1
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Zhong X, Chen L, Wang Y, Liang Y, Huang Y, Chen Z, Cao W, Liu J, Zu X. METTL14/YTHDC1-Mediated m6A Modification in Hippocampus Improves Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Acute Seizures. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04252-y. [PMID: 38814536 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04252-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which can cause significant morbidity and mortality. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common chemical epigenetic modification among mRNA post-transcriptional modifications, implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, but its role in epilepsy is still unknown. Here, we provide strong evidences in support of an association of m6A and its regulatory proteins with epilepsy. Our results indicated that the level of m6A was declined significantly in the dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure mice. Both the seizure-like behaviors and the excessive activation of DG area neuron were significantly mitigated after the administration of m6A agonist betaine. Mechanically, we found that both the m6A methyltransferase METTL14 and recognition protein YTHDC1 were decreased by PTZ stimulation, which might contribute to the reduced m6A level. Additionally, DG-specific over-expression of METTL14 or YTHDC1 by lentivirus injection could significantly ameliorate seizure-like behaviors and prevent the excessive activation of neuron in epilepsy mice induced by PTZ injection, which might be due to the normalized m6A level. Together, this study identified that METTL14/YTHDC1-mediated m6A modification could participate in seizure-like behaviors, which might provide m6A regulation as a potential and novel therapeutic strategy for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhong
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yajuan Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Liang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Yanmei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Zuyao Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Wenyu Cao
- Clinical Anatomy & Reproductive Medicine Application Institute, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Jianghua Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
| | - Xuyu Zu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Clinical Medicine Research Center, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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2
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Sri Hari A, Banerji R, Liang LP, Fulton RE, Huynh CQ, Fabisiak T, McElroy PB, Roede JR, Patel M. Increasing glutathione levels by a novel posttranslational mechanism inhibits neuronal hyperexcitability. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102895. [PMID: 37769522 PMCID: PMC10539966 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with DMP elevated GSH and inhibited a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker (4-aminopyridine, 4AP) induced neuronal hyperexcitability. DMP increased GSH in wildtype (WT) zebrafish larvae and significantly attenuated convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute 'seizure-like' swim behavior. DMP treatment increased GSH and inhibited convulsive, spontaneous 'seizure-like' swim behavior in the Dravet Syndrome (DS) zebrafish larvae (scn1Lab). Furthermore, DMP treatment significantly decreased spontaneous electrographic seizures and associated seizure parameters in scn1Lab zebrafish larvae. We investigated the role of the redox-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway due to the presence of several cysteine-rich proteins and their involvement in regulating neuronal excitability. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with 4AP or l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly increased mTOR complex I (mTORC1) activity which was rescued by pre-treatment with DMP. Furthermore, BSO-mediated GSH depletion oxidatively modified the tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC) consisting of hamartin (TSC1), tuberin (TSC2), and TBC1 domain family member 7 (TBC1D7) which are critical negative regulators of mTORC1. In summary, our results suggest that DMP-mediated GSH elevation by a novel post-translational mechanism can inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability both in-vitro and in-vivo and a plausible link is the redox sensitive mTORC1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sri Hari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rajeswari Banerji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Li-Ping Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ruth E Fulton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher Quoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Timothy Fabisiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pallavi Bhuyan McElroy
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Greater Philadelphia Area, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - James R Roede
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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3
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Asad A, Shahidan NO, de la Vega de León A, Wiggin GR, Whitfield TT, Baxendale S. A screen of pharmacologically active compounds to identify modulators of the Adgrg6/Gpr126 signalling pathway in zebrafish embryos. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:364-377. [PMID: 37394692 PMCID: PMC10952222 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13923] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Adhesion G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an underrepresented class of GPCRs in drug discovery. We previously developed an in vivo drug screening pipeline to identify compounds with agonist activity for Adgrg6 (Gpr126), an adhesion GPCR required for myelination of the peripheral nervous system in vertebrates. The screening assay tests for rescue of an ear defect found in adgrg6tb233c-/- hypomorphic homozygous mutant zebrafish, using the expression of versican b (vcanb) mRNA as an easily identifiable phenotype. In the current study, we used the same assay to screen a commercially available library of 1280 diverse bioactive compounds (Sigma LOPAC). Comparison with published hits from two partially overlapping compound collections (Spectrum, Tocris) confirms that the screening assay is robust and reproducible. Using a modified counter screen for myelin basic protein (mbp) gene expression, we have identified 17 LOPAC compounds that can rescue both inner ear and myelination defects in adgrg6tb233c-/- hypomorphic mutants, three of which (ebastine, S-methylisothiourea hemisulfate, and thapsigargin) are new hits. A further 25 LOPAC hit compounds were effective at rescuing the otic vcanb expression but not mbp. Together, these and previously identified hits provide a wealth of starting material for the development of novel and specific pharmacological modulators of Adgrg6 receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzar Asad
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | | | | | | | | | - Sarah Baxendale
- School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
- Sheffield Zebrafish Screening Facility, School of BiosciencesUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
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4
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Knap B, Nieoczym D, Kundap U, Kusio-Targonska K, Kukula-Koch W, Turski WA, Gawel K. Zebrafish as a robust preclinical platform for screening plant-derived drugs with anticonvulsant properties-a review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1221665. [PMID: 37701853 PMCID: PMC10493295 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1221665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, selected plant sources have been explored for medicines to treat convulsions. This continues today, especially in countries with low-income rates and poor medical systems. However, in the low-income countries, plant extracts and isolated drugs are in high demand due to their good safety profiles. Preclinical studies on animal models of seizures/epilepsy have revealed the anticonvulsant and/or antiepileptogenic properties of, at least some, herb preparations or plant metabolites. Still, there is a significant number of plants known in traditional medicine that exert anticonvulsant activity but have not been evaluated on animal models. Zebrafish is recognized as a suitable in vivo model of epilepsy research and is increasingly used as a screening platform. In this review, the results of selected preclinical studies are summarized to provide credible information for the future development of effective screening methods for plant-derived antiseizure/antiepileptic therapeutics using zebrafish models. We compared zebrafish vs. rodent data to show the translational value of the former in epilepsy research. We also surveyed caveats in methodology. Finally, we proposed a pipeline for screening new anticonvulsant plant-derived drugs in zebrafish ("from tank to bedside and back again").
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Knap
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Uday Kundap
- Canada East Spine Center, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Center, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Kamila Kusio-Targonska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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5
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Üstündağ FD, Ünal İ, Üstündağ ÜV, Cansız D, Beler M, Alturfan AA, Tiber PM, Emekli-Alturfan E. Morphine ameliorates pentylenetetrazole-induced locomotor pattern in zebrafish embryos; mechanism involving regulation of opioid receptors, suppression of oxidative stress, and inflammation in epileptogenesis. Toxicol Mech Methods 2023; 33:151-160. [PMID: 35866229 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2022.2105182] [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: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is becoming an increasingly important model in epilepsy research. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is a convulsant agent that induces epileptic seizure-like state in zebrafish and zebrafish embryos and is most commonly used in antiepileptic drug discovery research to evaluate seizure mechanisms. Classical antiepileptic drugs, such as valproic acid (VPA) reduce PTZ-induced epileptiform activities. Opioid system has been suggested to play a role in epileptogenesis. The aim of our study is to determine the effects of morphine in PTZ-induced epilepsy model in zebrafish embryos by evaluating locomotor activity and parameters related to oxidant-antioxidant status, inflammation, and cholinergic system as well as markers of neuronal activity c-fos, bdnf, and opioid receptors. Zebrafish embryos at 72 hpf were exposed to PTZ (20 mM), VPA (1 mM), and Morphine (MOR) (100 µM). MOR and VPA pretreated groups were treated with either MOR (MOR + PTZ) or VPA (VPA + PTZ) for 20 min before PTZ expoure. Locomotor activity was quantified as total distance moved (mm), average speed (mm/sec) and exploration rate (%) and analyzed using ToxTrac tracking programme. Oxidant-antioxidant system parameters, acetylcholinesterase activity, and sialic acid leves were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. The expression of c-fos, bdnf, oprm1, and oprd1 were evaluated by RT-PCR. MOR pretreatment ameliorated PTZ-induced locomotor pattern as evidenced by improved average speed, exploration rate and distance traveled. We report the restoration of inflammatory and oxidant-antioxidant system parameters, c-fos, bdnf, and opioid receptor oprm1 as the possible mechanisms involved in the ameliorative effect of MOR against PTZ-induced epileptogenic process in zebrafish embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fümet Duygu Üstündağ
- Department of Biophysics, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İsmail Ünal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ünsal Veli Üstündağ
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Derya Cansız
- Faculty of Medicine, Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merih Beler
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - A Ata Alturfan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Mega Tiber
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ebru Emekli-Alturfan
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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6
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Ochenkowska K, Herold A, Samarut É. Zebrafish Is a Powerful Tool for Precision Medicine Approaches to Neurological Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:944693. [PMID: 35875659 PMCID: PMC9298522 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.944693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized medicine is currently one of the most promising tools which give hope to patients with no suitable or no available treatment. Patient-specific approaches are particularly needed for common diseases with a broad phenotypic spectrum as well as for rare and yet-undiagnosed disorders. In both cases, there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms and how to counteract them. Even though, during recent years, we have been observing the blossom of novel therapeutic techniques, there is still a gap to fill between bench and bedside in a patient-specific fashion. In particular, the complexity of genotype-to-phenotype correlations in the context of neurological disorders has dampened the development of successful disease-modifying therapeutics. Animal modeling of human diseases is instrumental in the development of therapies. Currently, zebrafish has emerged as a powerful and convenient model organism for modeling and investigating various neurological disorders. This model has been broadly described as a valuable tool for understanding developmental processes and disease mechanisms, behavioral studies, toxicity, and drug screening. The translatability of findings obtained from zebrafish studies and the broad prospect of human disease modeling paves the way for developing tailored therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will discuss the predictive power of zebrafish in the discovery of novel, precise therapeutic approaches in neurosciences. We will shed light on the advantages and abilities of this in vivo model to develop tailored medicinal strategies. We will also investigate the newest accomplishments and current challenges in the field and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Ochenkowska
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aveeva Herold
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Éric Samarut
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
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7
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Barnaby W, Dorman Barclay HE, Nagarkar A, Perkins M, Teicher G, Trapani JG, Downes GB. GABAA α subunit control of hyperactive behavior in developing zebrafish. Genetics 2022; 220:6519832. [PMID: 35106556 PMCID: PMC8982038 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
