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Nunes EJ, Kebede N, Rajadhyaksha AM, Addy NA. L-type calcium channel regulation of depression, anxiety and anhedonia-related behavioral phenotypes following chronic stress exposure. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110031. [PMID: 38871116 PMCID: PMC11334593 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to chronic and unpredictable stressors can precipitate mood-related disorders in humans, particularly in individuals with pre-existing mental health challenges. L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) have been implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, as LTCC encoding genes have been identified as candidate risk factors for neuropsychiatric illnesses. In these sets of experiments, we sought to examine the ability of LTCC blockade to alter depression, anxiety, and anhedonic-related behavioral responses to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) exposure in female and male rats. Rats first underwent either 21 days of CUS or no exposure to chronic stressors, serving as home cage controls (HCC). Then rats were examined for anhedonia-related behavior, anxiety and depression-like behavioral responses as measured by the sucrose preference test (SPT), elevated plus maze (EPM), and forced swim test (FST). CUS exposed females and males showed anhedonic and anxiogenic-like behavioral responses on the SPT and EPM, respectively, when compared to HCCs. In female and male rats, systemic administration of the LTCC blocker isradipine (0.4 mg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg, I.P.) attenuated the CUS-induced decrease in sucrose preference and reversed the CUS-induced decrease in open arm time. In the FST, systemic isradipine decreased immobility time across all groups, consistent with an antidepressant-like response. However, there were no significant differences in forced swim test immobility time between HCC and CUS exposed animals. Taken together, these data point to a role of LTCCs in the regulation of mood disorder-related behavioral phenotype responses to chronic stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nardos Kebede
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Anjali M Rajadhyaksha
- Center for Substance Abuse Research and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nii A Addy
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Nunes EJ, Addy NA. L-type calcium channel regulation of dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area to nucleus accumbens pathway: Implications for substance use, mood disorders and co-morbidities. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109336. [PMID: 36414149 PMCID: PMC11215796 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
L-type calcium channels (LTCCs), including the Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 LTCC subtypes, are important regulators of calcium entry into neurons, which mediates neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 are encoded by the CACNA1C and CACNA1D genes, respectively. These genes are implicated in substance use disorders and depression in humans, as demonstrated by genetic-wide association studies (GWAS). Pre-clinical models have also revealed a critical role of LTCCs on drug and mood related behavior, including the co-morbidity of substance use and mood disorders. Moreover, LTCCs have been shown to regulate the neuronal firing of dopamine (DA) neurons as well as drug and stress-induced plasticity within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to nucleus accumbens (NAc) pathway. Thus, LTCCs are interesting targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to voltage-gated calcium channels, specifically focusing on the LTCCs. We place particular emphasis on the ability of LTCCs to regulate DA neuronal activity and downstream signaling in the VTA to NAc pathway, and how such processes mediate substance use and mood disorder-related behavioral responses. We also discuss the bi-directional control of VTA LTCCs on drug and mood-related behaviors in pre-clinical models, with implications for co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis. We conclude with a section on the clinical implications of LTCC blockers, many which are already FDA approved as cardiac medications. Thus, pre-clinical and clinical work should examine the potential of LTCC blockers to be repurposed for neuropsychiatric illness. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'L-type calcium channel mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J. Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Yale School of Medicine
| | - Nii A. Addy
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
- Yale Tobacco Center of Regulatory Science, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University
- Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University
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3
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Champeil-Potokar G, Kreichati L, Rampin O, Denis I, Darcel N, Bombail V. Rats chirp with their mouth full: During an experimental meal, adult male Wistar rats emitted flat ultrasonic vocalisations upon feeding. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1089631. [PMID: 36815182 PMCID: PMC9939450 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1089631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rats produce ultrasonic vocalisation (USVs) that are classified into different types, based on their average frequency. In pups 40 kHz USVs are produced upon social isolation, and in adults USVs can be associated with affective states and specific behavioural patterns (i.e., appetitive 50 kHz vocalisations of frequency range 30-100 kHz, or aversive 20 kHz vocalisations of frequency range 18-30 kHz). Generally, USVs of frequency around 50 kHz are linked to activation of brain reward pathways, during anticipation or experience of rewarding stimuli. Previous studies have described several subtypes of 50 kHz USVs, according to their acoustic properties. We asked whether USV production might be relevant to feeding behaviour. We recorded USVs from 14-week old adult rats during the satisfaction of a physiological need: refeeding following mild food deprivation (17 h overnight fast). We analysed a 10 min consummatory phase, preceded by a 10 min anticipatory phase, as a control for the experimental meal. Following identification of USV subtypes, we applied frequentist and Bayesian (Monte Carlo shuffling) statistical analyses to investigate the relationship between USV emission and rat behaviour. We found that it was not total USV quantity that varied in response to food consumption, but the subtype of USV produced. Most importantly we found that rats who feed tend to produce flat USVs of a frequency around 40 kHz. Beyond the previous reports of circumstantial association feeding-flat USVs, our observation directly correlate vocalisation and ingestive behaviour. Our study highlights that, in addition to quantification of the production rate, study of USV subtypes might inform us further on rat consummatory behaviour. Since this vocalisation behaviour can have a communicative purpose, those findings also illustrate nutrition studies might benefit from considering the possible social dimension of feeding behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle Champeil-Potokar
