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Krystal JH, Kavalali ET, Monteggia LM. Ketamine and rapid antidepressant action: new treatments and novel synaptic signaling mechanisms. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:41-50. [PMID: 37488280 PMCID: PMC10700627 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01629-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Ketamine is an open channel blocker of ionotropic glutamatergic N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The discovery of its rapid antidepressant effects in patients with depression and treatment-resistant depression fostered novel effective treatments for mood disorders. This discovery not only provided new insight into the neurobiology of mood disorders but also uncovered fundamental synaptic plasticity mechanisms that underlie its treatment. In this review, we discuss key clinical aspects of ketamine's effect as a rapidly acting antidepressant, synaptic and circuit mechanisms underlying its action, as well as how these novel perspectives in clinical practice and synapse biology form a road map for future studies aimed at more effective treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ege T Kavalali
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa M Monteggia
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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2
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Kim JW, Suzuki K, Kavalali ET, Monteggia LM. Bridging rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:364-375. [PMID: 36907686 PMCID: PMC10101916 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Acute administration of (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine) produces rapid antidepressant effects that in some patients can be sustained for several days to more than a week. Ketamine blocks N-methyl-d-asparate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) to elicit specific downstream signaling that induces a novel form of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus that has been linked to the rapid antidepressant action. These signaling events lead to subsequent downstream transcriptional changes that are involved in the sustained antidepressant effects. Here we review how ketamine triggers this intracellular signaling pathway to mediate synaptic plasticity which underlies the rapid antidepressant effects and links it to downstream signaling and the sustained antidepressant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Woon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Regulatory Science, Gradaute School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Regulatory Innovation through Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kanzo Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA; Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Japan
| | - Ege T Kavalali
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Lisa M Monteggia
- Department of Pharmacology and the Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA.
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3
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Pathak H, Borchert A, Garaali S, Burkert A, Frieling H. BDNF exon IV promoter methylation and antidepressant action: a complex interplay. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:187. [PMID: 36572893 PMCID: PMC9793565 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01415-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND BDNF exon IV promoter methylation is a potential biomarker for treatment response to antidepressants in MDD. We have previously shown CpG-87 methylation as a successful biomarker for the prediction of non-response to monoaminergic antidepressants like the SSRI Fluoxetine or the SNRI Venlafaxine. This study aimed to dissect the biological evidence and mechanisms for the functionality of CpG-87 methylation in a cell culture model. RESULTS We observed a significant interaction between methylation and antidepressant-mediated transcriptional activity in BDNF exon IV promoter. In addition, antidepressant treatment increased the promoter methylation in a concentration-dependent manner. Further single CpG methylation of -87 did not change the promoter activity, but methylation of CREB domain CpG-39 increased the transcriptional activity in an antidepressant-dependent manner. Interestingly, DNMT3a overexpression also increases the BDNF exon IV transcription and more so in Venlafaxine-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS The study strengthens the previously reported association between antidepressant treatment and BDNF exon IV promoter methylation as well as hints toward the mechanism of action. We argue that potential CpG methylation biomarkers display a complex synergy with the molecular changes at the neighboring CpG positions, thus highlighting the importance of epiallele analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansi Pathak
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anton Borchert
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sara Garaali
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burkert
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
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4
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Cosentino L, Zidda F, Dukal H, Witt SH, De Filippis B, Flor H. Low levels of Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 are accompanied by an increased vulnerability to the negative outcomes of stress exposure during childhood in healthy women. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:506. [PMID: 36481643 PMCID: PMC9731965 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02259-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous mental illnesses arise following stressful events in vulnerable individuals, with females being generally more affected than males. Adverse childhood experiences are known to increase the risk of developing psychopathologies and DNA methylation was demonstrated to drive the long-lasting effects of early life stress and promote stress susceptibility. Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), an X-linked reader of the DNA methylome, is altered in many mental disorders of stress origin, suggesting MECP2 as a marker of stress susceptibility; previous works also suggest a link between MECP2 and early stress experiences. The present work explored whether a reduced expression of MECP2 is paralleled by an increased vulnerability to the negative outcomes of stress exposure during childhood. To this aim, blood MECP2 mRNA levels were analyzed in 63 people without history of mental disorders and traits pertaining to depressive and anxiety symptom clusters were assessed as proxies of the vulnerability to develop stress-related disorders; stress exposure during childhood was also evaluated. Using structural equation modeling, we demonstrate that reduced MECP2 expression is accompanied by symptoms of anxiety/depression in association with exposure to stress in early life, selectively in healthy women. These results suggest a gender-specific involvement of MECP2 in the maladaptive outcomes of childhood adversities, and shed new light on the complex biology underlying gender bias in stress susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Cosentino
- grid.416651.10000 0000 9120 6856Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Francesca Zidda
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Helene Dukal
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H. Witt
- grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
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Cubillos S, Engmann O, Brancato A. BDNF as a Mediator of Antidepressant Response: Recent Advances and Lifestyle Interactions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214445. [PMID: 36430921 PMCID: PMC9698349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional antidepressants are widely employed in several psychiatric and neurologic disorders, yet the mechanisms underlying their delayed and partial therapeutic effects are only gradually being understood. This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of the interplay between antidepressant treatment and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) signaling. In addition, the impact of nutritional, environmental and physiological factors on BDNF and the antidepressant response is outlined. This review underlines the necessity to include information on lifestyle choices in testing and developing antidepressant treatments in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Cubillos
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Olivia Engmann
- Institute for Biochemistry and Biophysics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, 07745 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Brancato
