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Pisani A, Paciello F, Del Vecchio V, Malesci R, De Corso E, Cantone E, Fetoni AR. The Role of BDNF as a Biomarker in Cognitive and Sensory Neurodegeneration. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040652. [PMID: 37109038 PMCID: PMC10140880 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has a crucial function in the central nervous system and in sensory structures including olfactory and auditory systems. Many studies have highlighted the protective effects of BDNF in the brain, showing how it can promote neuronal growth and survival and modulate synaptic plasticity. On the other hand, conflicting data about BDNF expression and functions in the cochlear and in olfactory structures have been reported. Several clinical and experimental research studies showed alterations in BDNF levels in neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central and peripheral nervous system, suggesting that BDNF can be a promising biomarker in most neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, shearing loss, or olfactory impairment. Here, we summarize current research concerning BDNF functions in brain and in sensory domains (olfaction and hearing), focusing on the effects of the BDNF/TrkB signalling pathway activation in both physiological and pathological conditions. Finally, we review significant studies highlighting the possibility to target BDNF as a biomarker in early diagnosis of sensory and cognitive neurodegeneration, opening new opportunities to develop effective therapeutic strategies aimed to counteract neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pisani
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Paciello
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Del Vecchio
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry-Audiology Section, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Malesci
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry-Audiology Section, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio De Corso
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Cantone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry-ENT Section, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry-Audiology Section, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Nucleocytoplasmic export of HDAC5 and SIRT2 downregulation: two epigenetic mechanisms by which antidepressants enhance synaptic plasticity markers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2831-2846. [PMID: 30091005 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Antidepressant action has been linked to increased synaptic plasticity in which epigenetic mechanisms such as histone posttranslational acetylation could be involved. Interestingly, the histone deacetylases HDAC5 and SIRT2 are oppositely regulated by stress and antidepressants in mice prefrontal cortex (PFC). Besides, the neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y line is an in vitro neuronal model reliable to study drug effects with clear advantages over animals. OBJECTIVES We aimed to characterize in vitro the role of HDAC5 and SIRT2 in antidepressant regulation of neuroplasticity. METHODS SH-SY5Y cultures were incubated with imipramine, fluoxetine, and reboxetine (10 μM, 2 and 24 h) as well as the selective HDAC5 (MC3822, 5 μM, 24 h) or SIRT2 (33i, 5 μM, 24 h) inhibitors. The regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), the acetylated histones 3 (AcH3) and 4 (AcH4), HDAC5, and SIRT2 was studied. Comparatively, the long-term effects of these antidepressants (21 days, i.p.) in the mice (C57BL6, 8 weeks) PFC were studied. RESULTS Antidepressants increased both in vitro and in vivo expression of BDNF, VGLUT1, AcH3, and AcH4. Moreover, imipramine and reboxetine increased the phosphorylated form of HDAC5 (P-HDAC5), mediating its cytoplasmic export. Further, SIRT2 was downregulated by all antidepressants. Finally, specific inhibition of HDAC5 and SIRT2 increased neuroplasticity markers. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the validity of the SH-SY5Y model for studying epigenetic changes linked to synaptic plasticity induced by antidepressants as well as the effect of selective HDAC inhibitors. Particularly, nucleocytoplasmic export of HDAC5 and SIRT2 downregulation mediated by antidepressants could enhance synaptic plasticity markers leading to antidepressant action.