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Léa Kreichati
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Olivier Rampin
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Denis
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Darcel
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France
| | - Vincent Bombail
- Physiology of Nutrition and Feeding Behaviour Unit (PNCA, UMR 0914), University of Paris-Saclay-AgroParisTech-National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE), Paris, France.,Animal Behaviour and Welfare Group, Scotland's Rural College, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The CACNA1C gene encodes the pore-forming subunit of the CaV1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel, a critical component of membrane physiology in multiple tissues, including the heart, brain, and immune system. As such, mutations altering the function of these channels have the potential to impact a wide array of cellular functions. The first mutations identified within CACNA1C were shown to cause a severe, multisystem disorder known as Timothy syndrome (TS), which is characterized by neurodevelopmental deficits, long-QT syndrome, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, craniofacial abnormalities, and immune deficits. Since this initial description, the number and variety of disease-associated mutations identified in CACNA1C have grown tremendously, expanding the range of phenotypes observed in affected patients. CACNA1C channelopathies are now known to encompass multisystem phenotypes as described in TS, as well as more selective phenotypes where patients may exhibit predominantly cardiac or neurological symptoms. Here, we review the impact of genetic mutations on CaV1.2 function and the resultant physiological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin G Herold
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John W Hussey
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ivy E Dick
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Hasin N, Riggs LM, Shekhtman T, Ashworth J, Lease R, Oshone RT, Humphries EM, Badner JA, Thomson PA, Glahn DC, Craig DW, Edenberg HJ, Gershon ES, McMahon FJ, Nurnberger JI, Zandi PP, Kelsoe JR, Roach JC, Gould TD, Ament SA. Rare variants implicate NMDA receptor signaling and cerebellar gene networks in risk for bipolar disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3842-3856. [PMID: 35546635 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01609-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder is an often-severe mental health condition characterized by alternation between extreme mood states of mania and depression. Despite strong heritability and the recent identification of 64 common variant risk loci of small effect, pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we analyzed genome sequences from 41 multiply-affected pedigrees and identified variants in 741 genes with nominally significant linkage or association with bipolar disorder. These 741 genes overlapped known risk genes for neurodevelopmental disorders and clustered within gene networks enriched for synaptic and nuclear functions. The top variant in this analysis - prioritized by statistical association, predicted deleteriousness, and network centrality - was a missense variant in the gene encoding D-amino acid oxidase (DAOG131V). Heterologous expression of DAOG131V in human cells resulted in decreased DAO protein abundance and enzymatic activity. In a knock-in mouse model of DAOG131, DaoG130V/+, we similarly found decreased DAO protein abundance in hindbrain regions, as well as enhanced stress susceptibility and blunted behavioral responses to pharmacological inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). RNA sequencing of cerebellar tissue revealed that DaoG130V resulted in decreased expression of two gene networks that are enriched for synaptic functions and for genes expressed, respectively, in Purkinje neurons or granule neurons. These gene networks were also down-regulated in the cerebellum of patients with bipolar disorder compared to healthy controls and were enriched for additional rare variants associated with bipolar disorder risk. These findings implicate dysregulation of NMDAR signaling and of gene expression in cerebellar neurons in bipolar disorder pathophysiology and provide insight into its genetic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naushaba Hasin
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lace M Riggs
- Program in Neuroscience and Training Program in Integrative Membrane Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tatyana Shekhtman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Robert Lease
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rediet T Oshone
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Humphries
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Program in Molecular Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Judith A Badner
- Department of Psychiatry, Rush University Medical College, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pippa A Thomson
- Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David W Craig
- Department of Translational Genomics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Howard J Edenberg
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Elliot S Gershon
- Departments of Psychiatry and Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Francis J McMahon
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John I Nurnberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Peter P Zandi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - John R Kelsoe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Todd D Gould
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology and Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Seth A Ament
- Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Appetitive 50 kHz calls in a pavlovian conditioned approach task in Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 250:113795. [PMID: 35351494 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113795] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that rats emit high-frequency 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) during sign- and goal-tracking in a common Pavlovian conditioned approach task. Such 50 kHz calls are probably related to positive affect and are associated with meso-limbic dopamine function. In humans, the CACNA1C gene, encoding for the α1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2, is implicated in several mental disorders, including mood disorders associated with altered dopamine signaling. In the present study, we investigated sign- and goal-tracking behavior and the emission of 50 kHz USV in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats in a task where food pellet delivery is signaled by an appearance of an otherwise inoperable lever. Over the course of this Pavlovian training, these rats not only increased their approach to the reward site, but also their rates of pressing the inoperable lever. During subsequent extinction tests, where reward delivery was omitted, extinction patterns differed between reward site (i.e. magazine entries) and lever, since magazine entries quickly declined whereas behavior towards the lever transiently increased. Based on established criteria to define sign- or goal-tracking individuals, no CACNA1C rat met a sign-tracking criterion, since around 42% of rats tested where goal-trackers and the other 58% fell into an intermediate range. Regarding USV, we found that the CACNA1C rats emitted 50 kHz calls with a clear subject-dependent pattern; also, most of them were of a flat subtype and occurred mainly during initial habituation phases without cues or rewards. Compared, to previously published wildtype controls, Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats displayed reduced numbers of appetitive 50 kHz calls. Moreover, similar to wildtype littermate controls, 50 kHz call emission in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats was intra-individually stable over training days and was negatively associated with goal-tracking. Together, these findings provide evidence in support of 50 kHz calls as trait marker. The finding that Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats show reductions of 50 kHz calls accompanied with more goal-tracking, is consistent with the assumption of altered dopamine signaling in these rats, a finding which supports their applicability in models of mental disorders.
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Grinevich VP, Zakirov AN, Berseneva UV, Gerasimova EV, Gainetdinov RR, Budygin EA. Applying a Fast-Scan Cyclic Voltammetry to Explore Dopamine Dynamics in Animal Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091533. [PMID: 35563838 PMCID: PMC9100021 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress in the development of technologies for the real-time monitoring of neurotransmitter dynamics has provided researchers with effective tools for the exploration of etiology and molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. One of these powerful tools is fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV), a technique which has progressively been used in animal models of diverse pathological conditions associated with alterations in dopamine transmission. Indeed, for several decades FSCV studies have provided substantial insights into our understanding of the role of abnormal dopaminergic transmission in pathogenetic mechanisms of drug and alcohol addiction, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, etc. Here we review the applications of FSCV to research neuropsychiatric disorders with particular attention to recent technological advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir P. Grinevich
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Amir N. Zakirov
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Uliana V. Berseneva
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Elena V. Gerasimova
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
| | - Raul R. Gainetdinov
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine and St. Petersburg State University Hospital, St. Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Emb. 7-9, St. Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Evgeny A. Budygin
- Department of Neurobiology, Sirius University, 1 Olympic Ave., Sirius, Sochi 353340, Russia; (V.P.G.); (A.N.Z.); (U.V.B.); (E.V.G.); (R.R.G.)
- Correspondence:
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8
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Calcium imaging reveals depressive- and manic-phase-specific brain neural activity patterns in a murine model of bipolar disorder: a pilot study. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:619. [PMID: 34876553 PMCID: PMC8651770 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pathological features during manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes in the same patients with bipolar disorder (BPD) have not been described precisely. The study aimed to investigate depressive and manic-phase-specific brain neural activity patterns of BPD in the same murine model to provide information guiding investigation of the mechanism of phase switching and tailored prevention and treatment for patients with BPD. In vivo two-photon imaging was used to observe brain activity alterations in the depressive and manic phases in the same murine model of BPD. Two-photon imaging showed significantly reduced Ca2+ activity in temporal cortex pyramidal neurons in the depression phase in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), but not in the manic phase in mice exposed to CUMS and ketamine. Total integrated calcium values correlated significantly with immobility times. Brain Ca2+ hypoactivity was observed in the depression and manic phases in the same mice exposed to CUMS and ketamine relative to naïve controls. The novel object recognition preference ratio correlated negatively with the immobility time in the depression phase and the total distance traveled in the manic phase. With recognition of its limitations, this study revealed brain neural activity impairment indicating that intrinsic emotional network disturbance is a mechanism of BPD and that brain neural activity is associated with cognitive impairment in the depressive and manic phases of this disorder. These findings are consistent with those from macro-imaging studies of patients with BPD. The observed correlation of brain neural activity with the severity of depressive, but not manic, symptoms need to be investigated further.
