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Lu P, Yin Z, Fang M, Yao L, Zhang N, Zhang S, Guo G, He P, Qin Y. Acupressure bladder meridian alleviates anxiety disorder in rats by regulating MAPK and BDNF signal pathway. Physiol Behav 2024; 283:114534. [PMID: 38583548 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114534] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acupressure bladder meridian (ABM) on anxiety in rats. Chronic stress was induced rats to establish rat anxiety model. Shuttle experiment and open field experiments of were used to measure behaviors. The levels of cytokines in serum and hippocampus of rats were detected. Brain neurotransmitters (dopamine, 5- hydroxy tryptamine, norepinephrine) were detected by Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to detect MAPK and BDNF signal pathway in hippocampus of rats. ABM significantly improve behaviors, decreased cytokine levels in serum and hippocampus. ABM restored the changes of neurotransmitters and significantly decreased protein expressions of MAPK signal pathway and increased protein expressions of BDNF signal pathway in hippocampus of rats. The results shown that ABM significantly improved anxiety via inhibition of MAPK signal pathway and increased BDNF signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; Institute of Tuina, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhiyang Yin
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Min Fang
- Institute of Tuina, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of Tuina, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Tuina, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Shuaipan Zhang
- Institute of Tuina, Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Guangxin Guo
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Pei He
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yuan Qin
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; School of design, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. Role of Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Learning and Memory in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:337. [PMID: 38540396 PMCID: PMC10970538 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
After many decades, during which most molecular studies on the regulation of gene expression focused on transcriptional events, it was realized that post-transcriptional control was equally important in order to determine where and when specific proteins were to be synthesized. Translational regulation is of the most importance in the brain, where all the steps of mRNA maturation, transport to different regions of the cells and actual expression, in response to specific signals, constitute the molecular basis for neuronal plasticity and, as a consequence, for structural stabilization/modification of synapses; notably, these latter events are fundamental for the highest brain functions, such as learning and memory, and are characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) of specific synapses. Here, we will discuss the molecular bases of these fundamental events by considering both the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the effects of non-coding RNAs involved in controlling splicing, editing, stability and translation of mRNAs. Importantly, it has also been found that dysregulation of mRNA metabolism/localization is involved in many pathological conditions, arising either during brain development or in the adult nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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Musazzi L, Mingardi J, Ieraci A, Barbon A, Popoli M. Stress, microRNAs, and stress-related psychiatric disorders: an overview. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4977-4994. [PMID: 37391530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. During and after exposure to stressors, the stress response may have pro- or maladaptive consequences, depending on several factors related to the individual response and nature of the stressor. However, the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of exposure to stress, which may ultimately lead to the development of stress-related disorders, are still largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to mediate the effects of the environment on brain gene expression and behavior. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs estimated to control the expression of about 60% of all genes by post-transcriptional regulation, are a fundamental epigenetic mechanism. Many microRNAs are expressed in the brain, where they work as fine-tuners of gene expression, with a key role in the regulation of homeostatic balance, and a likely influence on pro- or maladaptive brain changes. Here we have selected a number of microRNAs, which have been strongly implicated as mediators of the effects of stress in the brain and in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. For all of them recent evidence is reported, obtained from rodent stress models, manipulation of microRNAs levels with related behavioral changes, and clinical studies of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Moreover, we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of the predicted brain-expressed target genes of the microRNAs discussed, and found a central role for mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic function. The complex regulatory role of microRNAs has suggested their use as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response, as well as possible therapeutic drugs. While, microRNA-based diagnostics have registered advancements, particularly in oncology and other fields, and many biotech companies have launched miRNA therapeutics in their development pipeline, the development of microRNA-based tests and drugs for brain disorders is comparatively slower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Molecular Pharmacology, Cellular and Behavioral Physiology; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Marazziti D, Carmassi C, Cappellato G, Chiarantini I, Massoni L, Mucci F, Arone A, Violi M, Palermo S, De Iorio G, Dell’Osso L. Novel Pharmacological Targets of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1731. [PMID: 37629588 PMCID: PMC10455314 DOI: 10.3390/life13081731] [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: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychopathological condition with a heterogeneous clinical picture that is complex and challenging to treat. Its multifaceted pathophysiology still remains an unresolved question and certainly contributes to this issue. The pharmacological treatment of PTSD is mainly empirical and centered on the serotonergic system. Since the therapeutic response to prescribed drugs targeting single symptoms is generally inconsistent, there is an urgent need for novel pathogenetic hypotheses, including different mediators and pathways. This paper was conceived as a narrative review with the aim of debating the current pharmacological treatment of PTSD and further highlighting prospective targets for future drugs. The authors accessed some of the main databases of scientific literature available and selected all the papers that fulfilled the purpose of the present work. The results showed that most of the current pharmacological treatments for PTSD are symptom-based and show only partial benefits; this largely reflects the limited knowledge of its neurobiology. Growing, albeit limited, data suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, opioids, glutamate, cannabinoids, oxytocin, neuropeptide Y, and microRNA may play a role in the development of PTSD and could be targeted for novel treatments. Indeed, recent research indicates that examining different pathways might result in the development of novel and more efficient drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Cappellato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Ilaria Chiarantini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Miriam Violi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Stefania Palermo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Giovanni De Iorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy (L.D.)
