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Kupke J, Klimmt J, Mudlaff F, Schwab M, Lutsik P, Plass C, Sticht C, Oliveira AMM. Dnmt3a1 regulates hippocampus-dependent memory via the downstream target Nrp1. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01843-0. [PMID: 38499720 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic factors are well-established players in memory formation. Specifically, DNA methylation is necessary for the formation of long-term memory in multiple brain regions including the hippocampus. Despite the demonstrated role of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in memory formation, it is unclear whether individual Dnmts have unique or redundant functions in long-term memory formation. Furthermore, the downstream processes controlled by Dnmts during memory consolidation have not been investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that Dnmt3a1, the predominant Dnmt in the adult brain, is required for long-term spatial object recognition and contextual fear memory. Using RNA sequencing, we identified an activity-regulated Dnmt3a1-dependent genomic program in which several genes were associated with functional and structural plasticity. Furthermore, we found that some of the identified genes are selectively dependent on Dnmt3a1, but not its isoform Dnmt3a2. Specifically, we identified Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) as a downstream target of Dnmt3a1 and further demonstrated the involvement of Nrp1 in hippocampus-dependent memory formation. Importantly, we found that Dnmt3a1 regulates hippocampus-dependent memory via Nrp1. In contrast, Nrp1 overexpression did not rescue memory impairments triggered by reduced Dnmt3a2 levels. Taken together, our study uncovered a Dnmt3a-isoform-specific mechanism in memory formation, identified a novel regulator of memory, and further highlighted the complex and highly regulated functions of distinct epigenetic regulators in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janina Kupke
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Julien Klimmt
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Mudlaff
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, H3G 1A4, Canada
| | - Maximilian Schwab
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pavlo Lutsik
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Sticht
- Next Generation Sequencing Core Facility, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ana M M Oliveira
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Cognition Research, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
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Ding X, Lin Y, Chen C, Yan B, Liu Q, Zheng H, Wu Y, Zhou C. DNMT1 Mediates Chronic Pain-Related Depression by Inhibiting GABAergic Neuronal Activation in the Central Amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:672-684. [PMID: 37001844 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain can induce depressive emotion. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) have been shown to be involved in the development of chronic pain and depression. However, the role and mechanism of DNMTs in chronic pain-induced depression are not well understood. METHODS In well-established spared nerve injury (SNI)-induced chronic pain-related depression models, the expression of DNMTs and the functional roles and underlying mechanisms of DNMT1 in central amygdala (CeA) GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) neurons were investigated using molecular, pharmacological, electrophysiological, optogenetic, and chemogenetic techniques and behavioral tests. RESULTS DNMT1, but not DNMT3a or DNMT3b, was upregulated in the CeA of rats with SNI-induced chronic pain-depression. Inhibition of DNMT1 by 5-Aza or viral knockdown of DNMT1 in GABAergic neurons in the CeA effectively ameliorated the depression-like behaviors induced by chronic pain. The DNMT1 action was associated with methylation at the CpG-rich Gad1 promoter and GAD67 downregulation, leading to a decrease of GABAergic neuronal activity. Optogenetic activation of GABAergic neurons in the CeA improved SNI-induced depression-like behaviors. Moreover, optogenetic or chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the CeA reversed DNMT1 knockdown-induced improvement of depression-like behaviors in SNI mice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DNMT1 is involved in the development of chronic pain-related depression by epigenetic repression of GAD67, leading to the inhibition of GABAergic neuronal activation. This study indicates that DNMT1 could be a potential target for the treatment of chronic pain-related depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Ding
