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Ilieva MS. Non-Coding RNAs in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Unraveling the Hidden Players in Disease Pathogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:1063. [PMID: 38920691 PMCID: PMC11201512 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders pose substantial challenges to public health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward the intricate world of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but play pivotal roles in gene regulation and cellular processes. This review explores the emerging significance of ncRNAs in the context of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, shedding light on their diverse functions and regulatory mechanisms. The dysregulation of various ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been implicated in the pathophysiology of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. This review delves into the specific roles these ncRNAs play in modulating key cellular processes, including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on disease progression. Furthermore, it discusses the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of targeting ncRNAs in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The identification of specific ncRNA signatures holds promise for the development of novel biomarkers for early disease detection, while the manipulation of ncRNA expression offers innovative therapeutic avenues. Challenges and future directions in the field are also considered, highlighting the need for continued research to unravel the complexities of ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks in the context of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and stimulate further exploration into the fascinating realm of ncRNAs in the brain's intricate landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Simeonova Ilieva
- The Bartholin Institute, Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 3rd Floor, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Peng Q, Dai Z, Yin J, Lv D, Luo X, Xiong S, Yang Z, Chen G, Wei Y, Wang Y, Zhang D, Wang L, Yu D, Zhao Y, Lin D, Liao Z, Zhong Y, Lin Z, Lin J. Schizophrenia plausible protective effect of microRNA-137 is potentially related to estrogen and prolactin in female patients. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1187111. [PMID: 37680447 PMCID: PMC10482089 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1187111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a serious chronic mental disorder. Our previous case-control genetic association study has shown that microRNA-137 (miR-137) may only protect females against SCZ. Since estrogen, an important female sex hormone, exerts neuroprotective effects, the relationship between estrogen and miR-137 in the pathophysiology of SCZ was further studied in this study. Methods Genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphism rs1625579 of miR-137 gene in 1,004 SCZ patients and 896 healthy controls was conducted using the iMLDR assay. The effect of estradiol (E2) on the miR-137 expression was evaluated on the human mammary adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF-7) and the mouse hippocampal neuron cell line (HT22). The relationships between serum E2, prolactin (PRL), and peripheral blood miR-137 were investigated in 41 SCZ patients and 43 healthy controls. The miR-137 and other reference miRNAs were detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Results Based on the well-known SNP rs1625579, the distributions of protective genotypes and alleles of the miR-137 gene were not different between patients and healthy controls but were marginally significantly lower in female patients. E2 upregulated the expression of miR-137 to 2.83 and 1.81 times in MCF-7 and HT22 cells, respectively. Both serum E2 and blood miR-137 were significantly decreased or downregulated in SCZ patients, but they lacked expected positive correlations with each other in both patients and controls. When stratified by sex, blood miR-137 was negatively correlated with serum E2 in female patients. On the other hand, serum PRL was significantly increased in SCZ patients, and the female patients had the highest serum PRL level and a negative correlation between serum PRL and blood miR-137. Conclusion The plausible SCZ-protective effect of miR-137 may be female specific, of which the underlying mechanism may be that E2 upregulates the expression of miR-137. This protective mechanism may also be abrogated by elevated PRL in female patients. These preliminary findings suggest a new genetic/environmental interaction mechanism for E2/miR-137 to protect normal females against SCZ and a novel E2/PRL/miR-137-related pathophysiology of female SCZ, implying some new antipsychotic ways for female patients in future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Juda Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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3
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Kim JY, Kim W, Lee KH. The role of microRNAs in the molecular link between circadian rhythm and autism spectrum disorder. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:38-52. [PMID: 36860270 PMCID: PMC9970207 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2180535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythm regulates physiological cycles of awareness and sleepiness. Melatonin production is primarily regulated by circadian regulation of gene expression and is involved in sleep homeostasis. If the circadian rhythm is abnormal, sleep disorders, such as insomnia and several other diseases, can occur. The term 'autism spectrum disorder (ASD)' is used to characterize people who exhibit a certain set of repetitive behaviors, severely constrained interests, social deficits, and/or sensory behaviors that start very early in life. Because many patients with ASD suffer from sleep disorders, sleep disorders and melatonin dysregulation are attracting attention for their potential roles in ASD. ASD is caused by abnormalities during the neurodevelopmental processes owing to various genetic or environmental factors. Recently, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in circadian rhythm and ASD have gained attraction. We hypothesized that the relationship between circadian rhythm and ASD could be explained by miRNAs that can regulate or be regulated by either or both. In this study, we introduced a possible molecular link between circadian rhythm and ASD. We performed a thorough literature review to understand their complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea, Wanil Kim Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do52727, Republic of Korea; Kyung-Ha Lee Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, 2, Busandaehak-ro 63beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan46241, Republic of Korea
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4
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Sokolov PL, Chebanenko NV, Mednaya DM. [Epigenetic influences and brain development]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:12-19. [PMID: 36946391 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312303112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the amount of scientific data on the involvement of epigenetic processes in the regulation of brain development in postnatal ontogenesis has been rapidly growing. The article provides an overview of scientific research on the mechanisms of epigenetic influences on brain development. Information was searched in the Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Pedro, Scholar, eLibrary, CyberLeninka and RSCI databases for the period 1940-2022 by keywords: brain development, epigenetics, neuroontogenesis, methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs. Today, the mechanisms of epigenetic influence on the genome include DNA and RNA methylation, covalent modification of histones, chromatin remodeling, and the influence of non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic modifications are often reversible and provide the necessary plasticity for the response of progenitor cells to environmental signals. The influence of each of these factors on the neurodevelopment is considered. The possibility of transsynaptic transmission of hereditary material by means of circular RNA is indicated. The main ways of microRNA influence on brain development are presented and their universality as an «overgenic» regulator of organism adaptation to external conditions is indicated. Data on the relationship of long non-coding RNAs with the regulation of the functional activity of oligodendroglia are presented. Also, the data presented indicate the paths to the pathogenetically determined prevention of congenital brain pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Sokolov
- Voyno-Yasenetsky Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Assistance for Children, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Chebanenko
- Russian Medical Academy of Continuous Professional Education, Moscow, Russia
| | - D M Mednaya
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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5
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SHANK family on stem cell fate and development. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:880. [PMID: 36257935 PMCID: PMC9579136 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05325-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein (SHANK) 1, SHANK2, and SHANK3 encode a family of postsynaptic scaffolding proteins present at glutamatergic synapses and play a crucial role in synaptogenesis. In the past years, studies have provided a preliminary appreciation and understanding of the influence of the SHANK family in controlling stem cell fate. Here, we review the modulation of SHANK gene expression and their related signaling pathways, allowing for an in-depth understanding of the role of SHANK in stem cells. Besides, their role in governing stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and metabolism are explored in neural stem cells (NSCs), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAPs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Moreover, iPSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have been utilized as model systems for analyzing their functions in terms of neuronal development. SHANK-mediated stem cell fate determination is an intricate and multifactorial process. This study aims to achieve a better understanding of the role of SHANK in these processes and their clinical applications, thereby advancing the field of stem cell therapy. This review unravels the regulatory role of the SHANK family in the fate of stem cells.
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6
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Horvath PM, Piazza MK, Kavalali ET, Monteggia LM. MeCP2 loss-of-function dysregulates microRNAs regionally and disrupts excitatory/inhibitory synaptic transmission balance. Hippocampus 2022; 32:610-623. [PMID: 35851733 PMCID: PMC9344394 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a leading cause of intellectual disability in females primarily caused by loss of function mutations in the transcriptional regulator MeCP2. Loss of MeCP2 leads to a host of synaptic phenotypes that are believed to underlie Rett syndrome pathophysiology. Synaptic deficits vary by brain region upon MeCP2 loss, suggesting distinct molecular alterations leading to disparate synaptic outcomes. In this study, we examined the contribution of MeCP2's newly described role in miRNA regulation to regional molecular and synaptic impairments. Two miRNAs, miR-101a and miR-203, were identified and confirmed as upregulated in MeCP2 KO mice in the hippocampus and cortex, respectively. miR-101a overexpression in hippocampal cultures led to opposing effects at excitatory and inhibitory synapses and in spontaneous and evoked neurotransmission, revealing the potential for a single miRNA to broadly regulate synapse function in the hippocampus. These results highlight the importance of regional alterations in miRNA expression and the specific impact on synaptic function with potential implications for Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M. Horvath