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Little HJ. L-Type Calcium Channel Blockers: A Potential Novel Therapeutic Approach to Drug Dependence. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:127-154. [PMID: 34663686 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes interactions between compounds, primarily dihydropyridines, that block L-type calcium channels and drugs that cause dependence, and the potential importance of these interactions. The main dependence-inducing drugs covered are alcohol, psychostimulants, opioids, and nicotine. In preclinical studies, L-type calcium channel blockers prevent or reduce important components of dependence on these drugs, particularly their reinforcing actions and the withdrawal syndromes. The channel blockers also reduce the development of tolerance and/or sensitization, and they have no intrinsic dependence liability. In some instances, their effects include reversal of brain changes established during drug dependence. Prolonged treatment with alcohol, opioids, psychostimulant drugs, or nicotine causes upregulation of dihydropyridine binding sites. Few clinical studies have been carried out so far, and reports are conflicting, although there is some evidence of effectiveness of L-channel blockers in opioid withdrawal. However, the doses of L-type channel blockers used clinically so far have necessarily been limited by potential cardiovascular problems and may not have provided sufficient central levels of the drugs to affect neuronal dihydropyridine binding sites. New L-type calcium channel blocking compounds are being developed with more selective actions on subtypes of L-channel. The preclinical evidence suggests that L-type calcium channels may play a crucial role in the development of dependence to different types of drugs. Mechanisms for this are proposed, including changes in the activity of mesolimbic dopamine neurons, genomic effects, and alterations in synaptic plasticity. Newly developed, more selective L-type calcium channel blockers could be of considerable value in the treatment of drug dependence. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Dependence on drugs is a very serious health problem with little effective treatment. Preclinical evidence shows drugs that block particular calcium channels, the L-type, reduce dependence-related effects of alcohol, opioids, psychostimulants, and nicotine. Clinical studies have been restricted by potential cardiovascular side effects, but new, more selective L-channel blockers are becoming available. L-channel blockers have no intrinsic dependence liability, and laboratory evidence suggests they reverse previously developed effects of dependence-inducing drugs. They could provide a novel approach to addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary J Little
- Section of Alcohol Research, National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Tigaret CM, Lin TCE, Morrell ER, Sykes L, Moon AL, O’Donovan MC, Owen MJ, Wilkinson LS, Jones MW, Thomas KL, Hall J. Neurotrophin receptor activation rescues cognitive and synaptic abnormalities caused by hemizygosity of the psychiatric risk gene Cacna1c. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1748-1760. [PMID: 33597718 PMCID: PMC8440217 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-01001-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Genetic variation in CACNA1C, which encodes the alpha-1 subunit of CaV1.2 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, is strongly linked to risk for psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To translate genetics to neurobiological mechanisms and rational therapeutic targets, we investigated the impact of mutations of one copy of Cacna1c on rat cognitive, synaptic and circuit phenotypes implicated by patient studies. We show that rats hemizygous for Cacna1c harbour marked impairments in learning to disregard non-salient stimuli, a behavioural change previously associated with psychosis. This behavioural deficit is accompanied by dys-coordinated network oscillations during learning, pathway-selective disruption of hippocampal synaptic plasticity, attenuated Ca2+ signalling in dendritic spines and decreased signalling through the Extracellular-signal Regulated Kinase (ERK) pathway. Activation of the ERK pathway by a small-molecule agonist of TrkB/TrkC neurotrophin receptors rescued both behavioural and synaptic plasticity deficits in Cacna1c+/- rats. These results map a route through which genetic variation in CACNA1C can disrupt experience-dependent synaptic signalling and circuit activity, culminating in cognitive alterations associated with psychiatric disorders. Our findings highlight targeted activation of neurotrophin signalling pathways with BDNF mimetic drugs as a genetically informed therapeutic approach for rescuing behavioural abnormalities in psychiatric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezar M. Tigaret
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Tzu-Ching E. Lin
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Edward R. Morrell
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lucy Sykes
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,Present Address: Neem Biotech, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent UK
| | - Anna L. Moon
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael C. O’Donovan
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J. Owen
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lawrence S. Wilkinson
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew W. Jones
- grid.5337.20000 0004 1936 7603School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kerrie L. Thomas
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK ,grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK. .,MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesSchool of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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11
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Cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement of drug-associated memories elicit differential behavioral and frontostriatal circuit activity patterns via recruitment of L-type Ca 2+ channels. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2373-2391. [PMID: 31501511 PMCID: PMC7927165 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine-associated memories are critical drivers of relapse in cocaine-dependent individuals that can be evoked by exposure to cocaine or stress. Whether these environmental stimuli recruit similar molecular and circuit-level mechanisms to promote relapse remains largely unknown. Here, using cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement of cocaine conditioned place preference to model drug-associated memories, we find that cocaine drives reinstatement by increasing the duration that mice spend in the previously cocaine-paired context whereas stress increases the number of entries into this context. Importantly, both forms of reinstatement require Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) in cells of the prelimbic cortex that project to the nucleus accumbens core (PrL→NAcC). Utilizing fiber photometry to measure circuit activity in vivo in conjunction with the LTCC blocker, isradipine, we find that LTCCs drive differential recruitment of the PrL→ NAcC pathway during cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement. While cocaine selectively activates PrL→NAcC cells prior to entry into the cocaine-paired chamber, a measure that is predictive of duration in that chamber, stress increases persistent activity of this projection, which correlates with entries into the cocaine-paired chamber. Using projection-specific chemogenetic manipulations, we show that PrL→NAcC activity is required for both cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement, and that activation of this projection in Cav1.2-deficient mice restores reinstatement. These data indicate that LTCCs are a common mediator of cocaine- and stress-primed reinstatement. However, they engage different patterns of behavior and PrL→NAcC projection activity depending on the environmental stimuli. These findings establish a framework to further study how different environmental experiences can drive relapse, and supports further exploration of isradipine, an FDA-approved LTCC blocker, as a potential therapeutic for the prevention of relapse in cocaine-dependent individuals.
