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Coelho A, Lima-Bastos S, Gobira P, Lisboa S. Endocannabinoid signaling and epigenetics modifications in the neurobiology of stress-related disorders. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220034. [PMID: 37520658 PMCID: PMC10372471 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure is associated with psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is also a vulnerability factor to developing or reinstating substance use disorder. Stress causes several changes in the neuro-immune-endocrine axis, potentially resulting in prolonged dysfunction and diseases. Changes in several transmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glucocorticoids, and cytokines, are associated with psychiatric disorders or behavioral alterations in preclinical studies. Complex and interacting mechanisms make it very difficult to understand the physiopathology of psychiatry conditions; therefore, studying regulatory mechanisms that impact these alterations is a good approach. In the last decades, the impact of stress on biology through epigenetic markers, which directly impact gene expression, is under intense investigation; these mechanisms are associated with behavioral alterations in animal models after stress or drug exposure, for example. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system modulates stress response, reward circuits, and other physiological functions, including hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation and immune response. eCBs, for example, act retrogradely at presynaptic neurons, limiting the release of neurotransmitters, a mechanism implicated in the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects after stress. Epigenetic mechanisms can impact the expression of eCB system molecules, which in turn can regulate epigenetic mechanisms. This review will present evidence of how the eCB system and epigenetic mechanisms interact and the consequences of this interaction in modulating behavioral changes after stress exposure in preclinical studies or psychiatric conditions. Moreover, evidence that correlates the involvement of the eCB system and epigenetic mechanisms in drug abuse contexts will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur A. Coelho
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sávio Lima-Bastos
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro H. Gobira
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sabrina F. Lisboa
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Zobdeh F, Eremenko II, Akan MA, Tarasov VV, Chubarev VN, Schiöth HB, Mwinyi J. The Epigenetics of Migraine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119127. [PMID: 37298078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is a complex neurological disorder and a major cause of disability. A wide range of different drug classes such as triptans, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, analgesics, and beta-blockers are used in acute and preventive migraine therapy. Despite a considerable progress in the development of novel and targeted therapeutic interventions during recent years, e.g., drugs that inhibit the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) pathway, therapy success rates are still unsatisfactory. The diversity of drug classes used in migraine therapy partly reflects the limited perception of migraine pathophysiology. Genetics seems to explain only to a minor extent the susceptibility and pathophysiological aspects of migraine. While the role of genetics in migraine has been extensively studied in the past, the interest in studying the role of gene regulatory mechanisms in migraine pathophysiology is recently evolving. A better understanding of the causes and consequences of migraine-associated epigenetic changes could help to better understand migraine risk, pathogenesis, development, course, diagnosis, and prognosis. Additionally, it could be a promising avenue to discover new therapeutic targets for migraine treatment and monitoring. In this review, we summarize the state of the art regarding epigenetic findings in relation to migraine pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets, with a focus on DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and microRNA-dependent regulation. Several genes and their methylation patterns such as CALCA (migraine symptoms and age of migraine onset), RAMP1, NPTX2, and SH2D5 (migraine chronification) and microRNA molecules such as miR-34a-5p and miR-382-5p (treatment response) seem especially worthy of further study regarding their role in migraine pathogenesis, course, and therapy. Additionally, changes in genes including COMT, GIT2, ZNF234, and SOCS1 have been linked to migraine progression to medication overuse headache (MOH), and several microRNA molecules such as let-7a-5p, let-7b-5p, let-7f-5p, miR-155, miR-126, let-7g, hsa-miR-34a-5p, hsa-miR-375, miR-181a, let-7b, miR-22, and miR-155-5p have been implicated with migraine pathophysiology. Epigenetic changes could be a potential tool for a better understanding of migraine pathophysiology and the identification of new therapeutic possibilities. However, further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to verify these early findings and to be able to establish epigenetic targets as disease predictors or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzin Zobdeh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ivan I Eremenko