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle K. Piazza
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Ege T. Kavalali
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa M. Monteggia
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA,Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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7
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Jauhari A, Singh T, Yadav S. Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Neurotoxicity: MicroRNA in Focus. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 120:102072. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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8
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Abdolmaleky HM, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. Cataloging recent advances in epigenetic alterations in major mental disorders and autism. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1231-1245. [PMID: 34318684 PMCID: PMC8738978 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last two decades, diverse epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone modifications, RNA editing and miRNA dysregulation have been associated with psychiatric disorders. A few years ago, in a review we outlined the most common epigenetic alterations in major psychiatric disorders (e.g., aberrant DNA methylation of DTNBP1, HTR2A, RELN, MB-COMT and PPP3CC, and increased expression of miR-34a and miR-181b). Recent follow-up studies have uncovered other DNA methylation aberrations affecting several genes in mental disorders, in addition to dysregulation of many miRNAs. Here, we provide an update on new epigenetic findings and highlight potential origin of the diversity and inconsistencies, focusing on drug effects, tissue/cell specificity of epigenetic landscape and discuss shortcomings of the current diagnostic criteria in mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, 02118 MA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215 MA, USA
| | - Jin-Rong Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 02215 MA, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, 02118 MA, USA
- Genetics & Genomics Graduate Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, 02118 MA, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, 02218 MA, USA
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9
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Tamming RJ, Dumeaux V, Jiang Y, Shafiq S, Langlois L, Ellegood J, Qiu LR, Lerch JP, Bérubé NG. Atrx Deletion in Neurons Leads to Sexually Dimorphic Dysregulation of miR-137 and Spatial Learning and Memory Deficits. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107838. [PMID: 32610139 PMCID: PMC7326465 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
ATRX gene mutations have been identified in syndromic and non-syndromic intellectual disabilities in humans. ATRX is known to maintain genomic stability in neuroprogenitor cells, but its function in differentiated neurons and memory processes remains largely unresolved. Here, we show that the deletion of neuronal Atrx in mice leads to distinct hippocampal structural defects, fewer presynaptic vesicles, and an enlarged postsynaptic area at CA1 apical dendrite-axon junctions. We identify male-specific impairments in long-term contextual memory and in synaptic gene expression, linked to altered miR-137 levels. We show that ATRX directly binds to the miR-137 locus and that the enrichment of the suppressive histone mark H3K27me3 is significantly reduced upon the loss of ATRX. We conclude that the ablation of ATRX in excitatory forebrain neurons leads to sexually dimorphic effects on miR-137 expression and on spatial memory, identifying a potential therapeutic target for neurological defects caused by ATRX dysfunction. Loss of ATRX in neurons has sexually dimorphic effects on long-term spatial memory Targeted deletion of neuronal ATRX in mice causes ultrastructural synaptic defects ATRX null neurons show sex-specific changes in miR-137 and target synaptic transcripts ATRX directly binds and suppresses miR-137 in males via enrichment of H3K27me3
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee J Tamming
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Vanessa Dumeaux
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; PERFORM Centre, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yan Jiang
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sarfraz Shafiq
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Luana Langlois
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lily R Qiu
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nathalie G Bérubé
- Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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10