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuwen Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Binbin Yan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hui Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqing Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Chenghua Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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Sae-Lee C, Barrow TM, Colicino E, Choi SH, Rabanal-Ruiz Y, Green D, Korolchuk VI, Mathers JC, Byun HM. Genomic targets and selective inhibition of DNA methyltransferase isoforms. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:103. [PMID: 35987848 PMCID: PMC9392947 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01325-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA methylation in the human genome is established and maintained by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). DNMT isoforms show differential expression by cell lineage and during development, but much remains to be elucidated about their shared and unique genomic targets. Results We examined changes in the epigenome following overexpression of 13 DNMT isoforms in HEK293T cells. We observed increased methylation (Δβ > 0.2) at 43,405 CpG sites, with expression of DNMT3A2, DNMTΔ3B4 and DNMTΔ3B2 associated with the greatest impact. De novo methylation occurred primarily within open sea regions and at loci with intermediate methylation levels (β: 0.2–0.6). 53% of differentially methylated loci showed specificity towards a single DNMT subfamily, primarily DNMTΔ3B and DNMT3A and 39% towards a single isoform. These loci were significantly enriched for pathways related to neuronal development (DNMTΔ3B4), calcium homeostasis (DNMTΔ3B3) and ion transport (DNMT3L). Repetitive elements did not display differential sensitivity to overexpressed DNMTs, but hypermethylation of Alu elements was associated with their evolutionary age following overexpression of DNMT3A2, DNMT3B1, DNMT3B2 and DNMT3L. Differential methylation (Δβ > 0.1) was observed at 121 of the 353 loci associated with the Horvath ‘epigenetic clock’ model of ageing, with 51 showing isoform specificity, and was associated with reduction of epigenetic age by 5–15 years following overexpression of seven isoforms. Finally, we demonstrate the potential for dietary constituents to modify epigenetic marks through isoform-specific inhibition of methylation activity. Conclusions Our results provide insight into regions of the genome methylated uniquely by specific DNMT isoforms and demonstrate the potential for dietary intervention to modify the epigenome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-022-01325-4.
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Goodin BR, Overstreet DS, Penn TM, Bakshi R, Quinn TL, Sims A, Ptacek T, Jackson P, Long DL, Aroke EN. Epigenome-wide DNA methylation profiling of conditioned pain modulation in individuals with non-specific chronic low back pain. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:45. [PMID: 35346352 PMCID: PMC8962463 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01265-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathoanatomic cause of chronic low back pain (cLBP) cannot be identified for up to 90% of individuals. However, dysfunctional processing of endogenous nociceptive input, measured as conditioned pain modulation (CPM), has been associated with cLBP and may involve changes in neuronal gene expression. Epigenetic-induced changes such as DNA methylation (DNAm) have been associated with cLBP. METHODS In the present study, the relationship between CPM and DNAm changes in a sample of community-dwelling adults with nonspecific cLBP (n = 48) and pain-free controls (PFC; n = 50) was examined using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were applied to identify key pathways involved in efficient versus deficient CPM. RESULTS Based on CPM efficiency, we identified 6006 and 18,305 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) with q values < 0.01 among individuals with cLBP and PFCs, respectively. Most of the DMCs were hypomethylated and annotated to genes of relevance to pain, including OPRM1, ADRB2, CACNA2D3, GNA12, LPL, NAXD, and ASPHD1. In both cLBP and PFC groups, the DMCs annotated genes enriched many GO terms relevant to pain processing, including transcription regulation by RNA polymerase II, nervous system development, generation of neurons, neuron differentiation, and neurogenesis. Both groups also enriched the pathways involved in Rap1-signaling, cancer, and dopaminergic neurogenesis. However, MAPK-Ras signaling pathways were enriched in the cLBP, not the PFC group. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to investigate the genome-scale DNA methylation profiles of CPM phenotype in adults with cLBP and PFCs. Based on CPM efficiency, fewer DMC enrichment pathways were unique to the cLBP than the PFCs group. Our results suggest that epigenetically induced modification of neuronal development/differentiation pathways may affect CPM efficiency, suggesting novel potential therapeutic targets for central sensitization. However, CPM efficiency and the experience of nonspecific cLBP may be independent. Further mechanistic studies are required to confirm the relationship between CPM, central sensitization, and nonspecific cLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burel R Goodin
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
- Center for Addiction and Pain Prevention and Intervention (CAPPI), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Demario S Overstreet
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Terence M Penn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Rahm Bakshi
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tammie L Quinn
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Andrew Sims
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Travis Ptacek
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Pamela Jackson