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12
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Moon AL, Brydges NM, Wilkinson LS, Hall J, Thomas KL. Cacna1c Hemizygosity Results in Aberrant Fear Conditioning to Neutral Stimuli. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:1231-1238. [PMID: 31910256 PMCID: PMC7505182 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CACNA1C, a gene that encodes an alpha-1 subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels, has been strongly associated with psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. An important objective is to understand how variation in this gene can lead to an increased risk of psychopathology. Altered associative learning has also been implicated in the pathology of psychiatric disorders, particularly in the manifestation of psychotic symptoms. In this study, we utilize auditory-cued fear memory paradigms in order to investigate whether associative learning is altered in rats hemizygous for the Cacna1c gene. Cacna1c hemizygous (Cacna1c+/-) rats and their wild-type littermates were exposed to either delay, trace, or unpaired auditory fear conditioning. All rats received a Context Recall (24 h post-conditioning) and a Cue Recall (48 h post-conditioning) to test their fear responses. In the delay condition, which results in strong conditioning to the cue in wild-type animals, Cacna1c+/- rats showed increased fear responses to the context. In the trace condition, which results in strong conditioning to the context in wild-type animals, Cacna1c+/- rats showed increased fear responses to the cue. Finally, in the unpaired condition, Cacna1c+/- rats showed increased fear responses to both context and cue. These results indicate that Cacna1c heterozygous rats show aberrantly enhanced fear responses to inappropriate cues, consistent with key models of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Moon
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nichola M Brydges
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lawrence S Wilkinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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13
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Martel JC, Gatti McArthur S. Dopamine Receptor Subtypes, Physiology and Pharmacology: New Ligands and Concepts in Schizophrenia. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1003. [PMID: 32765257 PMCID: PMC7379027 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine receptors are widely distributed within the brain where they play critical modulator roles on motor functions, motivation and drive, as well as cognition. The identification of five genes coding for different dopamine receptor subtypes, pharmacologically grouped as D1- (D1 and D5) or D2-like (D2S, D2L, D3, and D4) has allowed the demonstration of differential receptor function in specific neurocircuits. Recent observation on dopamine receptor signaling point at dopamine-glutamate-NMDA neurobiology as the most relevant in schizophrenia and for the development of new therapies. Progress in the chemistry of D1- and D2-like receptor ligands (agonists, antagonists, and partial agonists) has provided more selective compounds possibly able to target the dopamine receptors homo and heterodimers and address different schizophrenia symptoms. Moreover, an extensive evaluation of the functional effect of these agents on dopamine receptor coupling and intracellular signaling highlights important differences that could also result in highly differentiated clinical pharmacology. The review summarizes the recent advances in the field, addressing the relevance of emerging new targets in schizophrenia in particular in relation to the dopamine - glutamate NMDA systems interactions.
