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Cheng Z, Su J, Zhang K, Jiang H, Li B. Epigenetic Mechanism of Early Life Stress-Induced Depression: Focus on the Neurotransmitter Systems. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:929732. [PMID: 35865627 PMCID: PMC9294154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.929732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression has an alarmingly high prevalence worldwide. A growing body of evidence indicates that environmental factors significantly affect the neural development and function of the central nervous system and then induce psychiatric disorders. Early life stress (ELS) affects brain development and has been identified as a major cause of depression. It could promote susceptibility to stress in adulthood. Recent studies have found that ELS induces epigenetic changes that subsequently affect transcriptional rates of differentially expressed genes. The epigenetic modifications involved in ELS include histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA. Understanding of these genetic modifications may identify mechanisms that may lead to new interventions for the treatment of depression. Many reports indicate that different types of ELS induce epigenetic modifications of genes involved in the neurotransmitter systems, such as the dopaminergic system, the serotonergic system, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic system, and the glutamatergic system, which further regulate gene expression and ultimately induce depression-like behaviors. In this article, we review the effects of epigenetic modifications on the neurotransmitter systems in depression-like outcomes produced by different types of ELS in recent years, aiming to provide new therapeutic targets for patients who suffer from depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Lab on Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyun Su
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Lab on Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huiyi Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Huiyi Jiang, ; Bingjin Li,
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Engineering Lab on Screening of Antidepressant Drugs, Jilin Province Development and Reform Commission, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Huiyi Jiang, ; Bingjin Li,
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2
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Lifantseva NV, Koneeva TO, Voronova SN, Lutsenko GV, Zakharova LA, Melnikova VI. Expression and the Role of Type 1A Serotonin Receptor in Rats’ Embryonic Thymus. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420050057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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3
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Hanswijk SI, Spoelder M, Shan L, Verheij MMM, Muilwijk OG, Li W, Liu C, Kolk SM, Homberg JR. Gestational Factors throughout Fetal Neurodevelopment: The Serotonin Link. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5850. [PMID: 32824000 PMCID: PMC7461571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is a critical player in brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Fetal 5-HT levels can be influenced by several gestational factors, such as maternal genotype, diet, stress, medication, and immune activation. In this review, addressing both human and animal studies, we discuss how these gestational factors affect placental and fetal brain 5-HT levels, leading to changes in brain structure and function and behavior. We conclude that gestational factors are able to interact and thereby amplify or counteract each other's impact on the fetal 5-HT-ergic system. We, therefore, argue that beyond the understanding of how single gestational factors affect 5-HT-ergic brain development and behavior in offspring, it is critical to elucidate the consequences of interacting factors. Moreover, we describe how each gestational factor is able to alter the 5-HT-ergic influence on the thalamocortical- and prefrontal-limbic circuitry and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical-axis. These alterations have been associated with risks to develop attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, depression, and/or anxiety. Consequently, the manipulation of gestational factors may be used to combat pregnancy-related risks for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina I. Hanswijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Ling Shan
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michel M. M. Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Otto G. Muilwijk
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
| | - Weizhuo Li
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunqing Liu
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China; (W.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Sharon M. Kolk
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands; (S.I.H.); (M.S.); (M.M.M.V.); (O.G.M.)