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
- Advanced Molecular Technology, LLC, 354340 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikail A Akan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
- Advanced Molecular Technology, LLC, 354340 Moscow, Russia
| | | | | | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, P.O. Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
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Basavarajappa BS, Subbanna S. Molecular Insights into Epigenetics and Cannabinoid Receptors. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1560. [PMID: 36358910 PMCID: PMC9687363 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The actions of cannabis are mediated by G protein-coupled receptors that are part of an endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS). ECS consists of the naturally occurring ligands N-arachidonylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), their biosynthetic and degradative enzymes, and the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Epigenetics are heritable changes that affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, transducing external stimuli in stable alterations of the DNA or chromatin structure. Cannabinoid receptors are crucial candidates for exploring their functions through epigenetic approaches due to their significant roles in health and diseases. Epigenetic changes usually promote alterations in the expression of genes and proteins that can be evaluated by various transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. Despite the exponential growth of new evidence on the critical functions of cannabinoid receptors, much is still unknown regarding the contribution of various genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate cannabinoid receptor gene expression. Recent studies have identified several immediate and long-lasting epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, DNA-associated histone proteins, and RNA regulatory networks, in cannabinoid receptor function. Thus, they can offer solutions to many cellular, molecular, and behavioral impairments found after modulation of cannabinoid receptor activities. In this review, we discuss the significant research advances in different epigenetic factors contributing to the regulation of cannabinoid receptors and their functions under both physiological and pathological conditions. Increasing our understanding of the epigenetics of cannabinoid receptors will significantly advance our knowledge and could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and innovative treatment strategies for diseases associated with altered cannabinoid receptor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Shivakumar Subbanna
- Center for Dementia Research, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA
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Vidlarova M, Berta E, Prasil P, Prokopova A, Gurska S, Khoylou M, Rehulkova A, Kourilova P, Chudacek J, Szkorupa M, Klein J, Skarda J, Srovnal J, Hajduch M. Cannabinoid receptor 2 expression in early-stage non-small cell lung cancers identifies patients with good prognosis and longer survival. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2022; 11:2040-2050. [PMID: 36386452 PMCID: PMC9641041 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death with a 5-year survival of only 21%. Reliable prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers are needed to improve NSCLC patient stratification, particularly in curative disease stages. Since the endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in both carcinogenesis and anticancer immune defense, we hypothesized that tumor tissue expression of cannabinoid 1 and 2 receptors (CB1 and CB2) may affect survival. METHODS Tumor tissue samples collected from 100 NSCLC patients undergoing radical surgery were analyzed for CB1 and CB2 gene and protein expression using the quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The gene and protein expression data were correlated with disease stage, histology, tumor grading, application of chemotherapy, and survival. Additional paired tumor and normal tissue samples of 10 NSCLC patients were analyzed independently for comparative analysis of CB1 and CB2 gene expression. RESULTS Patients with tumors expressing the CB2 gene had significantly longer overall survival (OS) (P<0.001), cancer specific survival (CSS) (P=0.002), and disease-free survival (DFS) (P<0.001). They also presented with fewer lymph node metastases at the time of surgery (P=0.011). A multivariate analysis identified CB2 tumor tissue gene expression as a positive prognostic factor for CSS [hazard ratio (HR) =0.274; P=0.013] and DFS (HR =0.322; P=0.009), and increased CSS. High CB2 gene and protein expression were detected in 79.6% and 31.5% of the tested tumor tissue samples, respectively. Neither CB1 gene nor CB1 or CB2 protein expression affected survival. When comparing paired tumor and tumor-free lung tissue samples, we observed reduced CB1 (P=0.008) and CB1 (P=0.056) gene expression in tumor tissues. CONCLUSIONS In NSCLC patients undergoing radical surgery, expression of the CB1 and CB2 receptor genes is significantly decreased in neoplastic versus tumor-free lung tissue. CB2 tumor tissue gene expression is strongly associated with longer survival (OS, CSS, DFS) and fewer lymph node metastases at the time of surgery. More studies are needed to evaluate its role as a biomarker in NSCLC and to investigate the potential use of CB2 modulators to treat or prevent lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vidlarova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Emil Berta