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Montalvo-Martínez L, Cruz-Carrillo G, Maldonado-Ruiz R, Trujillo-Villarreal LA, Cardenas-Tueme M, Viveros-Contreras R, Ortiz-López R, Camacho-Morales A. Transgenerational Susceptibility to Food Addiction-Like Behavior in Rats Associates to a Decrease of the Anti-Inflammatory IL-10 in Plasma. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3093-3103. [PMID: 35767136 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03660-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Maternal nutritional programming by energy-dense foods leads to the transgenerational heritance of addiction-like behavior. Exposure to energy-dense foods also activates systemic and central inflammation in the offspring. This study aimed to characterize pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in blood and their correlation to the transgenerational heritance of the addiction-like behavior in rats. F1 offspring of male Wistar diagnosed with addiction-like behavior were mated with virgin females to generate the F2 and the F3 offspring, respectively. Diagnosis of addiction-like behavior was performed by the operant training schedule (FR1, FR5 and PR) and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles in blood were measured by multiplex platform. Multiple linear models between behavior, fetal programming by diet and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine profiles were performed. We found that the addiction-like behavior found in the F1 male offspring exposed to energy-dense food (cafeteria, CAF) diet during fetal programing is transgenerational inherited to the F2 and F3 generations. Blood from addiction-like behavior subjects of F2 and F3 generations exposed to CAF diet during maternal programming showed decrease in the anti-inflammatory IL-10 in the plasma. Conversely, decreased levels of the pro-inflammatory MCP-1 was identified in non-addiction-like subjects. No changes were found in plasmatic TNF-α levels in the F2 and F3 offspring of non-addiction-like and addiction-like subjects. Finally, biological modeling between IL-10 or MCP-1 plasma levels and prenatal diet exposure on operant training responses confirmed an association of decreased IL-10 levels on addiction-like behavior in the F2 and F3 generations. Globally, we identified decreased anti-inflammatory IL-10 cytokine in the blood of F2 and F3 offspring subjects diagnosed with addiction-like behavior for food rewards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa Montalvo-Martínez
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Neurometabolism Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Cruz-Carrillo
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Neurometabolism Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Roger Maldonado-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Neurometabolism Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Luis A Trujillo-Villarreal
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
- Neurometabolism Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Marcela Cardenas-Tueme
- Institute for Obesity Research. Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | | | - Rocío Ortiz-López
- Institute for Obesity Research. Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto Tecnológico de Estudios Superiores Monterrey, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Alberto Camacho-Morales
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
- Neurometabolism Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Madero y Dr. Aguirre Pequeño. Col. Mitras Centro, S/N, C.P. 64460, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
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7
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Sánchez-Lafuente CL, Kalynchuk LE, Caruncho HJ, Ausió J. The Role of MeCP2 in Regulating Synaptic Plasticity in the Context of Stress and Depression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040748. [PMID: 35203405 PMCID: PMC8870391 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a transcriptional regulator that is highly abundant in the brain. It binds to methylated genomic DNA to regulate a range of physiological functions implicated in neuronal development and adult synaptic plasticity. MeCP2 has mainly been studied for its role in neurodevelopmental disorders, but alterations in MeCP2 are also present in stress-related disorders such as major depression. Impairments in both stress regulation and synaptic plasticity are associated with depression, but the specific mechanisms underlying these changes have not been identified. Here, we review the interplay between stress, synaptic plasticity, and MeCP2. We focus our attention on the transcriptional regulation of important neuronal plasticity genes such as BDNF and reelin (RELN). Moreover, we provide evidence from recent studies showing a link between chronic stress-induced depressive symptoms and dysregulation of MeCP2 expression, underscoring the role of this protein in stress-related pathology. We conclude that MeCP2 is a promising target for the development of novel, more efficacious therapeutics for the treatment of stress-related disorders such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L. Sánchez-Lafuente
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Lisa E. Kalynchuk
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Hector J. Caruncho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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8
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Li W. Excitation and Inhibition Imbalance in Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:825063. [PMID: 35250460 PMCID: PMC8894599 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.825063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A loss of the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance in the neural circuit has emerged as a common neuropathological feature in many neurodevelopmental disorders. Rett syndrome (RTT), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1:10,000-15,000 women globally, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the Methyl-CpG-binding Protein-2 (Mecp2) gene. E/I imbalance is recognized as the leading cellular and synaptic hallmark that is fundamental to diverse RTT neurological symptoms, including stereotypic hand movements, impaired motor coordination, breathing irregularities, seizures, and learning/memory dysfunctions. E/I balance in RTT is not homogeneously altered but demonstrates brain region and cell type specificity instead. In this review, I elaborate on the current understanding of the loss of E/I balance in a range of brain areas at molecular and cellular levels. I further describe how the underlying cellular mechanisms contribute to the disturbance of the proper E/I ratio. Last, I discuss current pharmacologic innervations for RTT and their role in modifying the E/I balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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9
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Li QS, Galbraith D, Morrison RL, Trivedi MH, Drevets WC. Circulating microRNA associated with future relapse status in major depressive disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:937360. [PMID: 36061300 PMCID: PMC9428445 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.937360] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is an episodic condition with relapsing and remitting disease course. Elucidating biomarkers that can predict future relapse in individuals responding to an antidepressant treatment holds the potential to identify those patients who are prone to illness recurrence. The current study explored relationships between relapse risk in recurrent MDD and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) that participate in RNA silencing and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Serum samples were acquired from individuals with a history of recurrent MDD who were followed longitudinally in the observational study, OBSERVEMDD0001 (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02489305). Circulating miRNA data were obtained in 63 participants who relapsed ("relapsers") and 154 participants who did not relapse ("non-relapsers") during follow-up. The miRNA was quantified using the ID3EAL™ miRNA Discovery Platform from MiRXES measuring 575 circulating miRNAs using a patented qPCR technology and normalized with a standard curve from spike-in controls in each plate. The association between miRNAs and subsequent relapse was tested using a linear model, adjusting for age, gender, and plate. Four miRNAs were nominally associated with relapse status during the observational follow-up phase with a false discover rate adjusted p-value < 0.1. Enrichment analysis of experimentally validated targets revealed 112 significantly enriched pathways, including neurogenesis, response to cytokine, neurotrophin signaling, vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, relaxin signaling, and cellular senescence pathways. These data suggest these miRNAs putatively associated with relapse status may have the potential to regulate genes involved in multiple signaling pathways that have previously been associated with MDD. If shown to be significant in a larger, independent sample, these data may hold potential for developing a miRNA signature to identify patients likely to relapse, allowing for earlier intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqin S Li