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4
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Maloney SE, Chandler KC, Anastasaki C, Rieger MA, Gutmann DH, Dougherty JD. Characterization of early communicative behavior in mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1. Autism Res 2017; 11:44-58. [PMID: 28842941 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disease caused by germline loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Cognitive impairments are observed in approximately 80% of children with this disease, with 45-60% exhibiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology. In light of the high comorbidity rate between ASD and NF1, we assessed early communicative behavior by maternal-separation induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) and developmental milestones in two distinct Nf1 genetically engineered models, one modeling clinical germline heterozygous loss of Nf1 function (Nf1+/- mice), and a second with somatic biallelic Nf1 inactivation in neuroglial progenitor cells (Nf1GFAP CKO mice). We observed altered USV production in both models: Nf1+/- mice exhibited both increased USVs across development and alterations in aspects of pitch, while Nf1GFAP CKO mice demonstrated a decrease in USVs. Developmental milestones, such as weight, pinnae detachment, and eye opening, were not disrupted in either model, indicating the USV deficits were not due to gross developmental delay, and likely reflected more specific alterations in USV circuitry. In this respect, increased whole-brain serotonin was observed in Nf1+/- mice, but whole-brain levels of dopamine and its metabolites were unchanged at the age of peak USV disruption, and USV alterations did not correlate with overall level of neurofibromin loss. The early communicative phenotypes reported herein should motivate further studies into the risks mediated by haploinsufficiency and biallelic deletion of Nf1 across a full battery of ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes, and a targeted analysis of underlying circuitry disruptions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 44-58. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene, in which 80% of affected children exhibit cognitive and behavioral issues. Based on emerging evidence that NF1 may be an autism predisposition gene, we examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-relevant early communicative behavior in Nf1 mouse models and observed alterations in both models. The changes in early communicative behavior in Nf1 mutant mice should motivate further studies into the causative factors and potential treatments for ASD arising in the context of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Maloney
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Krystal C Chandler
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
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Zupan B, Sharma A, Frazier A, Klein S, Toth M. Programming social behavior by the maternal fragile X protein. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:578-87. [PMID: 27198123 PMCID: PMC9879598 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The developing fetus and neonate are highly sensitive to maternal environment. Besides the well-documented effects of maternal stress, nutrition and infections, maternal mutations, by altering the fetal, perinatal and/or early postnatal environment, can impact the behavior of genetically normal offspring. Mutation/premutation in the X-linked FMR1 (encoding the translational regulator FMRP) in females, although primarily responsible for causing fragile X syndrome (FXS) in their children, may also elicit such maternal effects. We showed that a deficit in maternal FMRP in mice results in hyperactivity in the genetically normal offspring. To test if maternal FMRP has a broader intergenerational effect, we measured social behavior, a core dimension of neurodevelopmental disorders, in offspring of FMRP-deficient dams. We found that male offspring of Fmr1(+/-) mothers, independent of their own Fmr1 genotype, exhibit increased approach and reduced avoidance toward conspecific strangers, reminiscent of 'indiscriminate friendliness' or the lack of stranger anxiety, diagnosed in neglected children and in patients with Asperger's and Williams syndrome. Furthermore, social interaction failed to activate mesolimbic/amygdala regions, encoding social aversion, in these mice, providing a neurobiological basis for the behavioral abnormality. This work identifies a novel role for FMRP that extends its function beyond the well-established genetic function into intergenerational non-genetic inheritance/programming of social behavior and the corresponding neuronal circuit. As FXS premutation and some psychiatric conditions that can be associated with reduced FMRP expression are more prevalent in mothers than full FMR1 mutation, our findings potentially broaden the significance of FMRP-dependent programming of social behavior beyond the FXS population.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Zupan
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA,Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - A. Sharma
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - A. Frazier
- Vassar College, Department of Psychology, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12604, USA
| | - S. Klein
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - M. Toth
- Weill Cornell Medical College, Department of Pharmacology, New York, NY, 10065, USA
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6
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Behavioural traits propagate across generations via segregated iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11492. [PMID: 27173585 PMCID: PMC4869176 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental behavioural traits can be transmitted by non-genetic mechanisms to the offspring. Although trait transmission via sperm has been extensively researched, epidemiological studies indicate the exclusive/prominent maternal transmission of many non-genetic traits. Since maternal conditions impact the offspring during gametogenesis and through fetal/early-postnatal life, the resultant phenotype is likely the aggregate of consecutive germline and somatic effects; a concept that has not been previously studied. Here, we dissected a complex maternally transmitted phenotype, reminiscent of comorbid generalized anxiety/depression, to elementary behaviours/domains and their transmission mechanisms in mice. We show that four anxiety/stress-reactive traits are transmitted via independent iterative-somatic and gametic epigenetic mechanisms across multiple generations. Somatic/gametic transmission alters DNA methylation at enhancers within synaptic genes whose functions can be linked to the behavioural traits. Traits have generation-dependent penetrance and sex specificity resulting in pleiotropy. A transmission-pathway-based concept can refine current inheritance models of psychiatric diseases and facilitate the development of better animal models and new therapeutic approaches. Physiological effects of psychological stress and infection in mothers can increase the incidence of anxiety and psychiatric diseases in offsprings and in subsequent generation. Here, Miklos Toth and colleagues show that intergenerational inheritance of neurological traits is propagated across multiple generations independently by parallel non-genetic mechanisms involving independent segregation of epigenetic specific loci.