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Amini J, Beyer C, Zendedel A, Sanadgol N. MAPK Is a Mutual Pathway Targeted by Anxiety-Related miRNAs, and E2F5 Is a Putative Target for Anxiolytic miRNAs. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13030544. [PMID: 36979479 PMCID: PMC10046777 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030544] [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: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety-related disorders (ARDs) are chronic neuropsychological diseases and the sixth leading cause of disability in the world. As dysregulation of microRNAs (miRs) are observed in the pathological course of neuropsychiatric disorders, the present study aimed to introduce miRs that underlie anxiety processing in the brain. First, we collected the experimentally confirmed anxiety-related miRNAs (ARmiRs), predicted their target transcripts, and introduced critical cellular pathways with key commune hub genes. As a result, we have found nine anxiolytic and ten anxiogenic ARmiRs. The anxiolytic miRs frequently target the mRNA of Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (Acsl4), AFF4-AF4/FMR2 family member 4 (Aff4), and Krüppel like transcription factor 4 (Klf4) genes, where miR-34b-5p and miR-34c-5p interact with all of them. Moreover, the anxiogenic miRs frequently target the mRNA of nine genes; among them, only two miR (miR-142-5p and miR-218-5p) have no interaction with the mRNA of trinucleotide repeat-containing adaptor 6B (Tnrc6b), and miR-124-3p interacts with all of them where MAPK is the main signaling pathway affected by both anxiolytic and anxiogenic miR. In addition, the anxiolytic miR commonly target E2F transcription factor 5 (E2F5) in the TGF-β signaling pathway, and the anxiogenic miR commonly target Ataxin 1 (Atxn1), WASP-like actin nucleation promoting factor (Wasl), and Solute Carrier Family 17 Member 6 (Slc17a6) genes in the notch signaling, adherence junction, and synaptic vesicle cycle pathways, respectively. Taken together, we conclude that the most important anxiolytic (miR-34c, Let-7d, and miR-17) and anxiogenic (miR-19b, miR-92a, and 218) miR, as hub epigenetic modulators, potentially influence the pathophysiology of anxiety, primarily via interaction with the MAPK signaling pathway. Moreover, the role of E2F5 as a novel putative target for anxiolytic miRNAs in ARDs disorders deserves further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Amini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd 94149-75516, Iran
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Adib Zendedel
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Raza Z, Hussain SF, Foster VS, Wall J, Coffey PJ, Martin JF, Gomes RSM. Exposure to war and conflict: The individual and inherited epigenetic effects on health, with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1066158. [PMID: 38455905 PMCID: PMC10910933 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1066158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
War and conflict are global phenomena, identified as stress-inducing triggers for epigenetic modifications. In this state-of-the-science narrative review based on systematic principles, we summarise existing data to explore the outcomes of these exposures especially in veterans and show that they may result in an increased likelihood of developing gastrointestinal, auditory, metabolic and circadian issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We also note that, despite a potential "healthy soldier effect", both veterans and civilians with PTSD exhibit the altered DNA methylation status in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulatory genes such as NR3C1. Genes associated with sleep (PAX8; LHX1) are seen to be differentially methylated in veterans. A limited number of studies also revealed hereditary effects of war exposure across groups: decreased cortisol levels and a heightened (sex-linked) mortality risk in offspring. Future large-scale studies further identifying the heritable risks of war, as well as any potential differences between military and civilian populations, would be valuable to inform future healthcare directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Raza
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Syeda F Hussain
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria S Foster
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- St George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Wall
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Haxby Group Hull, General Practice Surgery, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Coffey
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John F Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Renata S M Gomes