- Department of Acute, Chronic and Continuing Care, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - D Leann Long
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Edwin N Aroke
- Department of Acute, Chronic and Continuing Care, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
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Litke C, Hagenston AM, Kenkel AK, Paldy E, Lu J, Kuner R, Mauceri D. Organic anion transporter 1 is an HDAC4-regulated mediator of nociceptive hypersensitivity in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:875. [PMID: 35169129 PMCID: PMC8847565 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28357-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent pain is sustained by maladaptive changes in gene transcription resulting in altered function of the relevant circuits; therapies are still unsatisfactory. The epigenetic mechanisms and affected genes linking nociceptive activity to transcriptional changes and pathological sensitivity are unclear. Here, we found that, among several histone deacetylases (HDACs), synaptic activity specifically affects HDAC4 in murine spinal cord dorsal horn neurons. Noxious stimuli that induce long-lasting inflammatory hypersensitivity cause nuclear export and inactivation of HDAC4. The development of inflammation-associated mechanical hypersensitivity, but neither acute nor basal sensitivity, is impaired by the expression of a constitutively nuclear localized HDAC4 mutant. Next generation RNA-sequencing revealed an HDAC4-regulated gene program comprising mediators of sensitization including the organic anion transporter OAT1, known for its renal transport function. Using pharmacological and molecular tools to modulate OAT1 activity or expression, we causally link OAT1 to persistent inflammatory hypersensitivity in mice. Thus, HDAC4 is a key epigenetic regulator that translates nociceptive activity into sensitization by regulating OAT1, which is a potential target for pain-relieving therapies. Chronic pain is sustained by alterations in gene transcription. Here, the authors show that increased expression of Organic Anionic Transporter 1 in the spinal cord is epigenetically controlled and key to hypersensitivity in pathological pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Litke
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Hagenston
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Kenkel
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eszter Paldy
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jianning Lu
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, INF 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Irfan J, Febrianto MR, Sharma A, Rose T, Mahmudzade Y, Di Giovanni S, Nagy I, Torres-Perez JV. DNA Methylation and Non-Coding RNAs during Tissue-Injury Associated Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020752. [PMID: 35054943 PMCID: PMC8775747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
While about half of the population experience persistent pain associated with tissue damages during their lifetime, current symptom-based approaches often fail to reduce such pain to a satisfactory level. To provide better patient care, mechanism-based analgesic approaches must be developed, which necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the nociceptive mechanism leading to tissue injury-associated persistent pain. Epigenetic events leading the altered transcription in the nervous system are pivotal in the maintenance of pain in tissue injury. However, the mechanisms through which those events contribute to the persistence of pain are not fully understood. This review provides a summary and critical evaluation of two epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA expression, on transcriptional modulation in nociceptive pathways during the development of tissue injury-associated pain. We assess the pre-clinical data and their translational implication and evaluate the potential of controlling DNA methylation and non-coding RNA expression as novel analgesic approaches and/or biomarkers of persistent pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahanzaib Irfan
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
| | - Muhammad Rizki Febrianto
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
| | - Anju Sharma
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
| | - Thomas Rose
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yasamin Mahmudzade
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
| | - Simone Di Giovanni
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, E505, Burlington Danes, Du Cane Road, London W12 ONN, UK;
| | - Istvan Nagy
- Nociception Group, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Division of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Campus, Imperial College London, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9FJ, UK; (J.I.); (M.R.F.); (A.S.); (T.R.); (Y.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.N.); (J.V.T.-P.)
| | - Jose Vicente Torres-Perez
- Department of Brain Sciences, Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Ln, London W12 0BZ, UK
- Departament de Biologia Cellular, Biologia Funcional i Antropologia Física, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, C/Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.N.); (J.V.T.-P.)
