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Su Q, Ren YH, Liu GW, Gao YP, Zhang JX, Zhang JN, Pei XX, Li T. Trichostatin A relieves anxiety-and depression-like symptoms in APP/PS1 mice. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1333235. [PMID: 38572429 PMCID: PMC10987769 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1333235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive deficits and behavioral disorders such as anxiety and depression are common manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Our previous work demonstrated that Trichostatin A (TSA) could alleviate neuroinflammatory plaques and improve cognitive disorders. AD, anxiety, and depression are all associated with microglial inflammation. However, whether TSA could attenuate anxiety- and depression-like behaviors in APP/PS1 mice through anti-inflammatory signaling is still unclearly. Methods In the present study, all mice were subjected to the open field, elevated plus maze, and forced swim tests to assess anxiety- and depression-related behaviors after TSA administration. To understand the possible mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects observed, CST7 was measured in the hippocampus of mice and LPS-treated BV2 microglia. Results The results of this study indicated that TSA administration relieved the behaviors of depression and anxiety in APP/PS1 mice, and decreased CST7 levels in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice and LPS-induced BV2 cells. Conclusion Overall, these findings support the idea that TSA might be beneficial for reducing neurobehavioral disorders in AD and this could be due to suppression of CST7-related microglial inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Yu-Hua Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Guo-Wei Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan-Ping Gao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Jiu-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Jin-Nan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xia-Xia Pei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine of Fenyang College, Shanxi Medical University, Fenyang, Shanxi, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Cell Physiology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
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2
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Ell MA, Schiele MA, Iovino N, Domschke K. Epigenetics of Fear, Anxiety and Stress - Focus on Histone Modifications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:843-865. [PMID: 36946487 PMCID: PMC10845084 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230322154158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders are among the most frequent mental disorders. Given substantial rates of insufficient treatment response and often a chronic course, a better understanding of the pathomechanisms of fear-, anxiety- and stress-related disorders is urgently warranted. Epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications - positioned at the interface between the biological and the environmental level in the complex pathogenesis of mental disorders - might be highly informative in this context. The current state of knowledge on histone modifications, chromatin-related pharmacology and animal models modified for genes involved in the histone-related epigenetic machinery will be reviewed with respect to fear-, anxiety- and stress-related states. Relevant studies, published until 30th June 2022, were identified using a multi-step systematic literature search of the Pub- Med and Web of Science databases. Animal studies point towards histone modifications (e.g., H3K4me3, H3K9me1/2/3, H3K27me2/3, H3K9ac, H3K14ac and H4K5ac) to be dynamically and mostly brain region-, task- and time-dependently altered on a genome-wide level or gene-specifically (e.g., Bdnf) in models of fear conditioning, retrieval and extinction, acute and (sub-)chronic stress. Singular and underpowered studies on histone modifications in human fear-, anxiety- or stress-related phenotypes are currently restricted to the phenotype of PTSD. Provided consistent validation in human phenotypes, epigenetic biomarkers might ultimately inform indicated preventive interventions as well as personalized treatment approaches, and could inspire future innovative pharmacological treatment options targeting the epigenetic machinery improving treatment response in fear-, anxiety- and stressrelated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco A. Ell
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A. Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nicola Iovino
- Department of Chromation Regulation, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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3
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Azargoonjahromi A. The role of epigenetics in anxiety disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9625-9636. [PMID: 37804465 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are extremely common psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur with other physical and mental disorders. The pathophysiology of ADs is multifaceted and involves intricate connections among biological elements, environmental stimuli, and psychological mechanisms. Recent discoveries have highlighted the significance of epigenetics in bridging the gap between multiple risk factors that contribute to ADs and expanding our understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying ADs. Epigenetics is the study of how changes in the environment and behavior can have an impact on gene function. Indeed, researchers have found that epigenetic mechanisms can affect how genes are activated or inactivated, as well as whether they are expressed. Such mechanisms may also affect how ADs form and are protected. That is, the bulk of pharmacological trials evaluating epigenetic treatments for the treatment of ADs have used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), yielding promising outcomes in both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will provide an outline of how epigenetic pathways can be used to treat ADs or lessen their risk. It will also present the findings from preclinical and clinical trials that are currently available on the use of epigenetic drugs to treat ADs.