GABAA receptors mediate rapid responses to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid and are robust regulators of the brain and spinal cord neural networks that control locomotor behaviors, such as walking and swimming. In developing zebrafish, gross pharmacological blockade of these receptors causes hyperactive swimming, which is also a feature of many zebrafish epilepsy models. Although GABAA receptors are important to control locomotor behavior, the large number of subunits and homeostatic compensatory mechanisms have challenged efforts to determine subunit-selective roles. To address this issue, we mutated each of the 8 zebrafish GABAA α subunit genes individually and in pairs using a CRISPR-Cas9 somatic inactivation approach and, then, we examined the swimming behavior of the mutants at 2 developmental stages, 48 and 96 h postfertilization. We found that disrupting the expression of specific pairs of subunits resulted in different abnormalities in swimming behavior at 48 h postfertilization. Mutation of α4 and α5 selectively resulted in longer duration swimming episodes, mutations in α3 and α4 selectively caused excess, large-amplitude body flexions (C-bends), and mutation of α3 and α5 resulted in increases in both of these measures of hyperactivity. At 96 h postfertilization, hyperactive phenotypes were nearly absent, suggesting that homeostatic compensation was able to overcome the disruption of even multiple subunits. Taken together, our results identify subunit-selective roles for GABAA α3, α4, and α5 in regulating locomotion. Given that these subunits exhibit spatially restricted expression patterns, these results provide a foundation to identify neurons and GABAergic networks that control discrete aspects of locomotor behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne Barnaby
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Akanksha Nagarkar
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Matthew Perkins
- Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Gregory Teicher
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Josef G Trapani
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department and Neuroscience Program, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Gerald B Downes
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA,Corresponding author: Biology Department, Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, and Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, 611 North Pleasant St., Morrill Science Center, Building 4 North, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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8
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Wang X, Liao Q, Chen H, Gong G, Siu SWI, Chen Q, Kam H, Ung COL, Cheung KK, Rádis-Baptista G, Wong CTT, Lee SMY. Toxic Peptide From Palythoa caribaeorum Acting on the TRPV1 Channel Prevents Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy in Zebrafish Larvae. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:763089. [PMID: 34925021 PMCID: PMC8672801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.763089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PcActx peptide, identified from the transcriptome of zoantharian Palythoa caribaeorum, was clustered into the phylogeny of analgesic polypeptides from sea anemone Heteractis crispa (known as APHC peptides). APHC peptides were considered as inhibitors of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is a calcium-permeable channel expressed in epileptic brain areas, serving as a potential target for preventing epileptic seizures. Through in silico and in vitro analysis, PcActx peptide was shown to be a potential TRPV1 channel blocker. In vivo studies showed that the linear and oxidized PcActx peptides caused concentration-dependent increases in mortality of zebrafish larvae. However, monotreatment with PcActx peptides below the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) did not affect locomotor behavior. Moreover, PcActx peptides (both linear and oxidized forms) could effectively reverse pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure-related behavior in zebrafish larvae and prevent overexpression of c-fos and npas4a at the mRNA level. The excessive production of ROS induced by PTZ was markedly attenuated by both linear and oxidized PcActx peptides. It was also verified that the oxidized PcActx peptide was more effective than the linear one. In particular, oxidized PcActx peptide notably modulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in calcium signaling and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic-glutamatergic signaling, including calb1, calb2, gabra1, grm1, gria1b, grin2b, gat1, slc1a2b, gad1b, and glsa. Taken together, PcActx peptide, as a novel neuroactive peptide, exhibits prominent anti-epileptic activity, probably through modulating calcium signaling and GABAergic-glutamatergic signaling, and is a promising candidate for epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qiwen Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Shirley Weng In Siu
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hiotong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Kwok-Kuen Cheung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Clarence Tsun Ting Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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9
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Crouzier L, Richard EM, Sourbron J, Lagae L, Maurice T, Delprat B. Use of Zebrafish Models to Boost Research in Rare Genetic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13356. [PMID: 34948153 PMCID: PMC8706563 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare genetic diseases are a group of pathologies with often unmet clinical needs. Even if rare by a single genetic disease (from 1/2000 to 1/more than 1,000,000), the total number of patients concerned account for approximatively 400 million peoples worldwide. Finding treatments remains challenging due to the complexity of these diseases, the small number of patients and the challenge in conducting clinical trials. Therefore, innovative preclinical research strategies are required. The zebrafish has emerged as a powerful animal model for investigating rare diseases. Zebrafish combines conserved vertebrate characteristics with high rate of breeding, limited housing requirements and low costs. More than 84% of human genes responsible for diseases present an orthologue, suggesting that the majority of genetic diseases could be modelized in zebrafish. In this review, we emphasize the unique advantages of zebrafish models over other in vivo models, particularly underlining the high throughput phenotypic capacity for therapeutic screening. We briefly introduce how the generation of zebrafish transgenic lines by gene-modulating technologies can be used to model rare genetic diseases. Then, we describe how zebrafish could be phenotyped using state-of-the-art technologies. Two prototypic examples of rare diseases illustrate how zebrafish models could play a critical role in deciphering the underlying mechanisms of rare genetic diseases and their use to identify innovative therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Crouzier
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Elodie M. Richard
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Lieven Lagae
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Section Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (J.S.); (L.L.)
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
| | - Benjamin Delprat
- MMDN, University of Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France; (L.C.); (E.M.R.); (T.M.)
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10
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Heylen L, Pham DH, De Meulemeester AS, Samarut É, Skiba A, Copmans D, Kazwiny Y, Vanden Berghe P, de Witte PAM, Siekierska A. Pericardial Injection of Kainic Acid Induces a Chronic Epileptic State in Larval Zebrafish. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:753936. [PMID: 34720874 PMCID: PMC8551382 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.753936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common disorder of the brain characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, which develop gradually during a process called epileptogenesis. The mechanistic processes underlying the changes of brain tissue and networks toward increased seizure susceptibility are not fully understood. In rodents, injection of kainic acid (KA) ultimately leads to the development of spontaneous epileptic seizures, reflecting similar neuropathological characteristics as seen in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Although this model has significantly contributed to increased knowledge of epileptogenesis, it is technically demanding, costly to operate and hence not suitable for high-throughput screening of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Zebrafish, a vertebrate with complementary advantages to rodents, is an established animal model for epilepsy research. Here, we generated a novel KA-induced epilepsy model in zebrafish larvae that we functionally and pharmacologically validated. KA was administered by pericardial injection at an early zebrafish larval stage. The epileptic phenotype induced was examined by quantification of seizure-like behavior using automated video recording, and of epileptiform brain activity measured via local field potential (LFP) recordings. We also assessed GFP-labeled GABAergic and RFP-labeled glutamatergic neurons in double transgenic KA-injected zebrafish larvae, and examined the GABA and glutamate levels in the larval heads by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS). Finally, KA-injected larvae were exposed to five commonly used AEDs by immersion for pharmacological characterization of the model. Shortly after injection, KA induced a massive damage and inflammation in the zebrafish brain and seizure-like locomotor behavior. An abnormal reorganization of brain circuits was observed, a decrease in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal population and their associated neurotransmitters. Importantly, these changes were accompanied by spontaneous and continuous epileptiform brain discharges starting after a short latency period, as seen in KA rodent models and reminiscent of human pathology. Three out of five AEDs tested rescued LFP abnormalities but did not affect the seizure-like behavior. Taken together, for the first time we describe a chemically-induced larval zebrafish epilepsy model offering unique insights into studying epileptogenic processes in vivo and suitable for high-throughput AED screening purposes and rapid genetic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Heylen
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Duc-Hung Pham
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Éric Samarut
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniëlle Copmans
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Youcef Kazwiny
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Abstract
Danio rerio (zebrafish) are a powerful experimental model for genetic and developmental studies. Adaptation of zebrafish to study seizures was initially established using the common convulsant agent pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Larval PTZ-exposed zebrafish exhibit clear behavioral convulsions and abnormal electrographic activity, reminiscent of interictal and ictal epileptiform discharge. By using this model, our laboratory developed simple locomotion-based and electrophysiological assays to monitor and quantify seizures in larval zebrafish. Zebrafish also offer multiple advantages for rapid genetic manipulation and high-throughput phenotype-based drug screening. Combining these seizure assays with genetically modified zebrafish that represent Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy, ultimately contributed to a phenotype-based screen of over 3500 drugs. Several drugs identified in these zebrafish screens are currently in clinical or compassionate-use trials. The emergence of this 'aquarium-to-bedside' approach suggests that broader efforts to adapt and improve upon this zebrafish-centric strategy can drive a variety of exciting new discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott C Baraban
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco,CA 94143-0350, USA
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12
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Bosse GD, Urcino C, Watkins M, Flórez Salcedo P, Kozel S, Chase K, Cabang A, Espino SS, Safavi-Hemami H, Raghuraman S, Olivera BM, Peterson RT, Gajewiak J. Discovery of a Potent Conorfamide from Conus episcopatus Using a Novel Zebrafish Larvae Assay. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2021; 84:1232-1243. [PMID: 33764053 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c01297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural products such as conotoxins have tremendous potential as tools for biomedical research and for the treatment of different human diseases. Conotoxins are peptides present in the venoms of predatory cone snails that have a rich diversity of pharmacological functions. One of the major bottlenecks in natural products research is the rapid identification and evaluation of bioactive molecules. To overcome this limitation, we designed a set of light-induced behavioral assays in zebrafish larvae to screen for bioactive conotoxins. We used this screening approach to test several unique conotoxins derived from different cone snail clades and discovered that a conorfamide from Conus episcopatus, CNF-Ep1, had the most dramatic alterations in the locomotor behavior of zebrafish larvae. Interestingly, CNF-Ep1 is also bioactive in several mouse assay systems when tested in vitro and in vivo. Our novel screening platform can thus accelerate the identification of bioactive marine natural products, and the first compound discovered using this assay has intriguing properties that may uncover novel neuronal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel D Bosse
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 201 Skaggs Hall 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Cristoval Urcino
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Maren Watkins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Paula Flórez Salcedo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, 20 S 2030 E, BPRB 490D, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Sabrina Kozel
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kevin Chase
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - April Cabang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Samuel S Espino
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Helena Safavi-Hemami
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, 15 N Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen N DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Shrinivasan Raghuraman
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Baldomero M Olivera
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Randall T Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, 201 Skaggs Hall 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Joanna Gajewiak
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, 257 S 1400 E, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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13