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States.,JRD Data Science, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States
| | | | - Randall L Morrison
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Titusville, NJ, United States
| | - Madhukar H Trivedi
- Department of Psychiatry, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Wayne C Drevets
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research and Development, LLC, San Diego, CA, United States
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10
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Li L, Wang T, Chen S, Yue Y, Xu Z, Yuan Y. DNA methylations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon VI are associated with major depressive disorder and antidepressant-induced remission in females. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:101-107. [PMID: 34418778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested to play important roles in major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant treatment. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of DNA methylation changes in the BDNF gene with MDD and antidepressant treatment. METHODS A total of 291 MDD patients and 100 healthy controls were included and followed up for 6 weeks. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS-17) was used to measure treatment improvement. The life events scales (LES) and childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) were used to rate recent and early life stress. DNA methylation levels of CpG sites in the BDNF gene were measured. RESULTS Two CpG sites in BDNF exon VI (BDNF133 and BDNF134) were demonstrated to have significantly higher methylation in MDD patients than in controls (both FDR-adjusted P = 0.001). A logistics regression model indicated that the interaction between the hypermethylation of BDNF133 and negative subscore of LES was associated to MDD (OR=0.0075, P<0.001). Methylation of BDNF140 at baseline was significantly elevated in remitters (FDR-adjusted P = 0.046) at week 6. In subgroup analyses, these findings could be replicated in females, but not in males. LIMITATIONS The methylation status of BDNF after 6 weeks of antidepressant treatment was not measured and the DNA methylation were detected in peripheral blood cells. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight gender-specific alteration of methylation at several CpG sites in BDNF exon VI as a promising candidate indicator of MDD and antidepressant-induced remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Department of Sleep Medicine, The Fourth People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, 222000, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Suzhen Chen
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast university, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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11
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Borbély É, Simon M, Fuchs E, Wiborg O, Czéh B, Helyes Z. Novel drug developmental strategies for treatment-resistant depression. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1146-1186. [PMID: 34822719 PMCID: PMC9303797 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Because conventional therapies are ineffective in many patients, novel strategies are needed to overcome treatment‐resistant depression (TRD). Limiting factors of successful drug development in the last decades were the lack of (1) knowledge of pathophysiology, (2) translational animal models and (3) objective diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we review novel drug targets and drug candidates currently investigated in Phase I–III clinical trials. The most promising approaches are inhibition of glutamatergic neurotransmission by NMDA and mGlu5 receptor antagonists, modulation of the opioidergic system by κ receptor antagonists, and hallucinogenic tryptamine derivates. The only registered drug for TRD is the NMDA receptor antagonist, S‐ketamine, but add‐on therapies with second‐generation antipsychotics, certain nutritive, anti‐inflammatory and neuroprotective agents seem to be effective. Currently, there is an intense research focus on large‐scale, high‐throughput omics and neuroimaging studies. These results might provide new insights into molecular mechanisms and potential novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Borbély
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Mária Simon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinical Centre, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Eberhard Fuchs
- German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Boldizsár Czéh
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary.,Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Szentágothai János Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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12
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Sustained effects of rapidly acting antidepressants require BDNF-dependent MeCP2 phosphorylation. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1100-1109. [PMID: 34183865 PMCID: PMC8338784 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The rapidly acting antidepressants ketamine and scopolamine exert behavioral effects that can last from several days to more than a week in some patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of these antidepressant effects are unknown. Here we show that methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) phosphorylation at Ser421 (pMeCP2) is essential for the sustained, but not the rapid, antidepressant effects of ketamine and scopolamine in mice. Our results reveal that pMeCP2 is downstream of BDNF, a critical factor in ketamine and scopolamine antidepressant action. In addition, we show that pMeCP2 is required for the long-term regulation of synaptic strength after ketamine or scopolamine administration. These results demonstrate that pMeCP2 and associated synaptic plasticity are essential determinants of sustained antidepressant effects.
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Dionisie V, Ciobanu AM, Toma VA, Manea MC, Baldea I, Olteanu D, Sevastre-Berghian A, Clichici S, Manea M, Riga S, Filip GA. Escitalopram Targets Oxidative Stress, Caspase-3, BDNF and MeCP2 in the Hippocampus and Frontal Cortex of a Rat Model of Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147483. [PMID: 34299103 PMCID: PMC8304451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, escitalopram (ESC) has been suggested to have different mechanisms of action beyond its well known selective serotonin reuptake inhibition. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of escitalopram on oxidative stress, apoptosis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), and oligodendrocytes number in the brain of chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressed rats. The animals were randomised in four groups (8 in each group): control, stress, stress + ESC 5 and stress + ESC 5/10. ESC was administered for 42 days in a fixed dose (5 mg/kg b.w.) or in an up-titration regimen (21 days ESC 5 mg/kg b.w. then 21 days ESC 10 mg/kg b.w.). Sucrose preference test (SPT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) were also performed. ESC improved the percentage of sucrose preference, locomotion and anxiety. ESC5/10 reduced the oxidative damage in the hippocampus and improved the antioxidant defence in the hippocampus and frontal lobe. ESC5/10 lowered caspase 3 activity in the hippocampus. Escitalopram had a modulatory effect on BDNF and the number of oligodendrocytes in the hippocampus and frontal lobe and also improved the MeCP2 expressions. The results confirm the multiple pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of depression and suggest that escitalopram exerts an antidepressant effect via different intricate mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Dionisie
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.D.); (M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Adela Magdalena Ciobanu
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
- Neuroscience Department, Discipline of Psychiatry, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Vlad Alexandru Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Experimental Biology, Institute of Biological Research, Branch of NIRDBS Bucharest, 400113 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Molecular and Biomolecular Physics, NIRD for Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Correspondence: (V.A.T.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Mihnea Costin Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.D.); (M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
- Correspondence: (V.A.T.); (M.C.M.)
