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Shen Z, Li W, Chang W, Yue N, Yu J. Sex differences in chronic pain-induced mental disorders: Mechanisms of cerebral circuitry. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1102808. [PMID: 36891517 PMCID: PMC9986270 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1102808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental disorders such as anxiety and depression induced by chronic pain are common in clinical practice, and there are significant sex differences in their epidemiology. However, the circuit mechanism of this difference has not been fully studied, as preclinical studies have traditionally excluded female rodents. Recently, this oversight has begun to be resolved and studies including male and female rodents are revealing sex differences in the neurobiological processes behind mental disorder features. This paper reviews the structural functions involved in the injury perception circuit and advanced emotional cortex circuit. In addition, we also summarize the latest breakthroughs and insights into sex differences in neuromodulation through endogenous dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, GABAergic inhibition, norepinephrine, and peptide pathways like oxytocin, as well as their receptors. By comparing sex differences, we hope to identify new therapeutic targets to offer safer and more effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuqi Shen
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqi Chang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Yue
- Weifang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Jin Yu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wilson C, Moyano AL, Cáceres A. Perspectives on Mechanisms Supporting Neuronal Polarity From Small Animals to Humans. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:878142. [PMID: 35517494 PMCID: PMC9062071 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.878142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon-dendrite formation is a crucial milestone in the life history of neurons. During this process, historically referred as “the establishment of polarity,” newborn neurons undergo biochemical, morphological and functional transformations to generate the axonal and dendritic domains, which are the basis of neuronal wiring and connectivity. Since the implementation of primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons by Gary Banker and Max Cowan in 1977, the community of neurobiologists has made significant achievements in decoding signals that trigger axo-dendritic specification. External and internal cues able to switch on/off signaling pathways controlling gene expression, protein stability, the assembly of the polarity complex (i.e., PAR3-PAR6-aPKC), cytoskeleton remodeling and vesicle trafficking contribute to shape the morphology of neurons. Currently, the culture of hippocampal neurons coexists with alternative model systems to study neuronal polarization in several species, from single-cell to whole-organisms. For instance, in vivo approaches using C. elegans and D. melanogaster, as well as in situ imaging in rodents, have refined our knowledge by incorporating new variables in the polarity equation, such as the influence of the tissue, glia-neuron interactions and three-dimensional development. Nowadays, we have the unique opportunity of studying neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and test hypotheses previously originated in small animals and propose new ones perhaps specific for humans. Thus, this article will attempt to review critical mechanisms controlling polarization compiled over decades, highlighting points to be considered in new experimental systems, such as hiPSC neurons and human brain organoids.
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Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Sex-Specific Differences in Neurodegenerative Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1387:57-88. [PMID: 34921676 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is steadily increasing worldwide, and epidemiological studies strongly suggest that many of the diseases are sex-biased. It has long been suggested that biological sex differences are crucial for neurodegenerative diseases; however, how biological sex affects disease initiation, progression, and severity is not well-understood. Sex is a critical biological variable that should be taken into account in basic research, and this review aims to highlight the utility of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-derived models for studying sex-specific differences in neurodegenerative diseases, with advantages and limitations. In vitro systems utilizing species-specific, renewable, and physiologically relevant cell sources can provide powerful platforms for mechanistic studies, toxicity testings, and drug discovery. Matched healthy, patient-derived, and gene-corrected human iPSCs, from both sexes, can be utilized to generate neuronal and glial cell types affected by specific neurodegenerative diseases to study sex-specific differences in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) human culture systems. Such relatively simple and well-controlled systems can significantly contribute to the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying sex-specific differences, which can yield effective, and potentially sex-based strategies, against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Sertel SM, Blumenstein W, Mandad S, Shomroni O, Salinas G, Rizzoli SO. Differences in synaptic vesicle pool behavior between male and female hippocampal cultured neurons. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17374. [PMID: 34462487 PMCID: PMC8405817 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
A strong focus on sex-related differences has arisen recently in neurobiology, but most investigations focus on brain function in vivo, ignoring common experimental models like cultured neurons. A few studies have addressed morphological differences between male and female neurons in culture, but very few works focused on functional aspects, and especially on presynaptic function. To fill this gap, we studied here functional parameters of synaptic vesicle recycling in hippocampal cultures from male and female rats, which are a standard model system for many laboratories. We found that, although the total vesicle pools are similar, the recycling pool of male synapses was larger, and was more frequently used. This was in line with the observation that the male synapses engaged in stronger local translation. Nevertheless, the general network activity of the neurons was similar, and only small differences could be found when stimulating the cultures. We also found only limited differences in several other assays. We conclude that, albeit these cultures are similar in behavior, future studies of synapse behavior in culture should take the sex of the animals into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem M Sertel
- Institute for Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Wiebke Blumenstein
- Institute for Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sunit Mandad
- Institute for Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Orr Shomroni
- NGS-Integrative Genomics Core Unit Göttingen (NIG), Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Integrative Genomics Core Unit Göttingen (NIG), Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37077, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvio O Rizzoli
- Institute for Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany. .,Cluster of Excellence "Multiscale Bioimaging: From Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells" (MBExC), University of Göttingen, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.
