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Oga K, Fuchikami M, Kobayashi H, Miyagi T, Fujita S, Fujita S, Okada S, Morinobu S. Involvement of dysregulated hippocampal histone H3K9 methylation at the promoter of the BDNF gene in impaired memory extinction. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06640-7. [PMID: 38940908 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06640-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Since the precise mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unknown, effective treatment interventions have not yet been established. Impaired extinction of fear memory (EFM) is one of the core symptoms of PTSD and is associated with stress-induced epigenetic change in gene expression. OBJECTIVES In this study, we examined whether the involvement of histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) in EFM is mediated through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus, and whether BIX01294, a selective G9a and GLP histone methyltransferase inhibitor, could be treatment for impaired EFM in an animal model of PTSD. METHODS The single prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm was used to model PTSD. We measured BDNF mRNA levels by RT-PCR, and H3K9me2 levels in the BDNF gene promoters by chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR. After undergoing contextual fear conditioning and hippocampal injection of BIX01294, male rats were subjected to extinction training and extinction testing and their freezing times and BDNF mRNA levels were measured. RESULTS Compared to sham rats, SPS rats showed decreased BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after extinction training, no significant changes in levels of global H3K9me2 prior to extinction training, and increased levels of H3K9me2 in BDNF gene promoter IV, but not in BDNF gene promoter I. Administration of BIX01294 ameliorated the decrease in BDNF mRNA levels 2 h after extinction training and subsequently alleviated impaired EFM in extinction tests in SPS rats. CONCLUSION We conclude that reduced hippocampal levels of BDNF mRNA due to increase in H3K9me2 levels may play a role in PTSD-associated EFM impairment, and BIX01294 could be a PTSD treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Oga
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Manabu Fuchikami
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Hironori Kobayashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiro Miyagi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Sho Fujita
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fujita
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Satoshi Okada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Division of Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami-Ku, Kasumi 1-2-3, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shigeru Morinobu
- Department of Psychology, School of Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Hiroshima International University, Kure, Japan
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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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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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Cabej NR. On the origin and nature of nongenetic information in eumetazoans. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023. [PMID: 37154677 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15001] [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: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Nongenetic information implies all the forms of biological information not related to genes and DNA in general. Despite the deep scientific relevance of the concept, we currently lack reliable knowledge about its carriers and origins; hence, we still do not understand its true nature. Given that genes are the targets of nongenetic information, it appears that a parsimonious approach to find the ultimate source of that information is to trace back the sequential steps of the causal chain upstream of the target genes up to the ultimate link as the source of the nongenetic information. From this perspective, I examine seven nongenetically determined phenomena: placement of locus-specific epigenetic marks on DNA and histones, changes in snRNA expression patterns, neural induction of gene expression, site-specific alternative gene splicing, predator-induced morphological changes, and cultural inheritance. Based on the available evidence, I propose a general model of the common neural origin of all these forms of nongenetic information in eumetazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson R Cabej
- Department of Biology, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
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4
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On making (and turning adaptive to) maladaptive aversive memories in laboratory rodents. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105101. [PMID: 36804263 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Fear conditioning and avoidance tasks usually elicit adaptive aversive memories. Traumatic memories are more intense, generalized, inflexible, and resistant to attenuation via extinction- and reconsolidation-based strategies. Inducing and assessing these dysfunctional, maladaptive features in the laboratory are crucial to interrogating posttraumatic stress disorder's neurobiology and exploring innovative treatments. Here we analyze over 350 studies addressing this question in adult rats and mice. There is a growing interest in modeling several qualitative and quantitative memory changes by exposing already stressed animals to freezing- and avoidance-related tests or using a relatively high aversive training magnitude. Other options combine aversive/fearful tasks with post-acquisition or post-retrieval administration of one or more drugs provoking neurochemical or epigenetic alterations reported in the trauma aftermath. It is potentially instructive to integrate these procedures and incorporate the measurement of autonomic and endocrine parameters. Factors to consider when defining the organismic and procedural variables, partially neglected aspects (sex-dependent differences and recent vs. remote data comparison) and suggestions for future research (identifying reliable individual risk and treatment-response predictors) are discussed.
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Shang A, Bieszczad KM. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate cue memory underlying discriminative behavior. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104811. [PMID: 35961385 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104811] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The burgeoning field of neuroepigenetics has introduced chromatin modification as an important interface between experience and brain function. For example, epigenetic mechanisms like histone acetylation and DNA methylation operate throughout a lifetime to powerfully regulate gene expression in the brain that is required for experiences to be transformed into long-term memories. This review highlights emerging evidence from sensory models of memory that converge on the premise that epigenetic regulation of activity-dependent transcription in the sensory brain facilitates highly precise memory recall. Chromatin modifications may be key for neurophysiological responses to transient sensory cue features experienced in the "here and now" to be recapitulated over the long term. We conclude that the function of epigenetic control of sensory system neuroplasticity is to regulate the amount and type of sensory information retained in long-term memories by regulating neural representations of behaviorally relevant cues that guide behavior. This is of broad importance in the neuroscience field because there are few circumstances in which behavioral acts are devoid of an initiating sensory experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Shang
- Dept. of Psychology - Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kasia M Bieszczad
- Dept. of Psychology - Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience, Rutgers University - New Brunswick, 152 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Rutgers Center for Cognitive Science (RuCCS), Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA.
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6
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Jeon J, Mony TJ, Cho E, Kwon H, Cho WS, Choi JW, Kim BC, Ryu JH, Jeon SJ, Kwon KJ, Shin CY, Park SJ, Kim DH. Role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase in rubrofusarin-enhanced cognitive functions and neurite outgrowth. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112663. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Raghuraman R, Manakkadan A, Richter-Levin G, Sajikumar S. Inhibitory Metaplasticity in Juvenile Stressed Rats Restores Associative Memory in Adulthood by Regulating Epigenetic Complex G9a/GLP. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:576-589. [PMID: 35089327 PMCID: PMC9352179 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to juvenile stress was found to have long-term effects on the plasticity and quality of associative memory in adulthood, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. METHODS Three- to four week-old male Wistar rats were subjected to a 3-day juvenile stress paradigm. Their electrophysiological correlates of memory using the adult hippocampal slice were inspected to detect alterations in long-term potentiation and synaptic tagging and capture model of associativity. These cellular alterations were tied in with the behavioral outcome by subjecting the rats to a step-down inhibitory avoidance paradigm to measure strength in their memory. Given the role of epigenetic response in altering plasticity as a repercussion of juvenile stress, we aimed to chart out the possible epigenetic marker and its regulation in the long-term memory mechanisms using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS We demonstrate that even long after the elimination of actual stressors, an inhibitory metaplastic state is evident, which promotes synaptic competition over synaptic cooperation and decline in latency of associative memory in the behavioral paradigm despite the exposure to novelty. Mechanistically, juvenile stress led to a heightened expression of the epigenetic marker G9a/GLP complex, which is thus far ascribed to transcriptional silencing and goal-directed behavior. CONCLUSIONS The blockade of the G9a/GLP complex was found to alleviate deficits in long-term plasticity and associative memory during the adulthood of animals exposed to juvenile stress. Our data provide insights on the long-term effects of juvenile stress that involve epigenetic mechanisms, which directly impact long-term plasticity, synaptic tagging and capture, and associative memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radha Raghuraman
- Present address (R.R.): Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; (A.M.): Multidisciplinary Research Unit, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Anoop Manakkadan
- Present address (R.R.): Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA; (A.M.): Multidisciplinary Research Unit, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol department of Neurobiology, Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel ,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBRC), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Correspondence: Sreedharan Sajikumar, PhD, Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore ()
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8