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Gite S, Ross RP, Kirke D, Guihéneuf F, Aussant J, Stengel DB, Dinan TG, Cryan JF, Stanton C. Nutraceuticals to promote neuronal plasticity in response to corticosterone-induced stress in human neuroblastoma cells. Nutr Neurosci 2018; 22:551-568. [PMID: 29378496 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2017.1418728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To search for novel compounds that will protect neuronal cells under stressed conditions that may help to restore neuronal plasticity. Methods: A model of corticosterone (CORT)-induced stress in human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) was used to compare the efficacy of 6 crude extracts and 10 pure compounds (6 polyphenols, 2 carotenoids, 1 amino acid analogue, and 1 known antidepressant drug) to increase neuronal plasticity and to decrease cytotoxicity. Results: Astaxanthin (among pure compounds) and phlorotannin extract of Fucus vesiculosus (among crude extracts) showed a maximum increase in cell viability in the presence of excess CORT. BDNF-VI mRNA expression in SH-SY5Y cells was significantly improved by pretreatment with quercetine, astaxanthin, curcumin, fisetin, and resveratrol. Among crude extracts, xanthohumol, phlorotannin extract (Ecklonia cava), petroleum ether extract (Nannochloropsis oculata), and phlorotannin extract (F. vesiculosus) showed a significant increase in BDNF-VI mRNA expression. CREB1 mRNA expression was significantly improved by astaxanthin, β-carotene, curcumin, and fluoxetine whereas none of the crude extracts caused significant improvement. As an adjunct of fluoxetine, phlorotannin extract (F. vesiculosus), β-carotene, and xanthohumol have resulted in significant improvement in BDNF-VI mRNA expression and CREB1 mRNA expression was significantly improved by phlorotannin extract (F. vesiculosus). Significant improvement in mature BDNF protein expression by phlorotannin extract (F. vesiculosus) and β-carotene as an adjunct of fluoxetine confirm their potential to promote neuronal plasticity against CORT-induced stress. Discussion: The carotenoids, flavonoids, namely quercetine, curcumin, and low molecular weight phlorotannin-enriched extract of F. vesiculosus may serve as potential neuroprotective agents promoting neuronal plasticity in vitro. Graphical abstract: Cascade of events associated with disturbed homeostatic balance of glucocorticoids and impact of phlorotannin extract (F. vesiculosus) and β-carotene in restoring neuronal plasticity. Abbreviation: TrKB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B; P-ERK, phosphorylated extracellular signal-related kinase; PI3K, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase; Akt, protein kinase B; Ca++/CaMK, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase; pCREB, phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein; CRE, cAMP response elements, CORT, corticosterone; and BDNF; brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal Gite
- a Food Biosciences Department , Teagasc Food Research Centre , Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork , Ireland
| | | | - Dara Kirke
- c Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research , National University of Ireland Galway , Ireland.,d Department of Food Bioscience , Teagasc Food Research Centre , Ashtown, Dublin
| | - Freddy Guihéneuf
- c Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research , National University of Ireland Galway , Ireland
| | - Justine Aussant
- c Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research , National University of Ireland Galway , Ireland
| | - Dagmar B Stengel
- c Botany and Plant Science, School of Natural Sciences, Ryan Institute for Environmental, Marine and Energy Research , National University of Ireland Galway , Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- e Department of Psychiatry , University College Cork , Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- f Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience , University College Cork , Western Gateway Building, Ireland
| | - Catherine Stanton
- a Food Biosciences Department , Teagasc Food Research Centre , Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork , Ireland
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Guida N, Laudati G, Mascolo L, Valsecchi V, Sirabella R, Selleri C, Di Renzo G, Canzoniero LMT, Formisano L. p38/Sp1/Sp4/HDAC4/BDNF Axis Is a Novel Molecular Pathway of the Neurotoxic Effect of the Methylmercury. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:8. [PMID: 28154524 PMCID: PMC5243805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathways involved in methylmercury (MeHg)-induced neurotoxicity are not fully understood. Since pan-Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibition has been found to revert the neurodetrimental effect of MeHg, it appeared of interest to investigate whether the pattern of HDACs isoform protein expression is modified during MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and the transcriptional/transductional mechanisms involved. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells treated with MeHg 1 μM for 12 and 24 h showed a significant increase of HDAC4 protein and gene expression, whereas the HDACs isoforms 1–3, 5, and 6 were unmodified. Furthermore, MeHg-induced HDAC4 increase was reverted when cells were transfected with siRNAs against specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and Sp4, that were both increased during MeHg exposure. Next we studied the role of extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in MeHg—induced increase of Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 expression. As shown by Western Blot analysis MeHg exposure increased the phosphorylation of p38, but not of ERK and JNK. Notably, when p38 was pharmacologically blocked, MeHg-induced Sp1, Sp4 protein expression, and HDAC4 protein and gene expression was reverted. In addition, MeHg exposure increased the binding of HDAC4 to the promoter IV of the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene, determining its mRNA reduction, that was significantly counteracted by HDAC4 knocking down. Furthermore, rat cortical neurons exposed to MeHg (1 μM/24 h) showed an increased phosphorylation of p38, in parallel with an up-regulation of Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 and a down-regulation of BDNF proteins. Importantly, transfection of siRNAs against p38, Sp1, Sp4, and HDAC4 or transfection of vector overexpressing BDNF significantly blocked MeHg-induced cell death in cortical neurons. All these results suggest that p38/Sp1-Sp4/HDAC4/BDNF may represent a new pathway involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giusy Laudati
