1
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Staud R, Godfrey MM, Stroman PW. Fibromyalgia is associated with hypersensitivity but not with abnormal pain modulation: evidence from QST trials and spinal fMRI. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2023; 4:1284103. [PMID: 38116188 PMCID: PMC10728773 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2023.1284103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Widespread pain and hyperalgesia are characteristics of chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, including fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). Despite mixed evidence, there is increasing consensus that these characteristics depend on abnormal pain augmentation and dysfunctional pain inhibition. Our recent investigations of pain modulation with individually adjusted nociceptive stimuli have confirmed the mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia of FM patients but failed to detect abnormalities of pain summation or descending pain inhibition. Furthermore, our functional magnetic resonance imaging evaluations of spinal and brainstem pain processing during application of sensitivity-adjusted heat stimuli demonstrated similar temporal patterns of spinal cord activation in FM and HC participants. However, detailed modeling of brainstem activation showed that BOLD activity during "pain summation" was increased in FM subjects, suggesting differences in brain stem modulation of nociceptive stimuli compared to HC. Whereas these differences in brain stem activation are likely related to the hypersensitivity of FM patients, the overall central pain modulation of FM showed no significant abnormalities. These findings suggest that FM patients are hyperalgesic but modulate nociceptive input as effectively as HC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Staud
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Melyssa M. Godfrey
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Patrick W. Stroman
- Center for Neuroscience Studies, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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2
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Yang L, Huh JR, Choi GB. One messenger shared by two systems: How cytokines directly modulate neurons. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 80:102708. [PMID: 36947942 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are small, secreted proteins that are known for their roles in the immune system. An accumulating body of evidence indicates that cytokines also work as neuromodulators in the central nervous system (CNS). Cytokines can access the CNS through multiple routes to directly impact neurons. The neuromodulatory effects of cytokines maintain the overall homeostasis of neural networks. In addition, cytokines regulate a diverse repertoire of behaviors both at a steady state and in inflammatory conditions by acting on discrete brain regions and neural networks. In this review, we discuss recent findings that provide insight into how combinatorial codes of cytokines might mediate neuro-immune communications to orchestrate functional responses of the brain to changes in immunological milieus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun R Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gloria B Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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3
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Gundogdu P, Loucera C, Alamo-Alvarez I, Dopazo J, Nepomuceno I. Integrating pathway knowledge with deep neural networks to reduce the dimensionality in single-cell RNA-seq data. BioData Min 2022; 15:1. [PMID: 34980200 PMCID: PMC8722116 DOI: 10.1186/s13040-021-00285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data provide valuable insights into cellular heterogeneity which is significantly improving the current knowledge on biology and human disease. One of the main applications of scRNA-seq data analysis is the identification of new cell types and cell states. Deep neural networks (DNNs) are among the best methods to address this problem. However, this performance comes with the trade-off for a lack of interpretability in the results. In this work we propose an intelligible pathway-driven neural network to correctly solve cell-type related problems at single-cell resolution while providing a biologically meaningful representation of the data. Results In this study, we explored the deep neural networks constrained by several types of prior biological information, e.g. signaling pathway information, as a way to reduce the dimensionality of the scRNA-seq data. We have tested the proposed biologically-based architectures on thousands of cells of human and mouse origin across a collection of public datasets in order to check the performance of the model. Specifically, we tested the architecture across different validation scenarios that try to mimic how unknown cell types are clustered by the DNN and how it correctly annotates cell types by querying a database in a retrieval problem. Moreover, our approach demonstrated to be comparable to other less interpretable DNN approaches constrained by using protein-protein interactions gene regulation data. Finally, we show how the latent structure learned by the network could be used to visualize and to interpret the composition of human single cell datasets. Conclusions Here we demonstrate how the integration of pathways, which convey fundamental information on functional relationships between genes, with DNNs, that provide an excellent classification framework, results in an excellent alternative to learn a biologically meaningful representation of scRNA-seq data. In addition, the introduction of prior biological knowledge in the DNN reduces the size of the network architecture. Comparative results demonstrate a superior performance of this approach with respect to other similar approaches. As an additional advantage, the use of pathways within the DNN structure enables easy interpretability of the results by connecting features to cell functionalities by means of the pathway nodes, as demonstrated with an example with human melanoma tumor cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13040-021-00285-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pelin Gundogdu
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area. Fundación Progreso y Salud (FPS). CDCA, Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Carlos Loucera
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area. Fundación Progreso y Salud (FPS). CDCA, Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.,Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Alamo-Alvarez