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Khavkin AI, Novikova VP, Trapeznikova AY. Intestinal Microbiota and Sleep Inversion. PEDIATRIC PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.15690/pf.v19i4.2442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Various human lifestyle and environmental factors are known to influence sleep. The number of adults and children suffering from chronic sleep disorders has grown over the past decade. Lack of sleep and impaired circadian rhythms have been proven to be associated with adverse metabolic health effects. Often, such disorders are associated with gastrointestinal tract diseases, and accompanied by dysbiosis. Significant number of studies have been conducted on animal models in recent years. They have shown the correlation between the gut microbiota and brain functions. According to these results scientists have clearly demonstrated the role of gut microbiota in regulating brain function, sleep, and behavior. The number of studies with volunteers is currently limited. The bacteria forming gut microbiota have significant impact on human health by synthesizing and secreting biologically active substances such as vitamins, essential amino acids, lipids, and others. Moreover, they have an indirect effect by modulating metabolic processes and the immune system. Changes in gut microbiota diversity occur due to the lack of sleep and shifting circadian rhythms, and it can lead to changes in the structure and function of microorganisms living in the gut. This can lead to changes in the composition and number of metabolites synthesized by these microorganisms (such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids) which contributes to the development of chronic inflammation, increased body weight and endocrine changes. This article provides the literature review on issues of interaction between gut microbiota and processes occurring during sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly I. Khavkin
- Research and Clinical Institute for Children; Veltischev Research and Clinical Institute for Pediatrics of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
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8
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Łoś K, Waszkiewicz N. Biological Markers in Anxiety Disorders. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1744. [PMID: 33920547 PMCID: PMC8073190 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are one of the most commonly reported disorders in psychiatry, causing a high medical and socio-economic burden. Recently, there has been a soaring interest in the biological basis of anxiety disorders, which is reflected in an increasing number of articles related to the topic. Due to the ambiguity of the diagnosis and a large number of underdiagnosed patients, researchers are looking for laboratory tests that could facilitate the diagnosis of anxiety disorders in clinical practice and would allow for the earliest possible implementation of appropriate treatment. Such potential biomarkers may also be useable in monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological therapy for anxiety disorders. Therefore this article reviews the literature of potential biomarkers such as components of saliva, peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuroimaging studies. There are promising publications in the literature that can be useful. The most valuable and promising markers of saliva are cortisol, lysozyme, and α-amylase (sAA). In the blood, in turn, we can distinguish serotonin, brain-derived serum neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol, and microRNA. Structural changes in the amygdala and hippocampus are promising neuroimaging markers, while in CSF, potential markers include oxytocin and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Unfortunately, research in the field of biomarkers is hampered by insufficient knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of anxiety disorders, the significant heterogeneity of anxiety disorders, frequent comorbidities, and low specificity of biomarkers. The development of appropriate biomarker panels and their assessment using new approaches may have the prospective to overcome the above-mentioned obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Łoś
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok, Plac Brodowicza 1, 16-070 Choroszcz, Poland;
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9
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Elliott JM, Rueckeis CA, Pan Y, Parrish TB, Walton DM, Linnstaedt SD. microRNA let-7i-5p mediates the relationship between muscle fat infiltration and neck pain disability following motor vehicle collision: a preliminary study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3140. [PMID: 33542428 PMCID: PMC7862492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82734-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent neck-pain disability (PNPD) is common following traumatic stress exposures such as motor vehicle collision (MVC). Substantial literature indicates that fat infiltration into neck muscle (MFI) is associated with post-MVC PNPD. However, little is known about the molecular mediators underlying this association. In the current study, we assessed whether microRNA expression signatures predict PNPD and whether microRNA mediate the relationship between neck MFI and PNPD. A nested cohort of 43 individuals from a longitudinal study of MVC survivors, who provided blood (PAXgene RNA) and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were included in the current study. Peritraumatic microRNA expression levels were quantified via small RNA sequencing, neck MFI via MRI, and PNPD via the Neck Disability Index two-weeks, three-months, and twelve-months following MVC. Repeated measures regression models were used to assess the relationship between microRNA and PNPD and to perform mediation analyses. Seventeen microRNA predicted PNPD following MVC. One microRNA, let-7i-5p, mediated the relationship between neck MFI and PNPD. Peritraumatic blood-based microRNA expression levels predict PNPD following MVC and let-7i-5p might contribute to the underlying effects of neck MFI on persistent disability. In conclusion, additional studies are needed to validate this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Elliott