| | - Ioana Baldea
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.O.); (A.S.-B.); (S.C.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Diana Olteanu
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.O.); (A.S.-B.); (S.C.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Alexandra Sevastre-Berghian
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.O.); (A.S.-B.); (S.C.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Simona Clichici
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.O.); (A.S.-B.); (S.C.); (G.A.F.)
| | - Mirela Manea
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (V.D.); (M.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Sorin Riga
- Department of Stress Research and Prophylaxis, ‘Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia’ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania;
- Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences, 927180 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.O.); (A.S.-B.); (S.C.); (G.A.F.)
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Misztak P, Pańczyszyn-Trzewik P, Nowak G, Sowa-Kućma M. Epigenetic marks and their relationship with BDNF in the brain of suicide victims. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239335. [PMID: 32970734 PMCID: PMC7513998 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Suicide is a common phenomenon affecting people of all ages. There is a strong relationship between suicidal ideation and depressive disorders. Increasing number of studies suggest that epigenetic modifications in certain brain areas are the main mechanism through which environmental and genetic factors interact with each other contributing to the development of mental disorders. To verify this hypothesis, some epigenetic marks: H3K9/14ac, HDAC2/3, H3K27me2 and Sin3a, as well as p-S421-MeCP2/MeCP2 were examined. On the other hand, BDNF protein level were studied. Materials and methods Western blot analysis were performed in the frontal cortex (FCx) and hippocampus (HP) of suicide victims (n = 14) and non-suicidal controls (n = 8). The differences between groups and correlations between selected proteins were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U-test and Spearman’s rank correlation. Results Statistically significant decrease in H3K9/14ac (FCx:↓~23%;HP:↓~33%) combined with increase in HDAC3 (FCx:↑~103%;HP:↑~85% in HP) protein levels in suicides compared to the controls was shown. These alterations were accompanied by an increase in H3K27me2 (FCx:↑45%;HP:↑~59%) and Sin3a (HP:↑50%) levels and decrease in p-S421-MeCP2/MeCP2 protein ratio (HP:↓~55%;FCx:↓~27%). Moreover, reduced BDNF protein level (FCx:↓~43%;HP:↓~28%) in suicides was observed. On the other hand, some significant correlations (e.g. between H3K9/14ac and HDAC2 or between BDNF and p-S421-MeCP2/MeCP2) were demonstrated. Conclusions Our findings confirm the role of epigenetic component and BDNF protein in suicidal behavior. Lowered BDNF protein level in suicides is probably due to decrease in histone acetylation and increased level of factors related with deacetylation and methylation processes, including MeCP2 factor, which may operate bidirectionally (an activator or inhibitor of transcription).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Misztak
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Chair of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Pańczyszyn-Trzewik
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Human Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Gabriel Nowak
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Chair of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sowa-Kućma
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Human Physiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Rzeszow, Poland
- * E-mail: ,
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15
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Poon CH, Heng BC, Lim LW. New insights on brain-derived neurotrophic factor epigenetics: from depression to memory extinction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1484:9-31. [PMID: 32808327 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Advances in characterizing molecular profiles provide valuable insights and opportunities for deciphering the neuropathology of depression. Although abnormal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in depression has gained much support from preclinical and clinical research, how it mediates behavioral alterations in the depressed state remains largely obscure. Environmental factors contribute significantly to the onset of depression and produce robust epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation of BDNF, as one of the most characterized gene loci in epigenetics, has recently emerged as a target in research on memory and psychiatric disorders. Specifically, epigenetic alterations of BDNF exons are heavily involved in mediating memory functions and antidepressant effects. In this review, we discuss key research on stress-induced depression from both preclinical and clinical studies, which revealed that differential epigenetic regulation of specific BDNF exons is associated with depression pathophysiology. Considering that BDNF has a central role in depression, we argue that memory extinction, an adaptive response to fear exposure, is dependent on BDNF modulation and holds promise as a prospective target for alleviating or treating depression and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Him Poon
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Boon Chin Heng
- Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
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Kim JM, Stewart R, Kim JW, Kang HJ, Lee JY, Kim SY, Kim SW, Shin IS, Hong YJ, Ahn Y, Jeong MH, Yoon JS. Modifying effects of depression on the association between BDNF methylation and prognosis of acute coronary syndrome. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:422-429. [PMID: 31255678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays important roles in angiogenesis, inflammation, and neuronal plasticity. BDNF methylation has been extensively investigated in depression, but not in cardiac diseases. We asked whether BDNF methylation status is associated with a major adverse cardiac event (MACE), inflammation, and the association with depression comorbidity and its treatment in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS AND RESULTS A cross-sectional baseline study and nested 24 week double-blind escitalopram placebo-controlled trial (ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT00419471) were performed from 2006 to 2012, with 5-12 year follow-up for MACE. Patients with recent ACS (969 total) were divided into four groups according to depression comorbidity at baseline and treatment allocation: 591, absent depression; 127, depression on escitalopram; 128, depression on placebo; 123, depression on care as usual (CAU). BDNF methylation was measured in leucocyte DNA, and multiple demographic and clinical characteristics including interleukin 6 were evaluated as covariates at baseline. The primary outcome, time to first MACE (a composite of all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervention), was investigated using Cox regression models after adjustment for covariates. Interleukin 6 level was significantly higher in patients with higher BDNF methylation values. Higher BDNF methylation was associated with increased MACE independent of confounding factors [HR (95% CI) = 1.45 (1.17-1.78)]. This association was significant in patients without depression [HR (95% CI) = 1.39 (1.01-1.90)] and depressive patients on placebo [HR (95% CI) = 1.72 (1.02-3.02)] or CAU [HR (95% CI) = 1.53 (1.01-2.61)], but not in those treated with escitalopram [HR (95% CI) = 1.00 (0.51-1.95)]. CONCLUSION BDNF methylation was significantly associated with prognosis of ACS. Escitalopram may mitigate the deleterious effect of higher BDNF methylation in depressive patients with ACS. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanistics and to assess the generalisability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
| | - Robert Stewart
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, England; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
| | - Ju-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Young Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Seon Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joon Hong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngkeun Ahn
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Ho Jeong
- Department of Cardiology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Sang Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
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17
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Kuehner JN, Bruggeman EC, Wen Z, Yao B. Epigenetic Regulations in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Genet 2019; 10:268. [PMID: 31019524 PMCID: PMC6458251 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise genetic and epigenetic spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression is critical for proper brain development, function and circuitry formation in the mammalian central nervous system. Neuronal differentiation processes are tightly regulated by epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodelers and non-coding RNAs. Dysregulation of any of these pathways is detrimental to normal neuronal development and functions, which can result in devastating neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of epigenetic regulations in brain development and functions, as well as their implications in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janise N Kuehner
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Emily C Bruggeman
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bing Yao
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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18
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Browne CA, Hammack R, Lucki I. Dysregulation of the Lateral Habenula in Major Depressive Disorder. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2018; 10:46. [PMID: 30581384 PMCID: PMC6292991 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2018.00046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence implicates hyperexcitability of the lateral habenula (LHb) in the development of psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD). This discrete epithalamic nucleus acts as a relay hub linking forebrain limbic structures with midbrain aminergic centers. Central to reward processing, learning and goal directed behavior, the LHb has emerged as a critical regulator of the behaviors that are impaired in depression. Stress-induced activation of the LHb produces depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, anhedonia and aversion in preclinical studies. Moreover, deep brain stimulation of the LHb in humans has been shown to alleviate chronic unremitting depression in treatment resistant depression. The diverse neurochemical processes arising in the LHb that underscore the emergence and treatment of MDD are considered in this review, including recent optogenetic studies that probe the anatomical connections of the LHb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline A Browne
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Robert Hammack
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Irwin Lucki
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
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19
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Zhong X, Li H, Kim J, Chang Q. Regulation of neural differentiation, synaptic scaling and animal behavior by MeCP2 phophorylation. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 165:106859. [PMID: 29698767 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Highly expressed in the mammalian brain and widely distributed across the genome, MeCP2 is a key player in recognizing modified DNA and interpreting the epigenetic information encoded in different DNA methylation/hydroxymethylation patterns. Alterations in sequence or copy number of the X-linked human MECP2 gene cause either Rett syndrome (RTT) or MECP2 duplication syndrome. Alterations in MECP2 levels have also been identified in patients with autism. To fully understand the significant role of MECP2 in regulating the development and function of the nervous system, it is important to study all aspects of MeCP2 function. Stimulus-induced MeCP2 phosphorylation has been shown to influence the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells, synaptic scaling, excitatory synaptogenesis, and animal behavior. However, all of the previous functional evidence is from studying phospho-dead mutations. In addition, the relationship between phosphorylation events at multiple sites on the MeCP2 protein is not well understood. Here, we report the generation of a phospho-mimic knockin Mecp2 mouse line. At the synaptic and behavioral levels, the phospho-mimic Mecp2 mice show phenotypes opposite to those observed in phospho-dead mutation at the same phosphorylation site. Moreover, we report opposite phenotypes between phospho-mutants of two sites on the MeCP2 protein. Our new data further confirm the functional significance of specific MeCP2 phosphorylation event and support the opposing regulatory role between different MeCP2 phosphorylation events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofen Zhong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou 510530, China
| | - Hongda Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Jason Kim
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States
| | - Qiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States; Department of Medical Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 425-G Henry Mall, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705, United States.