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14
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Mio C, Passon N, Baldan F, Bregant E, Monaco E, Mancini L, Demori E, Damante G. CACNA1C haploinsufficiency accounts for the common features of interstitial 12p13.33 deletion carriers. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 63:103843. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.103843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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15
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Hamidian S, Pourshahbaz A, Bozorgmehr A, Ananloo ES, Dolatshahi B, Ohadi M. How obsessive-compulsive and bipolar disorders meet each other? An integrative gene-based enrichment approach. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2020; 19:31. [PMID: 32411272 PMCID: PMC7211339 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-020-00280-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The novel approaches to psychiatric classification assume that disorders, contrary to what was previously thought, are not completely separate phenomena. In this regard, in addition to symptom-based criteria, disturbances are also considered on the basis of lower level components. With this viewpoint, identifying common biochemical markers would be beneficial in adopting a comprehensive strategy for prevention, diagnosis and treatment. MAIN BODY One of the problematic areas in clinical settings is the coexistence of both obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and bipolar disorder (BD) that is challenging and difficult to manage. In this study, using a system biologic approach we aimed to assess the interconnectedness of OCD and BD at different levels. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) method was used to identify the shared biological network between the two disorders. The results of the analysis revealed 34 common genes between the two disorders, the most important of which were CACNA1C, GRIA1, DRD2, NOS1, SLC18A1, HTR2A and DRD1. Dopaminergic synapse and cAMP signaling pathway as the pathways, dopamine binding and dopamine neurotransmitter receptor activity as the molecular functions, dendrite and axon part as the cellular component and cortex and striatum as the brain regions were the most significant commonalities. SHORT CONCLUSION The results of this study highlight the role of multiple systems, especially the dopaminergic system in linking OCD and BD. The results can be used to estimate the disease course, prognosis, and treatment choice, particularly in the cases of comorbidity. Such perspectives, going beyond symptomatic level, help to identify common endophenotypes between the disorders and provide diagnostic and therapeutic approaches based on biological in addition to the symptomatic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajedeh Hamidian
- 1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Pourshahbaz
- 1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Bozorgmehr
- 2Iran Psychiatric Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Shahsavand Ananloo
- 3Department of Psychosomatic, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Behrooz Dolatshahi
- 1Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Ohadi
- 4Iranian Research Center on Aging, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (USWR), Tehran, Iran
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16
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Karunakaran KB, Chaparala S, Ganapathiraju MK. Potentially repurposable drugs for schizophrenia identified from its interactome. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12682. [PMID: 31481665 PMCID: PMC6722087 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48307-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously presented the protein-protein interaction network of schizophrenia associated genes, and from it, the drug-protein interactome which showed the drugs that target any of the proteins in the interactome. Here, we studied these drugs further to identify whether any of them may potentially be repurposable for schizophrenia. In schizophrenia, gene expression has been described as a measurable aspect of the disease reflecting the action of risk genes. We studied each of the drugs from the interactome using the BaseSpace Correlation Engine, and shortlisted those that had a negative correlation with differential gene expression of schizophrenia. This analysis resulted in 12 drugs whose differential gene expression (drug versus normal) had an anti-correlation with differential expression for schizophrenia (disorder versus normal). Some of these drugs were already being tested for their clinical activity in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Several proteins in the protein interactome of the targets of several of these drugs were associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. The network of genes with opposite drug-induced versus schizophrenia-associated expression profiles were significantly enriched in pathways relevant to schizophrenia etiology and GWAS genes associated with traits or diseases that had a pathophysiological overlap with schizophrenia. Drugs that targeted the same genes as the shortlisted drugs, have also demonstrated clinical activity in schizophrenia and other related disorders. This integrated computational analysis will help translate insights from the schizophrenia drug-protein interactome to clinical research - an important step, especially in the field of psychiatric drug development which faces a high failure rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani B Karunakaran
- Supercomputer Education and Research Centre, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Madhavi K Ganapathiraju
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
- Intelligent Systems Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
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17
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Kato T. Current understanding of bipolar disorder: Toward integration of biological basis and treatment strategies. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:526-540. [PMID: 31021488 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Biological studies of bipolar disorder initially focused on the mechanism of action for antidepressants and antipsychotic drugs, and the roles of monoamines (e.g., serotonin, dopamine) have been extensively studied. Thereafter, based on the mechanism of action of lithium, intracellular signal transduction systems, including inositol metabolism and intracellular calcium signaling, have drawn attention. Involvement of intracellular calcium signaling has been supported by genetics and cellular studies. Elucidation of the neural circuits affected by calcium signaling abnormalities is critical, and our previous study suggested a role of the paraventricular thalamic nucleus. The genetic vulnerability of mitochondria causes calcium dysregulation and results in the hyperexcitability of serotonergic neurons, which are suggested to be susceptible to oxidative stress. Efficacy of anticonvulsants, animal studies of candidate genes, and studies using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons have suggested a relation between bipolar disorder and the hyperexcitability of neurons. Recent genetic findings suggest the roles of polyunsaturated acids. At the systems level, social rhythm therapy targets circadian rhythm abnormalities, and cognitive behavioral therapy may target emotion/cognition (E/C) imbalance. In the future, pharmacological and psychosocial treatments may be combined and optimized based on the biological basis of each patient, which will realize individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
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18
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Guo X, Liu D, Wang T, Luo X. Aetiology of bipolar disorder: contribution of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Gen Psychiatr 2019; 32:e100009. [PMID: 31179430 PMCID: PMC6551429 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2018-100009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Guo
- Department of psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengtang Liu
- Department of psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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19
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Kisko TM, Braun MD, Michels S, Witt SH, Rietschel M, Culmsee C, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Sex‐dependent effects of
Cacna1c
haploinsufficiency on juvenile social play behavior and pro‐social 50‐kHz ultrasonic communication in rats. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12552. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M. Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of PsychologyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - Moria D. Braun