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7
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Yang L, Faraone SV, Zhang-James Y. Autism spectrum disorder traits in Slc9a9 knock-out mice. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:363-76. [PMID: 26755066 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. They cause lifelong impairments and are associated with substantial burdens to patients, families, and society. Genetic studies have implicated the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE) nine gene, Slc9a9, to ASDs and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Slc9a9 encodes, NHE9, a membrane protein of the late recycling endosomes. The recycling endosome plays an important role in synapse development and plasticity by regulating the trafficking of membrane neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. Here we tested the hypothesis that Slc9a9 knock-out (KO) mice would show ADHD-like and ASD-like traits. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) recording showed that Slc9a9 KO mice emitted fewer calls and had shorter call durations, which suggest communication impairment. Slc9a9 KO mice lacked a preference for social novelty, but did not show deficits in social approach; Slc9a9 KO mice spent more time self-grooming, an indicator for restricted and repetitive behavior. We did not observe hyperactivity or other behavior impairments which are commonly comorbid with ASDs in human, such as anxiety-like behavior. Our study is the first animal behavior study that links Slc9a9 to ASDs. By eliminatingNHE9 activity, it provides strong evidence that lack of Slc9a9leads to ASD-like behaviors in mice and provides the field with a new mouse model of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Departments of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
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8
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9
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Reduced isolation-induced pup ultrasonic communication in mouse pups lacking brain serotonin. Mol Autism 2015; 6:13. [PMID: 25901271 PMCID: PMC4404606 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0003-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a key modulatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) that plays an important role as a developmental signal. Several lines of evidence associate altered 5-HT signaling with psychopathology in humans, particularly neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ASD are characterized by persistent social and communication deficits along with stereotyped and repetitive patterns of behavior, with all symptoms emerging early during development. Methods Here, we employed a mouse model devoid of brain 5-HT due to the lack of the gene encoding tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), the initial and rate-limiting enzyme of 5-HT synthesis in the CNS. Tph2 null mutant (Tph2-/-) mice show normal prenatal development; however, they display for yet unknown reasons severe growth retardation during the first postnatal weeks. We investigated, therefore, whether Tph2-/- mice display deficits in isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) as pups during early life. Isolation-induced USV are the most commonly studied behavioral measure to assess developmental delays and communication deficits in rodent models for ASD, particularly as they serve an important communicative function in coordinating mother-pup interactions. Results Tph2-/- mouse pups displayed a clear deficit in the emission of isolation-induced USV, as compared to heterozygous and wildtype littermates, exactly during growth retardation onset, including reduced call numbers and deficits in call clustering and temporal organization. Conclusions The ultrasonic communication impairment displayed by Tph2-/- mouse pups is likely to result in a deficient mother-infant interaction, presumably contributing to their growth retardation phenotype, and represents a prominent feature relevant to ASD.
