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Zhou H, Gelernter J. Human genetics and epigenetics of alcohol use disorder. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e172885. [PMID: 39145449 PMCID: PMC11324314 DOI: 10.1172/jci172885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a prominent contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Its complex etiology involves genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors. We review progress in understanding the genetics and epigenetics of AUD, summarizing the key findings. Advancements in technology over the decades have elevated research from early candidate gene studies to present-day genome-wide scans, unveiling numerous genetic and epigenetic risk factors for AUD. The latest GWAS on more than one million participants identified more than 100 genetic variants, and the largest epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) in blood and brain samples have revealed tissue-specific epigenetic changes. Downstream analyses revealed enriched pathways, genetic correlations with other traits, transcriptome-wide association in brain tissues, and drug-gene interactions for AUD. We also discuss limitations and future directions, including increasing the power of GWAS and EWAS studies as well as expanding the diversity of populations included in these analyses. Larger samples, novel technologies, and analytic approaches are essential; these include whole-genome sequencing, multiomics, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, deep-learning prediction of variant function, and integrated methods for disease risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science
- Center for Brain and Mind Health
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Genetics, and
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Heidari N, Hajikarim-Hamedani A, Heidari A, Ghane Y, Ashabi G, Zarrindast MR, Sadat-Shirazi MS. Alcohol: Epigenome alteration and inter/transgenerational effect. Alcohol 2024; 117:27-41. [PMID: 38508286 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
While DNA serves as the fundamental genetic blueprint for an organism, it is not a static entity. Gene expression, the process by which genetic information is utilized to create functional products like proteins, can be modulated by a diverse range of environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, play a pivotal role in mediating the intricate interplay between the environment and gene expression. Intriguingly, alterations in the epigenome have the potential to be inherited across generations. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) poses significant health issues worldwide. Alcohol has the capability to induce changes in the epigenome, which can be inherited by offspring, thus impacting them even in the absence of direct alcohol exposure. This review delves into the impact of alcohol on the epigenome, examining how its effects vary based on factors such as the age of exposure (adolescence or adulthood), the duration of exposure (chronic or acute), and the specific sample collected (brain, blood, or sperm). The literature underscores that alcohol exposure can elicit diverse effects on the epigenome during different life stages. Furthermore, compelling evidence from human and animal studies demonstrates that alcohol induces alterations in epigenome content, affecting both the brain and blood. Notably, rodent studies suggest that these epigenetic changes can result in lasting phenotype alterations that extend across at least two generations. In conclusion, the comprehensive literature analysis supports the notion that alcohol exposure induces lasting epigenetic alterations, influencing the behavior and health of future generations. This knowledge emphasizes the significance of addressing the potential transgenerational effects of alcohol and highlights the importance of preventive measures to minimize the adverse impact on offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Heidari
- School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhossein Heidari
- Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yekta Ghane
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hilal FF, Jeanblanc J, Deschamps C, Naassila M, Pierrefiche O, Ben Hamida S. Epigenetic drugs and psychedelics as emerging therapies for alcohol use disorder: insights from preclinical studies. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:525-561. [PMID: 38554193 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02757-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide leading to physical, mental and socio-economic consequences. While current treatments for AUD have provided relief to individuals, their effectiveness on the long term is often limited, leaving a number of affected individuals without sustainable solutions. In this review, we aim to explore two emerging approaches for AUD: psychedelics and epigenetic drugs (i.e., epidrugs). By examining preclinical studies, different animal species and procedures, we delve into the potential benefits of each of these treatments in terms of addictive behaviors (alcohol drinking and seeking, motivation to drink alcohol and prevention of relapse). Because psychedelics and epidrugs may share common and complementary mechanisms of action, there is an exciting opportunity for exploring synergies between these approaches and their parallel effectiveness in treating AUD and the diverse associated psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahd François Hilal
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Jerome Jeanblanc
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Chloé Deschamps
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Mickael Naassila
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
| | - Olivier Pierrefiche
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France
| | - Sami Ben Hamida
- INSERM UMR 1247-Research Group on Alcohol and Pharmacodependences (GRAP), Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Chemin du Thil - Centre Universitaire de Recherche en Santé, 80025, Amiens, France.