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Cisternas CD, Cabrera Zapata LE, Mir FR, Scerbo MJ, Arevalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM, Cambiasso MJ. Estradiol-dependent axogenesis and Ngn3 expression are determined by XY sex chromosome complement in hypothalamic neurons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8223. [PMID: 32427857 PMCID: PMC7237695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65183-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic neurons show sex differences in neuritogenesis, female neurons have longer axons and higher levels of the neuritogenic factor neurogenin 3 (Ngn3) than male neurons in vitro. Moreover, the effect of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on axonal growth and Ngn3 expression is only found in male-derived neurons. To investigate whether sex chromosomes regulate these early sex differences in neuritogenesis by regulating the E2 effect on Ngn3, we evaluated the growth and differentiation of hypothalamic neurons derived from the “four core genotypes” mouse model, in which the factors of “gonadal sex” and “sex chromosome complement” are dissociated. We showed that sex differences in neurite outgrowth are determined by sex chromosome complement (XX > XY). Moreover, E2 increased the mRNA expression of Ngn3 and axonal length only in XY neurons. ERα/β expressions are regulated by sex chromosome complement; however, E2-effect on Ngn3 expression in XY neurons was only fully reproduced by PPT, a specific ligand of ERα, and prevented by MPP, a specific antagonist of ERα. Together our data indicate that sex chromosomes regulate early development of hypothalamic neurons by orchestrating not only sex differences in neuritogenesis, but also regulating the effect of E2 on Ngn3 expression through activation of ERα in hypothalamic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Daniela Cisternas
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología Bucal, Facultad de Odontología -Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucas Ezequiel Cabrera Zapata
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Franco Rafael Mir
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Julia Scerbo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - María Angeles Arevalo
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid, Spain.,Ciber de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina. .,Departamento de Biología Bucal, Facultad de Odontología -Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Mir FR, Wilson C, Cabrera Zapata LE, Aguayo LG, Cambiasso MJ. Gonadal hormone-independent sex differences in GABA A receptor activation in rat embryonic hypothalamic neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3075-3090. [PMID: 32133616 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE GABAA receptor functions are dependent on subunit composition, and, through their activation, GABA can exert trophic actions in immature neurons. Although several sex differences in GABA-mediated responses are known to be dependent on gonadal hormones, few studies have dealt with sex differences detected before the critical period of brain masculinisation. In this study, we assessed GABAA receptor functionality in sexually segregated neurons before brain hormonal masculinisation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Ventromedial hypothalamic neurons were obtained from embryonic day 16 rat brains and grown in vitro for 2 days. Calcium imaging and electrophysiology recordings were carried out to assess GABAA receptor functional parameters. KEY RESULTS GABAA receptor activation elicited calcium entry in immature hypothalamic neurons mainly through L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels. Nifedipine blocked calcium entry more efficiently in male than in female neurons. There were more male than female neurons responding to GABA, and they needed more time to return to resting levels. Pharmacological characterisation revealed that propofol enhanced GABAA -mediated currents and blunted GABA-mediated calcium entry more efficiently in female neurons than in males. Testosterone treatment did not erase such sex differences. These data suggest sex differences in the expression of GABAA receptor subtypes. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS GABA-mediated responses are sexually dimorphic even in the absence of gonadal hormone influence, suggesting genetically biased differences. These results highlight the importance of GABAA receptors in hypothalamic neurons even before hormonal masculinisation of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco R Mir
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de La Rioja, La Rioja, Argentina
| | - Carlos Wilson
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Centro de Investigación en Medicina Traslaciona, Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Biomédicas de Córdoba (IUCBC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lucas E Cabrera Zapata
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Luis G Aguayo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - María Julia Cambiasso
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología, Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Biología Bucal, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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