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Pieróg M, Socała K, Doboszewska U, Wyska E, Guz L, Szopa A, Serefko A, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Effects of classic antiseizure drugs on seizure activity and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 415:115429. [PMID: 33524447 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish is extensively used as a model organism for studying several disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including epilepsy. Some antiseizure drugs (ASDs) have been shown to produce discrepant results in larvae and adults zebrafish, therefore, their anticonvulsant efficacy in subsequent stages of the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures should be more precisely characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate behavioral effects of five classic ASDs: valproate (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), diazepam (DZP), and phenobarbital (PB) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in the PTZ-induced seizure test in adult zebrafish. We determined the time of maximal effect and the dose-response relationship of the studied ASDs. Furthermore, we assessed changes in the locomotor activity and the anxiety-like behavior in the color preference test. Moreover, drug concentrations in zebrafish homogenates were examined. VPA, DZP, and PB significantly increased the seizure latency at three subsequent stages of seizures (SI-SIII). PHT produced the anticonvulsant-like effect at SI and SII, while CBZ was effective at SII and SIII. Only DZP decreased zebrafish locomotor activity. A strong anxiolytic-like effect was observed after administration of PHT and PB. A weak anxiolytic-like effect occurred after treatment with VPA and DZP. The HPLC analysis showed the average concentrations of the studied ASDs in the fish body during the maximum anticonvulsant activity of each drug. Our results confirm the advantages of using zebrafish with the mature CNS over larval models and its utility to investigate some neuropharmacological properties of the tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pieróg
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wyska
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Leszek Guz
- Department of Fish Diseases and Biology, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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14
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Brunal AA, Clark KC, Ma M, Woods IG, Pan YA. Effects of Constitutive and Acute Connexin 36 Deficiency on Brain-Wide Susceptibility to PTZ-Induced Neuronal Hyperactivity. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:587978. [PMID: 33505244 PMCID: PMC7829467 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.587978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are transmembrane proteins that form hemichannels allowing the exchange of molecules between the extracellular space and the cell interior. Two hemichannels from adjacent cells dock and form a continuous gap junction pore, thereby permitting direct intercellular communication. Connexin 36 (Cx36), expressed primarily in neurons, is involved in the synchronous activity of neurons and may play a role in aberrant synchronous firing, as seen in seizures. To understand the reciprocal interactions between Cx36 and seizure-like neural activity, we examined three questions: (a) does Cx36 deficiency affect seizure susceptibility, (b) does seizure-like activity affect Cx36 expression patterns, and (c) does acute blockade of Cx36 conductance increase seizure susceptibility. We utilize the zebrafish pentylenetetrazol [PTZ; a GABA(A) receptor antagonist] induced seizure model, taking advantage of the compact size and optical translucency of the larval zebrafish brain to assess how PTZ affects brain-wide neuronal activity and Cx36 protein expression. We exposed wild-type and genetic Cx36-deficient (cx35.5-/-) zebrafish larvae to PTZ and subsequently mapped neuronal activity across the whole brain, using phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (pERK) as a proxy for neuronal activity. We found that cx35.5-/- fish exhibited region-specific susceptibility and resistance to PTZ-induced hyperactivity compared to wild-type controls, suggesting that genetic Cx36 deficiency may affect seizure susceptibility in a region-specific manner. Regions that showed increased PTZ sensitivity include the dorsal telencephalon, which is implicated in human epilepsy, and the lateral hypothalamus, which has been underexplored. We also found that PTZ-induced neuronal hyperactivity resulted in a rapid reduction of Cx36 protein levels within 30 min. This Cx36 reduction persists after 1-h of recovery but recovered after 3–6 h. This acute downregulation of Cx36 by PTZ is likely maladaptive, as acute pharmacological blockade of Cx36 by mefloquine results in increased susceptibility to PTZ-induced neuronal hyperactivity. Together, these results demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between Cx36 and seizure-associated neuronal hyperactivity: Cx36 deficiency contributes region-specific susceptibility to neuronal hyperactivity, while neuronal hyperactivity-induced downregulation of Cx36 may increase the risk of future epileptic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Brunal
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Kareem C Clark
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Manxiu Ma
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Ian G Woods
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Y Albert Pan
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
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15
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Yaksi E, Jamali A, Diaz Verdugo C, Jurisch-Yaksi N. Past, present and future of zebrafish in epilepsy research. FEBS J 2021; 288:7243-7255. [PMID: 33394550 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Animal models contribute greatly to our understanding of brain development and function as well as its dysfunction in neurological diseases. Epilepsy research is a very good example of how animal models can provide us with a mechanistic understanding of the genes, molecules, and pathophysiological processes involved in disease. Over the course of the last two decades, zebrafish came in as a new player in epilepsy research, with an expanding number of laboratories using this animal to understand epilepsy and to discover new strategies for preventing seizures. Yet, zebrafish as a model offers a lot more for epilepsy research. In this viewpoint, we aim to highlight some key contributions of zebrafish to epilepsy research, and we want to emphasize the great untapped potential of this animal model for expanding these contributions. We hope that our suggestions will trigger further discussions between clinicians and researchers with a common goal to understand and cure epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Yaksi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ahmed Jamali
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Carmen Diaz Verdugo
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nathalie Jurisch-Yaksi
- Kavli Institute for Systems Neuroscience and Centre for Neural Computation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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16
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Gong G, Chen H, Kam H, Chan G, Tang YX, Wu M, Tan H, Tse YC, Xu HX, Lee SMY. In Vivo Screening of Xanthones from Garcinia oligantha Identified Oliganthin H as a Novel Natural Inhibitor of Convulsions. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3706-3716. [PMID: 33296199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent, spontaneous, and transient seizures, and affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Although two dozen antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are approved and available in the market, seizures remain poorly controlled in one-third of epileptic patients who are suffering from drug resistance or various adverse effects. Recently, the xanthone skeleton has been regarded as an attractive scaffold for the discovery and development of emerging anticonvulsants. We had isolated several dihydroxanthone derivatives previously, including oliganthin H, oliganthin I, and oliganthin N, whose structures were similar and delicately elucidated by spectrum analysis or X-ray crystallographic data, from extracts of leaves of Garcinia oligantha. These xanthone analogues were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity, and a novel xanthone, oliganthin H, has been identified as a sound and effective natural inhibitor of convulsions in zebrafish in vivo. A preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis on the relationship between structures of the xanthone analogues and their activities was also conducted. Oliganthin H significantly suppressed convulsant behavior and reduced to about 25% and 50% of PTZ-induced activity, in 12.5 and 25 μM treatment groups (P < 0.01 and 0.001), respectively. Meanwhile, it reduced seizure activity, velocity, seizure duration, and number of bursts in zebrafish larvae (P < 0.05). Pretreatment of oliganthin H significantly restored aberrant induction of gene expressions including npas4a, c-fos, pyya, and bdnf, as well as gabra1, gad1, glsa, and glula, upon PTZ treatment. In addition, in silico analysis revealed the stability of the oliganthin H-GABAA receptor complex and their detailed binding pattern. Therefore, direct interactions with the GABAA receptor and involvement of downstream GABA-glutamate pathways were possible mechanisms of the anticonvulsant action of oliganthin H. Our findings present the anticonvulsant activity of oliganthin H, provide a novel scaffold for further modifications, and highlight the xanthone skeleton as an attractive and reliable resource for the development of emerging AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hiotong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Ging Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yue-Xun Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Man Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongsheng Tan
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yu-Chung Tse
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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17
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Shen D, Chen J, Liu D, Shen M, Wang X, Wu Y, Ke S, Macdonald RL, Zhang Q. The GABRG2 F343L allele causes spontaneous seizures in a novel transgenic zebrafish model that can be treated with suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA). ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1560. [PMID: 33437759 PMCID: PMC7791267 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Mutations in the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor γ2 subunit gene, GABRG2, have been associated frequently with epilepsy syndromes with varying severities. Recently, a de novo GABRG2 mutation, c.T1027C, p.F343L, was identified in a patient with an early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE). In vitro, we demonstrated that GABAA receptors containing the mutant γ2(F343L) subunit have impaired trafficking to the cell surface. Here, we aim to validate an in vivo zebrafish model of EOEE associated with the GABRG2 mutation T1027C. Methods We generated a novel transgenic zebrafish (AB strain) that overexpressed mutant human γ2(F343L) subunits and provided an initial characterization of the transgenic Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish. Results Real-time quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization identified a significant up-regulation of c-fos in the mutant transgenic zebrafish, which has a well-established role in epileptogenesis. In the larval stage 5 days postfertilization (dpf), freely swimming Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish displayed spontaneous seizure-like behaviors consisting of whole-body shaking and hyperactivity during automated locomotion video tracking, and seizures can be induced by light stimulation. Using RNA sequencing, we investigated transcriptomic changes due to the presence of mutant γ2L(F343L) subunits and have found 524 genes that are differentially expressed, including up-regulation of 33 genes associated with protein processing. More specifically, protein network analysis indicated histone deacetylases (HDACs) as potential therapeutic targets, and suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), a broad HDACs inhibitor, alleviated seizure-like phenotypes in mutant zebrafish larvae. Conclusions Overall, our Tg(hGABRG2F343L) overexpression zebrafish model provides the first example of a human epilepsy-associated GABRG2 mutation resulting in spontaneous seizures in zebrafish. Moreover, HDAC inhibition may be worth investigating as a therapeutic strategy for genetic epilepsies caused by missense mutations in GABRG2 and possibly in other central nervous system genes that impair surface trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Shen
- Department of Neurology & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Science, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Youjia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shuan Ke
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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18
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A Microfluidic System for Stable and Continuous EEG Monitoring from Multiple Larval Zebrafish. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20205903. [PMID: 33086704 PMCID: PMC7590171 DOI: 10.3390/s20205903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Along with the increasing popularity of larval zebrafish as an experimental animal in the fields of drug screening, neuroscience, genetics, and developmental biology, the need for tools to deal with multiple larvae has emerged. Microfluidic channels have been employed to handle multiple larvae simultaneously, even for sensing electroencephalogram (EEG). In this study, we developed a microfluidic chip capable of uniform and continuous drug infusion across all microfluidic channels during EEG recording. Owing to the modular design of the microfluidic channels, the number of animals under investigation can be easily increased. Using the optimized design of the microfluidic chip, liquids could be exchanged uniformly across all channels without physically affecting the larvae contained in the channels, which assured a stable environment maintained all the time during EEG recording, by eliminating environmental artifacts and leaving only biological effects to be seen. To demonstrate the usefulness of the developed system in drug screening, we continuously measured EEG from four larvae without and with pentylenetetrazole application, up to 60 min. In addition, we recorded EEG from valproic acid (VPA)-treated zebrafish and demonstrated the suppression of seizure by VPA. The developed microfluidic system could contribute to the mass screening of EEG for drug development to treat neurological disorders such as epilepsy in a short time, owing to its handy size, cheap fabrication cost, and the guaranteed uniform drug infusion across all channels with no environmentally induced artifacts.