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4
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Andrade-Brito DE, Núñez-Ríos DL, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nagamatsu ST, Rompala G, Zillich L, Witt SH, Clark SL, Lattig MC, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome analysis reveal significant loci associated with alcohol use disorder. Front Genet 2024; 15:1345410. [PMID: 38633406 PMCID: PMC11021708 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1345410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition associated with adverse health consequences that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation (5 mC), have been associated with AUD and other alcohol-related traits. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have identified differentially methylated genes associated with AUD in human peripheral and brain tissue. More recently, epigenetic studies of AUD have also evaluated DNA hydroxymethylation (5 hmC) in the human brain. However, most of the epigenetic work in postmortem brain tissue has examined bulk tissue. In this study, we investigated neuronal-specific 5 mC and 5 hmC alterations at CpG sites associated with AUD in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Methods: Neuronal nuclei from the OFC were evaluated in 34 human postmortem brain samples (10 AUD, 24 non-AUD). Reduced representation oxidative bisulfite sequencing was used to assess 5 mC and 5 hmC at the genome-wide level. Differential 5 mC and 5 hmC were evaluated using the methylKit R package and significance was set at false discovery rate < 0.05 and differential methylation > 2. Functional enrichment analyses were performed, and gene-level convergence was evaluated in an independent dataset that assessed 5 mC and 5 hmC of AUD in bulk cortical tissue. Results: We identified 417 5 mC and 363 5hmC significant differential CpG sites associated with AUD, with 59% in gene promoters. Some of the identified genes have been previously implicated in alcohol consumption, including SYK, DNMT3A for 5 mC, GAD1, DLX1, DLX2, for 5 hmC and GATA4 in both. Convergence with a previous AUD 5 mC and 5 hmC study was observed for 28 genes. We also identified 5 and 35 differential regions for 5 mC and 5 hmC, respectively. Lastly, GWAS enrichment analysis showed an association with AUD for differential 5 mC genes. Discussion: This study reveals neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome dysregulation associated with AUD, identifying both previously reported and potentially novel gene associations with AUD. Our findings provide new insights into the epigenomic dysregulation of AUD in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego E. Andrade-Brito
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Diana L. Núñez-Ríos
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Sheila T. Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shaunna L. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Maria C. Lattig
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Janitza L. Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, United States
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White JD, Minto MS, Willis C, Quach BC, Han S, Tao R, Deep-Soboslay A, Zillich L, Clark SL, van den Oord EJCG, Hyde TM, Mayfield RD, Webb BT, Johnson EO, Kleinman JE, Bierut LJ, Hancock DB. Alcohol Use Disorder-Associated DNA Methylation in the Nucleus Accumbens and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.17.23300238. [PMID: 38293028 PMCID: PMC10827272 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.17.23300238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Alcohol use disorder (AUD) has a profound public health impact. However, understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the development and progression of AUD remain limited. Here, we interrogate AUD-associated DNA methylation (DNAm) changes within and across addiction-relevant brain regions: the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Methods Illumina HumanMethylation EPIC array data from 119 decedents of European ancestry (61 cases, 58 controls) were analyzed using robust linear regression, with adjustment for technical and biological variables. Associations were characterized using integrative analyses of public gene regulatory data and published genetic and epigenetic studies. We additionally tested for brain region-shared and -specific associations using mixed effects modeling and assessed implications of these results using public gene expression data. Results At a false discovery rate ≤ 0.05, we identified 53 CpGs significantly associated with AUD status for NAc and 31 CpGs for DLPFC. In a meta-analysis across the regions, we identified an additional 21 CpGs associated with AUD, for a total of 105 unique AUD-associated CpGs (120 genes). AUD-associated CpGs were enriched in histone marks that tag active promoters and our strongest signals were specific to a single brain region. Of the 120 genes, 23 overlapped with previous genetic associations for substance use behaviors; all others represent novel associations. Conclusions Our findings identify AUD-associated methylation signals, the majority of which are specific within NAc or DLPFC. Some signals may constitute predisposing genetic and epigenetic variation, though more work is needed to further disentangle the neurobiological gene regulatory differences associated with AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie D. White