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area. Fundación Progreso y Salud (FPS). CDCA, Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain.,Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joaquin Dopazo
- Clinical Bioinformatics Area. Fundación Progreso y Salud (FPS). CDCA, Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain. .,Computational Systems Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Hospital Virgen del Rocio, 41013, Sevilla, Spain. .,Bioinformatics in Rare Diseases (BiER), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), FPS, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013, Sevilla, Spain. .,FPS/ELIXIR-es, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 42013, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Isabel Nepomuceno
- Department of Computer Languages and Systems, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
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4
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Heidari A, Rostam-Abadi Y, Rezaei N. The immune system and autism spectrum disorder: association and therapeutic challenges. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2021; 81:249-263. [PMID: 34672295 DOI: 10.21307/ane-2021-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting communication and behavior. Historically, ASD had been described as a purely psychiatric disorder with genetic factors playing the most critical role. Recently, a growing body of literature has been emphasizing the importance of environmental and immunological factors in its pathogenesis, with the autoimmune process attracting the most attention. This study provides a review of the autoimmune involvement in the pathogenesis of ASD. The\r\nmicrobiome, the representative of the innate immune system in the central nervous system (CNS), plays a critical role in triggering inflammation. Besides, a bidirectional communicational pathway between the CNS and the intestine called the gut‑brain‑axis is linked to the development of ASD. Moreover, the higher plasma level of pro‑inflammatory cytokines in ASD patients and the higher prevalence of autoimmune disorders in the first‑degree family members of affected persons are other clues of the immune system involvement in\r\nthe pathogenesis of ASD. Furthermore, some anti‑inflammatory drugs, including resveratrol and palmitoylethanolamide have shown promising effects by relieving the manifestations of ASD. Although considerable advances have been made in elucidating the role of autoimmunity in the ASD pathogenesis, further studies with stronger methodologies are needed to apply the knowledge to the definitive treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arash Heidari
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasna Rostam-Abadi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran;
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5
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Hahn N, Büschgens L, Schwedhelm-Domeyer N, Bank S, Geurten BRH, Neugebauer P, Massih B, Göpfert MC, Heinrich R. The Orphan Cytokine Receptor CRLF3 Emerged With the Origin of the Nervous System and Is a Neuroprotective Erythropoietin Receptor in Locusts. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:251. [PMID: 31680856 PMCID: PMC6797617 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) was identified as a neuroprotective erythropoietin receptor in locust neurons and emerged with the evolution of the eumetazoan nervous system. Human CRLF3 belongs to class I helical cytokine receptors that mediate pleiotropic cellular reactions to injury and diverse physiological challenges. It is expressed in various tissues including the central nervous system but its ligand remains unidentified. A CRLF3 ortholog in the holometabolous beetle Tribolium castaneum was recently shown to induce anti-apoptotic mechanisms upon stimulation with human recombinant erythropoietin. To test the hypothesis that CRLF3 represents an ancient cell-protective receptor for erythropoietin-like cytokines, we investigated its presence across metazoan species. Furthermore, we examined CRLF3 expression and function in the hemimetabolous insect Locusta migratoria. Phylogenetic analysis of CRLF3 sequences indicated that CRLF3 is absent in Porifera, Placozoa and Ctenophora, all lacking the traditional nervous system. However, it is present in all major eumetazoan groups ranging from cnidarians over protostomians to mammals. The CRLF3 sequence is highly conserved and abundant amongst vertebrates. In contrast, relatively few invertebrates express CRLF3 and these sequences show greater variability, suggesting frequent loss due to low functional importance. In L. migratoria, we identified the transcript Lm-crlf3 by RACE-PCR and detected its expression in locust brain, skeletal muscle and hemocytes. These findings correspond to the ubiquitous expression of crlf3 in mammalian tissues. We demonstrate that the sole addition of double-stranded RNA to the culture medium (called soaking RNA interference) specifically interferes with protein expression in locust primary brain cell cultures. This technique was used to knock down Lm-crlf3 expression and to abolish its physiological function. We confirmed that recombinant human erythropoietin rescues locust brain neurons from hypoxia-induced apoptosis and showed that this neuroprotective effect is absent after knocking down Lm-crlf3. Our results affirm the erythropoietin-induced neuroprotective function of CRLF3 in a second insect species from a different taxonomic group. They suggest that the phylogenetically conserved CRLF3 receptor may function as a cell protective receptor for erythropoietin or a structurally related cytokine also in other animals including vertebrate and mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Hahn
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Luca Büschgens
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Schwedhelm-Domeyer
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Bank
- Department of Animal Evolution and Biodiversity, Institute for Zoology & Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bart R. H. Geurten
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pia Neugebauer
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Bita Massih
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin C. Göpfert
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ralf Heinrich
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Institute for Zoology and Anthropology, Georg-August University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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6