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4
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Dothel G, Barbaro MR, Di Vito A, Ravegnini G, Gorini F, Monesmith S, Coschina E, Benuzzi E, Fuschi D, Palombo M, Bonomini F, Morroni F, Hrelia P, Barbara G, Angelini S. New insights into irritable bowel syndrome pathophysiological mechanisms: contribution of epigenetics. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:605-621. [PMID: 37160449 PMCID: PMC10307698 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex multifactorial condition including alterations of the gut-brain axis, intestinal permeability, mucosal neuro-immune interactions, and microbiota imbalance. Recent advances proposed epigenetic factors as possible regulators of several mechanisms involved in IBS pathophysiology. These epigenetic factors include biomolecular mechanisms inducing chromosome-related and heritable changes in gene expression regardless of DNA coding sequence. Accordingly, altered gut microbiota may increase the production of metabolites such as sodium butyrate, a prominent inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Patients with IBS showed an increased amount of butyrate-producing microbial phila as well as an altered profile of methylated genes and micro-RNAs (miRNAs). Importantly, gene acetylation as well as specific miRNA profiles are involved in different IBS mechanisms and may be applied for future diagnostic purposes, especially to detect increased gut permeability and visceromotor dysfunctions. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of epigenetics in IBS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Dothel
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Connect By Circular Lab SRL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aldo Di Vito
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Ravegnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sarah Monesmith
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emma Coschina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Benuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Fuschi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Palombo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Inter-Departmental Center for Health Sciences & Technologies, CIRI-SDV, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Gladkova MG, Leidmaa E, Anderzhanova EA. Epidrugs in the Therapy of Central Nervous System Disorders: A Way to Drive on? Cells 2023; 12:1464. [PMID: 37296584 PMCID: PMC10253154 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The polygenic nature of neurological and psychiatric syndromes and the significant impact of environmental factors on the underlying developmental, homeostatic, and neuroplastic mechanisms suggest that an efficient therapy for these disorders should be a complex one. Pharmacological interventions with drugs selectively influencing the epigenetic landscape (epidrugs) allow one to hit multiple targets, therefore, assumably addressing a wide spectrum of genetic and environmental mechanisms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The aim of this review is to understand what fundamental pathological mechanisms would be optimal to target with epidrugs in the treatment of neurological or psychiatric complications. To date, the use of histone deacetylases and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (HDACis and DNMTis) in the clinic is focused on the treatment of neoplasms (mainly of a glial origin) and is based on the cytostatic and cytotoxic actions of these compounds. Preclinical data show that besides this activity, inhibitors of histone deacetylases, DNA methyltransferases, bromodomains, and ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins impact the expression of neuroimmune inflammation mediators (cytokines and pro-apoptotic factors), neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)), ion channels, ionotropic receptors, as well as pathoproteins (β-amyloid, tau protein, and α-synuclein). Based on this profile of activities, epidrugs may be favorable as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. For the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, drug addiction, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, contemporary epidrugs still require further development concerning a tuning of pharmacological effects, reduction in toxicity, and development of efficient treatment protocols. A promising strategy to further clarify the potential targets of epidrugs as therapeutic means to cure neurological and psychiatric syndromes is the profiling of the epigenetic mechanisms, which have evolved upon actions of complex physiological lifestyle factors, such as diet and physical exercise, and which are effective in the management of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G. Gladkova
- Faculty of Bioengineering and Bioinformatics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Este Leidmaa
- Institute of Molecular Psychiatry, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
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Sah A, Rooney S, Kharitonova M, Sartori SB, Wolf SA, Singewald N. Enriched Environment Attenuates Enhanced Trait Anxiety in Association with Normalization of Aberrant Neuro-Inflammatory Events. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13052. [PMID: 36361832 PMCID: PMC9657487 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is discussed to play a role in specific subgroups of different psychiatric disorders, including anxiety disorders. We have previously shown that a mouse model of trait anxiety (HAB) displays enhanced microglial density and phagocytic activity in key regions of anxiety circuits compared to normal-anxiety controls (NAB). Using minocycline, we provided causal evidence that reducing microglial activation within the dentate gyrus (DG) attenuated enhanced anxiety in HABs. Besides pharmacological intervention, "positive environmental stimuli", which have the advantage of exerting no side-effects, have been shown to modulate inflammation-related markers in human beings. Therefore, we now investigated whether environmental enrichment (EE) would be sufficient to modulate upregulated neuroinflammation in high-anxiety HABs. We show for the first time that EE can indeed attenuate enhanced trait anxiety, even when presented as late as adulthood. We further found that EE-induced anxiolysis was associated with the attenuation of enhanced microglial density (using Iba-1 as the marker) in the DG and medial prefrontal cortex. Additionally, EE reduced Iba1 + CD68+ microglia density within the anterior DG. Hence, the successful attenuation of trait anxiety by EE was associated in part with the normalization of neuro-inflammatory imbalances. These results suggest that pharmacological and/or positive behavioral therapies triggering microglia-targeted anti-inflammatory effects could be promising as novel alternatives or complimentary anxiolytic therapeutic approaches in specific subgroups of individuals predisposed to trait anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Sah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Sinead Rooney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Maria Kharitonova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simone B. Sartori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susanne A. Wolf
- Cellular Neurocience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Experimental Ophthalmology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82/III, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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7
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Sidorova-Darmos E, Fallah MS, Logan R, Lin CY, Eubanks JH. Mitochondrial brain proteome acetylation levels and behavioural responsiveness to amphetamine are altered in mice lacking Sirt3. Front Physiol 2022; 13:948387. [PMID: 36148309 PMCID: PMC9489219 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.948387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modification of mitochondrial proteins represents one mechanism by which the functional activity of mitochondria can be regulated. In the brain, these modifications can influence the functional properties of different neural circuitries. Given that the sirtuin family member Sirt3 represents the primary protein deacetylase enzyme in mitochondria, we tested whether brain mitochondrial proteome acetylation would increase in male or female mice lacking Sirt3. Our results confirm that whole brain mitochondrial proteome acetylation levels are indeed elevated in both sexes of Sirt3-KO mice relative to controls. Consistently, we found the mitochondria of mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells derived from Sirt3-KO mice were smaller in size, and fewer in number than in wild-type MEFs, and that mitochondrial free calcium levels were elevated within the mitochondria of these cells. As protein acetylation can influence mitochondrial function, and changes in mitochondrial function have been linked to alterations in neural circuit function regulating motor activity and anxiety-like behavior, we tested whether Sirt3-deficient mice would display sensitized responsiveness to the stimulant amphetamine. Both male and female Sirt3-KO mice displayed hyper-locomotion and attenuated anxiety-like behavior in response to a dose of amphetamine that was insufficient to promote any behavioural responses in wild-type mice. Collectively, these results confirm that Sirt3 regulates mitochondrial proteome acetylation levels in brain tissue, and that the absence of Sirt3 increases the sensitivity of neural systems to amphetamine-induced behavioural responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sidorova-Darmos
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Merrick S. Fallah
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard Logan
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cheng Yu Lin
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - James H. Eubanks
- Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- *Correspondence: James H. Eubanks,
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8
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Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Histone Deacetylases. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:922-933. [PMID: 35120709 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unknown, but gene-environment interactions, mediated through epigenetic mechanisms, are thought to be a key contributing factor. Prenatal environmental factors have been shown to be associated with both increased risk of ASD and altered histone deacetylases (HDACs) or acetylation levels. The relationship between epigenetic changes and gene expression in ASD suggests that alterations in histone acetylation, which lead to changes in gene transcription, may play a key role in ASD. Alterations in the acetylome have been demonstrated for several genes in ASD, including genes involved in synaptic function, neuronal excitability, and immune responses, which are mechanisms previously implicated in ASD. We review preclinical and clinical studies that investigated HDACs and autism-associated behaviors and discuss risk genes for ASD that code for proteins associated with HDACs. HDACs are also implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders with a known genetic etiology, such as 15q11-q13 duplication and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which share clinical features and diagnostic comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy, anxiety, and intellectual disability) with ASD. Furthermore, we highlight factors that affect the behavioral phenotype of acetylome changes, including sensitive developmental periods and brain region specificity in the context of epigenetic programming.