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The Northern Sydney Local Health District, The Kolling Institute, The University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Cathleen A Rueckeis
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Campus Box #7010, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7010, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Campus Box #7010, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7010, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Todd B Parrish
- Physical Therapy and Human Movement Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David M Walton
- School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Campus Box #7010, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7010, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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10
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Grinkevich LN. The role of microRNAs in learning and long-term memory. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2020; 24:885-896. [PMID: 35088002 PMCID: PMC8763713 DOI: 10.18699/vj20.687] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of long-term memory formation and ways to improve it (in the case of its impairment) remain an extremely difficult problem yet to be solved. Over the recent years, much attention has been
paid to microRNAs in this regard. MicroRNAs are unique endogenous non-coding RNAs about 22 nucleotides in
length; each can regulate translation of hundreds of messenger RNA targets, thereby controlling entire gene networks. MicroRNAs are widely represented in the central nervous system. A large number of studies are currently
being conducted to investigate the role of microRNAs in the brain functioning. A number of microRNAs have
been shown to be involved in the process of synaptic plasticity, as well as in the long-term memory formation.
Disruption of microRNA biogenesis leads to significant cognitive dysfunctions. Moreover, impaired microRNA
biogenesis is one of the causes of the pathogenesis of mental disorders, neurodegenerative illnesses and senile
dementia, which are often accompanied by deterioration in the learning ability and by memory impairment.
Optimistic predictions are made that microRNAs can be used as targets for therapeutic treatment and for diagnosing the above pathologies. The importance of applications related to microRNAs significantly raises interest
in studying their functions in the brain. Thus, this review is focused on the role of microRNAs in cognitive processes. It describes microRNA biogenesis and the role of miRNAs in the regulation of gene expression, as well
as the latest achievements in studying the functional role of microRNAs in learning and in long-term memory
formation, depending on the activation or inhibition of their expression. The review presents summarized data
on the effect of impaired microRNA biogenesis on long-term memory formation, including those associated with
sleep deprivation. In addition, analysis is provided of the current literature related to the prospects of improving
cognitive processes by influencing microRNA biogenesis via the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technologies and active
mental and physical exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. N. Grinkevich
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology of the Russian Academy of Sciences
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11
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Sartori SB, Singewald N. Novel pharmacological targets in drug development for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 204:107402. [PMID: 31470029 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.107402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Current medication for anxiety disorders is suboptimal in terms of efficiency and tolerability, highlighting the need for improved drug treatments. In this review an overview of drugs being studied in different phases of clinical trials for their potential in the treatment of fear-, anxiety- and trauma-related disorders is presented. One strategy followed in drug development is refining and improving compounds interacting with existing anxiolytic drug targets, such as serotonergic and prototypical GABAergic benzodiazepines. A more innovative approach involves the search for compounds with novel mechanisms of anxiolytic action using the growing knowledge base concerning the relevant neurocircuitries and neurobiological mechanisms underlying pathological fear and anxiety. The target systems evaluated in clinical trials include glutamate, endocannabinoid and neuropeptide systems, as well as ion channels and targets derived from phytochemicals. Examples of promising novel candidates currently in clinical development for generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder include ketamine, riluzole, xenon with one common pharmacological action of modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission, as well as the neurosteroid aloradine. Finally, compounds such as D-cycloserine, MDMA, L-DOPA and cannabinoids have shown efficacy in enhancing fear-extinction learning in humans. They are thus investigated in clinical trials as an augmentative strategy for speeding up and enhancing the long-term effectiveness of exposure-based psychotherapy, which could render chronic anxiolytic drug treatment dispensable for many patients. These efforts are indicative of a rekindled interest and renewed optimism in the anxiety drug discovery field, after decades of relative stagnation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone B Sartori