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19
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Jones A, Barker-Haliski M, Ilie AS, Herd MB, Baxendale S, Holdsworth CJ, Ashton JP, Placzek M, Jayasekera BAP, Cowie CJA, Lambert JJ, Trevelyan AJ, Steve White H, Marson AG, Cunliffe VT, Sills GJ, Morgan A. A multiorganism pipeline for antiseizure drug discovery: Identification of chlorothymol as a novel γ-aminobutyric acidergic anticonvulsant. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2106-2118. [PMID: 32797628 PMCID: PMC10756143 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current medicines are ineffective in approximately one-third of people with epilepsy. Therefore, new antiseizure drugs are urgently needed to address this problem of pharmacoresistance. However, traditional rodent seizure and epilepsy models are poorly suited to high-throughput compound screening. Furthermore, testing in a single species increases the chance that therapeutic compounds act on molecular targets that may not be conserved in humans. To address these issues, we developed a pipeline approach using four different organisms. METHODS We sequentially employed compound library screening in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, chemical genetics in the worm, Caenorhabditis elegans, electrophysiological analysis in mouse and human brain slices, and preclinical validation in mouse seizure models to identify novel antiseizure drugs and their molecular mechanism of action. RESULTS Initially, a library of 1690 compounds was screened in an acute pentylenetetrazol seizure model using D rerio. From this screen, the compound chlorothymol was identified as an effective anticonvulsant not only in fish, but also in worms. A subsequent genetic screen in C elegans revealed the molecular target of chlorothymol to be LGC-37, a worm γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) receptor subunit. This GABAergic effect was confirmed using in vitro brain slice preparations from both mice and humans, as chlorothymol was shown to enhance tonic and phasic inhibition and this action was reversed by the GABAA receptor antagonist, bicuculline. Finally, chlorothymol exhibited in vivo anticonvulsant efficacy in several mouse seizure assays, including the 6-Hz 44-mA model of pharmacoresistant seizures. SIGNIFICANCE These findings establish a multiorganism approach that can identify compounds with evolutionarily conserved molecular targets and translational potential, and so may be useful in drug discovery for epilepsy and possibly other conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Jones
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Andrei S. Ilie
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
| | - Murray B. Herd
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sarah Baxendale
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - John-Paul Ashton
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marysia Placzek
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Bodiabaduge A. P. Jayasekera
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
| | - Christopher J. A. Cowie
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, UK
| | - Jeremy J. Lambert
- Neuroscience, Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | | | - H. Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Anthony G. Marson
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Graeme J. Sills
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alan Morgan
- Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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20
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Lee Y, Lee KJ, Jang JW, Lee SI, Kim S. An EEG system to detect brain signals from multiple adult zebrafish. Biosens Bioelectron 2020; 164:112315. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2020.112315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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21
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Ichino N, Serres MR, Urban RM, Urban MD, Treichel AJ, Schaefbauer KJ, Greif LE, Varshney GK, Skuster KJ, McNulty MS, Daby CL, Wang Y, Liao HK, El-Rass S, Ding Y, Liu W, Anderson JL, Wishman MD, Sabharwal A, Schimmenti LA, Sivasubbu S, Balciunas D, Hammerschmidt M, Farber SA, Wen XY, Xu X, McGrail M, Essner JJ, Burgess SM, Clark KJ, Ekker SC. Building the vertebrate codex using the gene breaking protein trap library. eLife 2020; 9:54572. [PMID: 32779569 PMCID: PMC7486118 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
One key bottleneck in understanding the human genome is the relative under-characterization of 90% of protein coding regions. We report a collection of 1200 transgenic zebrafish strains made with the gene-break transposon (GBT) protein trap to simultaneously report and reversibly knockdown the tagged genes. Protein trap-associated mRFP expression shows previously undocumented expression of 35% and 90% of cloned genes at 2 and 4 days post-fertilization, respectively. Further, investigated alleles regularly show 99% gene-specific mRNA knockdown. Homozygous GBT animals in ryr1b, fras1, tnnt2a, edar and hmcn1 phenocopied established mutants. 204 cloned lines trapped diverse proteins, including 64 orthologs of human disease-associated genes with 40 as potential new disease models. Severely reduced skeletal muscle Ca2+ transients in GBT ryr1b homozygous animals validated the ability to explore molecular mechanisms of genetic diseases. This GBT system facilitates novel functional genome annotation towards understanding cellular and molecular underpinnings of vertebrate biology and human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Ichino
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - MaKayla R Serres
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Rhianna M Urban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Mark D Urban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Anthony J Treichel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Kyle J Schaefbauer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Lauren E Greif
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Gaurav K Varshney
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.,Functional & Chemical Genomics Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, United States
| | - Kimberly J Skuster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Melissa S McNulty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Camden L Daby
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Hsin-Kai Liao
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Suzan El-Rass
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery & Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto & University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Weibin Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Jennifer L Anderson
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, United States
| | - Mark D Wishman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Ankit Sabharwal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Lisa A Schimmenti
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States.,Department of Clinical Genomics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Sridhar Sivasubbu
- Genomics and Molecular Medicine Unit, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | - Darius Balciunas
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Matthias Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Zoology, Developmental Biology Unit, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Steven Arthur Farber
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution for Science, Baltimore, United States
| | - Xiao-Yan Wen
- Zebrafish Centre for Advanced Drug Discovery & Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto & University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Maura McGrail
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Essner
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, United States
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States
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22
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Kanyo R, Wang CK, Locskai LF, Li J, Allison WT, Kurata HT. Functional and behavioral signatures of Kv7 activator drug subtypes. Epilepsia 2020; 61:1678-1690. [PMID: 32652600 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Voltage-gated potassium channels of the KCNQ (Kv7) family are targeted by a variety of activator compounds with therapeutic potential for treatment of epilepsy. Exploration of this drug class has revealed a variety of effective compounds with diverse mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to clarify functional criteria for categorization of Kv7 activator compounds, and to compare the effects of prototypical drugs in a zebrafish larvae model. METHODS In vitro electrophysiological approaches with recombinant ion channels were used to highlight functional properties important for classification of drug mechanisms. We also benchmarked the effects of representative antiepileptic Kv7 activator drugs using behavioral seizure assays of zebrafish larvae and in vivo Ca2+ imaging with the ratiometric Ca2+ sensor CaMPARI. RESULTS Drug effects on channel gating kinetics, and drug sensitivity profiles to diagnostic channel mutations, were used to highlight properties for categorization of Kv7 activator drugs into voltage sensor-targeted or pore-targeted subtypes. Quantifying seizures and ratiometric Ca2+ imaging in freely swimming zebrafish larvae demonstrated that while all Kv7 activators tested lead to suppression of neuronal excitability, pore-targeted activators (like ML213 and retigabine) strongly suppress seizure behavior, whereas ICA-069673 triggers a seizure-like hypermotile behavior. SIGNIFICANCE This study suggests criteria to categorize antiepileptic Kv7 activator drugs based on their underlying mechanism. We also establish the use of in vivo CaMPARI as a tool for screening effects of anticonvulsant drugs on neuronal excitability in zebrafish. In summary, despite a shared ability to suppress neuronal excitability, our findings illustrate how mechanistic differences between Kv7 activator subtypes influence their effects on heteromeric channels and lead to vastly different in vivo outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kanyo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Caroline K Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laszlo F Locskai
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jingru Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - W Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, Centre for Prions and Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Harley T Kurata
- Department of Pharmacology, Alberta Diabetes Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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23
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Gawel K, Langlois M, Martins T, van der Ent W, Tiraboschi E, Jacmin M, Crawford AD, Esguerra CV. Seizing the moment: Zebrafish epilepsy models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:1-20. [PMID: 32544542 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are now widely accepted as a valuable animal model for a number of different central nervous system (CNS) diseases. They are suitable both for elucidating the origin of these disorders and the sequence of events culminating in their onset, and for use as a high-throughput in vivo drug screening platform. The availability of powerful and effective techniques for genome manipulation allows the rapid modelling of different genetic epilepsies and of conditions with seizures as a core symptom. With this review, we seek to summarize the current knowledge about existing epilepsy/seizures models in zebrafish (both pharmacological and genetic) and compare them with equivalent rodent and human studies. New findings obtained from the zebrafish models are highlighted. We believe that this comprehensive review will highlight the value of zebrafish as a model for investigating different aspects of epilepsy and will help researchers to use these models to their full extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Teresa Martins
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ettore Tiraboschi
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Neurophysics Group, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza Manifattura 1, Building 14, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Maxime Jacmin
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
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24
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Ibhazehiebo K, Rho JM, Kurrasch DM. Metabolism-based drug discovery in zebrafish: An emerging strategy to uncover new anti-seizure therapies. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107988. [PMID: 32070912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.107988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most common neurological disorders, epilepsy can occur throughout the lifespan and from a multiplicity of causes, including genetic mutations, inflammation, neurotrauma, or brain malformations. Although pharmacological agents are the mainstay of treatment for seizure control, an unyielding 30-40% of patients remain refractory to these medications and continue to experience spontaneous recurrent seizures with attendant life-long cognitive, behavioural, and mental health issues, as well as an increased risk for sudden unexpected death. Despite over eight decades of antiseizure drug (ASD) discovery and the approval of dozens of new medications, the percentage of this refractory population remains virtually unchanged, suggesting that drugs with new and unexpected mechanisms of action are needed. In this brief review, we discuss the need for new animal models of epilepsy, with a particular focus on the advantages and disadvantages of zebrafish. We also outline the evidence that epilepsy is characterized by derangements in mitochondrial function and introduce the rationale and promise of bioenergetics as a functional readout assay to uncover novel ASDs. We also consider limitations of a zebrafish metabolism-based drug screening approach. Our goal is to discuss the opportunities and challenges of further development of mitochondrial screening strategies for the development of novel ASDs. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley Ibhazehiebo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Department of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, California, USA
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada.