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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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Kou X, Xian J, Huang Z, Tao Y, Lin Y, Qin C, Wu H, Chang L, Luo C, Zhu D. Disrupting the Interaction of nNOS with CAPON Prevents the Reinstatement of Morphine Conditioned Place Preference. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:569-582. [PMID: 34297798 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab234] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug abuse is a dramatic challenge for the whole society because of high relapse rate. Environmental cues are crucial for the preference memory of drug abuse. Extinction therapy has been developed to inhibit the motivational effect of drug cues to prevent the reinstatement of morphine abuse. However, extinction therapy alone only forms a new kind of unstable inhibitory memory. We found that morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) extinction training increased the association of nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) with its carboxy-terminal PDZ ligand (CAPON) in the dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) significantly and blocking the morphine-induced nNOS-CAPON association using Tat-CAPON-12C during and after extinction training reversed morphine-induced hippocampal neuroplasticity defect and prevented the reinstatement and spontaneous recovery of morphine CPP. Moreover, in the hippocampal selective ERK2 knock-out or nNOS knockout mice, the effect of Tat-CAPON-12C on the reinstatement of morphine CPP and hippocampal neuroplasticity disappeared, suggesting ERK2 is necessary for the effects of Tat-CAPON-12C. Together, our findings suggest that nNOS-CAPON interaction in the dHPC may affect the consolidation of morphine CPP extinction and dissociating nNOS-CAPON prevents the reinstatement and spontaneous recovery of morphine CPP, possibly through ERK2-mediated neuroplasticity and extinction memory consolidation, offering a new target to prevent the reinstatement of drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Kou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Jiangsu Simovay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210042, China
| | - Jiayun Xian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Zhenquan Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yan Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yuhui Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Cheng Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Haiyin Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chunxia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Dongya Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510507, China
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Kim YG, Bak MS, Kim A, Kim Y, Chae YC, Kim YL, Chun YS, An JY, Seo SB, Kim SJ, Lee YS. Kdm3b haploinsufficiency impairs the consolidation of cerebellum-dependent motor memory in mice. Mol Brain 2021; 14:106. [PMID: 34217333 PMCID: PMC8254933 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00815-5] [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: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications are a key mechanism underlying the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, which is critically involved in the consolidation of multiple forms of memory. However, the roles of histone modifications in cerebellum-dependent motor learning and memory are not well understood. To test whether changes in histone methylation are involved in cerebellar learning, we used heterozygous Kdm3b knockout (Kdm3b+/-) mice, which show reduced lysine 9 on histone 3 (H3K9) demethylase activity. H3K9 di-methylation is significantly increased selectively in the granule cell layer of the cerebellum of Kdm3b+/- mice. In the cerebellum-dependent optokinetic response (OKR) learning, Kdm3b+/- mice show deficits in memory consolidation, whereas they are normal in basal oculomotor performance and OKR acquisition. In addition, RNA-seq analyses revealed that the expression levels of several plasticity-related genes were altered in the mutant cerebellum. Our study suggests that active regulation of histone methylation is critical for the consolidation of cerebellar motor memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Gyu Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Myeong Seong Bak
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Ahbin Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun-Cheol Chae
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Ye Lee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Yang-Sook Chun
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
- Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang-Beom Seo
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Korea
| | - Sang Jeong Kim
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea.
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Jarome TJ, Perez GA, Webb WM, Hatch KM, Navabpour S, Musaus M, Farrell K, Hauser RM, McFadden T, Martin K, Butler AA, Wang J, Lubin FD. Ubiquitination of Histone H2B by Proteasome Subunit RPT6 Controls Histone Methylation Chromatin Dynamics During Memory Formation. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 89:1176-1187. [PMID: 33934885 PMCID: PMC8178164 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttranslational histone modifications play a critical role in the regulation of gene transcription underlying synaptic plasticity and memory formation. One such epigenetic change is histone ubiquitination, a process that is mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system in a manner similar to that by which proteins are normally targeted for degradation. However, histone ubiquitination mechanisms are poorly understood in the brain and in learning. In this article, we describe a new role for the ubiquitin-proteasome system in histone crosstalk, showing that learning-induced monoubiquitination of histone H2B (H2Bubi) is required for increases in the transcriptionally active H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) mark at learning-related genes in the hippocampus. METHODS Using a series of molecular, biochemical, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments, we interrogated the effects of short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown and CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-mediated upregulation of ubiquitin ligases, deubiquitinating enzymes and histone methyltransferases in the rat dorsal hippocampus during memory consolidation. RESULTS We show that H2Bubi recruits H3K4me3 through a process that is dependent on the 19S proteasome subunit RPT6 and that a loss of H2Bubi in the hippocampus prevents learning-induced increases in H3K4me3, gene transcription, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation. Furthermore, we show that CRISPR-dCas9-mediated increases in H2Bubi promote H3K4me3 and memory formation under weak training conditions and that promoting histone methylation does not rescue memory impairments resulting from loss of H2Bubi. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that H2B ubiquitination regulates histone crosstalk in learning by way of nonproteolytic proteasome function, demonstrating a novel mechanism by which histone modifications are coordinated in response to learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Gabriella A Perez
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - William M Webb
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Katrina M Hatch
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Shaghayegh Navabpour
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Madeline Musaus
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Kayla Farrell
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Rebecca M Hauser
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Taylor McFadden
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Kiley Martin
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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12
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Qin C, Bian XL, Wu HY, Xian JY, Cai CY, Lin YH, Zhou Y, Kou XL, Chang L, Luo CX, Zhu DY. Dorsal Hippocampus to Infralimbic Cortex Circuit is Essential for the Recall of Extinction Memory. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1707-1718. [PMID: 33188393 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder subjects usually show impaired recall of extinction memory, leading to extinguished fear relapses. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the impaired recall of extinction memory. We show here that the activity of dorsal hippocampus (dHPC) to infralimbic (IL) cortex circuit is essential for the recall of fear extinction memory in male mice. There were functional neural projections from the dHPC to IL. Using optogenetic manipulations, we observed that silencing the activity of dHPC-IL circuit inhibited recall of extinction memory while stimulating the activity of dHPC-IL circuit facilitated recall of extinction memory. "Impairment of extinction consolidation caused by" conditional deletion of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) in the IL prevented the dHPC-IL circuit-mediated recall of extinction memory. Moreover, silencing the dHPC-IL circuit abolished the effect of intra-IL microinjection of ERK enhancer on the recall of extinction memory. Together, we identify a dHPC to IL circuit that mediates the recall of extinction memory, and our data suggest that the dysfunction of dHPC-IL circuit and/or impaired extinction consolidation may contribute to extinguished fear relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xin-Lan Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hai-Yin Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jia-Yun Xian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Cheng-Yun Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yu-Hui Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Kou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Chun-Xia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Dong-Ya Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510000, China
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13
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Negwer M, Piera K, Hesen R, Lütje L, Aarts L, Schubert D, Nadif Kasri N. EHMT1 regulates Parvalbumin-positive interneuron development and GABAergic input in sensory cortical areas. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2701-2716. [PMID: 32975655 PMCID: PMC7674571 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the Euchromatic Histone Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) gene cause Kleefstra syndrome, a rare form of intellectual disability (ID) with strong autistic traits and sensory processing deficits. Proper development of inhibitory interneurons is crucial for sensory function. Here we report a timeline of Parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneuron development in the three most important sensory cortical areas in the Ehmt1+/- mouse. We find a hitherto unreported delay of PV+ neuron maturation early in sensory development, with layer- and region-specific variability later in development. The delayed PV+ maturation is also reflected in a delayed maturation of GABAergic transmission in Ehmt1+/- auditory cortex, where we find a reduced GABA release probability specifically in putative PV+ synapses. Together with earlier reports of excitatory impairments in Ehmt1+/- neurons, we propose a shift in excitatory-inhibitory balance towards overexcitability in Ehmt1+/- sensory cortices as a consequence of early deficits in inhibitory maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Negwer
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Karol Piera
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Hesen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas Lütje
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lynn Aarts
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Radiation-induced H3K9 methylation on E-cadherin promoter mediated by ROS/Snail axis : Role of G9a signaling during lung epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Toxicol In Vitro 2020; 70:105037. [PMID: 33148527 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2020.105037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer patients who have undergone radiotherapy developed severe complications such as pneumonitis and fibrosis. Upon irradiation, epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotype via a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays a vital role in organ fibrosis. Several mechanisms have been studied on EMT, however, the correlation between radiation-induced EMT and epigenetic changes are not well known. In the present study, we investigated the role of histone methyltransferase G9a on radiation-induced EMT signaling. There was an increase in total global histone methylation level in irradiated epithelial cells. Western blot analysis on irradiated cells showed an increased expression of H3K9me2/3. The pre-treatment of G9a inhibitor enhanced E-cadherin expression and decreased the mesenchymal markers like N-cadherin, vimentin in the radiated group. Surprisingly, radiation-induced ROS generation and pERK1/2 levels were also inhibited by G9a inhibitor BIX01294, which is showing its antioxidant potential. The ChIP-qPCR analysis on the E-cadherin promoter suggested that G9a and Snail might have formed complex to enrich suppressive marker H3K9me2/3. On the whole, our present study suggested that 1] ROS could modify H3K9 methylation via G9a and promote radiation-induced lung EMT in Beas2B and A549 cells 2] E-cadherin promoter enrichment with heterochromatin mark H3K9me2 expression upon irradiation could be modified by regulating G9a methyltransferase.