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Habibi L, Salmani H. Pivotal Impacts of Retrotransposon Based Invasive RNAs on Evolution. Front Microbiol 2017; 8:1957. [PMID: 29067016 PMCID: PMC5641331 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2017.01957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNAs have long been described as the mediators of gene expression; they play a vital role in the structure and function of cellular complexes. Although the role of RNAs in the prokaryotes is mainly confined to these basic functions, the effects of these molecules in regulating the gene expression and enzymatic activities have been discovered in eukaryotes. Recently, a high-resolution analysis of the DNA obtained from different organisms has revealed a fundamental impact of the RNAs in shaping the genomes, heterochromatin formation, and gene creation. Deep sequencing of the human genome revealed that about half of our DNA is comprised of repetitive sequences (remnants of transposable element movements) expanded mostly through RNA-mediated processes. ORF2 encoded by L1 retrotransposons is a cellular reverse transcriptase which is mainly responsible for RNA invasion of various transposable elements (L1s, Alus, and SVAs) and cellular mRNAs in to the genomic DNA. In addition to increasing retroelements copy number; genomic expansion in association with centromere, telomere, and heterochromatin formation as well as pseudogene creation are the evolutionary consequences of this RNA-based activity. Threatening DNA integrity by disrupting the genes and forming excessive double strand breaks is another effect of this invasion. Therefore, repressive mechanisms have been evolved to control the activities of these invasive intracellular RNAs. All these mechanisms now have essential roles in the complex cellular functions. Therefore, it can be concluded that without direct action of RNA networks in shaping the genome and in the development of different cellular mechanisms, the evolution of higher eukaryotes would not be possible.
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7
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Igamberdiev AU, Shklovskiy-Kordi NE. The quantum basis of spatiotemporality in perception and consciousness. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 130:15-25. [PMID: 28232245 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Living systems inhabit the area of the world which is shaped by the predictable space-time of physical objects and forces that can be incorporated into their perception pattern. The process of selecting a "habitable" space-time is the internal quantum measurement in which living systems become embedded into the environment that supports their living state. This means that living organisms choose a coordinate system in which the influence of measurement is minimal. We discuss specific roles of biological macromolecules, in particular of the cytoskeleton, in shaping perception patterns formed in the internal measurement process. Operation of neuron is based on the transmission of signals via cytoskeleton where the digital output is generated that can be decoded through a reflective action of the perceiving agent. It is concluded that the principle of optimality in biology as formulated by Liberman et al. (BioSystems 22, 135-154, 1989) is related to the establishment of spatiotemporal patterns that are maximally predictable and can hold the living state for a prolonged time. This is achieved by the selection of a habitable space approximated to the conditions described by classical physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir U Igamberdiev
- Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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8
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Pankova TM, Sapoznikov AM, Starostina MV. [Protective Effects of Myelopeptides in Neuroblastoma C-1300 Cell Culture]. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2015; 41:375-9. [PMID: 26502614 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162015030061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The effects of bone marrow regulatory peptides--myelopeptides 1-6--in mouse neuroblastoma C-1300 were studied. Cultivation in presence of myelopeptides stimulated morphological differentiation of neuroblasts. Neuroprotective abilities of myelopeptides were shown on the models of morphine toxity and oxygen-glucose deprivation in neuroblastoma cell culture.
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9
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Habibi L, Pedram M, AmirPhirozy A, Bonyadi K. Mobile DNA Elements: The Seeds of Organic Complexity on Earth. DNA Cell Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2015.2938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Habibi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Nutrition Department, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Pedram
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Akbar AmirPhirozy
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Bonyadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Madhur MS, Harrison DG. Synapses, signals, CDs, and cytokines: interactions of the autonomic nervous system and immunity in hypertension. Circ Res 2013; 111:1113-6. [PMID: 23065340 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.278408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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11
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Immune-mediated animal models of Tourette syndrome. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:1120-38. [PMID: 23313649 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
An autoimmune diathesis has been proposed in Tourette syndrome (TS) and related neuropsychiatric disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism and anorexia nervosa. Environmental triggers including infection and xenobiotics are hypothesized to lead to the production of brain-directed autoantibodies in a subset of genetically susceptible individuals. Although much work has focused on Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the role of this common childhood infection remains controversial. Animal model studies based on immune and autoantibody findings in TS have demonstrated immunoglobulin (Ig) deposits and stereotypic movements and related behavioral disturbances reminiscent of TS following exposure to GAS, other activators of host anti-microbial responses, soluble immune mediators and anti-GAS or anti-neuronal antibodies. Demonstration of the ability to recreate these abnormalities through passive transfer of serum IgG from GAS-immunized mice into naïve mice and abrogation of this activity through depletion of IgG has provided compelling evidence in support of the autoimmune hypothesis. Immunologically-based animal models of TS are a potent tool for dissecting the pathogenesis of this serious neuropsychiatric syndrome.