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Mascolo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Valsecchi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Rossana Sirabella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Selleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Di Renzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of Naples Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella M T Canzoniero
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of NaplesNaples, Italy; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Science and Technology, University of SannioBenevento, Italy
| | - Luigi Formisano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences, School of Medicine, "Federico II" University of NaplesNaples, Italy; Division of Pharmacology, Department of Science and Technology, University of SannioBenevento, Italy
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Nakatani Y, Amano T, Yamamoto H, Sakai N, Tsuji M, Takeda H. Yokukansan enhances the proliferation of B65 neuroblastoma. J Tradit Complement Med 2016; 7:34-44. [PMID: 28053886 PMCID: PMC5198832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Yokukansan, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, has been considered to be a novel alternative treatment for several neurological diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, as well as neurosis, insomnia, and behavioral and psychological symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, it has been shown that yokukansan has antidepressant-like and pain-relieving effects in animal models. Recently, several studies have shown that yokukansan has a neuroprotective effect. In this study, we focused on whether or no yokukansan influences cell proliferation related to cell-cycle progression by using B65 neuroblastoma cells derived from monoaminergic neurons. Under treatment with yokukansan, the proliferation rate of B65 neuroblastoma cells significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner. In particular, a proliferative effect was observed after treatment with yokukansan for 48 h and 72 h. Moreover, among seven medicinal herbs that comprise yokukansan, both Bupleuri Radix and Glycyrrhize Radix also enhanced the proliferation of B65 neuroblastoma cells. We assessed the effect of yokukansan on p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in B65 neuroblastoma cells, and found that yokukansan increased p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation after treatment for 48 h. In contrast, neither Bupleuri Radix nor Glycyrrhize Radix altered the level of p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation, although they did increase cell proliferation. Our findings suggest that yokukansan has a cell-proliferative due to both Bupleuri Radix and Glycyrrhize Radix, and this is unrelated to the p44/42 MAPK signaling cascade.
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Key Words
- 5-HT, Serotonin
- ALR, Atractylodis lanceae Rhizoma
- AR, Angelicae Radix
- B65 neuroblastoma
- BPSD, Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
- BR, Bupleuri Radix
- Bupleuri Radix
- CR, Cnidii Rhizoma
- Cell proliferation
- GR, Glycyrrhize Radix
- Glycyrrhize Radix
- MAPK, Mitogen-activated protein kinase
- PR, Poria
- SSRI, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- UR, Uncariae Uncis cum Ramulus
- Yokukansan
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Nakatani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Taku Amano
- Department of Pharmacotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hikaru Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Norio Sakai
- Department of Molecular and Pharmacological Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8551, Japan
| | - Minoru Tsuji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan; Advanced Education and Research Center for Kampo Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1 Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, 324-8501, Japan
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Advances in Stem Cells Biology: New Approaches to Understand Depression. STEM CELLS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-41603-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Afarid M, Torabi-Nami M, Nemati A, Khosravi A, Malekzadeh M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with advanced age-related macular degeneration. Int J Ophthalmol 2015; 8:991-5. [PMID: 26558215 DOI: 10.3980/j.issn.2222-3959.2015.05.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the serum level of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and healthy control subjects. The disruption in the tight balance of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective processes in an immune-privileged site like retina is proposed to contribute to the pathogenesis of AMD. One of the main neuroprotective mediators in the central nervous system is BDNF with its serum level notably affected in several neurodegenerative disorders. METHODS Thirty-six patients with AMD and 36 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. The serum level of BDNF was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Results were analyzed to compare case and control values. Comparisons were also made between the BDNF level of wet- vs dry-AMD, and male vs female patients and controls. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS The mean BDNF levels in AMD group were significantly higher than the control group. Furthermore, our analysis revealed greater BDNF values in all AMD subgroups compared to controls (P=0.004, 0.005, 0.001 and 0.02 for male wet-AMD, male dry-AMD, female wet-AMD and female dry-AMD vs controls, respectively). The BDNF level however did not vary between wet- and dry-AMD patients (P=0.74). While within-group comparisons in males and females of AMD and control groups did not show any difference in BDNF (P=0.16, 0.64 and 0.85 for wet-AMD, dry-AMD and control groups, respectively), between-group data showed a higher mean BDNF in both male and female AMD subjects than their peer controls. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that the serum BDNF level is different in patients with AMD as compared to subjects without AMD. Future attempts should be done to unravel beneficial or deleterious effect of this neurotrophin in the pathogenesis of AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrdad Afarid
- Department of Ophthalmology, Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mohammad Torabi-Nami
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Alijan Nemati
- Poostchi Eye Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Amir Khosravi
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences and Poostchi Eye Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