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic;,Ringerike Hospital, Hønefoss, Norway
| | - Petr Prasil
- Department of Anesthesiology, Landesklinikum Amstetten, Amstetten, Austria
| | - Andrea Prokopova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Gurska
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Khoylou
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alona Rehulkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Kourilova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Chudacek
- I. Department of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Szkorupa
- I. Department of Surgery, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Klein
- Tomas Bata Regional Hospital in Zlin, Zlin, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Skarda
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Srovnal
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic;,Cancer Research Czech Republic, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University and University Hospital in Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic;,Cancer Research Czech Republic, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Wardowska A. m6A RNA Methylation in Systemic Autoimmune Diseases-A New Target for Epigenetic-Based Therapy? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030218. [PMID: 33807762 PMCID: PMC8001529 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The general background of autoimmune diseases is a combination of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, that lead to defective immune reactions. This erroneous immune cell activation results in an excessive production of autoantibodies and prolonged inflammation. During recent years epigenetic mechanisms have been extensively studied as potential culprits of autoreactivity. Alike DNA and proteins, also RNA molecules are subjected to an extensive repertoire of chemical modifications. N6-methyladenosine is the most prevalent form of internal mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells and attracts increasing attention due to its contribution to human health and disease. Even though m6A is confirmed as an essential player in immune response, little is known about its role in autoimmunity. Only few data have been published up to date in the field of RNA methylome. Moreover, only selected autoimmune diseases have been studied in respect of m6A role in their pathogenesis. In this review, I attempt to present all available research data regarding m6A alterations in autoimmune disorders and appraise its role as a potential target for epigenetic-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wardowska
- Department of Embryology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
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Cocci P, Moruzzi M, Martinelli I, Maggi F, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Cifani C, Mosconi G, Tayebati SK, Damiano S, Lupidi G, Amantini C, Tomassoni D, Palermo FA. Tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) dietary supplement modulates visceral adipose tissue CB1 mRNA levels along with other adipogenesis-related genes in rat models of diet-induced obesity. Eur J Nutr 2021; 60:2695-2707. [PMID: 33386893 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-020-02459-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is increasing evidence for the involvement of dietary bioactive compounds in the cross-talk modulation of endocannabinoid system and some of the key regulators of transcriptional control for adipogenesis. METHODS We aimed to characterize the expression of cannabinoid CB1/CB2 receptors and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) along with selected adipogenesis-related genes (PPARγ, SREBP-1c and PREF-1), adipocyte-secreted factors (leptin and adiponectin), mitochondrial bioenergetic modulators (PGC-1A and UCP-2), and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2) channels in visceral adipose tissue of rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) containing either tart cherry seeds alone or tart cherry seeds and juice for 17 weeks. The visceral adipose tissue was weighed and checked the expression of different markers by qRT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Tart cherry supplements were able to downregulate the HFD-induced mRNA expression of CB1 receptor, SREBP-1c, PPARγ, leptin, TRPV1 and TRPV2 resulting in potential anti-adipogenic effects. CONCLUSION The present study points out that the intake of bioactive constituents of tart cherry may attenuate the effect of adipogenesis by acting directly on the adipose tissue and modulating the interplay between CB1, PPARγ and TRPV channel gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cocci
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Michele Moruzzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Federica Maggi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Gilberto Mosconi
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Damiano
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Giulio Lupidi
- School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Consuelo Amantini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy
| | - Francesco Alessandro Palermo
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III Da Varano, 62032, Camerino, MC, Italy.