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20
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Park SW, Seo MK, Lee JG, Hien LT, Kim YH. Effects of maternal separation and antidepressant drug on epigenetic regulation of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon I promoter in the adult rat hippocampus. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 72:255-265. [PMID: 28990703 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Early life stress can induce epigenetic changes through genetic and environmental interactions and is a risk factor for depression. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and antidepressant drug action. We investigated epigenetic changes at the BDNF exon I promoter in the hippocampus of adult rats subjected to maternal separation (MS) during early life and treated with an antidepressant drug as adults. METHODS Rat pups were subjected to MS from postnatal day 1 to 21 and received chronic escitalopram (ESC) as adults. We assessed the effects of MS and ESC on BDNF exon I and DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) mRNA levels (quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction), acetylated histone H3, and MeCP2 binding to the BDNF promoter I (chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction), and BDNF protein levels (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). RESULTS The levels of BDNF protein, exon I mRNA, histone H3 acetylation, and DNMT1 and DNMT3a mRNA were altered in the MS group compared with the control group. Significant decreases were observed in the BDNF protein, exon I mRNA, and histone H3 acetylation levels and there were significant increases in DNMT1 and DNMT3a mRNA levels. The comparison between the MS + ESC and MS groups revealed significant increases in BDNF protein, exon I mRNA, and histone H3 acetylation levels and significant decreases in MeCP2 and DNMT1 and DNMT3a mRNA levels. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that MS induced epigenetic changes at the BDNF exon I promoter and these changes were prevented by antidepressant drug treatment during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Park
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Departments of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Convergence Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyoung Seo
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Goo Lee
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Departments of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Le Thi Hien
- Departments of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Gongju National Hospital, Gongju, Republic of Korea
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21
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Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Epigenetic regulation of Fgf1 transcription by CRTC1 and memory enhancement. Brain Res Bull 2018; 141:3-12. [PMID: 29477835 PMCID: PMC6128695 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates that epigenetic regulation of gene transcription is critically involved in learning and memory. Here, we discuss the role of histone acetylation and DNA methylation, which are two best understood epigenetic processes in memory processes. More specifically, we focus on learning-strength-dependent changes in chromatin on the fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1) gene and on the molecular events that modulate regulation of Fgf1 transcription, required for memory enhancement, with the specific focus on CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusaku Uchida
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Gleb P Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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22
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Lieb K, Dreimüller N, Wagner S, Schlicht K, Falter T, Neyazi A, Müller-Engling L, Bleich S, Tadić A, Frieling H. BDNF Plasma Levels and BDNF Exon IV Promoter Methylation as Predictors for Antidepressant Treatment Response. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:511. [PMID: 30459647 PMCID: PMC6232909 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Major problems of current antidepressant pharmacotherapy are insufficient response rates and difficulties in response prediction. We recently provided preliminary evidence in a small study that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) with a hypomethylation of the CpG-87 site of the promoter IV region of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene are less likely to benefit from antidepressants. Here, we aimed at replicating this finding in a secondary analysis of 561 MDD patients (mean age 40.0 ± 11.9 years, 56% female) included into the Early Medication Change study (EMC). We measured BDNF exon IV promoter and p11 gene methylation at Baseline (BL) as well as BDNF-plasma-levels (pBDNF) at BL and day 14 and related them to treatment outcome. Although we were not able to replicate the predictor function of hypomethylation of the BDNF exon IV promoter, a subgroup of patients with severe depression (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD-17] ≥ 25) (n = 199) and hypermethylation at CpG-87 of the BDNF exon IV promoter had significantly higher remission rates than patients without a methylation (p = 0.032). We also found that 421 (75%) of 561 patients showed an early improvement (≥ 20% HAMD-17 reduction after 2 weeks), which was associated with a 4.24-fold increased likelihood to remit at study end compared to the 140 patients without early improvement. However, specificity of response prediction of early improvement was low (34%) and false positive rate high (66%). The combination of early improvement with a pBDNF increase between BL and day 14, however, increased the specificity of response prediction from 34 to 76%, and the combination with methylation of the CpG-87 site of the BDNF exon IV promoter from 34 to 62%. Thus, the combined markers reduced false positives rates from 66 to 24% and 38%, respectively. Methylation at other sites or p11 promoter methylation failed to increase specificity of early improvement prediction. In sum, the results add to previous findings that BDNF, BDNF promoter methylation and the combination of clinical and biological markers may be interesting candidates for therapy response prediction which has to be confirmed in further studies. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00974155, identifier: NCT00974155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Nadine Dreimüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Konrad Schlicht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tanja Falter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexandra Neyazi
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - Linda Müller-Engling
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - André Tadić
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
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Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Synaptically Localized Transcriptional Regulators in Memory Formation. Neuroscience 2017; 370:4-13. [PMID: 28733211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
At the neuronal cell level, long-term memory formation emerges from interactions between initial activity-dependent molecular changes at the synapse and subsequent regulation of gene transcription in the nucleus. This in turn leads to strengthening of the connections back at the synapse that received the initial signal. However, the mechanisms through which this synapse-to-nucleus molecular exchange occurs remain poorly understood. Here we discuss recent studies that delineate nucleocytoplasmic transport of a special class of synaptically localized transcriptional regulators that upon receiving initial external signal by the synapse move to the nucleus to modulate gene transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shusaku Uchida