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15
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The Emerging Role of ATP-Dependent Chromatin Remodeling in Memory and Substance Use Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186816. [PMID: 32957495 PMCID: PMC7555352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory formation requires coordinated regulation of gene expression and persistent changes in cell function. For decades, research has implicated histone modifications in regulating chromatin compaction necessary for experience-dependent changes to gene expression and cell function during memory formation. Recent evidence suggests that another epigenetic mechanism, ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling, works in concert with the histone-modifying enzymes to produce large-scale changes to chromatin structure. This review examines how histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers restructure chromatin to facilitate memory formation. We highlight the emerging evidence implicating ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling as an essential mechanism that mediates activity-dependent gene expression, plasticity, and cell function in developing and adult brains. Finally, we discuss how studies that target chromatin remodelers have expanded our understanding of the role that these complexes play in substance use disorders.
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16
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Musaus M, Navabpour S, Jarome TJ. The diversity of linkage-specific polyubiquitin chains and their role in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2020; 174:107286. [PMID: 32745599 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2020.107286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, a number of studies have provided strong support for protein degradation mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. In this system, target substrates become covalently modified by the small protein ubiquitin through a series of enzymatic reactions involving hundreds of different ligases. While some substrates will acquire only a single ubiquitin, most will be marked by multiple ubiquitin modifications, which link together at specific lysine sites or the N-terminal methionine on the previous ubiquitin to form a polyubiquitin chain. There are at least eight known linkage-specific polyubiquitin chains a target protein can acquire, many of which are independent of the proteasome, and these chains can be homogenous, mixed, or branched in nature, all of which result in different functional outcomes and fates for the target substrate. However, as the focus has remained on protein degradation, much remains unknown about the role of these diverse ubiquitin chains in the brain, particularly during activity- and learning-dependent synaptic plasticity. Here, we review the different types and functions of ubiquitin chains and summarize evidence suggesting a role for these diverse ubiquitin modifications in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. We conclude by discussing how technological limitations have limited our ability to identify and elucidate the role of different ubiquitin chains in the brain and speculate on the future directions and implications of understanding linkage-specific ubiquitin modifications in activity- and learning-dependent synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Musaus
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Shaghayegh Navabpour
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA, USA; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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17
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Webb WM, Irwin AB, Pepin ME, Henderson BW, Huang V, Butler AA, Herskowitz JH, Wende AR, Cash AE, Lubin FD. The SETD6 Methyltransferase Plays an Essential Role in Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Formation. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:577-587. [PMID: 31378303 PMCID: PMC6906268 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic mechanisms are critical for hippocampus-dependent memory formation. Building on previous studies that implicate the N-lysine methyltransferase SETD6 in the activation of nuclear factor-κB RELA (also known as transcription factor p65) as an epigenetic recruiter, we hypothesized that SETD6 is a key player in the epigenetic control of long-term memory. METHODS Using a series of molecular, biochemical, imaging, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments, we interrogated the effects of short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Setd6 in the rat dorsal hippocampus during memory consolidation. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate that SETD6 is necessary for memory-related nuclear factor-κB RELA methylation at lysine 310 and associated increases in H3K9me2 (histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation) in the dorsal hippocampus and that SETD6 knockdown interferes with memory consolidation, alters gene expression patterns, and disrupts spine morphology. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings suggest that SETD6 plays a critical role in memory formation and may act as an upstream initiator of H3K9me2 changes in the hippocampus during memory consolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Webb
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mark E Pepin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Benjamin W Henderson
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Victoria Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Adam R Wende
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Andrew E Cash
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
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18
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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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19
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Synaptic GluN2A-Containing NMDA Receptors: From Physiology to Pathological Synaptic Plasticity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041538. [PMID: 32102377 PMCID: PMC7073220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate-gated receptors. NMDARs are tetramers composed by several homologous subunits of GluN1-, GluN2-, or GluN3-type, leading to the existence in the central nervous system of a high variety of receptor subtypes with different pharmacological and signaling properties. NMDAR subunit composition is strictly regulated during development and by activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Given the differences between GluN2 regulatory subunits of NMDAR in several functions, here we will focus on the synaptic pool of NMDARs containing the GluN2A subunit, addressing its role in both physiology and pathological synaptic plasticity as well as the contribution in these events of different types of GluN2A-interacting proteins.
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20
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Contreras RE, Schriever SC, Pfluger PT. Physiological and Epigenetic Features of Yoyo Dieting and Weight Control. Front Genet 2019; 10:1015. [PMID: 31921275 PMCID: PMC6917653 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity and being overweight have become a worldwide epidemic affecting more than 1.9 billion adults and 340 million children. Efforts to curb this global health burden by developing effective long-term non-surgical weight loss interventions continue to fail due to weight regain after weight loss. Weight cycling, often referred to as Yoyo dieting, is driven by physiological counter-regulatory mechanisms that aim at preserving energy, i.e. decreased energy expenditure, increased energy intake, and impaired brain-periphery communication. Models based on genetically determined set points explained some of the weight control mechanisms, but exact molecular underpinnings remained elusive. Today, gene–environment interactions begin to emerge as likely drivers for the obesogenic memory effect associated with weight cycling. Here, epigenetic mechanisms, including histone modifications and DNA methylation, appear as likely factors that underpin long-lasting deleterious adaptations or an imprinted obesogenic memory to prevent weight loss maintenance. The first part summarizes our current knowledge on the physiology of weight cycling by discussing human and murine studies on the Yoyo-dieting phenomenon and physiological adaptations associated with weight loss and weight re-gain. The second part provides an overview on known associations between obesity and epigenetic modifications. We further interrogate the roles of epigenetic mechanisms in the CNS control of cognitive functions as well as reward and addictive behaviors, and subsequently discuss whether such mechanisms play a role in weight control. The final two parts describe major opportunities and challenges associated with studying epigenetic mechanisms in the CNS with its highly heterogenous cell populations, and provide a summary of recent technological advances that will help to delineate whether an obese memory is based upon epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raian E Contreras
- Research Unit Neurobiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Neurobiology of Diabetes, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja C Schriever
- Research Unit Neurobiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Paul T Pfluger
- Research Unit Neurobiology of Diabetes, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Obesity, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Centre for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Neurobiology of Diabetes, TUM School of Medicine, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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21
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Neuronal network dysfunction in a model for Kleefstra syndrome mediated by enhanced NMDAR signaling. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4928. [PMID: 31666522 PMCID: PMC6821803 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kleefstra syndrome (KS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the histone methyltransferase EHMT1. To study the impact of decreased EHMT1 function in human cells, we generated excitatory cortical neurons from induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells derived from KS patients. Neuronal networks of patient-derived cells exhibit network bursting with a reduced rate, longer duration, and increased temporal irregularity compared to control networks. We show that these changes are mediated by upregulation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) subunit 1 correlating with reduced deposition of the repressive H3K9me2 mark, the catalytic product of EHMT1, at the GRIN1 promoter. In mice EHMT1 deficiency leads to similar neuronal network impairments with increased NMDAR function. Finally, we rescue the KS patient-derived neuronal network phenotypes by pharmacological inhibition of NMDARs. Summarized, we demonstrate a direct link between EHMT1 deficiency and NMDAR hyperfunction in human neurons, providing a potential basis for more targeted therapeutic approaches for KS.