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7
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Gomes TM, Dias da Silva D, Carmo H, Carvalho F, Silva JP. Epigenetics and the endocannabinoid system signaling: An intricate interplay modulating neurodevelopment. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105237. [PMID: 33053442 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid (eCB) system is a complex system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (eCBs), their synthesis and degradation enzymes, and cannabinoid receptors. These elements crucially regulate several biological processes during neurodevelopment, such as proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Recently, eCBs were also reported to have an epigenetic action on genes that play key functions in the neurotransmitter signaling, consequently regulating their expression. In turn, epigenetic modifications (e.g. DNA methylation, histone modifications) may also modulate the function of eCB system's elements. For example, the expression of the cnr gene in the central nervous system may be epigenetically regulated (e.g. DNA methylation, histone modifications), thus altering the function of the cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1R). Considering the importance of the eCB system during neurodevelopment, it is thus reasonable to expect that alterations in this interaction between the eCB system and epigenetic modifications may give rise to neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review key concepts related to the regulation of neuronal function by the eCB system and the different types of epigenetic modifications. In particular, we focus on the mechanisms involved in the intricate interplay between both signaling systems and how they control cell fate during neurodevelopment. Noteworthy, such mechanistic understanding assumes high relevance considering the implications of the dysregulation of key neurogenic processes towards the onset of neurodevelopment-related disorders. Moreover, considering the increasing popularity of cannabis and its synthetic derivatives among young adults, it becomes of utmost importance to understand how exogenous cannabinoids may epigenetically impact neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Telma Marisa Gomes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diana Dias da Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Carmo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Pedro Silva
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
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Greco R, Demartini C, Zanaboni AM, Tumelero E, Icco RD, Sances G, Allena M, Tassorelli C. Peripheral changes of endocannabinoid system components in episodic and chronic migraine patients: A pilot study. Cephalalgia 2020; 41:185-196. [PMID: 32967434 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420949201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinical and clinical evidence suggests a role for the dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system in migraine pain, particularly in subjects with chronic migraine. METHODS The gene expression of endocannabinoid system components was assayed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 25 subjects with episodic migraine, 26 subjects with chronic migraine with medication overuse (CM-MO) and 24 age-matched healthy controls. We also evaluated the protein expression of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 as well as DNA methylation changes in genes involved in endocannabinoid system components. RESULTS Both episodic migraine and CM-MO subjects showed higher cannabinoid receptor 1 and cannabinoid receptor 2 gene and protein expression compared to controls. Fatty acid amide hydrolase gene expression, involved in anandamide degradation, was lower in migraine groups compared to healthy control subjects. N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D gene expression was significantly higher in all migraineurs, as were monoacylglycerol lipase and diacylglycerol lipase gene expressions. The above markers significantly correlated with the number of migraine days and with the days of acute drug intake. CONCLUSION The findings point to transcriptional changes in endocannabinoid system components occurring in migraineurs. These changes were detected peripherally, which make them amenable for a wider adoption to further investigate their role and applicability in the clinical field.clinicaltrials.gov NTC04324710.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Greco
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Zanaboni
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Tumelero
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto De Icco
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Grazia Sances
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Allena
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Tassorelli
- Headache Science Centre, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.,Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Jamebozorgi K, Rostami D, Pormasoumi H, Taghizadeh E, Barreto GE, Sahebkar A. Epigenetic aspects of multiple sclerosis and future therapeutic options. Int J Neurosci 2020; 131:56-64. [PMID: 32075477 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1732974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease accompanied by demyelination of neurons in the central nervous system that mostly affects young adults, especially women. This disease has two phases including relapsing-remitting form (RR-MS) by episodes of relapse and periods of clinical remission and secondary-progressive form (SP-MS), which causes more disability. The inheritance pattern of MS is not exactly identified and there is an agreement that it has a complex pattern with an interplay among environmental, genetic and epigenetic alternations. Epigenetic mechanisms that are identified for MS pathogenesis are DNA methylation, histone modification and some microRNAs' alternations. Several cellular processes including apoptosis, differentiation and evolution can be modified along with epigenetic changes. Some alternations are associated with epigenetic mechanisms in MS patients and these changes can become key points for MS therapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss epigenetic mechanisms that are associated with MS pathogenesis and future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daryoush Rostami
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Hosein Pormasoumi
- Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Eskandar Taghizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.,Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran.,Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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10
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The Epigenetics of the Endocannabinoid System. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031113. [PMID: 32046164 PMCID: PMC7037698 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ES) is a cell-signalling system widely distributed in biological tissues that includes endogenous ligands, receptors, and biosynthetic and hydrolysing machineries. The impairment of the ES has been associated to several pathological conditions like behavioural, neurological, or metabolic disorders and infertility, suggesting that the modulation of this system may be critical for the maintenance of health status and disease treatment. Lifestyle and environmental factors can exert long-term effects on gene expression without any change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA, affecting health maintenance and influencing both disease load and resistance. This potentially reversible "epigenetic" modulation of gene expression occurs through the chemical modification of DNA and histone protein tails or the specific production of regulatory non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Recent findings demonstrate the epigenetic modulation of the ES in biological tissues; in the same way, endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists induce widespread or gene-specific epigenetic changes with the possibility of trans-generational epigenetic inheritance in the offspring explained by the transmission of deregulated epigenetic marks in the gametes. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epigenetics of the ES, with particular attention on the emerging role in reproduction and fertility.