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25
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Anti-Inflammation Associated Protective Mechanism of Berberine and its Derivatives on Attenuating Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:309-325. [DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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26
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Gutiérrez HC, Vacca I, Schoenmacker G, Cleal M, Tochwin A, O'Connor B, Young AMJ, Vasquez AA, Winter MJ, Parker MO, Norton WHJ. Screening for drugs to reduce zebrafish aggression identifies caffeine and sildenafil. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 30:17-29. [PMID: 31679888 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Although aggression is a common symptom of psychiatric disorders the drugs available to treat it are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. In this study we have used a behavioural platform in a phenotypic screen to identify drugs that can reduce zebrafish aggression without affecting locomotion. In a three tier screen of ninety-four drugs we discovered that caffeine and sildenafil can selectively reduce aggression. Caffeine also decreased attention and increased impulsivity in the 5-choice serial reaction time task whereas sildenafil showed the opposite effect. Imaging studies revealed that both caffeine and sildenafil are active in the zebrafish brain, with prominent activation of the thalamus and cerebellum evident. They also interact with 5-HT neurotransmitter signalling. In summary, we have demonstrated that juvenile zebrafish are a suitable model to screen for novel drugs to reduce aggression, with the potential to uncover the neural circuits and signalling pathways that mediate such behavioural effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Carreño Gutiérrez
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Irene Vacca
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Gido Schoenmacker
- Radboudumc Human Genetics/Radboud University Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS)/Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Madeleine Cleal
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2FR, UK
| | - Anna Tochwin
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Bethan O'Connor
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Andrew M J Young
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Alejandro Arias Vasquez
- Radboudumc Human Genetics/Radboud University Institute for Computing and Information Sciences (iCIS)/Donders Centre for Neuroscience, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew J Winter
- Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 2FR, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK.
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27
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Kamiński K, Socała K, Zagaja M, Andres-Mach M, Abram M, Jakubiec M, Pieróg M, Nieoczym D, Rapacz A, Gawel K, Esguerra CV, Latacz G, Lubelska A, Szulczyk B, Szewczyk A, Łuszczki JJ, Wlaź P. N-Benzyl-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide (AS-1) with Hybrid Structure as a Candidate for a Broad-Spectrum Antiepileptic Drug. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:309-328. [PMID: 31486023 PMCID: PMC7007424 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-019-00773-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In our recent studies, we identified compound N-benzyl-2-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl)propanamide (AS-1) as a broad-spectrum hybrid anticonvulsant which showed potent protection across the most important animal acute seizure models such as the maximal electroshock (MES) test, the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (s.c. PTZ) test, and the 6-Hz (32 mA) test in mice. Therefore, AS-1 may be recognized as a candidate for new anticonvulsant effective in different types of human epilepsy with a favorable safety margin profile determined in the rotarod test in mice. In the aim of further pharmacological evaluation of AS-1, in the current study, we examined its activity in the 6-Hz (44 mA) test, which is known as the model of drug-resistant epilepsy. Furthermore, we determined also the antiseizure activity in the kindling model of epilepsy induced by repeated injection of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in mice. As a result, AS-1 revealed relatively potent protection in the 6-Hz (44 mA) test, as well as delayed the progression of kindling induced by repeated injection of PTZ in mice at doses of 15 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, and 60 mg/kg. Importantly, the isobolographic analysis showed that a combination of AS-1 and valproic acid (VPA) at the fixed ratio of 1:1 displayed a supra-additive (synergistic) interaction against PTZ-induced seizures in mice. Thus, AS-1 may be potentially used in an add-on therapy with VPA. Moreover, incubation of zebrafish larvae with AS-1 substantially decreased the number, cumulative but not the mean duration of epileptiform-like events in electroencephalographic assay. Finally, the in vitro ADME-Tox studies revealed that AS-1 is characterized by a very good permeability in the parallel artificial membrane permeability assay test, excellent metabolic stability on human liver microsomes (HLMs), no significant influence on CYP3A4/CYP2D6 activity, and moderate inhibition of CYP2C9 in a concentration of 10 μM, as well as no hepatotoxic properties in HepG2 cells (concentration of 10 μM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Kamiński
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Mirosław Zagaja
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Andres-Mach
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Abram
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Marcin Jakubiec
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Pieróg
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rapacz
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Annamaria Lubelska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Medyczna 9, 30-688, Cracow, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Szulczyk
- Department of Drug Technology and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szewczyk
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarogniew Jacek Łuszczki
- Isobolographic Analysis Laboratory, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033, Lublin, Poland
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28
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GABAa receptor subunits expression in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) brain and its modulation by Nectandra grandiflora Nees essential oil and isolated compounds. Behav Brain Res 2019; 376:112178. [PMID: 31454673 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Studies using silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) as experimental models are often applied to screen essential oils (EO) with GABAergic-mediated effects. However, the expression of GABAa receptors in the silver catfish brain remains unknown. Thus, we assessed whether silver catfish express GABAa receptor subunits associated with sedation/anesthetic process and/or neurological diseases. Additionally, we evaluated the brain expression of GABAa receptor subunits in fish sedated with Nectandra grandiflora EO and its isolated compounds, the fish anesthetic (+)-dehydrofukinone (DHF), and dehydrofukinone epoxide (DFX), eremophil-11-en-10-ol (ERM) and selin-11-en-4-α-ol (SEL), which have GABAa-mediated anxiolytic-like effects in mice. The expression of the subunits gabra1, gabra2, gabra3, gabrb1, gabrd and gabrg2 in the silver catfish brain were assessed after a 24h-sedation bath by real time PCR. Since qPCR data rarely describes mechanisms of action, which are usually found through interactions with receptors, we also performed an antagonist-driven experiment using flumazenil (FMZ). Real-time PCR detected the mRNA expression of all targeted genes in R. quelen brain. The expression of gabra1 was decreased in fish sedated with ERM; EO increased gabra2, gabra3, gabrb1 and gabrg2 expression; SEL increased gabrb1, gabrd and gabrg2 expression. EO and compounds DFX, SEL and ERM induced sustained sedation in fish and FMZ-bath prompted the recovery from ERM- and DFX-induced sedation. Our results suggest that the EO, SEL, ERM and DFX sedative effects involve interaction with the GABAergic system. Our findings support the use of the silver catfish as robust and reliable experimental model to evaluate the efficacy of drugs with putative GABAergic-mediated effects.
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29
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Bandara SB, Carty DR, Singh V, Harvey DJ, Vasylieva N, Pressly B, Wulff H, Lein PJ. Susceptibility of larval zebrafish to the seizurogenic activity of GABA type A receptor antagonists. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:220-234. [PMID: 31811871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), a GABA type A receptor (GABAAR) antagonist, elicits seizure-like phenotypes in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio). Here, we determined whether the GABAAR antagonists, tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS) and picrotoxin (PTX), both listed as credible chemical threat agents, similarly trigger seizures in zebrafish larvae. Larvae of three, routinely used laboratory zebrafish lines, Tropical 5D, NHGRI and Tupfel long fin, were exposed to varying concentrations of PTZ (used as a positive control), PTX or TETS for 20 min at 5 days post fertilization (dpf). Acute exposure to PTZ, PTX or TETS triggered seizure behavior in the absence of morbidity or mortality. While the concentration-effect relationship for seizure behavior was similar across zebrafish lines for each GABAAR antagonist, significantly less TETS was required to trigger seizures relative to PTX or PTZ. Recordings of extracellular field potentials in the optic tectum of 5 dpf Tropical 5D zebrafish confirmed that all three GABAAR antagonists elicited extracellular spiking patterns consistent with seizure activity, although the pattern varied between chemicals. Post-exposure treatment with the GABAAR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), diazepam, midazolam or allopregnanolone, attenuated seizure behavior and activity but did not completely normalize electrical field recordings in the optic tectum. These data are consistent with observations of seizure responses in mammalian models exposed to these same GABAAR antagonists and PAMs, further validating larval zebrafish as a higher throughput-screening platform for antiseizure therapeutics, and demonstrating its appropriateness for identifying improved countermeasures for TETS and other convulsant chemical threat agents that trigger seizures via GABAAR antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suren B Bandara
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Dennis R Carty
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Vikrant Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Danielle J Harvey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Natalia Vasylieva
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Brandon Pressly
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Heike Wulff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, United States.