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22
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Wang Z, Liu H. Lysine methylation regulates nervous system diseases. Neuropeptides 2019; 76:101929. [PMID: 31076097 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lysine methylation is an important dynamic modification which is essential in the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription. Unlike acetylation markers, lysine methylation signals at gene promoters could be viewed as markers that either activate or silence gene expression in different contexts or states. This article briefly reviews lysine methylation sites involved in nervous system diseases. The methyltransferases and demethylases which cause abnormal methylation signals in nervous system diseases are also discussed. Methylated proteins correlated with nervous system biological processes are extracted from databases and known writer-code-eraser patterns are analyzed, which could provide insight into the design of methylation-based interference peptides for the investigation of nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Huadong Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
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23
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Pang KKL, Sharma M, Sajikumar S. Epigenetics and memory: Emerging role of histone lysine methyltransferase G9a/GLP complex as bidirectional regulator of synaptic plasticity. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 159:1-5. [PMID: 30703547 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Various epigenetic modifications, including histone lysine methylation, play an integral role in learning and memory. The importance of the histone lysine methyltransferase complex G9a/GLP and its associated histone H3 lysine K9 dimethylation in memory formation and cognition, has garnered the attention of researchers in the past decade. Recent studies feature G9a/GLP as the 'bidirectional regulator of synaptic plasticity', the neural correlate of memory. As the 'title' suggests, G9a/GLP participates in the maintenance of both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). This complex is demonstrated to mostly suppress LTP-related plasticity-related products (PRPs). Notably, our recent paper also shows that G9a/GLP facilitates LTD maintenance in intact hippocampal slices - shedding light on the overlooked influence of epigenetics on LTD. Although the exact mechanisms of G9a/GLP activity regulation in cognition remain elusive, pharmacological inhibition of G9a/GLP presents a new avenue of therapeutic intervention in epigenetic dysfunction-related cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Ka Lam Pang
- Department of Physiology, 2 Medical Drive, MD9, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; Neurobiology/Aging Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore
| | - Mahima Sharma
- Department of Physiology, 2 Medical Drive, MD9, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; Neurobiology/Aging Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore; Department of Biomedical Engineering, City College of New York, 160 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031, United States
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, 2 Medical Drive, MD9, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117593, Singapore; Neurobiology/Aging Programme, Life Sciences Institute, Centre for Life Sciences, 28 Medical Drive, Singapore 117456, Singapore.
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24
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Marshall PR, Bredy TW. Neuroepigenetic mechanisms underlying fear extinction: emerging concepts. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:133-142. [PMID: 30506235 PMCID: PMC7293886 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
An understanding of how memory is acquired and how it can be modified in fear-related anxiety disorders, with the enhancement of failing memories on one side and a reduction or elimination of traumatic memories on the other, is a key unmet challenge in the fields of neuroscience and neuropsychiatry. The latter process depends on an important form of learning called fear extinction, where a previously acquired fear-related memory is decoupled from its ability to control behaviour through repeated non-reinforced exposure to the original fear-inducing cue. Although simple in description, fear extinction relies on a complex pattern of brain region and cell-type specific processes, some of which are unique to this form of learning and, for better or worse, contribute to the inherent instability of fear extinction memory. Here, we explore an emerging layer of biology that may compliment and enrich the synapse-centric perspective of fear extinction. As opposed to the more classically defined role of protein synthesis in the formation of fear extinction memory, a neuroepigenetic view of the experience-dependent gene expression involves an appreciation of dynamic changes in the state of the entire cell: from a transient change in plasticity at the level of the synapse, to potentially more persistent long-term effects within the nucleus. A deeper understanding of neuroepigenetic mechanisms and how they influence the formation and maintenance of fear extinction memory has the potential to enable the development of more effective treatment approaches for fear-related neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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25
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Ishii D, Matsuzawa D, Matsuda S, Tomizawa-Shinohara H, Sutoh C, Shimizu E. Spontaneous recovery of fear differs among early - late adolescent and adult male mice. Int J Neurosci 2018; 129:1-9. [PMID: 30010457 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2018.1501049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Adolescence is a vulnerable period for developing anxiety-related mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which requires a long-term course of therapy when a traumatic event has been experienced during childhood. However, the biological mechanism underlying these age-dependent characteristics remains unclear. In the present study, we used early adolescent, late adolescent and adult (4-, 8-, and 15-week old) male mice to examine age differences in fear memory, fear extinction, and spontaneous recovery of fear. We also measured the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and the basolateral amygdala (BLA) following a spontaneous recovery test. Our major findings were as follows: (1) early adolescent and adult mice did not recover the fear response; only late adolescent mice recovered the fear response. (2) The ERK2 in the dHip was more activated after the spontaneous recovery test in late adolescent mice than in adult mice, and the ERK2 in the BLA was more activated after the spontaneous recovery test in adult mice than in late adolescent mice. These results suggest that there exists a unique period in which spontaneous recovery occurs and that these late adolescent behavioral signatures may be related to alteration in the ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip and BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Ishii
- a Center for Medical Sciences , Ibaraki Prefectural University of Health Sciences , Ibaraki , Japan.,b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan
| | - Daisuke Matsuzawa
- b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan.,c Research Center for Child Mental Development , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan
| | - Shingo Matsuda
- b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan.,d Department of Pharmacotherapeutics , Showa Pharmaceutical University , Tokyo , Japan.,e Department of Ultrastructural Research , National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Haruna Tomizawa-Shinohara
- b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan
| | - Chihiro Sutoh
- b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan
| | - Eiji Shimizu
- b Department of Cognitive Behavioral Physiology , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan.,c Research Center for Child Mental Development , Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine , Chiba , Japan
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EZH2 Methyltransferase Activity Controls Pten Expression and mTOR Signaling during Fear Memory Reconsolidation. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7635-7648. [PMID: 30030400 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0538-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory retrieval induces a transient period of increased transcriptional and translational regulation in neurons called reconsolidation, which is regulated by the protein kinase B (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. However, it is currently unknown how activation of the AKT-mTOR pathway is regulated during the reconsolidation process. Here, we found that in male rats retrieval of a contextual fear memory transiently increased Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) levels along with increased histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) levels, which correlated with decreased levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a potent inhibitor of AKT-mTOR-dependent signaling in the hippocampus. Further experiments found increased H3K27me3 levels and DNA methylation across the Pten promoter and coding regions, indicating transcriptional silencing of the Pten gene. Pten H3K27me3 levels did not change following training or after the retrieval of a remote (old) fear memory, suggesting that this mechanism of Pten repression was specific to the reconsolidation of a new memory. In vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of Ezh2 in the hippocampus abolished retrieval-induced increases in H3K27me3 and prevented decreases in PTEN levels. Ezh2 knockdown attenuated increases in the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR following retrieval, which could be restored by simultaneously reducing Pten, suggesting that H3K27me3 regulates AKT-mTOR phosphorylation via repression of Pten Consistent with these results, knockdown of Ezh2 in area CA1 before retrieval impaired memory on later tests. Collectively, these results suggest that EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 plays a critical role in the repression of Pten transcription necessary for AKT-mTOR activation and memory reconsolidation following retrieval.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how critical translation pathways, like mTOR-mediated protein synthesis, are regulated during the memory storage process is necessary for improving memory impairments. This study tests whether mTOR activation is coupled to epigenetic mechanisms in the hippocampus following the retrieval of a contextual fear memory. Specifically, this study evaluates the role of epigenetic modifications in the form of histone methylation in downstream mTOR translational control during learning-dependent synaptic plasticity in neurons. Considering the broad implications of transcriptional and translational mechanisms in synaptic plasticity, psychiatric, and neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, these data are of interest to the neuroscience community due to the robust and specific regulation of mTOR signaling we found to be dependent on repressive histone methylation.