| | - Mahyar Malekzadeh
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran
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Vaghi V, Polacchini A, Baj G, Pinheiro VLM, Vicario A, Tongiorgi E. Pharmacological profile of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) splice variant translation using a novel drug screening assay: a "quantitative code". J Biol Chem 2014; 289:27702-13. [PMID: 25074925 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.586719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. BDNF is a major pharmaceutical target in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. However, pharmacological modulation of this neurotrophin is challenging because BDNF is generated by multiple, alternatively spliced transcripts with different 5'- and 3'UTRs. Each BDNF mRNA variant is transcribed independently, but translation regulation is unknown. To evaluate the translatability of BDNF transcripts, we developed an in vitro luciferase assay in human neuroblastoma cells. In unstimulated cells, each BDNF 5'- and 3'UTR determined a different basal translation level of the luciferase reporter gene. However, constructs with either a 5'UTR or a 3'UTR alone showed poor translation modulation by BDNF, KCl, dihydroxyphenylglycine, AMPA, NMDA, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Constructs consisting of the luciferase reporter gene flanked by the 5'UTR of one of the most abundant BDNF transcripts in the brain (exons 1, 2c, 4, and 6) and the long 3'UTR responded selectively to stimulation with the different receptor agonists, and only transcripts 2c and 6 were increased by the antidepressants desipramine and mirtazapine. We propose that BDNF mRNA variants represent "a quantitative code" for regulated expression of the protein. Thus, to discriminate the efficacy of drugs in stimulating BDNF synthesis, it is appropriate to use variant-specific in vitro screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vaghi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessio Polacchini
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vera L M Pinheiro
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Vicario
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Graf H, Walter M, Metzger CD, Abler B. Antidepressant-related sexual dysfunction — Perspectives from neuroimaging. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 121:138-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 11/23/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Pharmacological characterization of BDNF promoters I, II and IV reveals that serotonin and norepinephrine input is sufficient for transcription activation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:779-91. [PMID: 24451568 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713001685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence has shown that the effects of antidepressants, increasing extracellular serotonin and noradrenaline as a primary mechanism of action, involve neuroplastic and neurotrophic mechanisms. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to play a key role in neuroplasticity and synaptic function, as well as in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressants. The expression of BDNF is mediated by the transcription of different mRNAs derived by the splicing of one of the eight 5' non-coding exons with the 3' coding exon (in rats). The transcription of each non-coding exon is driven by unique and different promoters. We generated a gene reporter system based on hippocampal and cortical neuronal cultures, in which the transcription of luciferase is regulated by BDNF promoters I, II, IV or by cAMP response element (CRE), to investigate the activation of selected promoters induced by monoaminergic antidepressants and by serotonin or noradrenaline agonists. We found that incubation with fluoxetine or reboxetine failed to induce any activation of BDNF promoters or CRE. On the other hand, the incubation of cultures with selective agonists of serotonin or noradrenaline receptors induced a specific and distinct profile of activation of BDNF promoters I, II, IV and CRE, suggesting that the monoaminergic input, absent in dissociated cultures, is essential for the modulation of BDNF expression. In summary, we applied a rapidly detectable and highly sensitive reporter gene assay to characterize the selective activation profile of BDNF and CRE promoters, through specific and different pharmacological stimuli.
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Olioso D, Marzotto M, Moratti E, Brizzi M, Bellavite P. Effects of Gelsemium sempervirens L. on pathway-focused gene expression profiling in neuronal cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 153:535-539. [PMID: 24613275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Gelsemium sempervirens L. is a traditional medicinal plant mainly distributed in the southeastern of the United States, employed in phytotheraphy and homeopathy as nervous system relaxant to treat various types of anxiety, pain, headache and other ailments. Although animal models showed its effectiveness, the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This study investigated for the first time by a real-time PCR technique (RT-PCR Array) the gene expression of a panel of human neurotransmitter receptors and regulators, involved in neuronal excitatory signaling, on a neurocyte cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24h to Gelsemium sempervirens at 2c and 9c dilutions (i.e. 2 and 9-fold centesimal dilutions from mother tincture) and the gene expression profile compared to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. RESULTS Exposure to the Gelsemium sempervirens 2c dilution, containing a nanomolar concentration of active principle gelsemine, induced a down-regulation of most genes of this array. In particular, the treated cells showed a statistically significant decrease of the prokineticin receptor 2, whose ligand is a neuropeptide involved in nociception, anxiety and depression-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results indicate a negative modulation trend in neuronal excitatory signaling, which can suggest new working hypotheses on the anxiolytic and analgesic action of this plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Olioso
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Marta Marzotto
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Moratti
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Brizzi
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Via delle Belle Arti 41, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Paolo Bellavite
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy.