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Szeremeta J, Karlsson J, Alhouayek M, Fowler CJ. Low mRNA expression and activity of monoacylglycerol lipase in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2019; 142:59-67. [PMID: 30978461 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2019.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the endocannabinoid system in human neuroblastoma cell lines. In the present study, we have investigated the expression of the genes coding for the enzymes involved in the synthesis and catabolism of endocannabinoids in the SH-SY5Y cell line. The expression of MGLL, the gene coding for the 2-arachidonoylglycerol hydrolytic enzyme monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), was found to be 85 and 340 fold lower than the expression levels for the genes coding for alpha/beta-hydrolase domain containing 6 and 12 (ABHD6, ABHD12), which are alternative hydrolytic enzymes for this endocannabinoid. In comparison, mRNA levels of MGLL were 1.5 fold higher than ABHD6 and 2 fold lower than the levels of ABHD12 in DU-145 human prostate cells. In functional assays, the hydrolysis of the 2-arachidonoylglycerol homologue 2-oleoylglycerol by intact SH-SY5Y cells was partially inhibited by the ABHD6 inhibitor WWL70, but not by the MAGL inhibitor JZL184, whereas the reverse was true in DU-145 cells. The combination of JZL184 + WWL70 did, however produce a significantly greater inhibition of 2-OG hydrolysis than seen with WWL70 alone in the SH-SY5Y cells. The low MGLL expression in the SH-SY5Y cells was not due to epigenetic silencing, since levels were not affected by treatment with the methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and/or the histone acetylase inhibitor trichostatin A. The low MGLL expression in SH-SY5Y cells should be taken into account when using these cells in experiments investigating the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in models of physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janis Szeremeta
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jessica Karlsson
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mireille Alhouayek
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
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Heinbockel T, Csoka AB. Epigenetic Effects of Drugs of Abuse. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15102098. [PMID: 30257440 PMCID: PMC6210395 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Drug addiction affects a large extent of young people and disadvantaged populations. Drugs of abuse impede brain circuits or affect the functionality of brain circuits and interfere with bodily functions. Cannabinoids (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) form key constituents of marijuana derived from the cannabis plant. Marijuana is a frequently used illegal drug in the USA. Here, we review the effects of cannabinoids at the epigenetic level and the potential role of these epigenetic effects in health and disease. Epigenetics is the study of alterations in gene expression that are transmitted across generations and take place without an alteration in DNA sequence, but are due to modulation of chromatin associated factors by environmental effects. Epigenetics is now known to offer an extra mechanism of control over transcription and how genes are expressed. Insights from research at the genetic and epigenetic level potentially provide venues that allow the translation of the biology of abused drugs to new means of how to treat marijuana substance use disorder or other addictions using pharmacotherapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Heinbockel
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
| | - Antonei B Csoka
- Department of Anatomy, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
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13
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Peedicayil J. Epigenetic Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 14:3-9. [PMID: 26813117 PMCID: PMC4787283 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666150211001600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Revised: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that abnormalities in epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression contribute to the development of multiple sclerosis (MS). Advances in epigenetics have given rise to a new class of drugs, epigenetic drugs. Although many classes of epigenetic drugs are being investigated, at present most attention is being paid to two classes of epigenetic drugs: drugs that inhibit DNA methyltransferase (DNMTi) and drugs that inhibit histone deacetylase (HDACi). This paper discusses the potential use of epigenetic drugs in the treatment of MS, focusing on DNMTi and HDACi. Preclinical drug trials of DNMTi and HDACi for the treatment of MS are showing promising results. Epigenetic drugs could improve the clinical management of patients with MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Peedicayil
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology Christian Medical College Vellore India.