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of PsychologyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - Susanne Michels
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical PharmacyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine MannheimRuprecht‐Karls‐Universität Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine MannheimRuprecht‐Karls‐Universität Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical PharmacyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB)Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - Rainer K. W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of PsychologyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB)Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Department of PsychologyPhilipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB)Philipps‐Universität Marburg Marburg Germany
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20
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Kisko TM, Braun MD, Michels S, Witt SH, Rietschel M, Culmsee C, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Cacna1c haploinsufficiency leads to pro-social 50-kHz ultrasonic communication deficits in rats. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm.034116. [PMID: 29739816 PMCID: PMC6031367 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.034116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly implicated in multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar disorder (BPD) and schizophrenia (SCZ), with deficits in social functioning being common for all major neuropsychiatric disorders. In the present study, we explored the role of Cacna1c in regulating disorder-relevant behavioral phenotypes, focusing on socio-affective communication after weaning during the critical developmental period of adolescence in rats. To this aim, we used a newly developed genetic Cacna1c rat model and applied a truly reciprocal approach for studying communication through ultrasonic vocalizations, including both sender and receiver. Our results show that a deletion of Cacna1c leads to deficits in social behavior and pro-social 50-kHz ultrasonic communication in rats. Reduced levels of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations emitted during rough-and-tumble play may suggest that Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats derive less reward from playful social interactions. Besides the emission of fewer 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in the sender, Cacna1c deletion reduced social approach behavior elicited by playback of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations. This indicates that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency has detrimental effects on 50-kHz ultrasonic communication in both sender and receiver. Together, these data suggest that Cacna1c plays a prominent role in regulating socio-affective communication in rats with relevance for ASD, BPD and SCZ. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: The present study suggests that Cacna1c plays a prominent role in regulating socio-affective communication in rats with relevance for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Kisko
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Moria D Braun
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Susanne Michels
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 1, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, D-65189 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, D-65189 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Str. 1, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstr. 18, D-35032 Marburg, Germany .,Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (CMBB), Philipps-University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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21
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Michels S, Ganjam GK, Martins H, Schratt GM, Wöhr M, Schwarting RKW, Culmsee C. Downregulation of the psychiatric susceptibility gene Cacna1c promotes mitochondrial resilience to oxidative stress in neuronal cells. Cell Death Discov 2018; 4:54. [PMID: 29760952 PMCID: PMC5945680 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-018-0061-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder are among the most prevalent forms of mental illness and their etiologies involve complex interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors. Over the past ten years, several genome wide association studies (GWAS) have identified CACNA1C as one of the strongest genetic risk factors for the development of affective disorders. However, its role in disease pathogenesis is still largely unknown. Vulnerability to affective disorders also involves diverse environmental risk factors such as perinatal insults, childhood maltreatment, and other adverse pathophysiological or psychosocial life events. At the cellular level, such environmental influences may activate oxidative stress pathways, thereby altering neuronal plasticity and function. Mitochondria are the key organelles of energy metabolism and, further, highly important for the adaptation to oxidative stress. Accordingly, multiple lines of evidence including post-mortem brain and neuro-imaging studies suggest that psychiatric disorders are accompanied by mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we investigated the effects of Cacna1c downregulation in combination with glutamate-induced oxidative stress on mitochondrial function, Ca2+ homeostasis, and cell viability in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells. We found that the siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cacna1c preserved mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels after glutamate treatment. Further, Cacna1c silencing inhibited excessive mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation and calcium influx, and protected the HT22 cells from oxidative cell death. Overall, our findings suggest that the GWAS-confirmed psychiatric risk gene CACNA1C plays a major role in oxidative stress pathways with particular impact on mitochondrial integrity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Michels
- 1Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Goutham K Ganjam
- 1Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Helena Martins
- 2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,3Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Systems Neuroscience, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard M Schratt
- 2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,3Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Systems Neuroscience, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Wöhr
- 2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,4Department of Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- 2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,4Department of Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Culmsee
- 1Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany.,2Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
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22
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Altered function of neuronal L-type calcium channels in ageing and neuroinflammation: Implications in age-related synaptic dysfunction and cognitive decline. Ageing Res Rev 2018; 42:86-99. [PMID: 29339150 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The rapid developments in science have led to an increase in human life expectancy and thus, ageing and age-related disorders/diseases have become one of the greatest concerns in the 21st century. Cognitive abilities tend to decline as we get older. This age-related cognitive decline is mainly attributed to aberrant changes in synaptic plasticity and neuronal connections. Recent studies show that alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis underlie the increased vulnerability of neurons to age-related processes like cognitive decline and synaptic dysfunctions. Dysregulation of Ca2+ can lead to dramatic changes in neuronal functions. We discuss in this review, the recent advances on the potential role of dysregulated Ca2+ homeostasis through altered function of L-type voltage gated Ca2+ channels (LTCC) in ageing, with an emphasis on cognitive decline. This review therefore focuses on age-related changes mainly in the hippocampus, and with mention of other brain areas, that are important for learning and memory. This review also highlights age-related memory deficits via synaptic alterations and neuroinflammation. An understanding of these mechanisms will help us formulate strategies to reverse or ameliorate age-related disorders like cognitive decline.