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Sharma M, Razali NB, Sajikumar S. Inhibition of G9a/GLP Complex Promotes Long-Term Potentiation and Synaptic Tagging/Capture in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:3161-3171. [PMID: 27252354 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulations play an important role in regulating the learning and memory processes. G9a/G9a-like protein (GLP) lysine dimethyltransferase complex controls a prominent histone H3 lysine9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) that results in transcriptional silencing of the chromatin. Here, we report that the inhibition of G9a/GLP complex by either of the substrate competitive inhibitors UNC 0638 or BIX 01294 reinforces protein synthesis-independent long-term potentiation (early-LTP) to protein synthesis-dependent long-term potentiation (late-LTP). The reinforcement effect was observed if the inhibitors were present during the induction of early-LTP and in addition when G9a/GLP complex inhibition was carried out by priming of synapses within an interval of 30 min before or after the induction of early-LTP. Surprisingly, the reinforced LTP by G9a/GLP complex inhibition was able to associate with a weak plasticity event from nearby independent synaptic populations, resulting in synaptic tagging/capture (STC). We have identified brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a critical plasticity protein that maintains G9a/GLP complex inhibition-mediated LTP facilitation and its STC. Our study reveals an epigenetic mechanism for promoting plasticity and associativity by G9a/GLP complex inhibition, and it may engender a promising epigenetic target for enhancing memory in neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahima Sharma
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Singapore.,Neurobiology/Aging Program, #04-44, 28 Medical Drive, Life Sciences Institute (LSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 456, Singapore
| | - Nuralyah Bte Razali
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Singapore.,Neurobiology/Aging Program, #04-44, 28 Medical Drive, Life Sciences Institute (LSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 456, Singapore
| | - Sreedharan Sajikumar
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 597, Singapore.,Neurobiology/Aging Program, #04-44, 28 Medical Drive, Life Sciences Institute (LSI), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117 456, Singapore
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28
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Jarome TJ, Devulapalli RK. The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System and Memory: Moving Beyond Protein Degradation. Neuroscientist 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/1073858418762317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular models of memory formation have focused on the need for protein synthesis. Recently, evidence has emerged that protein degradation mediated by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is also important for this process. This has led to revised cellular models of memory formation that focus on a balance between protein degradation and synthesis. However, protein degradation is only one function of the UPS. Studies using single-celled organisms have shown that non-proteolytic ubiquitin-proteasome signaling is involved in histone modifications and DNA methylation, suggesting that ubiquitin and the proteasome can regulate chromatin remodeling independent of protein degradation. Despite this evidence, the idea that the UPS is more than a protein degradation pathway has not been examined in the context of memory formation. In this article, we summarize recent findings implicating protein degradation in memory formation and discuss various ways in which both ubiquitin signaling and the proteasome could act independently to regulate epigenetic-mediated transcriptional processes necessary for learning-dependent synaptic plasticity. We conclude by proposing comprehensive models of how non-proteolytic functions of the UPS could work in concert to control epigenetic regulation of the cellular memory consolidation process, which will serve as a framework for future studies examining the role of the UPS in memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J. Jarome
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rishi K. Devulapalli
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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29
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Cai CY, Wu HY, Luo CX, Zhu DY, Zhang Y, Zhou QG, Zhang J. Extracellular regulated protein kinaseis critical for the role of 5-HT1a receptor in modulating nNOS expression and anxiety-related behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2017; 357-358:88-97. [PMID: 29246772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Our previous study found that serotonin 1A receptor (5-HT1aR) is an endogenous suppressor of nNOS expression in the hippocampus, which accounts for anxiolytic effect of fluoxetine. However, the precise molecular mechanism remains unknown. By using 8-OH-DPAT, a selective 5-HT1aR agonist, NAN-190, a selective 5-HT1aR antagonist, and U0126, an Extracellular Regulated Protein Kinases (ERK) phosphorylation inhibitor, we investigated the role of ERK in 5-HT1aR-nNOS pathway. Western blots analysis demonstrated that 5-HT1aR activation up-regulated the level of phosphorylated ERK (P-ERK) beginning at 5 min and down-regulated the expression of nNOS beginning at 20 min. Meanwhile, blockage of 5-HT1aR resulted in a decrease in P-ERK beginning at 20 min and caused an increase in nNOS expression beginning at 6 h. Although U0126 itself did not alter nNOS expression and activity, NO level, and anxiety-related behaviors, the treatment totally reversed 8-OH-DPAT-induced reduction in nNOS expression and function, and anxiolytic effect. Besides, our data showed that ERK phosphorylation was essential for 5-HT1aR activation-induced cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis of newborn neuron. Our study suggests a crucial role of ERK phosphorylation in the regulation of nNOS expression by 5-HT1aR, which is helpful for understanding the mechanism of 5-HT1aR-based anxiolytic treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Yun Cai
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Yin Wu
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Xia Luo
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Ya Zhu
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; The Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
| | - Qi-Gang Zhou
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institution of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China; Departments of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, People's Republic of China.