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Miao Z, Li Y, Mao F, Zhang J, Sun ZS, Wang Y. Prenatal witness stress induces intergenerational anxiety-like behaviors and altered gene expression profiles in male mice. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108857. [PMID: 34728220 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal cues imposed on an organism can exert long-term and even cross-generational influences on the physiology and behaviors. To date, numerous rodent models have been developed to mimic the effects of prenatal physical stress on offspring. Whether psychological stress during gestation exerts adverse influences on offspring remains investigated. Here, we report that prenatal witnessing the defeat process of the mated partner induces anxiety-like behaviors in F1 male, but not female offspring. These abnormal behaviors were not present in the F2 generation, indicating a sex-specific intergenerational effects. Genome-wide transcriptional profiling identified 71 up-regulated and 120 down-regulated genes shared in F0 maternal and F1 male hippocampus. F0 and F1 hippocampi also shared witness stress-sensitive and -resistant genes. Whole transcriptome comparison reveals that F1 dentate gyrus showed differential expression profiles from hippocampus. Few differentially expressed genes were identified in the dentate gyrus of F1 stress female mice, explaining why females were resistant to the stress. Finally, candidate drugs as the potential treatment for psychological stress were predicted according to transcriptional signatures, including the histone deacetylase inhibitor and dopamine receptor agonist. Our work provides a new model for better understanding the molecular basis of prenatal psychological stress, highlighting the complexity of stress and sex factors on emotion and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Miao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Fengbiao Mao
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jianghong Zhang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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NRM 2021 Abstract Booklet. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2021; 41:11-309. [PMID: 34905986 PMCID: PMC8851538 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x211061050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Abstract
Neuroepigenetics, a new branch of epigenetics, plays an important role in the regulation of gene expression. Neuroepigenetics is associated with holistic neuronal function and helps in formation and maintenance of memory and learning processes. This includes neurodevelopment and neurodegenerative defects in which histone modification enzymes appear to play a crucial role. These modifications, carried out by acetyltransferases and deacetylases, regulate biologic and cellular processes such as apoptosis and autophagy, inflammatory response, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell-cycle progression and oxidative stress. Alterations in acetylation status of histone as well as non-histone substrates lead to transcriptional deregulation. Histone deacetylase decreases acetylation status and causes transcriptional repression of regulatory genes involved in neural plasticity, synaptogenesis, synaptic and neural plasticity, cognition and memory, and neural differentiation. Transcriptional deactivation in the brain results in development of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Mounting evidence implicates histone deacetylase inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets to combat neurologic disorders. Recent studies have targeted naturally-occurring biomolecules and micro-RNAs to improve cognitive defects and memory. Multi-target drug ligands targeting HDAC have been developed and used in cell-culture and animal-models of neurologic disorders to ameliorate synaptic and cognitive dysfunction. Herein, we focus on the implications of histone deacetylase enzymes in neuropathology, their regulation of brain function and plausible involvement in the pathogenesis of neurologic defects.
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Rooney S, Sah A, Unger MS, Kharitonova M, Sartori SB, Schwarzer C, Aigner L, Kettenmann H, Wolf SA, Singewald N. Neuroinflammatory alterations in trait anxiety: modulatory effects of minocycline. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:256. [PMID: 32732969 PMCID: PMC7393101 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
High trait anxiety is a substantial risk factor for developing anxiety disorders and depression. While neuroinflammation has been identified to contribute to stress-induced anxiety, little is known about potential dysregulation in the neuroinflammatory system of genetically determined pathological anxiety or high trait anxiety individuals. We report microglial alterations in various brain regions in a mouse model of high trait anxiety (HAB). In particular, the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus of HABs exhibited enhanced density and average cell area of Iba1+, and density of phagocytic (CD68+/Iba1+) microglia compared to normal anxiety (NAB) controls. Minocycline was used to assess the capacity of a putative microglia 'inhibitor' in modulating hyperanxiety behavior of HABs. Chronic oral minocycline indeed reduced HAB hyperanxiety, which was associated with significant decreases in Iba1+ and CD68+Iba1+ cell densities in the DG. Addressing causality, it was demonstrated that longer (10 days), but not shorter (5 days), periods of minocycline microinfusions locally into the DG of HAB reduced Iba-1+ cell density and attenuated hyperanxiety-related behavior, indicating that neuroinflammation in the DG is at least partially involved in the maintenance of pathological anxiety. The present data reveal evidence of disturbances in the microglial system of individuals with high trait anxiety. Minocycline attenuated HAB hyperanxiety, likely by modulation of microglial activity within the DG. Thus, the present data suggest that drugs with microglia-targeted anti-inflammatory properties could be promising as novel alternative or complimentary anxiolytic therapeutic approaches in specific subgroups of individuals genetically predisposed to hyperanxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinead Rooney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anupam Sah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael S Unger
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Kharitonova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Simone B Sartori
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Christoph Schwarzer
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ludwig Aigner
- Institute of Molecular Regenerative Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury and Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Department of Cellular Neurosciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne A Wolf