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12
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Mattick JS. RNA as the substrate for epigenome-environment interactions: RNA guidance of epigenetic processes and the expansion of RNA editing in animals underpins development, phenotypic plasticity, learning, and cognition. Bioessays 2011; 32:548-52. [PMID: 20544741 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201000028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- John S Mattick
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia.
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13
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Qureshi IA, Mattick JS, Mehler MF. Long non-coding RNAs in nervous system function and disease. Brain Res 2010; 1338:20-35. [PMID: 20380817 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 03/26/2010] [Accepted: 03/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) development, homeostasis, stress responses, and plasticity are all mediated by epigenetic mechanisms that modulate gene expression and promote selective deployment of functional gene networks in response to complex profiles of interoceptive and environmental signals. Thus, not surprisingly, disruptions of these epigenetic processes are implicated in the pathogenesis of a spectrum of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Epigenetic mechanisms involve chromatin remodeling by relatively generic complexes that catalyze DNA methylation and various types of histone modifications. There is increasing evidence that these complexes are directed to their sites of action by long non-protein-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), of which there are tens if not hundreds of thousands specified in the genome. LncRNAs are transcribed in complex intergenic, overlapping and antisense patterns relative to adjacent protein-coding genes, suggesting that many lncRNAs regulate the expression of these genes. LncRNAs also participate in a wide array of subcellular processes, including the formation and function of cellular organelles. Most lncRNAs are transcribed in a developmentally regulated and cell type specific manner, particularly in the CNS, wherein over half of all lncRNAs are expressed. While the numerous biological functions of lncRNAs are yet to be characterized fully, a number of recent studies suggest that lnRNAs are important for mediating cell identity. This function seems to be especially important for generating the enormous array of regional neuronal and glial cell subtypes that are present in the CNS. Further studies have also begun to elucidate additional roles played by lncRNAs in CNS processes, including homeostasis, stress responses and plasticity. Herein, we review emerging evidence that highlights the expression and function of lncRNAs in the CNS and suggests that lncRNA deregulation is an important factor in various CNS pathologies including neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological disorders, primary brain tumors, and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irfan A Qureshi
- Rosyln and Leslie Goldstein Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1410 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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14
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Wei L, David A, Duman RS, Anisman H, Kaffman A. Early life stress increases anxiety-like behavior in Balb c mice despite a compensatory increase in levels of postnatal maternal care. Horm Behav 2010; 57:396-404. [PMID: 20096699 PMCID: PMC2849915 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Revised: 01/09/2010] [Accepted: 01/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A better understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which early life stress (ELS) modifies brain development and adult behavior is necessary for diagnosing and treating psychopathology associated with exposure to ELS. For historical reasons, most of the work in rodents has been done in rats and attempts to establish robust and reproducible paradigms in the mouse have proven to be challenging. Here we show that under normal rearing conditions, increased levels of postnatal maternal care are associated with a decrease in anxiety-like behavior in BALB/cByj offspring. Brief daily pup-dam separation (BDS) during the postnatal period was associated with increased postnatal maternal care but was surprisingly associated with increased anxiety-like behavior in adult offspring, providing the first example in which offspring receiving higher levels of postnatal maternal care are more anxious in adulthood. Plasma corticosterone levels were elevated in BDS pups even 3 h after the pups were reunited with the dam, suggesting that this paradigm represents a form of early life stress. We also show that levels of total RNA and DNA in the hippocampus reach a peak at postnatal day 14 and that exposure to BDS seems to inhibit this developmental growth spurt. We propose that exposure to stress during the postnatal period overrides the ability of high levels of postnatal maternal care to program anxiety-like behavior by inhibiting the normal growth spurt that characterizes this period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Wei
- Abraham Ribicoff Labs, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, CMHC, rm S310, New Haven CT 06517, USA
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15
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McAllister AK, van de Water J. Breaking boundaries in neural-immune interactions. Neuron 2009; 64:9-12. [PMID: 19840540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
For the past 60 years, the central nervous system has been considered immunologically privileged. Yet results from diverse fields show clear and convincing evidence of bidirectional communication between the nervous and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kimberley McAllister
- Center for Neuroscience, One Shields Avenue, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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