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Jiménez E, Piniella D, Giménez C, Zafra F. Regulation of the Glycine Transporter GLYT1 by microRNAs. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:138-147. [PMID: 33484385 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The glycine transporter GLYT1 participates in inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission by controlling the reuptake of this neuroactive substance from synapses. Over the past few years, microRNAs have emerged as potent negative regulators of gene expression. In this report, we investigate the possible regulation of GLYT1 by microRNAs. TargetScan software predicted the existence of multiple targets for microRNAs within the 3' UTR of the human GLYT1 (miR-7, miR-30, miR-96, miR-137 and miR-141), and as they are all conserved among mammalian orthologues, their effects on GLYT1 expression were determined experimentally. Dual reporter bioluminescent assays showed that only miR-96 and miR-137 down-regulated expression of the Renilla reporter fused to the 3' UTR of GLYT1. Mutations introduced into the target sequences blocked this inhibitory effect. Consistently, these two microRNAs downregulated the uptake of [3H]glycine into glial C6 cells, a cell line where GLYT1 is the main carrier for glycine. Moreover, the expression of endogenous GLYT1 in primary mixed cultures from rat spinal cord was decreased upon lentiviral expression of miR-96 and miR-137. Although the bulk of GLYT1 is glial, it is abundantly expressed in glycinergic neurons of the retina and in smaller amounts in glutamatergic neurons though the brain. Since miR-96 in the retina is strongly downregulated by light exposure, when rats were maintained in darkness for a few hours we observed a concomitant increase of GLYT1 expression, suggesting that at least miR-96 might be an important negative regulator of GLYT1 under physiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Jiménez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera 1, Madrid, 28049, Spain.,IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Dolores Piniella
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera 1, Madrid, 28049, Spain.,IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cecilio Giménez
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera 1, Madrid, 28049, Spain.,IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Zafra
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Facultad de Ciencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C / Nicolás Cabrera 1, Madrid, 28049, Spain. .,IdiPAZ, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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11
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Mirabella F, Gulisano M, Capelli M, Lauretta G, Cirnigliaro M, Palmucci S, Stella M, Barbagallo D, Di Pietro C, Purrello M, Ragusa M, Rizzo R. Enrichment and Correlation Analysis of Serum miRNAs in Comorbidity Between Arnold-Chiari and Tourette Syndrome Contribute to Clarify Their Molecular Bases. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:608355. [PMID: 33469418 PMCID: PMC7813987 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.608355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to its rarity, coupled to a multifactorial and very heterogeneous nature, the molecular etiology of Arnold-Chiari (AC) syndrome remains almost totally unknown. Its relationship with other neuropsychiatric disorders such as Tourette syndrome (TS) is also undetermined. The rare comorbid status between both disorders (ACTS) complicates the framework of diagnosis and negatively affects the patients' quality of life. In this exploratory study, we aimed to identify serum microRNA expression profiles as molecular fingerprints for AC, TS, and ACTS, by using a high-throughput approach. For this aim, 10 AC patients, 11 ACTS patients, 6 TS patients, and 8 unaffected controls (NC) were recruited. Nine miRNAs resulted significantly differentially expressed (DE): let-7b-5p (upregulated in ACTS vs. TS); miR-21-5p (upregulated in ACTS vs. AC; downregulated in AC vs. TS); miR-23a-3p (upregulated in TS vs. NCs; downregulated in AC vs. TS); miR-25-3p (upregulated in AC vs. TS and NCs; downregulated in ACTS vs. AC); miR-93-5p (upregulated in AC vs. TS); miR-130a-3p (downregulated in ACTS and TS vs. NCs); miR-144-3p (downregulated in ACTS vs. AC; upregulated in AC vs. TS); miR-222-3p (upregulated in ACTS vs. NCs); miR-451a (upregulated in AC vs. TS and NCs; in ACTS vs. NCs). Altered expression of miRNAs was statistically correlated to neuroimaging and neuropsychological anomalies. Furthermore, computational analyses indicated that DE miRNAs are involved in AC and TS pathomechanisms. Finally, we propose the dysregulation of the miRNA set as a potential molecular tool for supporting the current diagnosis of AC, TS, and ACTS by using liquid biopsies, in an unbiased and non-invasive way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Mirabella
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mariangela Gulisano
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Mara Capelli
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lauretta
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Matilde Cirnigliaro
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Palmucci
- Radiology Unit 1, Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University Hospital “Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Stella
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Michele Purrello
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Section of Biology and Genetics Giovanni Sichel, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute–IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Renata Rizzo
- Section of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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12
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Wu X, Li W, Zheng Y. Recent Progress on Relevant microRNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165904. [PMID: 32824515 PMCID: PMC7460584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose pathogenesis is unclear and is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of single-stranded non-coding RNA with 20-22 nucleotides, which normally inhibit their target mRNAs at a post-transcriptional level. miRNAs are involved in almost all biological processes and are closely related to ASD and many other diseases. In this review, we summarize relevant miRNAs in ASD, and analyze dysregulated miRNAs in brain tissues and body fluids of ASD patients, which may contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ASD.