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23
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Rampino A, Marakhovskaia A, Soares-Silva T, Torretta S, Veneziani F, Beaulieu JM. Antipsychotic Drug Responsiveness and Dopamine Receptor Signaling; Old Players and New Prospects. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:702. [PMID: 30687136 PMCID: PMC6338030 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs targeting dopamine neurotransmission are still the principal mean of therapeutic intervention for schizophrenia. However, about one third of people do not respond to dopaminergic antipsychotics. Genome wide association studies (GWAS), have shown that multiple genetic factors play a role in schizophrenia pathophysiology. Most of these schizophrenia risk variants are not related to dopamine or antipsychotic drugs mechanism of action. Genetic factors have also been implicated in defining response to antipsychotic medication. In contrast to disease risk, variation of genes coding for molecular targets of antipsychotics have been associated with treatment response. Among genes implicated, those involved in dopamine signaling mediated by D2-class dopamine receptor, including DRD2 itself and its molecular effectors, have been implicated as key genetic predictors of response to treatments. Studies have also reported that genetic variation in genes coding for proteins that cross-talk with DRD2 at the molecular level, such as AKT1, GSK3B, Beta-catenin, and PPP2R2B are associated with response to antipsychotics. In this review we discuss the relative contribution to antipsychotic drug responsiveness of candidate genes and GWAS identified genes encoding proteins involved in dopamine responses. We also suggest that in addition of these older players, a deeper investigation of new GWAS identified schizophrenia risk genes such as FXR1 can provide new prospects that are not clearly engaged in dopamine function while being targeted by dopamine-associated signaling molecules. Overall, further examination of genes proximally or distally related to signaling mechanisms engaged by medications and associated with disease risk and/or treatment responsiveness may uncover an interface between genes involved in disease causation with those affecting disease remediation. Such a nexus would provide realistic targets for therapy and further the development of genetically personalized approaches for schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rampino
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico di Bari, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Tiago Soares-Silva
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Silvia Torretta
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Veneziani
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Jean Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kabir ZD, Martínez-Rivera A, Rajadhyaksha AM. From Gene to Behavior: L-Type Calcium Channel Mechanisms Underlying Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:588-613. [PMID: 28497380 PMCID: PMC5509628 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) Cav1.2 and Cav1.3, encoded by the CACNA1C and CACNA1D genes, respectively, are important regulators of calcium influx into cells and are critical for normal brain development and plasticity. In humans, CACNA1C has emerged as one of the most widely reproduced and prominent candidate risk genes for a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Separately, CACNA1D has been found to be associated with BD and autism spectrum disorder, as well as cocaine dependence, a comorbid feature associated with psychiatric disorders. Despite growing evidence of a significant link between CACNA1C and CACNA1D and psychiatric disorders, our understanding of the biological mechanisms by which these LTCCs mediate neuropsychiatric-associated endophenotypes, many of which are shared across the different disorders, remains rudimentary. Clinical studies with LTCC blockers testing their efficacy to alleviate symptoms associated with BD, SCZ, and drug dependence have provided mixed results, underscoring the importance of further exploring the neurobiological consequences of dysregulated Cav1.2 and Cav1.3. Here, we provide a review of clinical studies that have evaluated LTCC blockers for BD, SCZ, and drug dependence-associated symptoms, as well as rodent studies that have identified Cav1.2- and Cav1.3-specific molecular and cellular cascades that underlie mood (anxiety, depression), social behavior, cognition, and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeba D Kabir
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Arlene Martínez-Rivera
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anjali M Rajadhyaksha
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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