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
| | | | - Caryn Willis
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
| | - Bryan C. Quach
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
| | | | - Ran Tao
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD)
| | | | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shaunna L. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University
| | | | | | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Bradley T. Webb
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
| | - Eric O. Johnson
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
- Fellow Program, RTI International
| | | | - Laura J. Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Dana B. Hancock
- GenOmics and Translational Research Center, RTI International
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Andrade-Brito DE, Núñez-Ríos DL, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nagamatsu ST, Rompala G, Zillich L, Witt SH, Clark SL, Latig MC, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome analysis reveal replicated and novel loci associated with alcohol use disorder. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.11.28.23299094. [PMID: 38105948 PMCID: PMC10725575 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.23299094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex condition associated with adverse health consequences that affect millions of individuals worldwide. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation (5mC), have been associated with AUD and other alcohol-related traits. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have identified differentially methylated genes associated with AUD in human peripheral and brain tissue. More recently, epigenetic studies of AUD have also evaluated DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in the human brain. However, most of the epigenetic work in postmortem brain tissue has examined bulk tissue. In this study, we investigated neuronal-specific 5mC and 5hmC alterations at CpG sites associated with AUD in the human orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Neuronal nuclei from the OFC were evaluated in 34 human postmortem brain samples (10 AUD, 24 non-AUD). Reduced representation oxidative bisulfite sequencing was used to assess 5mC and 5hmC at the genome-wide level. Differential 5mC and 5hmC were evaluated using the methylKit R package and significance was set at false discovery rate <0.05 and differential methylation >2. Functional enrichment analyses were performed and replication was evaluated replication in an independent dataset that assessed 5mC and 5hmC of AUD in bulk cortical tissue. We identified 417 5mC and 363 5hmC genome-wide significant differential CpG sites associated with AUD, with 59% in gene promoters. We also identified genes previously implicated in alcohol consumption, such as SYK, CHRM2, DNMT3A, and GATA4, for 5mC and GATA4, and GAD1, GATA4, DLX1 for 5hmC. Replication was observed for 28 CpG sites from a previous AUD 5mC and 5hmC study, including FOXP1. Lastly, GWAS enrichment analysis showed an association with AUD for differential 5mC genes. This study reveals neuronal-specific methylome and hydroxymethylome dysregulation associated with AUD. We replicated previous findings and identified novel associations with AUD for both 5mC and 5hmC marks within the OFC. Our findings provide new insights into the epigenomic dysregulation of AUD in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego E. Andrade-Brito
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Diana L. Núñez-Ríos
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sheila T. Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Shaunna L. Clark
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Maria C. Latig
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Janitza L. Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, VA CT Healthcare, West Haven, CT, USA
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Mulholland PJ, Padula AE, Wilhelm LJ, Park B, Grant KA, Ferguson BM, Cervera-Juanes R. Cross-species epigenetic regulation of nucleus accumbens KCNN3 transcripts by excessive ethanol drinking. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:364. [PMID: 38012158 PMCID: PMC10682415 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving functional adaptations in neuronal excitability and excessive alcohol intake are poorly understood. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2 or SK) channels encoded by the KCNN family of genes have emerged from preclinical studies as a key contributor to alcohol-induced functional neuroadaptations in alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol-dependent mice. Here, this cross-species analysis focused on KCNN3 DNA methylation, gene expression, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, including alternative promoters in KCNN3, that could influence surface trafficking and function of KCa2 channels. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the nucleus accumbens tissue from alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol-dependent mice revealed a differentially methylated region in exon 1A of KCNN3 that overlaps with a predicted promoter sequence. The hypermethylation of KCNN3 in the accumbens paralleled an increase in the expression of alternative transcripts that encode apamin-insensitive and dominant-negative KCa2 channel isoforms. A polymorphic repeat in macaque KCNN3 encoded by exon 1 did not correlate with alcohol drinking. At the protein level, KCa2.3 channel expression in the accumbens was significantly reduced in very heavy-drinking monkeys. Together, our cross-species findings on epigenetic dysregulation of KCNN3 represent a complex mechanism that utilizes alternative promoters to potentially impact the firing of accumbens neurons. Thus, these results provide support for hypermethylation of KCNN3 as a possible key molecular mechanism underlying harmful alcohol intake and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Audrey E Padula
- Department of Neuroscience, Charleston Alcohol Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Larry J Wilhelm
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Kathleen A Grant
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Betsy M Ferguson
- Department of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rita Cervera-Juanes
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
- Center for Precision Medicine, Atrium Health Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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Juanes RC, Mulholland P, Padula A, Wilhelm L, Park B, Grant K, Ferguson B. Cross-species epigenetic regulation of nucleus accumbens KCNN3 transcripts by excessive ethanol drinking. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3315122. [PMID: 37790552 PMCID: PMC10543433 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3315122/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
The underlying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms driving functional adaptations in neuronal excitability and excessive alcohol intake are poorly understood. Small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa2 or SK) channels encoded by the KCNN family of genes have emerged from preclinical studies as a key contributor to alcohol-induced functional neuroadaptations in alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol dependent mice. Here, this cross-species analysis focused on KCNN3 DNA methylation, gene expression, and single nucleotide polymorphisms including alternative promoters in KCNN3 that could influence surface trafficking and function of KCa2 channels. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the nucleus accumbens tissue from alcohol-drinking monkeys and alcohol dependent mice revealed a differentially methylated region in exon 1A of KCNN3 that overlaps with a predicted promoter sequence. The hypermethylation of KCNN3 in the accumbens paralleled an increase in expression of alternative transcripts that encode apamin-insensitive and dominant-negative KCa2 channel isoforms. A polymorphic repeat in macaque KCNN3 encoded by exon 1 did not correlate with alcohol drinking. At the protein level, KCa2.3 channel expression in the accumbens was significantly reduced in very heavy drinking monkeys. Together, our cross-species findings on epigenetic dysregulation of KCNN3 represent a complex mechanism that utilizes alternative promoters to impact firing of accumbens neurons. Thus, these results provide support for hypermethylation of KCNN3 as a possible key molecular mechanism underlying harmful alcohol intake and alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Betsy Ferguson
- Oregon Health & Sciences University/Oregon National Primate Research Center
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Rompala G, Nagamatsu ST, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nuñez-Ríos DL, Wang J, Girgenti MJ, Krystal JH, Gelernter J, Hurd YL, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Profiling neuronal methylome and hydroxymethylome of opioid use disorder in the human orbitofrontal cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4544. [PMID: 37507366 PMCID: PMC10382503 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While recent research suggests epigenetic disturbances in OUD, this is mostly limited to DNA methylation (5mC). DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) has been widely understudied. We conducted a multi-omics profiling of OUD in a male cohort, integrating neuronal-specific 5mC and 5hmC as well as gene expression profiles from human postmortem orbitofrontal cortex (OUD = 12; non-OUD = 26). Single locus methylomic analysis and co-methylation analysis showed a higher number of OUD-associated genes and gene networks for 5hmC compared to 5mC; these were enriched for GPCR, Wnt, neurogenesis, and opioid signaling. 5hmC marks also showed a higher correlation with gene expression patterns and enriched for GWAS of psychiatric traits. Drug interaction analysis revealed interactions with opioid-related drugs, some used as OUD treatments. Our multi-omics findings suggest an important role of 5hmC and reveal loci epigenetically dysregulated in OFC neurons of individuals with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila T Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Diana L Nuñez-Ríos
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew J Girgenti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA.