- Department of Cellular Neurosciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Ophthalmology, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Madarnas C, Villalba NM, Soriano D, Brusco A. Anxious Behavior of Adult CD1 Mice Perinatally Exposed to Low Concentrations of Ethanol Correlates With Morphological Changes in Cingulate Cortex and Amygdala. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:92. [PMID: 32636737 PMCID: PMC7319189 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00092] [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: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Perinatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure is associated with high incidence of behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. The cerebral areas related with these consequences involve the corticolimbic system, in particular the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and cingulate cortex, although the latter has not been thoroughly studied yet. Different animal models of prenatal or perinatal EtOH exposure have reported morphofunctional alterations in the central nervous system, which could explain behavioral disorders along life; these results focus on youth and adolescents and are still controversial. In the light of these inconclusive results, the aim of this work was to analyze adult behavior in CD1 mice perinatally exposed to low concentrations of EtOH (PEE) during gestation and lactation, and describe the morphology of the cingulate cortex and amygdala with a view to establishing structure/function/behavior correlations. Primiparous CD1 female mice were exposed to EtOH 6% v/v for 20 days prior to mating and continued drinking EtOH 6% v/v during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male pups were fed food and water ad libitum until 77 days of age, when behavioral and morphological studies were performed. Mouse behavior was analyzed through light–dark box and open field tests. Parameters related to anxious behavior and locomotor activity revealed anxiogenic behavior in PEE mice. After behavioral studies, mice were perfused and neurons, axons, serotonin transporter, 5HT, CB1 receptor (CB1R) and 5HT1A receptor (5HT1AR) were studied by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry in brain sections containing cingulate cortex and amygdala. Cingulate cortex and amygdala cytoarchitecture were preserved in adult PEE mice, although a smaller number of neurons was detected in the amygdala. Cingulate cortex axons demonstrated disorganized radial distribution and reduced area. Serotonergic and endocannabinoid systems, both involved in anxious behavior, showed differential expression. Serotonergic afferents were lower in both brain areas of PEE animals, while 5HT1AR expression was lower in the cingulate cortex and higher in the amygdala. The expression of CB1R was lower only in the amygdala. In sum, EtOH exposure during early brain development induces morphological changes in structures of the limbic system and its neuromodulation, which persist into adulthood and may be responsible for anxious behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Madarnas
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nerina Mariel Villalba
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Delia Soriano
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia Brusco
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia (IBCN), Universidad de Buenos Aires, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Peedicayil J. The Potential Role of Epigenetic Drugs in the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:597-606. [PMID: 32184601 PMCID: PMC7060022 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s242040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that abnormalities in epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression contribute to the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders (ADs). This article discusses the role of epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression in the pathogenesis of ADs. It also discusses the data so far obtained from preclinical and clinical trials on the use of epigenetic drugs for treating ADs. Most drug trials investigating the use of epigenetic drugs for treating ADs have used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi). HDACi are showing favorable results in both preclinical and clinical drug trials for treating ADs. However, at present the mode of action of HDACi in ADs is not clear. More work needs to be done to elucidate how epigenetic dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of ADs. More work also needs to be done on the mode of action of HDACi in alleviating the signs and symptoms of ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Peedicayil
- Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Sartori SB, Singewald N. Novel pharmacological targets in drug development for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107402. [PMID: 31470029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Current medication for anxiety disorders is suboptimal in terms of efficiency and tolerability, highlighting the need for improved drug treatments. In this review an overview of drugs being studied in different phases of clinical trials for their potential in the treatment of fear-, anxiety- and trauma-related disorders is presented. One strategy followed in drug development is refining and improving compounds interacting with existing anxiolytic drug targets, such as serotonergic and prototypical GABAergic benzodiazepines. A more innovative approach involves the search for compounds with novel mechanisms of anxiolytic action using the growing knowledge base concerning the relevant neurocircuitries and neurobiological mechanisms underlying pathological fear and anxiety. The target systems evaluated in clinical trials include glutamate, endocannabinoid and neuropeptide systems, as well as ion channels and targets derived from phytochemicals. Examples of promising novel candidates currently in clinical development for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder include ketamine, riluzole, xenon with one common pharmacological action of modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, as well as the neurosteroid aloradine. Finally, compounds such as D-cycloserine, MDMA, L-DOPA and cannabinoids have shown efficacy in enhancing fear-extinction learning in humans. They are thus investigated in clinical trials as an augmentative strategy for speeding up and enhancing the long-term effectiveness of exposure-based psychotherapy, which could render chronic anxiolytic drug treatment dispensable for many patients. These efforts are indicative of a rekindled interest and renewed optimism in the anxiety drug discovery field, after decades of relative stagnation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone B Sartori
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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