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Angoa-Pérez M, Kuhn DM. Neuronal serotonin in the regulation of maternal behavior in rodents. NEUROTRANSMITTER (HOUSTON, TEX.) 2015; 2:e615. [PMID: 27148594 PMCID: PMC4852377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal behavior is probably the most important pro-social behavior in female mammals, ensuring both the development and survival of her offspring. Signals driving maternal behaviors are complex and involve several brain areas, most of which are innervated by serotonin. Serotonin transmission influences maternal processes indirectly through release of maternally-relevant hormones such as prolactin, oxytocin and vasopressin, but it can also have more direct effects on survival and the growth rate of offspring, as well as on maternal care, aggression and pup killing. This article aims to examine the basics of the components of maternal behaviors in rodents and the neural systems underpinning these maternal responses with special emphasis on the role of neural serotonin in the regulation of these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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11
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Angoa-Pérez M, Kane MJ, Sykes CE, Perrine SA, Church MW, Kuhn DM. Brain serotonin determines maternal behavior and offspring survival. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:579-91. [PMID: 25077934 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Maternal care is an indispensable component of offspring survival and development in all mammals and necessary for reproductive success. Although brain areas regulating maternal behaviors are innervated by serotonergic afferents, very little is known about the role of this neurotransmitter in these behaviors. To evaluate the contribution of serotonin to maternal care, we used mice with a null mutation in the gene for tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), which results in a genetic depletion of brain serotonin, and tested them in a wide range of maternal behavior paradigms. We found that litters born to and reared by TPH2(-/-) mothers showed decreased survival, lower weaning weights and increased cannibalization. In addition, TPH2(-/-) mothers performed poorly in pup retrieval, huddling, nest construction and high-arched back nursing. Aggression in TPH2(-/-) dams was not triggered by lactation and was steadily high. Survival and weaning weight deficits of TPH2(-/-) pups were rescued by cross-fostering and in litters of mixed genotype (TPH2(-/-) and TPH2(-/+) ). However, the maternal behaviors of TPH2(-/-) dams did not improve when rearing either TPH2(+/+) pups or mixed-genotype litters. In addition, TPH2(-/-) pups significantly worsened the behavior of TPH2(+/+) dams with respect to cannibalism, weaning weight and latency to attack. Olfactory and auditory functions of TPH2(-/-) females or anxiety-like behaviors did not account for these maternal alterations as they were equal to their TPH2(+/+) counterparts. These findings illustrate a profound influence of brain serotonin on virtually all elements of maternal behavior and establish that TPH2(-/-) pups can engender maladaptive mothering in dams of both genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Detroit, MI, USA
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12
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Nasu M, Yada S, Igarashi A, Sutoo D, Akiyama K, Ito M, Yoshida N, Ueda S. Mammalian-specific sequences in pou3f2 contribute to maternal behavior. Genome Biol Evol 2014; 6:1145-56. [PMID: 24709564 PMCID: PMC4040985 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evu072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Various mutations have occurred during evolution among orthologs, genes in different species that diverged from a common ancestral gene by speciation. Here, we report the remarkable deterioration of a characteristic mammalian maternal behavior, pup retrieval, in nonmammalized mice, in which the transcription factor Pou3f2 was replaced with the Xenopus ortholog lacking all of the homopolymeric amino acid repeats of mammalian POU3F2. Most of the pups born to the nonmammalized mice died within days after birth, depending on the dam genotype alone. Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis revealed decreases in the rate-limiting enzymes of dopamine and serotonin synthesis in various brain structures. Similar results were obtained in knock-in mice in which all of the homopolymeric amino acid repeats of mammalian POU3F2 were removed. Pup retrieval behavior in mammals is thus strongly related to monoamine neurotransmitter levels via the acquisition of homopolymeric amino acid repeats during mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Nasu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saori Yada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Igarashi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Den'etsu Sutoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, JapanInstitute of Medical Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kayo Akiyama
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Meguru Ito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaroh Ueda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Temporal and spectral differences in the ultrasonic vocalizations of fragile X knock out mice during postnatal development. Behav Brain Res 2014; 259:119-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Liu B, Zupan B, Laird E, Klein S, Gleason G, Bozinoski M, Gal Toth J, Toth M. Maternal hematopoietic TNF, via milk chemokines, programs hippocampal development and memory. Nat Neurosci 2013; 17:97-105. [PMID: 24292233 PMCID: PMC6169993 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) is a proinflammatory cytokine with established roles in host defense and immune system organogenesis. We studied TNF function and found a previously unidentified physiological function that extends its effect beyond the host into the developing offspring. A partial or complete maternal TNF deficit, specifically in hematopoietic cells, resulted in reduced milk levels of the chemokines IP-10, MCP-1, MCP-3, MCP-5 and MIP-1β, which in turn augmented offspring postnatal hippocampal proliferation, leading to improved adult spatial memory in mice. These effects were reproduced by the postpartum administration of a clinically used anti-TNF agent. Chemokines, fed to suckling pups of TNF-deficient mothers, restored both postnatal proliferation and spatial memory to normal levels. Our results identify a TNF-dependent 'lactrocrine' pathway that programs offspring hippocampal development and memory. The level of ambient TNF is known to be downregulated by physical activity, exercise and adaptive stress. We propose that the maternal TNF-milk chemokine pathway evolved to promote offspring adaptation to post-weaning environmental challenges and competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingfang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Bojana Zupan