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Marzotto M, Olioso D, Brizzi M, Tononi P, Cristofoletti M, Bellavite P. Extreme sensitivity of gene expression in human SH-SY5Y neurocytes to ultra-low doses of Gelsemium sempervirens. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:104. [PMID: 24642002 PMCID: PMC3999908 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Gelsemium sempervirens L. (Gelsemium s.) is a traditional medicinal plant, employed as an anxiolytic at ultra-low doses and animal models recently confirmed this activity. However the mechanisms by which it might operate on the nervous system are largely unknown. This work investigates the gene expression of a human neurocyte cell line treated with increasing dilutions of Gelsemium s. extract. Methods Starting from the crude extract, six 100 × (centesimal, c) dilutions of Gelsemium s. (2c, 3c, 4c, 5c, 9c and 30c) were prepared according to the French homeopathic pharmacopoeia. Human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed for 24 h to test dilutions, and their transcriptome compared by microarray to that of cells treated with control vehicle solutions. Results Exposure to the Gelsemium s. 2c dilution (the highest dose employed, corresponding to a gelsemine concentration of 6.5 × 10-9 M) significantly changed the expression of 56 genes, of which 49 were down-regulated and 7 were overexpressed. Several of the down-regulated genes belonged to G-protein coupled receptor signaling pathways, calcium homeostasis, inflammatory response and neuropeptide receptors. Fisher exact test, applied to the group of 49 genes down-regulated by Gelsemium s. 2c, showed that the direction of effects was significantly maintained across the treatment with high homeopathic dilutions, even though the size of the differences was distributed in a small range. Conclusions The study shows that Gelsemium s., a medicinal plant used in traditional remedies and homeopathy, modulates a series of genes involved in neuronal function. A small, but statistically significant, response was detected even to very low doses/high dilutions (up to 30c), indicating that the human neurocyte genome is extremely sensitive to this regulation.
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Dexamethasone in the presence of desipramine enhances MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling possibly via its interference with β-arrestin. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2013; 121:289-98. [PMID: 24132698 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-013-1099-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressant medication is the standard treatment for major depression disorder (MDD). However, the response to these treatments is often incomplete and many patients remain refractory. In the present study, we show that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist dexamethasone (DEX) increased MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling in the presence of the noradrenergic antidepressant, desipramine (DMI), while no such effect was induced by DEX or DMI alone in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. This enhancement was dependent on the activation of both α(2) adrenergic receptors (AR) and GR. The timing of MAPK/ERK1/2 activation as well as DEX-induced reduction in membranous α(2) AR suggests the involvement of a β-arrestin-dependent mechanism. In line with the latter, DEX increased cytosolic and decreased membranous levels of β-arrestin. Concomitantly, DEX induced a time-dependent increase in cytosolic α(2) AR-β-arrestin interaction and a decrease in β-arrestin interaction with Mdm2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. All of these effects of DEX were prevented by the GR antagonist RU486. Our data suggest an additional intracellular role for DEX, in which activation of GR interferes with the trafficking and degradation of β-arrestin-α2c-AR complex. We suggest that such an interaction in the presence of DMI can enhance MAPK/ERK1/2 signaling, a key player in neural plasticity and neurogenesis processes, which is impaired in MDD, while stimulated by antidepressants.
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Zetterström TSC, Coppell AA, Khundakar AA. The role of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes in the regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene expression. J Pharm Pharmacol 2013; 66:53-61. [DOI: 10.1111/jphp.12153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The study aims to investigate the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor subtypes in mediating the inhibitory effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine on brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (bdnf) expression in rat hippocampus.
Methods
In situ hybridization was used for regional determination of bdnf expression levels in hippocampal brain slices from normal, lesioned (5-hydroxytryptamine or noradrenaline) or adrenalectomized rats; treated with fluoxetine and/or 5-hydroxytryptamine selective ligands.
Key findings
Our study shows that the transient fluoxetine-induced down-regulation of bdnf gene expression depends on an intact 5-hydroxytryptamine but not noradrenaline system or circulating glucocorticoids. Pretreatment with the 5-hydroxytryptamine4 antagonist SB-204070 blocked the overall fluoxetine-induced inhibition of bdnf levels in hippocampus, while pretreatment with the 5-hydroxytryptamine2 antagonists ketanserin had an effect in the CA3 but not in the dentate gyrus sub-region of hippocampus. The 5-hydroxytryptamine1A antagonist WAY-100635 and the 5-hydroxytryptamine3 antagonist granisetron were both ineffective.