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7
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López-Muñoz E, Mejía-Terrazas GE. Epigenetics and postsurgical pain: A scoping review. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:246-262. [PMID: 34314508 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Multiple factors are involved in the physiology and variability of postsurgical pain, a great part of which can be explained by genetic and environmental factors and their interaction. Epigenetics refers to the mechanism by which the environment alters the stability and expression of genes. We conducted a scoping review to examine the available evidence in both animal models and clinical studies on epigenetic mechanisms involved in regulation of postsurgical and chronic postsurgical pain. METHODS The Arksey & ÓMalley framework and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, scoping reviews extension) guidelines were used. The PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched, and the original articles cited in reviews located through the search were also reviewed. English-language articles without time limits were retrieved. Articles were selected if the abstract addressed information on the epigenetic or epigenomic mechanisms, histone, or DNA methylation and microribonucleic acids involved in postsurgical and chronic postsurgical pain in animal models and clinical studies. RESULTS The initial search provided 174 articles, and 81 were used. The available studies to date, mostly in animal models, have shown that epigenetics contributes to regulation of gene expression in the pathways involved in postsurgical pain and in maintaining long-term pain. CONCLUSION Research on possible epigenetic mechanisms involved in postsurgical pain and chronic postsurgical pain in humans is scarce. In view of the evidence available in animal models, there is a need to evaluate epigenetic pain mechanisms in the context of human and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice López-Muñoz
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4, "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Enrique Mejía-Terrazas
- Medical Research Unit in Reproductive Medicine, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad, Hospital de Gineco Obstetricia No. 4, "Luis Castelazo Ayala", Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.,Anaesthesiology Service and Pain Clinic, Hospital Angeles México, Mexico City, Mexico
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8
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Franco-Enzástiga Ú, García G, Murbartián J, González-Barrios R, Salinas-Abarca AB, Sánchez-Hernández B, Tavares-Ferreira D, Herrera LA, Barragán-Iglesias P, Delgado-Lezama R, Price TJ, Granados-Soto V. Sex-dependent pronociceptive role of spinal α 5 -GABA A receptor and its epigenetic regulation in neuropathic rodents. J Neurochem 2020; 156:897-916. [PMID: 32750173 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Extrasynaptic α5 -subunit containing GABAA (α5 -GABAA ) receptors participate in chronic pain. Previously, we reported a sex difference in the action of α5 -GABAA receptors in dysfunctional pain. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to examine this sexual dimorphism in neuropathic rodents and the mechanisms involved. Female and male Wistar rats or ICR mice were subjected to nerve injury followed by α5 -GABAA receptor inverse agonist intrathecal administration, L-655,708. The drug produced an antiallodynic effect in nerve-injured female rats and mice, and a lower effect in males. We hypothesized that changes in α5 -GABAA receptor, probably influenced by hormonal and epigenetic status, might underlie this sex difference. Thus, we performed qPCR and western blot. Nerve injury increased α5 -GABAA mRNA and protein in female dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and decreased them in DRG and spinal cord of males. To investigate the hormonal influence over α5 -GABAA receptor actions, we performed nerve injury to ovariectomized rats and reconstituted them with 17β-estradiol (E2). Ovariectomy abrogated L-655,708 antiallodynic effect and E2 restored it. Ovariectomy decreased α5 -GABAA receptor and estrogen receptor α protein in DRG of neuropathic female rats, while E2 enhanced them. Since DNA methylation might contribute to α5 -GABAA receptor down-regulation in males, we examined CpG island DNA methylation of α5 -GABAA receptor coding gene through pyrosequencing. Nerve injury increased methylation in male, but not female rats. Pharmacological inhibition of DNA methyltransferases increased α5 -GABAA receptor and enabled L-655,708 antinociceptive effect in male rats. These results suggest that α5 -GABAA receptor is a suitable target to treat chronic pain in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Úrzula Franco-Enzástiga
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe García
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Murbartián
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Ana B Salinas-Abarca
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Beatriz Sánchez-Hernández
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Diana Tavares-Ferreira
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Cancer Biomedical Research Unit, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Paulino Barragán-Iglesias
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Basic Sciences, Autonomous University of Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Delgado-Lezama
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Cinvestav, Zacatenco, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Theodore J Price