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Anticonvulsant action of a selective phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 in pentylenetetrazole-mediated convulsions in zebrafish. Epilepsy Res 2019; 157:106207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2019.106207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Jin M, Zhang B, Sun Y, Zhang S, Li X, Sik A, Bai Y, Zheng X, Liu K. Involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in anticonvulsant activity of α-asaronol against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in zebrafish. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107760. [PMID: 31493468 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, peroxisome proliferators activated receptors (PPARs), the nuclear hormone receptors, have been reported to be involved in seizure control. Selective agonists and antagonists of PPARs raise seizure thresholds and suppress seizures, respectively. In this study, we evaluated the anticonvulsant effects of α-asaronol, a metabolic product of α-asarone, on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in zebrafish and investigated the underlying mechanisms. As a result, α-asaronol ameliorated seizures with increase of seizure latency, as well as decrease of seizure-like behavior, c-fos expression, and abnormal neuronal discharge in a concentration dependent manner. By comparing gene expression profiles of zebrafish undergoing seizures and α-asaronol pretreated zebrafish, we found that α-asaronol attenuate seizures through increase of PPAR γ expression, while PPAR γ antagonist GW9662 inhibit the anti-seizures actions of α-asaronol. Moreover, molecular docking simulation implied the physical interaction between α-asaronol and PPAR γ. The overall results indicated that the anticonvulsant effects of α-asaronol are regulated through PPAR γ-mediated pathway, which shed light on development of α-asaronol as a potential antiepileptic drug. In addition, it is for first time to report that PPAR γ is associated with seizures in zebrafish, supporting previous evidence that zebrafish is a suitable alternative for studying seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Jin
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
| | - Baoyue Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Ying Sun
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Natural Products (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, NO.44 West Culture Road, Ji'nan, 250012, Shandong Province, PR China
| | - Attila Sik
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary; Institute of Clinical Sciences, Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yajun Bai
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China.
| | - Xiaohui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, The College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, Shanxi Province, PR China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shanxi Province, 710069, PR China.
| | - Kechun Liu
- Biology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), 28789, East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, Shandong Province, PR China; Engineering Research Center of Zebrafish Models for Human Diseases and Drug Screening of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China; Key Laboratory for Biosensor of Shandong Province, 28789 East Jingshi Road, Ji'nan, 250103, Shandong Province, PR China.
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Diamantopoulou E, Baxendale S, de la Vega de León A, Asad A, Holdsworth CJ, Abbas L, Gillet VJ, Wiggin GR, Whitfield TT. Identification of compounds that rescue otic and myelination defects in the zebrafish adgrg6 ( gpr126) mutant. eLife 2019; 8:44889. [PMID: 31180326 PMCID: PMC6598766 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adgrg6 (Gpr126) is an adhesion class G protein-coupled receptor with a conserved role in myelination of the peripheral nervous system. In the zebrafish, mutation of adgrg6 also results in defects in the inner ear: otic tissue fails to down-regulate versican gene expression and morphogenesis is disrupted. We have designed a whole-animal screen that tests for rescue of both up- and down-regulated gene expression in mutant embryos, together with analysis of weak and strong alleles. From a screen of 3120 structurally diverse compounds, we have identified 68 that reduce versican b expression in the adgrg6 mutant ear, 41 of which also restore myelin basic protein gene expression in Schwann cells of mutant embryos. Nineteen compounds unable to rescue a strong adgrg6 allele provide candidates for molecules that may interact directly with the Adgrg6 receptor. Our pipeline provides a powerful approach for identifying compounds that modulate GPCR activity, with potential impact for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Diamantopoulou
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Baxendale
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Anzar Asad
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Celia J Holdsworth
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Leila Abbas
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie J Gillet
- Information School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tanya T Whitfield
- Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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Tanwar G, Mazumder AG, Bhardwaj V, Kumari S, Bharti R, Yamini, Singh D, Das P, Purohit R. Target identification, screening and in vivo evaluation of pyrrolone-fused benzosuberene compounds against human epilepsy using Zebrafish model of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7904. [PMID: 31133639 PMCID: PMC6536720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44264-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolone-fused benzosuberene (PBS) compounds were semi-synthesized from α,β,γ-Himachalenes extracted from the essential oil of Cedrus deodara following amino-vinyl-bromide substituted benzosuberenes as intermediates. These PBSs compounds classified as an attractive source of therapeutics. The α-isoform of PI3K which is a pivotal modulator of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, responsible for neurological disorders like epilepsy, found as a potential target molecule against these 17 semi-synthesized PBS compounds using in silico ligand-based pharmacophore mapping and target screening. The compounds screened using binding affinities, ADMET properties, and toxicity that were accessed by in silico docking simulations and pharmacokinetics profiling. Ultimately two compounds viz., PBS-8 and PBS-9 were selected for further in vivo evaluation using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced clonic convulsions. Additionally, gene expression studies performed for the genes of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway which further validated our results. In conclusion, these findings suggested that PBS-8 is a promising candidate that could bedeveloped as a potential antiepileptic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Tanwar
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Biotechnology division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, 176061, India
| | - Arindam Ghosh Mazumder
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Vijay Bhardwaj
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Biotechnology division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, 176061, India
| | - Savita Kumari
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Richa Bharti
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Yamini
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
| | - Damanpreet Singh
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Pralay Das
- Natural Product Chemistry and Process Development, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Rituraj Purohit
- Structural Bioinformatics Laboratory, Biotechnology division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, HP, 176061, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, 176061, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Network Properties Revealed during Multi-Scale Calcium Imaging of Seizure Activity in Zebrafish. eNeuro 2019; 6:eN-NWR-0041-19. [PMID: 30895220 PMCID: PMC6424556 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0041-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures are characterized by hypersynchronization of neuronal networks. Understanding these networks could provide a critical window for therapeutic control of recurrent seizure activity, i.e., epilepsy. However, imaging seizure networks has largely been limited to microcircuits in vitro or small “windows” in vivo. Here, we combine fast confocal imaging of genetically encoded calcium indicator (GCaMP)-expressing larval zebrafish with local field potential (LFP) recordings to study epileptiform events at whole-brain and single-neuron levels in vivo. Using an acute seizure model (pentylenetetrazole, PTZ), we reliably observed recurrent electrographic ictal-like events associated with generalized activation of all major brain regions and uncovered a well-preserved anterior-to-posterior seizure propagation pattern. We also examined brain-wide network synchronization and spatiotemporal patterns of neuronal activity in the optic tectum microcircuit. Brain-wide and single-neuronal level analysis of PTZ-exposed and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP)-exposed zebrafish revealed distinct network dynamics associated with seizure and non-seizure hyperexcitable states, respectively. Neuronal ensembles, comprised of coactive neurons, were also uncovered during interictal-like periods. Taken together, these results demonstrate that macro- and micro-network calcium motifs in zebrafish may provide a greater understanding of epilepsy.
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A Drug Repurposing Method Based on Drug-Drug Interaction Networks and Using Energy Model Layouts. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1903:185-201. [PMID: 30547443 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8955-3_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Complex network representations of reported drug-drug interactions foster computational strategies that can infer pharmacological functions which, in turn, create incentives for drug repositioning. Here, we use Gephi (a platform for complex network visualization and analysis) to represent a drug-drug interaction network with drug interaction information from DrugBank 4.1. Both modularity class- and force-directed layout ForceAtlas2 are employed to generate drug clusters which correspond to nine specific drug properties. Most drugs comply with their cluster's dominant property; however, some of them seem not to be in a proper position (i.e., in accordance with their already known functions). Such cases, along with cases of drugs that are topologically placed in the overlapping or bordering zones between clusters, may indicate previously unaccounted pharmacologic functions, thus leading to potential repositionings. Out of the 1141 drugs with relevant information on their interactions in DrugBank 4.1, we confirm the predicted properties for 85% of the drugs. The high prediction rate of our methodology suggests that, at least for some of the 15% drugs that seem to be inconsistent with the predicted property, we can get very good repositioning hints. As such, we present illustrative examples of recovered well-known repositionings, as well as recently confirmed pharmacological properties.