- 1] Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA. [2]
| | - Emma Laird
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shifra Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Georgia Gleason
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marjan Bozinoski
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Miklos Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Oh JE, Chambwe N, Klein S, Gal J, Andrews S, Gleason G, Shaknovich R, Melnick A, Campagne F, Toth M. Differential gene body methylation and reduced expression of cell adhesion and neurotransmitter receptor genes in adverse maternal environment. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e218. [PMID: 23340501 PMCID: PMC3566713 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity, including adverse gestational and postpartum maternal environment, is a contributing factor in the development of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and depression but little is known about the underlying molecular mechanism. In a model of gestational maternal adversity that leads to innate anxiety, increased stress reactivity and impaired vocal communication in the offspring, we asked if a specific DNA methylation signature is associated with the emergence of the behavioral phenotype. Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses identified 2.3% of CpGs as differentially methylated (that is, differentially methylated sites, DMSs) by the adverse environment in ventral-hippocampal granule cells, neurons that can be linked to the anxiety phenotype. DMSs were typically clustered and these clusters were preferentially located at gene bodies. Although CpGs are typically either highly methylated or unmethylated, DMSs had an intermediate (20-80%) methylation level that may contribute to their sensitivity to environmental adversity. The adverse maternal environment resulted in either hyper or hypomethylation at DMSs. Clusters of DMSs were enriched in genes that encode cell adhesion molecules and neurotransmitter receptors; some of which were also downregulated, indicating multiple functional deficits at the synapse in adversity. Pharmacological and genetic evidence links many of these genes to anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-e Oh
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. E-mail: or
| | - N Chambwe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - J Gal
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Andrews
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - G Gleason
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - R Shaknovich
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Melnick
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - F Campagne
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics and HRH Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Bin Abdulaziz Alsaud Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA,Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA. E-mail: or
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Mel’nikova VI, Isvol’skaya MS, Voronova SN, Zakharova LA. The role of serotonin in the immune system development and functioning during ontogenesis. BIOL BULL+ 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062359012030107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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17
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Rutherford HJV, Williams SK, Moy S, Mayes LC, Johns JM. Disruption of maternal parenting circuitry by addictive process: rewiring of reward and stress systems. Front Psychiatry 2011; 2:37. [PMID: 21779252 PMCID: PMC3133875 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2011.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2011] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction represents a complex interaction between the reward and stress neural circuits, with increasing drug use reflecting a shift from positive reinforcement to negative reinforcement mechanisms in sustaining drug dependence. Preclinical studies have indicated the involvement of regions within the extended amygdala as subserving this transition, especially under stressful conditions. In the addictive situation, the reward system serves to maintain habitual behaviors that are associated with the relief of negative affect, at the cost of attenuating the salience of other rewards. Therefore, addiction reflects the dysregulation between core reward systems, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAc), as well as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and extended amygdala of the stress system. Here, we consider the consequences of changes in neural function during or following addiction on parenting, an inherently rewarding process that may be disrupted by addiction. Specifically, we outline the preclinical and human studies that support the dysregulation of reward and stress systems by addiction and the contribution of these systems to parenting. Increasing evidence suggests an important role for the hypothalamus, PFC, VTA, and NAc in parenting, with these same regions being those dysregulated in addiction. Moreover, in addicted adults, we propose that parenting cues trigger stress reactivity rather than reward salience, and this may heighten negative affect states, eliciting both addictive behaviors and the potential for child neglect and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah K. Williams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sheryl Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Linda C. Mayes
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT, USA
| | - Josephine M. Johns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina-Chapel HillChapel Hill, NC, USA
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