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30
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Koemans TS, Kleefstra T, Chubak MC, Stone MH, Reijnders MRF, de Munnik S, Willemsen MH, Fenckova M, Stumpel CTRM, Bok LA, Sifuentes Saenz M, Byerly KA, Baughn LB, Stegmann APA, Pfundt R, Zhou H, van Bokhoven H, Schenck A, Kramer JM. Functional convergence of histone methyltransferases EHMT1 and KMT2C involved in intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006864. [PMID: 29069077 PMCID: PMC5656305 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kleefstra syndrome, caused by haploinsufficiency of euchromatin histone methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1), is characterized by intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characteristic facial dysmorphisms, and other variable clinical features. In addition to EHMT1 mutations, de novo variants were reported in four additional genes (MBD5, SMARCB1, NR1I3, and KMT2C), in single individuals with clinical characteristics overlapping Kleefstra syndrome. Here, we present a novel cohort of five patients with de novo loss of function mutations affecting the histone methyltransferase KMT2C. Our clinical data delineates the KMT2C phenotypic spectrum and reinforces the phenotypic overlap with Kleefstra syndrome and other related ID disorders. To elucidate the common molecular basis of the neuropathology associated with mutations in KMT2C and EHMT1, we characterized the role of the Drosophila KMT2C ortholog, trithorax related (trr), in the nervous system. Similar to the Drosophila EHMT1 ortholog, G9a, trr is required in the mushroom body for short term memory. Trr ChIP-seq identified 3371 binding sites, mainly in the promoter of genes involved in neuronal processes. Transcriptional profiling of pan-neuronal trr knockdown and G9a null mutant fly heads identified 613 and 1123 misregulated genes, respectively. These gene sets show a significant overlap and are associated with nearly identical gene ontology enrichments. The majority of the observed biological convergence is derived from predicted indirect target genes. However, trr and G9a also have common direct targets, including the Drosophila ortholog of Arc (Arc1), a key regulator of synaptic plasticity. Our data highlight the clinical and molecular convergence between the KMT2 and EHMT protein families, which may contribute to a molecular network underlying a larger group of ID/ASD-related disorders. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) like intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present an enormous challenge to affected individuals, their families, and society. Understanding the mechanisms underlying NDDs may lead to the development of targeted therapeutics, but this is complicated by the great clinical and genetic heterogeneity seen in patients. Mutations in hundreds of genes have been implicated in NDDs, giving rise to diverse clinical presentations. However, evidence suggests that many of these genes lie in common biological pathways, and mutations in genes that are involved in similar biological functions give rise to more similar clinical phenotypes. Here, we define a novel ID disorder with comorbid ASD (ID/ASD) caused by mutations in KMT2C. This disorder is defined by clinical features that overlap with a group of other disorders, including Kleefstra syndrome, which is caused by EHMT1 mutations. In the fruit fly, we show that the KMT2 and EHMT protein families regulate a highly converging set of biological processes. Both EHMT1 and KMT2C encode histone methyltransferases, which regulate gene transcription by modifying chromatin structure. Further understanding of the common gene regulatory networks associated with this group of ID- and ASD-related disorders may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom S. Koemans
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa C. Chubak
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Max H. Stone
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margot R. F. Reijnders
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja de Munnik
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marjolein H. Willemsen
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Connie T. R. M. Stumpel
- Department of Clinical Genetics and School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Levinus A. Bok
- Department of Pediatrics, Máxima Medical Centre, Veldhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kyna A. Byerly
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Linda B. Baughn
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Alexander P. A. Stegmann
- Department of Clinical Genetics and School for Oncology & Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail: (AS); (JMK)
| | - Jamie M. Kramer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Genetics and Development, Children’s Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail: (AS); (JMK)
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31
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Lim CS, Nam HJ, Lee J, Kim D, Choi JE, Kang SJ, Kim S, Kim H, Kwak C, Shim KW, Kim S, Ko HG, Lee RU, Jang EH, Yoo J, Shim J, Islam MA, Lee YS, Lee JH, Baek SH, Kaang BK. PKCα-mediated phosphorylation of LSD1 is required for presynaptic plasticity and hippocampal learning and memory. Sci Rep 2017; 7:4912. [PMID: 28687800 PMCID: PMC5501860 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05239-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase that participates in transcriptional repression or activation. Recent studies reported that LSD1 is involved in learning and memory. Although LSD1 phosphorylation by PKCα was implicated in circadian rhythmicity, the importance of LSD1 phosphorylation in learning and memory is unknown. In this study, we examined the roles of LSD1 in synaptic plasticity and memory using Lsd1 SA/SA knock-in (KI) mice, in which a PKCα phosphorylation site is mutated. Interestingly, short-term and long-term contextual fear memory as well as spatial memory were impaired in Lsd1 KI mice. In addition, short-term synaptic plasticity, such as paired pulse ratio and post-tetanic potentiation was impaired, whereas long-term synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and long-term depression, was normal. Moreover, the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic current was significantly increased, suggesting presynaptic dysfunction in Lsd1 KI mice. Consistent with this, RNA-seq analysis using the hippocampus of Lsd1 KI mice showed significant alterations in the expressions of presynaptic function-related genes. Intriguingly, LSD1n-SA mutant showed diminished binding to histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) compared to LSD1n-WT in SH-SY5Y cells. These results suggest that LSD1 is involved in the regulation of presynaptic gene expression and subsequently regulates the hippocampus-dependent memory in phosphorylation-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae-Seok Lim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Hye Jin Nam
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Jaehyun Lee
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Dongha Kim
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Ja Eun Choi
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - SukJae Joshua Kang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Somi Kim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Hyopil Kim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Chuljung Kwak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Kyu-Won Shim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Siyong Kim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Gon Ko
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Ro Un Lee
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Eun-Hae Jang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Juyoun Yoo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Jaehoon Shim
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Md Ariful Islam
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Korea
| | - Jae-Hyung Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Korea.
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32
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Webb WM, Sanchez RG, Perez G, Butler AA, Hauser RM, Rich MC, O'Bierne AL, Jarome TJ, Lubin FD. Dynamic association of epigenetic H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC marks in the dorsal hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex following reactivation of a fear memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 142:66-78. [PMID: 28232238 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone methylation are critical regulators of gene transcription changes during memory consolidation. However, it is unknown how these epigenetic modifications coordinate control of gene expression following reactivation of a previously consolidated memory. Here, we found that retrieval of a recent contextual fear conditioned memory increased global levels of H3 lysine 4-trimethylation (H3K4me3) and DNA 5-hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in area CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus. Further experiments revealed increased levels of H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC within a CpG-enriched coding region of the Npas4, but not c-fos, gene. Intriguingly, retrieval of a 30-day old memory increased H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC levels at a CpG-enriched coding region of c-fos, but not Npas4, in the anterior cingulate cortex, suggesting that while these two epigenetic mechanisms co-occur following the retrieval of a recent or remote memory, their gene targets differ depending on the brain region. Additionally, we found that in vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of the H3K4me3 methyltransferase Mll1 in CA1 abolished retrieval-induced increases in DNA 5hmC levels at the Npas4 gene, suggesting that H3K4me3 couples to DNA 5hmC mechanisms. Consistent with this, loss of Mll1 prevented retrieval-induced increases in Npas4 mRNA levels in CA1 and impaired fear memory. Collectively, these findings suggest an important link between histone methylation and DNA hydroxymethylation mechanisms in the epigenetic control of de novo gene transcription triggered by memory retrieval.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Webb
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Richard G Sanchez
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Gabriella Perez
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Rebecca M Hauser
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Megan C Rich
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Aidan L O'Bierne
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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33
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Hemstedt TJ, Lattal KM, Wood MA. Reconsolidation and extinction: Using epigenetic signatures to challenge conventional wisdom. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 142:55-65. [PMID: 28119018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have the potential to give rise to lasting changes in cell function that ultimately can affect behavior persistently. This concept is especially interesting with respect to fear reconsolidation and fear memory extinction. These two behavioral approaches are used in the laboratory to investigate how fear memory can be attenuated, which becomes important when searching for therapeutic intervention to treat anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Here we review the role of several key epigenetic mechanisms in reconsolidation and extinction of learned fear and their potential to persistently alter behavioral responses to conditioned cues. We also briefly discuss how epigenetic mechanisms may establish persistent behaviors that challenge our definitions of extinction and reconsolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thekla J Hemstedt
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - K Matthew Lattal
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Irvine, CA, USA.
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5-HT7 receptor-mediated fear conditioning and possible involvement of extracellular signal-regulated kinase. Neurosci Lett 2017; 638:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Where Environment Meets Cognition: A Focus on Two Developmental Intellectual Disability Disorders. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:4235898. [PMID: 27547454 PMCID: PMC4980517 DOI: 10.1155/2016/4235898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most challenging questions in neuroscience is to dissect how learning and memory, the foundational pillars of cognition, are grounded in stable, yet plastic, gene expression states. All known epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelling, and noncoding RNAs regulate brain gene expression, both during neurodevelopment and in the adult brain in processes related to cognition. On the other hand, alterations in the various components of the epigenetic machinery have been linked to well-known causes of intellectual disability disorders (IDDs). Two examples are Down Syndrome (DS) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), where global and local epigenetic alterations lead to impairments in synaptic plasticity, memory, and learning. Since epigenetic modifications are reversible, it is theoretically possible to use epigenetic drugs as cognitive enhancers for the treatment of IDDs. Epigenetic treatments act in a context specific manner, targeting different regions based on cell and state specific chromatin accessibility, facilitating the establishment of the lost balance. Here, we discuss epigenetic studies of IDDs, focusing on DS and FXS, and the use of epidrugs in combinatorial therapies for IDDs.