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Kouter K, Šalamon Arčan I, Videtič Paska A. Epigenetics in psychiatry: Beyond DNA methylation. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:319-330. [PMID: 37383287 PMCID: PMC10294132 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i6.319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The global burden of psychopathologies appears to be underestimated, since the global psychiatric disorder burden is exceeding other medical burdens. To be able to address this problem more effectively, we need to better understand the etiology of psychiatric disorders. One of the hallmarks of psychiatric disorders appears to be epigenetic dysregulation. While some epigenetic modifications (such as DNA methylation) are well known and studied, the roles of others have been investigated much less. DNA hydroxymethylation is a rarely studied epigenetic modification, which as well as being an intermediate stage in the DNA demethylation cycle is also an independent steady cell state involved in neurodevelopment and plasticity. In contrast to DNA methylation, DNA hydroxymethylation appears to be related to an increase in gene expression and subsequent protein expression. Although no particular gene or genetic locus can be at this point linked to changes in DNA hydroxymethylation in psychiatric disorders, the epigenetic marks present good potential for biomarker identification because the epigenetic landscape is a result of the interplay between genes and environment, which both influence the development of psychiatric disorders, and because hydoxymethylation changes are particularly enriched in the brain and in synapse-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Kouter
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Iris Šalamon Arčan
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Alja Videtič Paska
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Arfmann W, Achenbach J, Meyer-Bockenkamp F, Proskynitopoulos PJ, Groh A, Muschler MAN, Glahn A, Hagemeier L, Preuss V, Klintschar M, Frieling H, Rhein M. Comparing DRD2 Promoter Methylation Between Blood and Brain in Alcohol Dependence. Alcohol Alcohol 2023; 58:216-223. [PMID: 36747480 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agad005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) is substantially involved in several forms of addiction. In addition to genetic polymorphisms, epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as an important means of regulation. Previously, DRD2 hypo- and hyper-methylation have been observed in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Blood samples are commonly used as a surrogate marker of epigenetic alterations in epigenetic research, but few specific comparisons between blood and brain tissue samples in AUD exist. METHODS We used post-mortem brain tissue samples of 17 deceased patients with AUD and 31 deceased controls to investigate the relationship between blood and brain methylation of the DRD2 promoter. RESULTS When investigating individual cytosine methylation sites (CpG), several significant differences were found in the nucleus accumbens and hippocampus in the study population. Investigating binding sites with significant differences in methylation levels revealed hypomethylated CpGs targeting mainly activating transcription factors. CONCLUSION These findings support an altered transcription of the DRD2 gene in AUD specimens with a consecutively changed reward response in the brain. While methylation between specific brain regions and blood is comparable, our study further suggests that blood methylation cannot provide meaningful perspectives on DRD2 promoter methylation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Arfmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Johannes Achenbach
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fiona Meyer-Bockenkamp
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Phileas J Proskynitopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Adrian Groh
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Marc A N Muschler
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexander Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lars Hagemeier
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Preuss
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Klintschar
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Mathias Rhein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Jarczak J, Miszczak M, Radwanska K. Is DNA methylation in the brain a mechanism of alcohol use disorder? Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:957203. [PMID: 36778133 PMCID: PMC9908583 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.957203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a worldwide problem. Unfortunately, the molecular mechanisms of alcohol misuse are still poorly understood, therefore successful therapeutic approaches are limited. Accumulating data indicate that the tendency for compulsive alcohol use is inherited, suggesting a genetic background as an important factor. However, the probability to develop AUD is also affected by life experience and environmental factors. Therefore, the epigenetic modifications that are altered over lifetime likely contribute to increased risk of alcohol misuse. Here, we review the literature looking for the link between DNA methylation in the brain, a common epigenetic modification, and AUD-related behaviors in humans, mice and rats. We sum up the main findings, identify the existing gaps in our knowledge and indicate future directions of the research.
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Ferguson LB, Mayfield RD, Messing RO. RNA biomarkers for alcohol use disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1032362. [PMID: 36407766 PMCID: PMC9673015 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1032362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent and one of the leading causes of disability in the US and around the world. There are some molecular biomarkers of heavy alcohol use and liver damage which can suggest AUD, but these are lacking in sensitivity and specificity. AUD treatment involves psychosocial interventions and medications for managing alcohol withdrawal, assisting in abstinence and reduced drinking (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and some off-label medications), and treating comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression and anxiety). It has been suggested that various patient groups within the heterogeneous AUD population would respond more favorably to specific treatment approaches. For example, there is some evidence that so-called reward-drinkers respond better to naltrexone than acamprosate. However, there are currently no objective molecular markers to separate patients into optimal treatment groups or any markers of treatment response. Objective molecular biomarkers could aid in AUD diagnosis and patient stratification, which could personalize treatment and improve outcomes through more targeted interventions. Biomarkers of treatment response could also improve AUD management and treatment development. Systems biology considers complex diseases and emergent behaviors as the outcome of interactions and crosstalk between biomolecular networks. A systems approach that uses transcriptomic (or other -omic data, e.g., methylome, proteome, metabolome) can capture genetic and environmental factors associated with AUD and potentially provide sensitive, specific, and objective biomarkers to guide patient stratification, prognosis of treatment response or relapse, and predict optimal treatments. This Review describes and highlights state-of-the-art research on employing transcriptomic data and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to serve as molecular biomarkers with the goal of improving the clinical management of AUD. Considerations about future directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B. Ferguson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Laura B. Ferguson,
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Robert O. Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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