Conclusions
Our study found strong support for a primary effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine but not noradrenaline or circulating glucocorticoids in the mediation of fluoxetine-induced down-regulation of bdnf expression. More specifically, we also show that 5-hydroxytryptamine4 receptor-stimulation seems to play a pivotal role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyra S C Zetterström
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Alexander A Coppell
- Leicester School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK
| | - Ahmad A Khundakar
- Institute for Ageing and Health, Newcastle University, Campus For Ageing and Vitality, Newcastle, UK
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The genetics of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 136:375-400. [PMID: 22944042 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2012.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most widely prescribed drugs in psychiatry. Based on the fact that SSRIs increase extracellular monoamine levels in the brain, the monoamine hypothesis of depression was introduced, postulating that depression is associated with too low serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline levels. However, several lines of evidence indicate that this hypothesis is too simplistic and that depression and the efficacy of SSRIs are dependent on neuroplastic changes mediated by changes in gene expression. Because a coherent view on global gene expression is lacking, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of SSRI treatment on the final targets of 5-HT receptor signal transduction pathways, namely the transcriptional regulation of genes. We address gene polymorphisms in humans that affect SSRI efficacy, as well as in vitro studies employing human-derived cells. We also discuss the molecular targets affected by SSRIs in animal models, both in vivo and in vitro. We conclude that serotonin transporter gene variation in humans affects the efficacy and side-effects of SSRIs, whereas SSRIs generally do not affect serotonin transporter gene expression in animals. Instead, SSRIs alter mRNA levels of genes encoding serotonin receptors, components of non-serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, neurotrophic factors, hypothalamic hormones and inflammatory factors. So far little is known about the epigenetic and age-dependent molecular effects of SSRIs, which might give more insights in the working mechanism(s) of SSRIs.
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Fujimoto M, Hayashi T, Urfer R, Mita S, Su TP. Sigma-1 receptor chaperones regulate the secretion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Synapse 2012; 66:630-9. [PMID: 22337473 PMCID: PMC3824965 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is a novel endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular chaperone that regulates protein folding and degradation. The Sig-1R activation by agonists is known to improve memory, promote cell survival, and exert an antidepressant-like action in animals. Cutamesine (SA4503), a selective Sig-1R ligand, was shown to increase BDNF in the hippocampus of rats. How exactly the intracellular chaperone Sig-1R or associated ligand causes the increase of BDNF or any other neurotrophins is unknown. We examined here whether the action of Sig-1Rs may relate to the post-translational processing and release of BDNF in neuroblastoma cell lines. We used in vitro assays and confirmed that cutamesine possesses the bona fide Sig-1R agonist property by causing the dissociation of BiP from Sig-1Rs. The C-terminus of Sig-1Rs exerted robust chaperone activity by completely blocking the aggregation of BDNF and GDNF in vitro. Chronic treatment with cutamesine in rat B104 neuroblastoma caused a time- and dose-dependent potentiation of the secretion of BDNF without affecting the mRNA level of BDNF. Cutamesine decreased the intracellular level of pro-BDNF and mature BDNF whereas increased the extracellular level of mature BDNF. The pulse-chase experiment indicated that the knockdown of Sig-1Rs decreased the secreted mature BDNF in B104 cells without affecting the synthesis of BDNF. Our findings indicate that, in contrast to clinically used antidepressants that promote the transcriptional upregulation of BDNF, the Sig-1R agonist cutamesine potentiates the post-translational processing of neurotrophins. This unique pharmacological profile may provide a novel therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiko Fujimoto
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health – Cellular Stress Signaling Unit and Cellular Pathobiology Section, Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teruo Hayashi
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health – Cellular Stress Signaling Unit and Cellular Pathobiology Section, Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Tsung-Ping Su
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health – Cellular Stress Signaling Unit and Cellular Pathobiology Section, Integrative Neuroscience Branch, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Brühl AB, Jäncke L, Herwig U. Differential modulation of emotion processing brain regions by noradrenergic and serotonergic antidepressants. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2011; 216:389-99. [PMID: 21359508 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-011-2227-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Most widely used antidepressant drugs affect the serotonergic and noradrenergic pathways. However, there are currently no neurobiological criteria for selecting between these targets and predicting the treatment response in individual depressed patients. OBJECTIVES The current study is aimed at differentiating brain regions known to be pathophysiologically and functionally involved in depression-related emotion processing with respect to their susceptibility to serotonergic and noradrenergic modulation. METHODS In a single-blind pseudo-randomized crossover study, 16 healthy subjects (out of 21 enrolled) were included in analysis after ingesting a single dose of citalopram (a selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor, 40 mg), reboxetine (a selective noradrenaline-reuptake inhibitor, 8 mg), or placebo at three time points prior to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). During fMRI, subjects anticipated and subsequently viewed emotional pictures. Effects of serotonergic and noradrenergic modulation versus placebo on brain activity during the perception of negative pictures were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA in the whole brain and in specific regions of interest relevant to depression. RESULTS Noradrenergic modulation by reboxetine increased brain activity in the thalamus, right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and occipital regions during the perception of negative emotional stimuli. Citalopram primarily affected the ventrolateral prefrontal cortical regions. CONCLUSION The brain regions involved in the processing of negative emotional stimuli were differentially modulated by selective noradrenergic and serotonergic drugs: thalamic activity was increased by reboxetine, whereas citalopram primarily affected ventrolateral prefrontal regions. Thus, dysfunction in these regions, which could be identified in depressed patients, may predict treatment responses to either noradrenergic or serotonergic antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Beatrix Brühl
- Clinic for General and Social Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospital Zürich, Militärstrasse 8, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Rodrigues AC, Li X, Radecki L, Pan YZ, Winter JC, Huang M, Yu AM. MicroRNA expression is differentially altered by xenobiotic drugs in different human cell lines. Biopharm Drug Dispos 2011; 32:355-67. [PMID: 21796641 DOI: 10.1002/bdd.764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Several noncoding microRNAs (miR or miRNA) have been shown to regulate the expression of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Xenobiotic drug-induced changes in enzyme and transporter expression may be associated with the alteration of miRNA expression. Therefore, this study investigated the impact of 19 xenobiotic drugs (e.g. dexamethasone, vinblastine, bilobalide and cocaine) on the expression of ten miRNAs (miR-18a, -27a, -27b, -124a, -148a, -324-3p, -328, -451, -519c and -1291) in MCF-7, Caco-2, SH-SY5Y and BE(2)-M17 cell systems. The data revealed that miRNAs were differentially expressed in human cell lines and the change in miRNA expression was dependent on the drug, as well as the type of cells investigated. Notably, treatment with bilobalide led to a 10-fold increase of miR-27a and a 2-fold decrease of miR-148a in Caco-2 cells, but no change of miR-27a and a 2-fold increase of miR-148a in MCF-7 cells. Neuronal miR-124a was generally down-regulated by psychoactive drugs (e.g. cocaine, methadone and fluoxetine) in BE(2)-M17 and SH-SY5Y cells. Dexamethasone and vinblastine, inducers of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters, suppressed the expression of miR-27b, -148a and -451 that down-regulate the enzymes and transporters. These findings should provide increased understanding of the altered gene expression underlying drug disposition, multidrug resistance, drug-drug interactions and neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice C Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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Belzeaux R, Formisano-Tréziny C, Loundou A, Boyer L, Gabert J, Samuelian JC, Féron F, Naudin J, Ibrahim EC. Clinical variations modulate patterns of gene expression and define blood biomarkers in major depression. J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:1205-13. [PMID: 20471034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/08/2010] [Accepted: 04/09/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to compare the expression level of candidate genes between patients suffering from a severe major depressive episode (MDE) and controls, and also among patients during MDE evolution. After a comprehensive review of the biological data related to mood disorders, we initiated a hypothesis-driven exploration of candidate mRNAs. Using RT-qPCR, we analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) mRNA obtained from a homogeneous population of 11 patients who suffered from severe melancholic MDE. To assess the evolution of MDE, we analyzed PBMC mRNAs that were collected on Day 1 and 8 weeks later. Data from these patient samples were analyzed in comparison to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Among 40 candidate genes consistently transcribed in PBMCs, 10 were differentially expressed in at least one comparison. We found that variations of mRNA levels for NRG1, SORT1 and TPH1 were interesting state-dependent biological markers of the disease. We also observed that variations in other mRNA expression were associated with treatment efficacy or clinical improvement (CREB1, HDAC5, HSPA2, HTR1B, HTR2A, and SLC6A4/5HTT). Significantly, 5HTT exhibited a strong correlation with clinical score evolution. We also found a state-independent marker, IL10. Moreover, the analysis of 2 separate MDEs concerning a same patient revealed comparable results for the expression of CREB1, HSPA2, HTR1B, NRG1 and TPH1. Overall, our results indicate that PBMCs obtained at different time points during MDE progression represent a promising avenue to discover biological markers for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Belzeaux