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Podlasz P, Jakimiuk A, Kasica-Jarosz N, Czaja K, Wasowicz K. Neuroanatomical Localization of Galanin in Zebrafish Telencephalon and Anticonvulsant Effect of Galanin Overexpression. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:3049-3059. [PMID: 30095254 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Galanin is a neuropeptide widely expressed in the nervous system, but it is also present in non-neuronal locations. In the brain, galanin may function as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Several studies have shown that galanin is involved in seizure regulation and can modulate epileptic activity in the brain. The overall goal of the study was to establish zebrafish as a model to study the antiepileptic effect of galanin. The goal of this study was achieved by (1) determining neuroanatomical localization of galanin in zebrafish lateral pallium, which is considered to be the zebrafish homologue of the mammalian hippocampus, the brain region essential for initiation of seizures, and (2) testing the anticonvulsant effect of galanin overexpression. Whole mount immunofluorescence staining and pentylenotetrazole (PTZ)-seizure model in larval zebrafish using automated analysis of motor function and qPCR were used in the study. Immunohistochemical staining of zebrafish larvae revealed numerous galanin-IR fibers innervating the subpallium, but only scarce fibers reaching the dorsal parts of telencephalon, including lateral pallium. In three-month old zebrafish, galanin-IR innervation of the telencephalon was similar; however, many more galanin-IR fibers reached the dorsal telencephalon, but in the lateral pallium only scarce galanin-IR fibers were visible. qRT-PCR revealed, as expected, a strong increase in the expression of galanin in the Tg(hsp70l:galn) line after heat shock; however, also without heat shock, the galanin expression was several-fold higher than in the control animals. Galanin overexpression resulted in downregulation of c-fos after PTZ treatment. Behavioral analysis showed that galanin overexpression inhibited locomotor activity in PTZ-treated and control larvae. The obtained results show that galanin overexpression reduced the incidence of seizure-like behavior episodes and their intensity but had no significant effect on their duration. The findings indicate that in addition to antiepileptic action, galanin modulates arousal behavior and demonstrates a sedative effect. The current study showed that galanin overexpression correlated with a potent anticonvulsant effect in the zebrafish PTZ-seizure model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Podlasz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Jakimiuk
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Natalia Kasica-Jarosz
- Department of Animal Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Czaja
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and Diagnostic Imaging, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, United States
| | - Krzysztof Wasowicz
- Department of Pathophysiology, Forensic Veterinary and Administration, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
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Liao Q, Li S, Siu SWI, Morlighem JÉRL, Wong CTT, Wang X, Rádis-Baptista G, Lee SMY. Novel neurotoxic peptides from Protopalythoa variabilis virtually interact with voltage-gated sodium channel and display anti-epilepsy and neuroprotective activities in zebrafish. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:189-206. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Screening for drugs to reduce aggression in zebrafish. Neuropharmacology 2018; 156:107394. [PMID: 30336150 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a common symptom of several human psychiatric disorders. However, the drugs available to treat aggression are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. The zebrafish is an ideal model for behavioural pharmacology. They are small, aggression can be measured reliably, and drugs can be applied by immersion in the tank water. The ability to visualise and manipulate circuits in the intact brain represents an excellent opportunity to understand how chemical compounds modify the signalling pathways that control this behaviour. This review discusses protocols to measure zebrafish aggression, the neural circuits that control this behaviour and how pharmacological studies can inform us about environmental toxicology and the development of therapeutic drugs for humans. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Current status of the neurobiology of aggression and impulsivity'.
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Monesson-Olson B, McClain JJ, Case AE, Dorman HE, Turkewitz DR, Steiner AB, Downes GB. Expression of the eight GABAA receptor α subunits in the developing zebrafish central nervous system. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0196083. [PMID: 29702678 PMCID: PMC5922542 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0196083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GABA is a robust regulator of both developing and mature neural networks. It exerts many of its effects through GABAA receptors, which are heteropentamers assembled from a large array of subunits encoded by distinct genes. In mammals, there are 19 different GABAA subunit types, which are divided into the α, β, γ, δ, ε, π, θ and ρ subfamilies. The immense diversity of GABAA receptors is not fully understood. However, it is known that specific isoforms, with their distinct biophysical properties and expression profiles, tune responses to GABA. Although larval zebrafish are well-established as a model system for neural circuit analysis, little is known about GABAA receptors diversity and expression in this system. Here, using database analysis, we show that the zebrafish genome contains at least 23 subunits. All but the mammalian θ and ε subunits have at least one zebrafish ortholog, while five mammalian GABAA receptor subunits have two zebrafish orthologs. Zebrafish contain one subunit, β4, which does not have a clear mammalian ortholog. Similar to mammalian GABAA receptors, the zebrafish α subfamily is the largest and most diverse of the subfamilies. In zebrafish there are eight α subunits, and RNA in situ hybridization across early zebrafish development revealed that they demonstrate distinct patterns of expression in the brain, spinal cord, and retina. Some subunits were very broadly distributed, whereas others were restricted to small populations of cells. Subunit-specific expression patterns in zebrafish resembled were those found in frogs and rodents, which suggests that the roles of different GABAA receptor isoforms are largely conserved among vertebrates. This study provides a platform to examine isoform specific roles of GABAA receptors within zebrafish neural circuits and it highlights the potential of this system to better understand the remarkable heterogeneity of GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Monesson-Olson
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Jon J. McClain
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Abigail E. Case
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Hanna E. Dorman
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Turkewitz
- Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY, United States of America
| | - Aaron B. Steiner
- Department of Biology and Health Sciences, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY, United States of America
| | - Gerald B. Downes
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Lima-Maximino MG, Cueto-Escobedo J, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Maximino C. FGIN-1-27, an agonist at translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), produces anti-anxiety and anti-panic effects in non-mammalian models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 171:66-73. [PMID: 29698632 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
FGIN-1-27 is an agonist at the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a cholesterol transporter that is associated with neurosteroidogenesis. This protein has been identified as a peripheral binding site for benzodiazepines; in anamniotes, however, a second TSPO isoform that is absent in amniotes has been implicated in erythropoiesis. Functional conservation of the central benzodiazepine-binding site located in the GABAA receptors has been demonstrated in anamniotes and amniotes alike; however, it was not previously demonstrated for TSPO. The present investigation explored the behavioral effects of FGIN-1-27 on an anxiety test in zebrafish (Danio rerio, Family: Cyprinide) and on a mixed anxiety/panic test on wall lizards (Tropidurus oreadicus, Family: Tropiduridae). Results showed that FGIN-1-27 reduced anxiety-like behavior in the zebrafish light/dark preference test similar to diazepam, but with fewer sedative effects. Similarly, FGIN-1-27 also reduced anxiety- and fear-like behaviors in the defense test battery in wall lizards, again producing fewer sedative-like effects than diazepam; the benzodiazepine was also unable to reduce fear-like behaviors in this species. These results A) underline the functional conservation of TSPO in defensive behavior in anamniotes; B) strengthen the proposal of using anamniote behavior as models in behavioral pharmacology; and C) suggest TSPO/neurosteroidogenesis as a target in treating anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gomes Lima-Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará - Campus VIII, Marabá, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | | | - Caio Maximino
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, Brazil.
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Ibhazehiebo K, Gavrilovici C, de la Hoz CL, Ma SC, Rehak R, Kaushik G, Meza Santoscoy PL, Scott L, Nath N, Kim DY, Rho JM, Kurrasch DM. A novel metabolism-based phenotypic drug discovery platform in zebrafish uncovers HDACs 1 and 3 as a potential combined anti-seizure drug target. Brain 2018; 141:744-761. [PMID: 29373639 PMCID: PMC5837409 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awx364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the development of newer anti-seizure medications over the past 50 years, 30-40% of patients with epilepsy remain refractory to treatment. One explanation for this lack of progress is that the current screening process is largely biased towards transmembrane channels and receptors, and ignores intracellular proteins and enzymes that might serve as efficacious molecular targets. Here, we report the development of a novel drug screening platform that harnesses the power of zebrafish genetics and combines it with in vivo bioenergetics screening assays to uncover therapeutic agents that improve mitochondrial health in diseased animals. By screening commercially available chemical libraries of approved drugs, for which the molecular targets and pathways are well characterized, we were able to reverse-identify the proteins targeted by efficacious compounds and confirm the physiological roles that they play by utilizing other pharmacological ligands. Indeed, using an 870-compound screen in kcna1-morpholino epileptic zebrafish larvae, we uncovered vorinostat (Zolinza™; suberanilohydroxamic acid, SAHA) as a potent anti-seizure agent. We further demonstrated that vorinostat decreased average daily seizures by ∼60% in epileptic Kcna1-null mice using video-EEG recordings. Given that vorinostat is a broad histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, we then delineated a specific subset of HDACs, namely HDACs 1 and 3, as potential drug targets for future screening. In summary, we have developed a novel phenotypic, metabolism-based experimental therapeutics platform that can be used to identify new molecular targets for future drug discovery in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kingsley Ibhazehiebo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Cezar Gavrilovici
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Cristiane L de la Hoz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Shun-Chieh Ma
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Renata Rehak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Gaurav Kaushik
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Paola L Meza Santoscoy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Lucas Scott
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Nandan Nath
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Do-Young Kim
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Jong M Rho
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Canada
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42
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McCammon JM, Blaker-Lee A, Chen X, Sive H. The 16p11.2 homologs fam57ba and doc2a generate certain brain and body phenotypes. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3699-3712. [PMID: 28934389 PMCID: PMC5886277 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Deletion of the 16p11.2 CNV affects 25 core genes and is associated with multiple symptoms affecting brain and body, including seizures, hyperactivity, macrocephaly, and obesity. Available data suggest that most symptoms are controlled by haploinsufficiency of two or more 16p11.2 genes. To identify interacting 16p11.2 genes, we used a pairwise partial loss of function antisense screen for embryonic brain morphology, using the accessible zebrafish model. fam57ba, encoding a ceramide synthase, was identified as interacting with the doc2a gene, encoding a calcium-sensitive exocytosis regulator, a genetic interaction not previously described. Using genetic mutants, we demonstrated that doc2a+/− fam57ba+/− double heterozygotes show hyperactivity and increased seizure susceptibility relative to wild-type or single doc2a−/− or fam57ba−/− mutants. Additionally, doc2a+/− fam57ba+/− double heterozygotes demonstrate the increased body length and head size. Single doc2a+/− and fam57ba+/− heterozygotes do not show a body size increase; however, fam57ba−/− homozygous mutants show a strongly increased head size and body length, suggesting a greater contribution from fam57ba to the haploinsufficient interaction between doc2a and fam57ba. The doc2a+/− fam57ba+/− interaction has not been reported before, nor has any 16p11.2 gene previously been linked to increased body size. These findings demonstrate that one pair of 16p11.2 homologs can regulate both brain and body phenotypes that are reflective of those in people with 16p11.2 deletion. Together, these findings suggest that dysregulation of ceramide pathways and calcium sensitive exocytosis underlies seizures and large body size associated with 16p11.2 homologs in zebrafish. The data inform consideration of mechanisms underlying human 16p11.2 deletion symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Blaker-Lee
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hazel Sive
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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43
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Colón-Cruz L, Kristofco L, Crooke-Rosado J, Acevedo A, Torrado A, Brooks BW, Sosa MA, Behra M. Alterations of larval photo-dependent swimming responses (PDR): New endpoints for rapid and diagnostic screening of aquatic contamination. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 147:670-680. [PMID: 28934711 PMCID: PMC5681395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Detection and toxicity assessment of waterborne contaminants are crucial for protecting human health and the environment. Development of easy-to-implement, rapid and cost-effective tools to measure anthropogenic effects on watersheds are critical for responsible management, particularly in times of increasing development and urbanization. Traditionally, environmental toxicology has focused on limited endpoints, such as lethality and fertility, which are directly affecting population levels. However, more sensitive readings are needed to assess sub-lethal effects. Monitoring of contaminant-induced behavior alterations was proposed before, but is difficult to implement in the wild and performing it in aquatic laboratory models seem more suited. For this purpose, we adapted a photo-dependent swimming response (PDR) that was previously described in zebrafish larva. We first asked if PDR was present in other aquatic animals. We measured PDR in larvae from two freshwater prawn species (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, MR, and Macrobrachium carcinus, MC) and from another fish the fathead minnow (FHM, Pimephales promelas). In all, we found a strong and reproducible species-specific PDR, which is arguing that this behavior is important, therefore an environmental relevant endpoint. Next, we measured PDR in fish larvae after acute exposure to copper, a common waterborne contaminant. FHM larvae were hyperactive at all tested concentrations in contrast to ZF larvae, which exhibited a concentration-dependent hyperactivity. In addition to this well-accepted anxiety-like behavior, we examined two more: photo-stimulated startle response (PSSR) and center avoidance (CA). Both were significantly increased. Therefore, PDR measures after acute exposure to this waterborne contaminant provided as sensitive readout for its detection and toxicity assessment. This approach represents an opportunity to diagnostically examine any substance, even when present in complex mixtures like ambient surface waters. Mechanistic studies of toxicity using the extensive molecular tool kit of ZF could be a direct extension of such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Colón-Cruz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Lauren Kristofco
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Jonathan Crooke-Rosado
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Agnes Acevedo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Aranza Torrado
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - María A Sosa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Martine Behra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
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44
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Carreño Gutiérrez H, Vacca I, Pons AI, Norton WHJ. Automatic quantification of juvenile zebrafish aggression. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 296:23-31. [PMID: 29274793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although aggression is a common symptom of psychiatric disorders the drugs available to treat it are non-specific and can have unwanted side effects. The zebrafish is an ideal model for aggression research. Zebrafish are small, amenable to genetic and pharmacological manipulation, and agonistic behaviour can be measured reliably. NEW METHOD In this study we have established a novel setup to automatically quantify aggression and locomotion in one-month old juvenile zebrafish, a stage at which fish exhibit adult-like behaviour but are small so that one camera can film several animals. RESULTS We have validated our novel software by comparison to manual quantification of behaviour, characterised the aggression of one-month old fish, and demonstrated that we can detect alterations to aggression caused by mutation or drug application. COMPARISON WITH OTHER METHODS The ability to record up to 12 juvenile fish allows us to speed up and standardise data acquisition compared to studies of single fish. CONCLUSIONS This setup appears to be suitable to screen for drugs that decrease zebrafish aggression as a first step toward developing novel treatments for this behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Carreño Gutiérrez
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Irene Vacca
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Anna Inguanzo Pons
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, College of Medicine, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Leicester, Leicester, LE1 7RH, UK.