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13
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miRNAs-dependent regulation of synapse formation and function. Genes Genomics 2020; 42:837-845. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-020-00940-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Torretta S, Rampino A, Basso M, Pergola G, Di Carlo P, Shin JH, Kleinman JE, Hyde TM, Weinberger DR, Masellis R, Blasi G, Pennuto M, Bertolino A. NURR1 and ERR1 Modulate the Expression of Genes of a DRD2 Coexpression Network Enriched for Schizophrenia Risk. J Neurosci 2020; 40:932-941. [PMID: 31811028 PMCID: PMC6975285 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0786-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple schizophrenia (SCZ) risk loci may be involved in gene co-regulation mechanisms, and analysis of coexpressed gene networks may help to clarify SCZ molecular basis. We have previously identified a dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) coexpression module enriched for SCZ risk genes and associated with cognitive and neuroimaging phenotypes of SCZ, as well as with response to treatment with antipsychotics. Here we aimed to identify regulatory factors modulating this coexpression module and their relevance to SCZ. We performed motif enrichment analysis to identify transcription factor (TF) binding sites in human promoters of genes coexpressed with DRD2. Then, we measured transcript levels of a group of these genes in primary mouse cortical neurons in basal conditions and upon overexpression and knockdown of predicted TFs. Finally, we analyzed expression levels of these TFs in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of SCZ patients. Our in silico analysis revealed enrichment for NURR1 and ERR1 binding sites. In neuronal cultures, the expression of genes either relevant to SCZ risk (Drd2, Gatad2a, Slc28a1, Cnr1) or indexing coexpression in our module (Btg4, Chit1, Osr1, Gpld1) was significantly modified by gain and loss of Nurr1 and Err1. Postmortem DLPFC expression data analysis showed decreased expression levels of NURR1 and ERR1 in patients with SCZ. For NURR1 such decreased expression is associated with treatment with antipsychotics. Our results show that NURR1 and ERR1 modulate the transcription of DRD2 coexpression partners and support the hypothesis that NURR1 is involved in the response to SCZ treatment.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In the present study, we provide in silico and experimental evidence for a role of the TFs NURR1 and ERR1 in modulating the expression pattern of genes coexpressed with DRD2 in human DLPFC. Notably, genetic variations in these genes is associated with SCZ risk and behavioral and neuroimaging phenotypes of the disease, as well as with response to treatment. Furthermore, this study presents novel findings on a possible interplay between D2 receptor-mediated dopamine signaling involved in treatment with antipsychotics and the transcriptional regulation mechanisms exerted by NURR1. Our results suggest that coexpression and co-regulation mechanisms may help to explain some of the complex biology of genetic associations with SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Torretta
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Antonio Rampino
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Manuela Basso
- Laboratory of Transcriptional Neurobiology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Giulio Pergola
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Pasquale Di Carlo
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Joo H Shin
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Joel E Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
| | - Thomas M Hyde
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
- Departments of Neurology
| | - Daniel R Weinberger
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21287
- Neuroscience
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21205
| | - Rita Masellis
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Blasi
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
| | - Maria Pennuto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Padova 35129, Italy
- Dulbecco Telethon Institute, CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, 35131 Padova, Italy, and
| | - Alessandro Bertolino
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari 70124, Italy,
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Consorziale Policlinico, Bari, 70124, Italy
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and miRNA: An Overview of Experimental Models. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9100265. [PMID: 31623367 PMCID: PMC6827020 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, language, and in a limited repertoire of activities and interests. The etiology of ASD is very complex. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to the onset of ASD. Researchers have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be one of the possible causes associated with ASD. miRNAs are small noncoding mRNAs that regulate gene expression, and they are often linked to biological processes and implicated in neurodevelopment. This review aims to provide an overview of the animal models and the role of the different miRNAs involved in ASD. Therefore, the use of animal models that reproduce the ASD and the identification of miRNAs could be a useful predictive tool to study this disorder.
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Early Exposure to a High-Fat Diet Impacts on Hippocampal Plasticity: Implication of Microglia-Derived Exosome-like Extracellular Vesicles. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:5075-5094. [PMID: 30474797 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1435-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood characterized by puberty and brain maturation involving behavioral changes and environmental vulnerability. Diet is one of the factors affecting brain health, potentially leading to long-lasting effects. Hence, we studied the impact of early exposure (P21-60) to a high-fat diet (HFD) on mouse hippocampus, analyzing inflammation, adult neurogenesis, dendritic spine plasticity, and spatial memory. Glycemia and seric pro-inflammatory IL1β were higher in HFD mice without differences on body weight. In the HFD hippocampus, neuroinflammation was evidenced by Iba1+ cells reactivity together with a higher expression of TNFα and IL1β while the neurogenic capability in the dentate gyrus was strongly reduced. We found a predominance of immature Dil-labeled dendritic spines from CA1 neurons along with diminished levels of the scaffold protein Shank2, suggesting a defective connectivity. Moreover, the HFD group exhibited spatial memory alterations. To elucidate whether microglia could be mediating HFD-associated neuronal changes, the lipotoxic context was emulated by incubating primary microglia with palmitate, a saturated fatty acid present in HFD. Palmitate induced a pro-inflammatory profile as shown by secreted cytokine levels. The isolated exosome fraction from palmitate-stimulated microglia induced an immature dendritic spine phenotype in primary GFP+ hippocampal neurons, in line with the in vivo findings. These results provide novel data concerning microglia to neuron communication and highlight that fat excess during a short and early period of life could negatively impact on cognition and synaptic plasticity in a neuroinflammatory context, where microglia-derived exosomes could be implicated. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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