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Institute of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), Leopold Franzens University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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A miR-567-PIK3AP1-PI3K/AKT-c-Myc feedback loop regulates tumour growth and chemoresistance in gastric cancer. EBioMedicine 2019; 44:311-321. [PMID: 31078520 PMCID: PMC6603849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) ranks the fifth most common cancer, and chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for GC. However, chemoresistance limits the effectiveness of chemotherapy and leads to treatment failure. This study aims to investigate the biological effect of miR-567 on gastric tumourigenesis and chemoresistance and reveal the possible mechanism. Methods We measured the expression of miR-567 in 37 paired normal and stomach tumour specimens, as well as GC cell lines by Real-time PCR. The functional effects of miR-567 were validated using in vitro and in vivo assays. Dual-luciferase report assays and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were conducted for target evaluation, western blot assay was used to confirm the relationships. Findings Our data showed that miR-567 was downregulated in gastric tissues and gastric cancer cells compared with normal tissues and gastric epithelial cells. In vitro, Gain- and lose-of-function assays showed miR-567 not only weakened cells proliferative ability, but also sensitized GC cells to 5-FU and oxaliplatin. In vivo, miR-567 overexpression significantly repressed the tumourigenesis of GC cells compared with the vector control. Mechanistic analysis showed that PIK3AP1 activated AKT phosphorylation in GC. Meanwhile, miR-567 directly targeted PIK3AP1 to inactivate PI3K/AKT/c-Myc pathway and c-Myc inversely regulated miR-567 expression, thus forming a miR-567-PIK3AP1- PI3K/AKT-c-Myc feedback loop explaining the function of miR-567. Interpretation Our studies revealed that miR-567 acts as a tumour suppressor gene and suppresses GC tumorigenesis and chemoresistance via a miR-567-PIK3AP1- PI3K/AKT-c-Myc feedback loop. These results suggest that miR-567 may serve as a target for chemoresistance and a potential prognostic biomarker for GC. miR-567 sensitized GC cells to 5-FU and oxaliplatin, suggesting that it can be a target for chemoresistance. miR-567 functions as a suppressor in GC progression and may serve as a novel prognostic and therapeutic biomarker for GC. miR-567 directly targeted PIK3AP1 to inactivate PI3K/AKT/c-Myc and regulated its own expression. These findings uncover a plausible mechanism for AKT/PI3K signalling activation in cancer progression.
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Abstract
The measurement of Pavlovian forms of fear extinction offers a relatively simple behavioral preparation that is nonetheless tractable, from a translational perspective, as an approach to study mechanisms of exposure therapy and biological underpinnings of anxiety and trauma-related disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Deficient fear extinction is considered a robust clinical endophenotype for these disorders and, as such, has particular significance in the current "age of RDoC (research domain criteria)." Various rodent models of impaired extinction have thus been generated with the objective of approximating this clinical, relapse prone aberrant extinction learning. These models have helped to reveal neurobiological correlates of extinction circuitry failure, gene variants, and other mechanisms underlying deficient fear extinction. In addition, they are increasingly serving as tools to investigate ways to therapeutically overcome poor extinction to support long-term retention of extinction memory and thus protection against various forms of fear relapse; modeled in the laboratory by measuring spontaneous recovery, reinstatement and renewal of fear. In the current article, we review models of impaired extinction built around (1) experimentally induced brain region and neural circuit disruptions (2) spontaneously-arising and laboratory-induced genetic modifications, or (3) exposure to environmental insults, including stress, drugs of abuse, and unhealthy diet. Collectively, these models have been instrumental in advancing in our understanding of extinction failure and underlying susceptibilities at the neural, genetic, molecular, and neurochemical levels; generating renewed interest in developing novel, targeted and effective therapeutic treatments for anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Andrew Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD USA
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Holmes A. G2B reviews: Epigenetics, epitranscriptomics, microRNAs and more: Emerging approaches to the study of genes, brain and behavior. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 17:e12453. [PMID: 29596736 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
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