. The high dependence on tissues with epigenetic marks compels scientists to refine their sampling procedures, and in this review, we will focus on findings obtained from brain tissue. Despite our efforts, we still need to refine our hypothesis generation process to obtain real knowledge from a neuroepigenomic framework, to avoid the creation of more noise on this innovative point of view; this may help us to definitively unravel the molecular pathology of severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia.
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48
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Abstract
The limited regenerative capacity of neuronal cells requires tight orchestration of cell death and survival regulation in the context of longevity, age-associated diseases as well as during the development of the nervous system. Subordinate to genetic networks epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation and histone modifications are involved in the regulation of neuronal development, function and aging. DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), mostly correlated with gene silencing, is a dynamic and reversible process. In addition to their canonical actions performing cytosine methylation, DNMTs influence gene expression by interactions with histone modifying enzymes or complexes increasing the complexity of epigenetic transcriptional networks. DNMTs are expressed in neuronal progenitors, post-mitotic as well as adult neurons. In this review, we discuss the role and mode of actions of DNMTs including downstream networks in the regulation of neuronal survival in the developing and aging nervous system and its relevance for associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Symmank
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
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49
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Dissecting bipolar disorder complexity through epigenomic approach. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1490-1498. [PMID: 27480490 PMCID: PMC5071130 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, numerous studies of gene regulation mechanisms have emerged in neuroscience. Epigenetic modifications, described as heritable but reversible changes, include DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs. The pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, may be ascribed to a complex gene-environment interaction (G × E) model, linking the genome, environmental factors and epigenetic marks. Both the high complexity and the high heritability of bipolar disorder make it a compelling candidate for neurobiological analyses beyond DNA sequencing. Questions that are being raised in this review are the precise phenotype of the disorder in question, and also the trait versus state debate and how these concepts are being implemented in a variety of study designs.
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Karsli-Ceppioglu S. Epigenetic Mechanisms in Psychiatric Diseases and Epigenetic Therapy. Drug Dev Res 2016; 77:407-413. [PMID: 27594444 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical Research Epigenetic mechanisms refer covalent modification of DNA and histone proteins that control transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Epigenetic regulation is involved in the development of the nervous system and plays an important role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders, including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Epigenetic drugs, including histone deacetylation and DNA methylation inhibitors have received increased attention for the management of psychiatric diseases. The purpose of this review is to discuss the potential of epigenetic drugs to treat these disorders and to clarify the mechanisms by which they regulate the dysfunctional genes in the brain. Drug Dev Res 77 : 407-413, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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