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Benevento M, Iacono G, Selten M, Ba W, Oudakker A, Frega M, Keller J, Mancini R, Lewerissa E, Kleefstra T, Stunnenberg HG, Zhou H, van Bokhoven H, Nadif Kasri N. Histone Methylation by the Kleefstra Syndrome Protein EHMT1 Mediates Homeostatic Synaptic Scaling. Neuron 2016; 91:341-55. [PMID: 27373831 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Revised: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Homeostatic plasticity, a form of synaptic plasticity, maintains the fine balance between overall excitation and inhibition in developing and mature neuronal networks. Although the synaptic mechanisms of homeostatic plasticity are well characterized, the associated transcriptional program remains poorly understood. We show that the Kleefstra-syndrome-associated protein EHMT1 plays a critical and cell-autonomous role in synaptic scaling by responding to attenuated neuronal firing or sensory drive. Chronic activity deprivation increased the amount of neuronal dimethylated H3 at lysine 9 (H3K9me2), the catalytic product of EHMT1 and an epigenetic marker for gene repression. Genetic knockdown and pharmacological blockade of EHMT1 or EHMT2 prevented the increase of H3K9me2 and synaptic scaling up. Furthermore, BDNF repression was preceded by EHMT1/2-mediated H3K9me2 deposition at the Bdnf promoter during synaptic scaling up, both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that H3K9me2-mediated changes in chromatin structure govern a repressive program that controls synaptic scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Benevento
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Iacono
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn Selten
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wei Ba
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Oudakker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jason Keller
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Roberta Mancini
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elly Lewerissa
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Henk G Stunnenberg
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Huiqing Zhou
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Radboudumc, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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The role of chromatin repressive marks in cognition and disease: A focus on the repressive complex GLP/G9a. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 124:88-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Jarome TJ, Butler AA, Nichols JN, Pacheco NL, Lubin FD. NF-κB mediates Gadd45β expression and DNA demethylation in the hippocampus during fear memory formation. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:54. [PMID: 26441517 PMCID: PMC4584956 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gadd45-mediated DNA demethylation mechanisms have been implicated in the process of memory formation. However, the transcriptional mechanisms involved in the regulation of Gadd45 gene expression during memory formation remain unexplored. NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) controls transcription of genes in neurons and is a critical regulator of synaptic plasticity and memory formation. In silico analysis revealed several NF-κB (p65/RelA and cRel) consensus sequences within the Gadd45β gene promoter. Whether NF-κB activity regulates Gadd45 expression and associated DNA demethylation in neurons during memory formation is unknown. Here, we found that learning in a fear conditioning paradigm increased Gadd45β gene expression and brain-derivedneurotrophic factor (BDNF) DNA demethylation in area CA1 of the hippocampus, both of which were prevented with pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB activity. Further experiments found that conditional mutations in p65/RelA impaired fear memory formation but did not alter changes in Gadd45β expression. The learning-induced increases in Gadd45β mRNA levels, Gadd45β binding at the BDNF gene and BDNF DNA demethylation were blocked in area CA1 of the c-rel knockout mice. Additionally, local siRNA-mediated knockdown of c-rel in area CA1 prevented fear conditioning-induced increases in Gadd45β expression and BDNF DNA demethylation, suggesting that c-Rel containing NF-κB transcription factor complex is responsible for Gadd45β regulation during memory formation. Together, these results support a novel transcriptional role for NF-κB in regulation of Gadd45β expression and DNA demethylation in hippocampal neurons during fear memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jessica N Nichols
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Natasha L Pacheco
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
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Jacobs S, Wei W, Wang D, Tsien JZ. Importance of the GluN2B carboxy-terminal domain for enhancement of social memories. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:401-10. [PMID: 26179233 PMCID: PMC4509920 DOI: 10.1101/lm.038521.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is known to be necessary for many forms of learning and memory, including social recognition memory. Additionally, the GluN2 subunits are known to modulate multiple forms of memory, with a high GluN2A:GluN2B ratio leading to impairments in long-term memory, while a low GluN2A:GluN2B ratio enhances some forms of long-term memory. Here, we investigate the molecular motif responsible for the differences in social recognition memory and olfactory memory in the forebrain-specific transgenic GluN2A overexpression mice and the forebrain-specific transgenic GluN2B overexpression mice by using two transgenic mouse lines that overexpress chimeric GluN2 subunits. The transgenic chimeric GluN2 subunit mice were tested for their ability to learn and remember fruit scents, male juveniles of the same strain, females of the same strain, male juveniles of another strain, and rodents of another species. The data presented here demonstrate that the GluN2B carboxy-terminal domain is necessary for enhanced social recognition memory in GluN2B transgenic overexpression mice. Furthermore, the GluN2A carboxy-terminal domain is responsible for the impaired long-term olfactory and social memory observed in the GluN2A overexpression mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Jacobs
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia 30907, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Banna Biomedical Research Institute, Xi-Shuang-Ban-Na Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 666100, China
| | - Deheng Wang
- Banna Biomedical Research Institute, Xi-Shuang-Ban-Na Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 666100, China
| | - Joe Z Tsien
- Department of Neurology, Brain and Behavior Discovery Institute, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia 30907, USA
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40
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Kramer JM. Regulation of cell differentiation and function by the euchromatin histone methyltranserfases G9a and GLP. Biochem Cell Biol 2015. [PMID: 26198080 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2015-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The euchromatin histone methyltransferases (EHMTs) are an evolutionarily conserved protein family that are known for their ability to dimethylate histone 3 at lysine 9 in euchromatic regions of the genome. In mammals there are two EHMT proteins, G9a, encoded by EHMT2, and GLP, encoded by EHMT1. EHMTs have diverse roles in the differentiation of different tissues and cell types and are involved in adult-specific processes like memory, drug addiction, and immune response. This review discusses recent findings from rodent and Drosophila models that are beginning to reveal the broad biological role and complex mechanistic functioning of EHMT proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie M Kramer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Department of Biology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
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Environmental Enrichment Improves Behavior, Cognition, and Brain Functional Markers in Young Senescence-Accelerated Prone Mice (SAMP8). Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:2435-50. [PMID: 26014386 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The environment in which organisms live can greatly influence their development. Consequently, environmental enrichment (EE) is progressively recognized as an important component in the improvement of brain function and development. It has been demonstrated that rodents raised under EE conditions exhibit favorable neuroanatomical effects that improve their learning, spatial memory, and behavioral performance. Here, by using senescence-accelerated prone mice (SAMP8) and these as a model of adverse genetic conditions for brain development, we determined the effect of EE by raising these mice during early life under favorable conditions. We found a better generalized performance of SAMP8 under EE in the results of four behavioral and learning tests. In addition, we demonstrated broad molecular correlation in the hippocampus by an increase in NeuN and Ki67 expression, as well as an increase in the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as pleiotrophin (PTN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), with a parallel decrease in neurodegenerative markers such as GSK3, amyloid-beta precursor protein, and phosphorylated beta-catenin, and a reduction of SBDP120, Bax, GFAP, and interleukin-6 (IL-6), resulting in a neuroprotective panorama. Globally, it can be concluded that EE applied to SAMP8 at young ages resulted in epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that give rise to significant beneficial effects at the molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels during brain development, particularly in the hippocampus.