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Gleb P Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Martin V, Allaïli N, Euvrard M, Marday T, Riffaud A, Franc B, Mocaër E, Gabriel C, Fossati P, Lehericy S, Lanfumey L. Effect of agomelatine on memory deficits and hippocampal gene expression induced by chronic social defeat stress in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 8:45907. [PMID: 28374847 PMCID: PMC5379201 DOI: 10.1038/srep45907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is known to induce not only anxiety and depressive-like phenotypes in mice but also cognitive impairments, for which the action of classical antidepressant compounds remains unsatisfactory. In this context, we investigated the effects of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) on anxiety-, social- and cognitive-related behaviors, as well as hippocampal Bdnf, synaptic plasticity markers (PSD-95, Synaptophysin, Spinophilin, Synapsin I and MAP-2), and epigenetic modifying enzymes (MYST2, HDAC2, HDAC6, MLL3, KDM5B, DNMT3B, GADD45B) gene expression in C57BL/6J mice. CSDS for 10 days provoked long-lasting anxious-like phenotype in the open field and episodic memory deficits in the novel object recognition test. While total Bdnf mRNA level was unchanged, Bdnf exon IV, MAP-2, HDAC2, HDAC6 and MLL3 gene expression was significantly decreased in the CSDS mouse hippocampus. In CSDS mice treated 3 weeks with 50 mg/kg/d agomelatine, an antidepressant with melatonergic receptor agonist and 5-HT2C receptor antagonist properties, the anxious-like phenotype was not reversed, but the treatment successfully prevented the cognitive impairments and hippocampal gene expression modifications. Altogether, these data evidenced that, in mice, agomelatine was effective in alleviating stress-induced altered cognitive functions, possibly through a mechanism involving BDNF signaling, synaptic plasticity and epigenetic remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Martin
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Najib Allaïli
- Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche - CENIR- Inserm UMR1127- CNRS 7225, Institut Cerveau Moelle - ICM, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Marine Euvrard
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Tevrasamy Marday
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Armance Riffaud
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Franc
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Mocaër
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, IRIS, Suresnes, France
| | - Cecilia Gabriel
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, IRIS, Suresnes, France
| | - Philippe Fossati
- Social and Affective Neuroscience - SAN Laboratory - Inserm U 1127- CNRS UMR 7225- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle- ICM - Sorbonne Universités, UPMC UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Stéphane Lehericy
- Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche - CENIR- Inserm UMR1127- CNRS 7225, Institut Cerveau Moelle - ICM, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC UMR S 1127, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Lanfumey
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, INSERM UMR 894, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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Regulation and function of MeCP2 Ser421 phosphorylation in U50488-induced conditioned place aversion in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:913-923. [PMID: 28116477 PMCID: PMC5321784 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4527-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Phosphorylation of the methyl DNA-binding protein MeCP2 at Ser421 (pMeCP2-S421) is induced in corticolimbic brain regions during exposure to drugs of abuse and modulates reward-driven behaviors. However, whether pMeCP2-S421 is also involved in behavioral adaptations to aversive drugs is unknown. OBJECTIVES Our goal was to establish the role and regulation of pMeCP2-S421 in corticolimbic brain regions of mice upon acute treatment with the kappa opioid receptor agonist U50488 and during the expression of U50488-induced conditioned place aversion (CPA). METHODS pMeCP2-S421 levels were measured in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), prelimbic cortex, infralimbic cortex (ILC), and basolateral amygdala (BLA) of male mice after intraperitoneal administration of U50488 and upon the expression of U50488-induced CPA. Fos was measured as marker of neural activity in the same brain regions. U50488-induced CPA and Fos levels were compared between knockin (KI) mice that lack pMeCP2-S421 and their wild-type (WT) littermates. RESULTS U50488 administration acutely induced pMeCP2-S421 and Fos selectively in the NAc but did not alter MeCP2 levels in any brain region. U50488-induced CPA was associated with decreased pMeCP2-S421 in the ILC and BLA and induced Fos in the BLA. MeCP2 KI mice showed CPA indistinguishable from their WT littermates, but they also showed less BLA Fos induction upon CPA. CONCLUSION These data are the first to show that pMeCP2-S421 is induced in the brain acutely after U50488 administration but not upon U50488-induced CPA. Although pMeCP2-S421 is not required for U50488-induced CPA, this phosphorylation event may contribute to molecular plasticities in brain regions that govern aversive behaviors.
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Gupta T, Morgan HR, Bailey JA, Certel SJ. Functional conservation of MBD proteins: MeCP2 and Drosophila MBD proteins alter sleep. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:757-774. [PMID: 27489246 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Proteins containing a methyl-CpG-binding domain (MBD) bind 5mC and convert the methylation pattern information into appropriate functional cellular states. The correct readout of epigenetic marks is of particular importance in the nervous system where abnormal expression or compromised MBD protein function, can lead to disease and developmental disorders. Recent evidence indicates that the genome of Drosophila melanogaster is methylated and two MBD proteins, dMBD2/3 and dMBD-R2, are present. Are Drosophila MBD proteins required for neuronal function, and as MBD-containing proteins have diverged and evolved, does the MBD domain retain the molecular properties required for conserved cellular function across species? To address these questions, we expressed the human MBD-containing protein, hMeCP2, in distinct amine neurons and quantified functional changes in sleep circuitry output using a high throughput assay in Drosophila. hMeCP2 expression resulted in phase-specific sleep loss and sleep fragmentation with the hMeCP2-mediated sleep deficits requiring an intact MBD domain. Reducing endogenous dMBD2/3 and dMBD-R2 levels also generated sleep fragmentation, with an increase in sleep occurring upon dMBD-R2 reduction. To examine if hMeCP2 and dMBD-R2 are targeting common neuronal functions, we reduced dMBD-R2 levels in combination with hMeCP2 expression and observed a complete rescue of sleep deficits. Furthermore, chromosomal binding experiments indicate MBD-R2 and MeCP2 associate on shared genomic loci. Our results provide the first demonstration that Drosophila MBD-containing family members are required for neuronal function and suggest that the MBD domain retains considerable functional conservation at the whole organism level across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Gupta
- Neuroscience Graduate Program
| | - H R Morgan
- Division of Biological Sciences and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - J A Bailey
- Division of Biological Sciences and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - S J Certel
- Neuroscience Graduate Program.,Division of Biological Sciences and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, The University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