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14
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Knothe C, Oertel BG, Ultsch A, Kettner M, Schmidt PH, Wunder C, Toennes SW, Geisslinger G, Lötsch J. Pharmacoepigenetics of the role of DNA methylation in μ-opioid receptor expression in different human brain regions. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1583-1599. [PMID: 27685027 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Exposure to opioids has been associated with epigenetic effects. Studies in rodents suggested a role of varying degrees of DNA methylation in the differential regulation of μ-opioid receptor expression across the brain. METHODS In a translational investigation, using tissue acquired postmortem from 21 brain regions of former opiate addicts, representing a human cohort with chronic opioid exposure, μ-opioid receptor expression was analyzed at the level of DNA methylation, mRNA and protein. RESULTS & CONCLUSION While high or low μ-opioid receptor expression significantly correlated with local OPRM1 mRNA levels, there was no corresponding association with OPRM1 methylation status. Additional experiments in human cell lines showed that changes in DNA methylation associated with changes in μ-opioid expression were an order of magnitude greater than differences in brain. Hence, different degrees of DNA methylation associated with chronic opioid exposure are unlikely to exert a major role in the region-specificity of μ-opioid receptor expression in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Knothe
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Bruno G Oertel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology & Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Alfred Ultsch
- DataBionics Research Group, University of Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Mattias Kettner
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe - University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Harald Schmidt
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Saarland University, Building 80.2, 66421, Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Cora Wunder
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe - University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Goethe - University, Kennedyallee 104, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology & Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jörn Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe - University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology & Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine & Pharmacology TMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Abstract
This paper is the thirty-fifth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2012 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
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16
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D'Addario C, Di Francesco A, Pucci M, Finazzi Agrò A, Maccarrone M. Epigenetic mechanisms and endocannabinoid signalling. FEBS J 2013; 280:1905-17. [PMID: 23305292 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 12/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system, composed of endogenous lipids, their target receptors and metabolic enzymes, has been implicated in multiple biological functions in health and disease, both in the central nervous system and in peripheral organs. Despite the exponential growth of experimental evidence on the key role of endocannabinoid signalling in basic cellular processes, and on its potential exploitation for therapeutic interventions, much remains to be clarified about the respective regulatory mechanisms. Epigenetics refers to a set of post-translational modifications that regulate gene expression without causing variation in DNA sequence, endowed with a major impact on signal transduction pathways. The epigenetic machinery includes DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning and non-coding RNAs. Due to the reversibility of epigenetic changes, an emerging field of interest is the possibility of an 'epigenetic therapy' that could possibly be applied also to endocannabinoids. Here, we review current knowledge of epigenetic regulation of endocannabinoid system components under both physiological and pathological conditions, as well as the epigenetic changes induced by endocannabinoid signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.
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17
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Kaplan BLF. The role of CB1 in immune modulation by cannabinoids. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 137:365-74. [PMID: 23261520 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is clear evidence that CB(2), historically referred to as the peripheral cannabinoid receptor, mediates many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids. However, cannabinoid receptors cannot be classified simply as central or peripheral since CB(2) has been shown to play a role in the central nervous system (CNS) and CB(1) mediates many immune system effects. Although Cnr1 mRNA and CB(1) protein expression is lower than Cnr2 mRNA or CB(2) protein expression in cells of the immune system, several studies have shown direct modulation of immune function via CB(1) by endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids in T cells, innate cells, and to a lesser extent, B cells. In addition, indirect, but CB(1)-dependent, mechanisms of immune modulation exist. In fact, the mechanism by which cannabinoids attenuate neuroinflammation via CB(1) is likely a combination of immune suppression and neuroprotection. Although many studies demonstrate that agonists for CB(1) are immune suppressive and anti-inflammatory, CB(1) antagonists also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, the data demonstrate that many of the immune modulatory effects of cannabinoids are mediated via CB(1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L F Kaplan
- Center for Integrative Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 1129 Farm Lane, Room 313, East Lansing, MI 48824-1630, United States.
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18
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Emanuelsson I, Norlin M. Protective effects of 27- and 24-hydroxycholesterol against staurosporine-induced cell death in undifferentiated neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Neurosci Lett 2012; 525:44-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.07.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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