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Cohen JL, Glover ME, Pugh PC, Fant AD, Simmons RK, Akil H, Kerman IA, Clinton SM. Maternal Style Selectively Shapes Amygdalar Development and Social Behavior in Rats Genetically Prone to High Anxiety. Dev Neurosci 2015; 37:203-14. [PMID: 25791846 DOI: 10.1159/000374108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The early-life environment critically influences neurodevelopment and later psychological health. To elucidate neural and environmental elements that shape emotional behavior, we developed a rat model of individual differences in temperament and environmental reactivity. We selectively bred rats for high versus low behavioral response to novelty and found that high-reactive (bred high-responder, bHR) rats displayed greater risk-taking, impulsivity and aggression relative to low-reactive (bred low-responder, bLR) rats, which showed high levels of anxiety/depression-like behavior and certain stress vulnerability. The bHR/bLR traits are heritable, but prior work revealed bHR/bLR maternal style differences, with bLR dams showing more maternal attention than bHRs. The present study implemented a cross-fostering paradigm to examine the contribution of maternal behavior to the brain development and emotional behavior of bLR offspring. bLR offspring were reared by biological bLR mothers or fostered to a bLR or bHR mother and then evaluated to determine the effects on the following: (1) developmental gene expression in the hippocampus and amygdala and (2) adult anxiety/depression-like behavior. Genome-wide expression profiling showed that cross-fostering bLR rats to bHR mothers shifted developmental gene expression in the amygdala (but not hippocampus), reduced adult anxiety and enhanced social interaction. Our findings illustrate how an early-life manipulation such as cross-fostering changes the brain's developmental trajectory and ultimately impacts adult behavior. Moreover, while earlier studies highlighted hippocampal differences contributing to the bHR/bLR phenotypes, our results point to a role of the amygdala as well. Future work will pursue genetic and cellular mechanisms within the amygdala that contribute to bHR/bLR behavior either at baseline or following environmental manipulations. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala., USA
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A Neuronal Activity-Dependent Dual Function Chromatin-Modifying Complex Regulates Arc Expression. eNeuro 2015; 2:eN-NWR-0020-14. [PMID: 26464965 PMCID: PMC4586916 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0020-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin modification is an important epigenetic mechanism underlying neuroplasticity. Histone methylation and acetylation have both been shown to modulate gene expression, but the machinery responsible for mediating these changes in neurons has remained elusive. Here we identify a chromatin-modifying complex containing the histone demethylase PHF8 and the acetyltransferase TIP60 as a key regulator of the activity-induced expression of Arc, an important mediator of synaptic plasticity. Clinically, mutations in PHF8 cause X-linked mental retardation while TIP60 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. Within minutes of increased synaptic activity, this dual function complex is rapidly recruited to the Arc promoter, where it specifically counteracts the transcriptionally repressive histone mark H3K9me2 to facilitate the formation of the transcriptionally permissive H3K9acS10P, thereby favoring transcriptional activation. Consequently, gain-of-function of the PHF8-TIP60 complex in primary rat hippocampal neurons has a positive effect on early activity-induced Arc gene expression, whereas interfering with the function of this complex abrogates it. A global proteomics screen revealed that the majority of common interactors of PHF8 and TIP60 were involved in mRNA processing, including PSF, an important molecule involved in neuronal gene regulation. Finally, we proceeded to show, using super-resolution microscopy, that PHF8 and TIP60 interact at the single molecule level with PSF, thereby situating this chromatin modifying complex at the crossroads of transcriptional activation. These findings point toward a mechanism by which an epigenetic pathway can regulate neuronal activity-dependent gene transcription, which has implications in the development of novel therapeutics for disorders of learning and memory.
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Bach SV, Tacon PR, Morgan JW, Hegde AN. Proteasome regulates transcription-favoring histone methylation, acetylation and ubiquitination in long-term synaptic plasticity. Neurosci Lett 2015; 591:59-64. [PMID: 25687290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Histone modifications, such as lysine methylation, acetylation and ubiquitination, are epigenetic tags that shape the chromatin landscape and regulate transcription required for synaptic plasticity and memory. Here, we show that transcription-promoting histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3), histone H3 acetylated at lysine 9 and 14 (H3K9/14ac), and histone H2B monoubiquitinated at lysine 120 (H2BK120ub) are enhanced after the induction of long-lasting chemically-induced long-term potentiation (cLTP) in the murine hippocampus. While H3K4me3 and H3K9/14ac were transiently upregulated, H2BK120ub levels oscillated after cLTP induction. In addition, we present results showing that blocking the proteasome, a molecular complex specialized for targeted protein degradation, inhibited the upregulation of these epigenetic tags after cLTP. Thus, our study provides the initial steps toward understanding the role of the proteasome in regulating histone modifications critical for synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana V Bach
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - P Ryan Tacon
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - James W Morgan
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Ashok N Hegde
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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Maes T, Mascaró C, Ortega A, Lunardi S, Ciceri F, Somervaille TCP, Buesa C. KDM1 histone lysine demethylases as targets for treatments of oncological and neurodegenerative disease. Epigenomics 2015; 7:609-26. [PMID: 26111032 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Histone methylation and demethylation are important processes associated with the regulation of gene transcription, and alterations in histone methylation status have been linked to a large number of human diseases. Initially thought to be an irreversible process, histone methylation is now known to be reversed by two families of proteins containing over 30 members that act to remove methyl groups from specific lysine residues present in the tails of histone H3 and histone H4. A rapidly growing number of reports have implicated the FAD-dependent lysine specific demethylase (KDM1) family in cancer, and several small-molecule inhibitors are in development for the treatment of cancer. An additional role has emerged for KDM1 in brain function, offering additional opportunities for the development of novel therapeutic strategies in neurodegenerative disease. A decade after the identification of KDM1A as a histone demethylase, the first selective inhibitors have now reached the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Maes
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Cristina Mascaró
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Alberto Ortega
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Serena Lunardi
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Filippo Ciceri
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
| | - Tim C P Somervaille
- Leukaemia Biology Laboratory, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Carlos Buesa
- Oryzon Genomics S.A., Carrer Sant Ferran 74, 08940 Cornella de Llobregat, Barcelona, España
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Jarome TJ, Lubin FD. Epigenetic mechanisms of memory formation and reconsolidation. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2014; 115:116-27. [PMID: 25130533 PMCID: PMC4250295 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Memory consolidation involves transcriptional control of genes in neurons to stabilize a newly formed memory. Following retrieval, a once consolidated memory destabilizes and again requires gene transcription changes in order to restabilize, a process referred to as reconsolidation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of gene transcription during the consolidation and reconsolidation processes could provide crucial insights into normal memory formation and memory dysfunction associated with psychiatric disorders. In the past decade, modifications of epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation and posttranslational modifications of histone proteins have emerged as critical transcriptional regulators of gene expression during initial memory formation and after retrieval. In light of the rapidly growing literature in this exciting area of research, we here examine the most recent and latest evidence demonstrating how memory acquisition and retrieval trigger epigenetic changes during the consolidation and reconsolidation phases to impact behavior. In particular we focus on the reconsolidation process, where we discuss the already identified epigenetic regulators of gene transcription during memory reconsolidation, while exploring other potential epigenetic modifications that may also be involved, and expand on how these epigenetic modifications may be precisely and temporally controlled by important signaling cascades critical to the reconsolidation process. Finally, we explore the possibility that epigenetic mechanisms may serve to regulate a system or circuit level reconsolidation process and may be involved in retrieval-dependent memory updating. Hence, we propose that epigenetic mechanisms coordinate changes in neuronal gene transcription, not only during the initial memory consolidation phase, but are triggered by retrieval to regulate molecular and cellular processes during memory reconsolidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
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