- NICN-CNRS UMR 6184, Faculté de Médecine Nord-IFR Jean Roche, 51 Bd Pierre Dramard, 13344 Marseille Cedex 15, France
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Early induction of CREB activation and CREB-regulating signalling by antidepressants. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2009; 12:1367-81. [PMID: 19400982 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145709000376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence points to adaptive changes in neuroplasticity and gene expression as mediators of therapeutic action of antidepressants. Activation of cAMP response-element binding protein (CREB) and CREB-regulating signalling are considered main effectors in these mechanisms. We analysed the temporal profile of intracellular changes induced by antidepressants, by measuring activation of major CREB-regulating signalling cascades and activation (Ser133 phosphorylation) of CREB. The main aims of the study were to investigate how these different variables are modulated with time, whether stronger activation of signalling cascades corresponds to stronger activation of CREB, and whether these changes are different in distinct brain areas. Rat groups were treated for 1, 2 or 3 wk with the antidepressants fluoxetine or reboxetine; in additional groups drug treatment was followed by a washout week (3+1). Activation of CREB and major effectors in signalling cascades were analysed by Western blot analysis with phospho-antibodies, in nuclear and cytosolic fractions from hippocampus and prefrontal/frontal cortex (P/FC). Surprisingly, CREB activation was already maximal after 1-wk treatment. In hippocampus early and stronger CREB activation was consistent with early and stronger activation of signalling. For both drugs, the profile of activation in P/FC was different from that observed in hippocampus. The results also showed that, contrary to the activatory role of MAP-ERKs and CaM kinase IV, nuclear alphaCaM kinase II was inactivated in parallel with activation of CREB.
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Musazzi L, Cattaneo A, Tardito D, Barbon A, Gennarelli M, Barlati S, Racagni G, Popoli M. Early raise of BDNF in hippocampus suggests induction of posttranscriptional mechanisms by antidepressants. BMC Neurosci 2009; 10:48. [PMID: 19439074 PMCID: PMC2689227 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-10-48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The neurotrophin BDNF has been implicated in the regulation of neuroplasticity, gene expression, and synaptic function in the adult brain, as well as in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Antidepressant treatments have been shown to increase the expression of BDNF mRNA, although the changes measured were found to be different depending on various factors. A few studies only have measured levels of BDNF protein after antidepressant treatments, and poor correlation was found between mRNA and protein changes. We studied the time course of expression of BDNF mRNA and protein during drug treatments, in order to elucidate the temporal profile of regulation of this effector and whether mRNA and protein levels correlate. Rat groups were treated for 1, 2 or 3 weeks with fluoxetine or reboxetine; in additional groups drug treatment was followed by a washout week (3+1). Total BDNF mRNA was measured by Real Time PCR, pro- and mature BDNF proteins were measured by Western blot. Results We found that mature BDNF protein is induced more rapidly than mRNA, by both drugs in hippocampus (weeks 1–2) and by reboxetine in prefrontal/frontal cortex (week 1). The temporal profile of BDNF protein expression was largely inconsistent with that of mRNA, which followed the protein induction and reached a peak at week 3. Conclusion These results suggest that BDNF protein is rapidly elevated by antidepressant treatments by posttranscriptional mechanisms, and that induction of BDNF mRNA is a slower process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- Center of Neuropharmacology-Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Racagni G, Popoli M. Cellular and molecular mechanisms in the long-term action of antidepressants. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2009. [PMID: 19170396 PMCID: PMC3181899 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2008.10.4/gracagni] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The hypotheses on the pathophysiology of depression/mood disorders and on antidepressant mechanisms have greatly changed in recent years. The classical monoamine hypothesis was revealed to be simplistic, in that it could not explain the temporal delay in the therapeutic action of antidepressants. Converging lines of evidence have shown that adaptive changes in the several mechanisms of neuroplasticity are likely to be the cellular and molecular correlates of therapeutic effect. In this article, several mechanisms of neuroplasticity are analyzed in relation to the mechanism of antidepressants, ranging from changes in gene expression (including neurotrophic mechanisms), to synaptic transmission and plasticity, and neurogenesis. We propose that the current version of the hypothesis of antidepressant mechanism simply be called the "hypothesis of neuroplasticity". In the final section, we also briefly review the main current novel strategies in the pharmacology of depression and the new putative targets for antidepressants, with particular emphasis on nonmonoaminergic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Racagni
- Center of Neuropharmacology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences and Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Milano, Italy
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