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Center for Advanced Pain Studies, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Vinicio Granados-Soto
- Neurobiology of Pain Laboratory, Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, South Campus, Mexico City, Mexico
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Hagenston AM, Bading H, Bas-Orth C. Functional Consequences of Calcium-Dependent Synapse-to-Nucleus Communication: Focus on Transcription-Dependent Metabolic Plasticity. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2020; 12:cshperspect.a035287. [PMID: 31570333 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a035287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the nervous system, calcium signals play a major role in the conversion of synaptic stimuli into transcriptional responses. Signal-regulated gene transcription is fundamental for a range of long-lasting adaptive brain functions that include learning and memory, structural plasticity of neurites and synapses, acquired neuroprotection, chronic pain, and addiction. In this review, we summarize the diverse mechanisms governing calcium-dependent transcriptional regulation associated with central nervous system plasticity. We focus on recent advances in the field of synapse-to-nucleus communication that include studies of the signal-regulated transcriptome in human neurons, identification of novel regulatory mechanisms such as activity-induced DNA double-strand breaks, and the identification of novel forms of activity- and transcription-dependent adaptations, in particular, metabolic plasticity. We summarize the reciprocal interactions between different kinds of neuroadaptations and highlight the emerging role of activity-regulated epigenetic modifiers in gating the inducibility of signal-regulated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Hagenston
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hilmar Bading
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carlos Bas-Orth
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Neuronal ensemble-specific DNA methylation strengthens engram stability. Nat Commun 2020; 11:639. [PMID: 32005851 PMCID: PMC6994722 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Memories are encoded by memory traces or engrams, represented within subsets of neurons that are synchronously activated during learning. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive engram stabilization during consolidation and consequently ensure its reactivation by memory recall are not fully understood. In this study we manipulate, during memory consolidation, the levels of the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3a2 (Dnmt3a2) selectively within dentate gyrus neurons activated by fear conditioning. We found that Dnmt3a2 upregulation enhances memory performance in mice and improves the fidelity of reconstitution of the original neuronal ensemble upon memory retrieval. Moreover, similar manipulation in a sparse, non-engram subset of neurons does not bias engram allocation or modulate memory strength. We further show that neuronal Dnmt3a2 overexpression changes the DNA methylation profile of synaptic plasticity-related genes. Our data implicates DNA methylation selectively within neuronal ensembles as a mechanism of stabilizing engrams during consolidation that supports successful memory retrieval.
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Schlüter A, Aksan B, Diem R, Fairless R, Mauceri D. VEGFD Protects Retinal Ganglion Cells and, consequently, Capillaries against Excitotoxic Injury. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2019; 17:281-299. [PMID: 32055648 PMCID: PMC7005343 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system, neurons and the vasculature influence each other. While it is well described that a functional vascular system is trophic to neurons and that vascular damage contributes to neurodegeneration, the opposite scenario in which neural damage might impact the microvasculature is less defined. In this study, using an in vivo excitotoxic approach in adult mice as a tool to cause specific damage to retinal ganglion cells, we detected subsequent damage to endothelial cells in retinal capillaries. Furthermore, we detected decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGFD) in retinal ganglion cells. In vivo VEGFD supplementation via neuronal-specific viral-mediated expression or acute intravitreal delivery of the mature protein preserved the structural and functional integrity of retinal ganglion cells against excitotoxicity and, additionally, spared endothelial cells from degeneration. Viral-mediated suppression of expression of the VEGFD-binding receptor VEGFR3 in retinal ganglion cells revealed that VEGFD exerts its protective capacity directly on retinal ganglion cells, while protection of endothelial cells is the result of upheld neuronal integrity. These findings suggest that VEGFD supplementation might be a novel, clinically applicable approach for neuronal and vascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Schlüter
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bahar Aksan
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ricarda Diem
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 368, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,CCU Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard Fairless
- Department of Neurology, University Clinic Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 368, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.,CCU Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Mauceri
- Department of Neurobiology, Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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