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45
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46
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Inhibition of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) by ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP) induces treatment-resistant epileptic seizures in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7195. [PMID: 28775328 PMCID: PMC5543107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06294-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal, excessive and synchronous neuronal activities in the brain. It affects approximately 65 million people worldwide, one third of which are still estimated to suffer from refractory seizures. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) that converts glutamate into GABA is a key enzyme in the dynamic regulation of neural network excitability. Importantly, clinical evidence shows that lowered GAD activity is associated with several forms of epilepsy which are often treatment resistant. In the present study, we synthetized and explored the possibility of using ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP), a lipid-permeable GAD-inhibitor, to induce refractory seizures in zebrafish larvae. Our results demonstrate that EKP evoked robust convulsive locomotor activities, excessive epileptiform discharges and upregulated c-fos expression in zebrafish. Moreover, transgenic animals in which neuronal cells express apoaequorin, a Ca2+-sensitive bioluminescent photoprotein, displayed large luminescence signals indicating strong EKP-induced neuronal activation. Molecular docking data indicated that this proconvulsant activity resulted from the direct inhibition of both gad67 and gad65. Limited protective efficacy of tested anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) demonstrated a high level of treatment resistance of EKP-induced seizures. We conclude that the EKP zebrafish model can serve as a high-throughput platform for novel ASDs discovery.
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47
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Khan KM, Collier AD, Meshalkina DA, Kysil EV, Khatsko SL, Kolesnikova T, Morzherin YY, Warnick JE, Kalueff AV, Echevarria DJ. Zebrafish models in neuropsychopharmacology and CNS drug discovery. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:1925-1944. [PMID: 28217866 PMCID: PMC5466539 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2017] [Revised: 02/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric disorders, their aetiology and molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly utilized as a powerful animal model in neuropharmacology research and in vivo drug screening. Collectively, this makes zebrafish a useful tool for drug discovery and the identification of disordered molecular pathways. Here, we discuss zebrafish models of selected human neuropsychiatric disorders and drug-induced phenotypes. As well as covering a broad range of brain disorders (from anxiety and psychoses to neurodegeneration), we also summarize recent developments in zebrafish genetics and small molecule screening, which markedly enhance the disease modelling and the discovery of novel drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanza M Khan
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Southern MississippiHattiesburgMSUSA
| | - Adam D Collier
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Southern MississippiHattiesburgMSUSA
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC)SlidellLAUSA
| | - Darya A Meshalkina
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC)SlidellLAUSA
- Institute of Translational BiomedicineSt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
| | - Elana V Kysil
- Institute of Translational BiomedicineSt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
| | | | | | | | - Jason E Warnick
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC)SlidellLAUSA
- Department of Behavioral SciencesArkansas Tech UniversityRussellvilleARUSA
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC)SlidellLAUSA
- Institute of Translational BiomedicineSt. Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgRussia
- Ural Federal UniversityEkaterinburgRussia
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and TechnologyGuangdong Ocean UniversityZhanjiangGuangdongChina
| | - David J Echevarria
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Southern MississippiHattiesburgMSUSA
- The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC)SlidellLAUSA
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48
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Optical mapping of neuronal activity during seizures in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:3025. [PMID: 28596596 PMCID: PMC5465210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-03087-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mapping neuronal activity during the onset and propagation of epileptic seizures can provide a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying this pathology and improve our approaches to the development of new drugs. Recently, zebrafish has become an important model for studying epilepsy both in basic research and in drug discovery. Here, we employed a transgenic line with pan-neuronal expression of the genetically-encoded calcium indicator GCaMP6s to measure neuronal activity in zebrafish larvae during seizures induced by pentylenetretrazole (PTZ). With this approach, we mapped neuronal activity in different areas of the larval brain, demonstrating the high sensitivity of this method to different levels of alteration, as induced by increasing PTZ concentrations, and the rescuing effect of an anti-epileptic drug. We also present simultaneous measurements of brain and locomotor activity, as well as a high-throughput assay, demonstrating that GCaMP measurements can complement behavioural assays for the detection of subclinical epileptic seizures, thus enabling future investigations on human hypomorphic mutations and more effective drug screening methods. Notably, the methodology described here can be easily applied to the study of many human neuropathologies modelled in zebrafish, allowing a simple and yet detailed investigation of brain activity alterations associated with the pathological phenotype.
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Abstract
Aim and Objectives: The present study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of nerolidol in mice. Materials and Methods: The anxiolytic activity was examined using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT), and motor coordination by rotarod test. Thirty Swiss albino mice were divided into five groups of six mice each. Group 1 received vehicle control (normal saline); Group 2 received diazepam (1 mg/kg); Groups 3, 4, and 5 received nerolidol 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, respectively. Results: Nerolidol (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time spent and a number of entries in open arm as compared to vehicle control in EPM test. In OFT, the nerolidol showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in number of rearings and time spent in center and periphery, suggesting exploratory behavior of animals. Furthermore, nerolidol did not alter the fall down latency in rotarod test. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that nerolidol exerts an anxiolytic effect without altering the motor coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh Kumar Goel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Division of Pharmacology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Dilpreet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Division of Pharmacology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Priyanka Pahwa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Division of Pharmacology, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, India
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50
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Liu Y, Ma P, Cassidy PA, Carmer R, Zhang G, Venkatraman P, Brown SA, Pang CP, Zhong W, Zhang M, Leung YF. Statistical Analysis of Zebrafish Locomotor Behaviour by Generalized Linear Mixed Models. Sci Rep 2017; 7:2937. [PMID: 28592855 PMCID: PMC5462837 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-02822-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon a drastic change in environmental illumination, zebrafish larvae display a rapid locomotor response. This response can be simultaneously tracked from larvae arranged in multi-well plates. The resulting data have provided new insights into neuro-behaviour. The features of these data, however, present a challenge to traditional statistical tests. For example, many larvae display little or no movement. Thus, the larval responses have many zero values and are imbalanced. These responses are also measured repeatedly from the same well, which results in correlated observations. These analytical issues were addressed in this study by the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM). This approach deals with binary responses and characterizes the correlation of observations in the same group. It was used to analyze a previously reported dataset. Before applying the GLMM, the activity values were transformed to binary responses (movement vs. no movement) to reduce data imbalance. Moreover, the GLMM estimated the variations among the effects of different well locations, which would eliminate the location effects when two biological groups or conditions were compared. By addressing the data-imbalance and location-correlation issues, the GLMM effectively quantified true biological effects on zebrafish locomotor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Liu
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, 101 Cedar St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, 101 Cedar St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Paige A Cassidy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Robert Carmer
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.,Department of Statistics, 250 N University Street, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Gaonan Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Prahatha Venkatraman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Skye A Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wenxuan Zhong
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, 101 Cedar St, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Joint Shantou International Eye Center, Shantou University & the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, China.
| | - Yuk Fai Leung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, 915 W. State Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine Lafayette, 625 Harrison Street, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Purdue Institute for Integrative neuroscience, 610 Purdue Mall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA. .,Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery, 610 Purdue Mall, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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