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Seo MK, Ly NN, Lee CH, Cho HY, Choi CM, Nhu LH, Lee JG, Lee BJ, Kim GM, Yoon BJ, Park SW, Kim YH. Early life stress increases stress vulnerability through BDNF gene epigenetic changes in the rat hippocampus. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:388-397. [PMID: 26877199 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) exerts long-lasting epigenetic influences on the brain and makes an individual susceptible to later depression. It is poorly understood whether ELS and subsequent adult chronic stress modulate epigenetic mechanisms. We examined the epigenetic mechanisms of the BDNF gene in the hippocampus, which may underlie stress vulnerability to postnatal maternal separation (MS) and adult restraint stress (RS). Rat pups were separated from their dams (3 h/day from P1-P21). When the pups reached adulthood (8 weeks old), we introduced RS (2 h/day for 3 weeks) followed by escitalopram treatment. We showed that both the MS and RS groups expressed reduced levels of total and exon IV BDNF mRNA. Furthermore, RS potentiated MS-induced decreases in these expression levels. Similarly, both the MS and RS groups showed decreased levels of acetylated histone H3 and H4 at BDNF promoter IV, and RS exacerbated MS-induced decreases of H3 and H4 acetylation. Both the MS and RS groups had increased MeCP2 levels at BDNF promoter IV, as well as increased HDAC5 mRNA, and the combination of MS and RS exerted a greater effect on these parameters than did RS alone. In the forced swimming test, the immobility time of the MS + RS group was significantly higher than that of the RS group. Additionally, chronic escitalopram treatment recovered these alterations. Our results suggest that postnatal MS and subsequent adult RS modulate epigenetic changes in the BDNF gene, and that these changes may be related to behavioral phenotype. These epigenetic mechanisms are involved in escitalopram action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Kyoung Seo
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea
| | - Nguyen Ngoc Ly
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Hong Lee
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Yeon Cho
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol Min Choi
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Le Hoa Nhu
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Goo Lee
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong Ju Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyung-Mee Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong June Yoon
- College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Woo Park
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Hoon Kim
- Paik Institute for Clinical Research, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Science and Technology, Graduate School of Inje University, Republic of Korea; Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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Wu J, Zhu D, Zhang J, Li G, Liu Z, Sun J. Melatonin treatment during the incubation of sensitization attenuates methamphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization and MeCP2 expression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 65:145-52. [PMID: 26416230 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Behavior sensitization is a long-lasting enhancement of locomotor activity after exposure to psychostimulants. Incubation of sensitization is a phenomenon of remarkable augmentation of locomotor response after withdrawal and reflects certain aspects of compulsive drug craving. However, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain elusive. Here we pay special attention to the incubation of sensitization and suppose that the intervention of this procedure will finally decrease the expression of sensitization. Melatonin is an endogenous hormone secreted mainly by the pineal gland. It is effective in treating sleep disorder, which turns out to be one of the major withdrawal symptoms of methamphetamine (MA) addiction. Furthermore, melatonin can also protect neuronal cells against MA-induced neurotoxicity. In the present experiment, we treated mice with low dose (10mg/kg) of melatonin for 14 consecutive days during the incubation of sensitization. We found that melatonin significantly attenuated the expression of sensitization. In contrast, the vehicle treated mice showed prominent enhancement of locomotor activity after incubation. MeCP2 expression was also elevated in the vehicle treated mice and melatonin attenuated its expression. Surprisingly, correlation analysis suggested significant correlation between MeCP2 expression in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and locomotion in both saline control and vehicle treated mice, but not in melatonin treated ones. MA also induced MeCP2 over-expression in PC12 cells. However, melatonin failed to reduce MeCP2 expression in vitro. Our results suggest that melatonin treatment during the incubation of sensitization attenuates MA-induced expression of sensitization and decreases MeCP2 expression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Wu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Dexiao Zhu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Guibao Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Zengxun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Jinhao Sun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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BDNF methylation and depressive disorder in acute coronary syndrome: The K-DEPACS and EsDEPACS studies. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 62:159-65. [PMID: 26313133 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic regulation investigated by methylation tests has been associated with pathogenesis and treatment response in depressive disorders. However, these hypotheses have rarely been tested in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) vulnerable to depression. This study aimed to investigate whether brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) methylation status is associated with occurrence and treatment response of depressive disorder in ACS. METHODS Of 969 patients with recently developed ACS were recruited at baseline, 711 were followed 1 year thereafter. Depressive disorder was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria, and classified as baseline prevalent, and follow-up incident or persistent depressive disorder according to status at the two examinations. In addition, of 378 baseline participants with depressive disorder, 255 were randomized to a 24-week double blind trial of escitalopram (N=127) or placebo (N=128), while the remaining 123 received conventional medical treatment for ACS. BDNF methylation percentages were estimated using leukocyte DNA, and a range of demographic and clinical characteristics were evaluated as covariates. RESULTS In logistic regression models, higher BDNF methylation status was independently associated with prevalent depressive disorder at baseline and with its persistence at follow-up. Escitalopram was more effective than placebo for treating depressive disorder in those with a higher methylation, and this effects lead to prevent persistent depressive disorder. CONCLUSIONS ACS patients with higher BDNF methylation were susceptible to early depressive disorder, and to its persistence one year later. Adequate antidepressants treatment may effective particularly in those with higher BDNF methylation and then can overcome epigenetic vulnerability for depression persistence in ACS patients. ClinicalTrial.gov identifier for the 24 week drug trial, NCT00419471.
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Su M, Hong J, Zhao Y, Liu S, Xue X. MeCP2 controls hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression via homeostatic interactions with microRNA‑132 in rats with depression. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:5399-406. [PMID: 26239616 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a considerable public health concern, which affects patients worldwide. MDD is associated with psychosocial impairment, poor quality of life, and significant disability, morbidity and mortality. Stress is a major factor in depression, which impairs the structural and functional plasticity of the hippocampus. Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic unpredictable mild stress is able to downregulate the expression of brain‑derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and methyl‑CpG‑binding protein 2 (MeCP2), and alter the expression levels of certain microRNAs (miR). The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory association between BDNF, MeCP2 and miR-132 in an animal model of chronic stress‑induced depression. ELISA, western blot and qPCR were used to detect the expression levels of BDNF, MeCP2 and miR-132 in the peripheral blood samples of patients with MDD and in the hippocampi of depressed animals. In addition, a dual luciferase reporter gene system was used to determine whether miR-132 directly targets BDNF or MeCP2. The present study demonstrated that, as compared with normal subjects, miR‑132 expression was increased in the peripheral blood samples of patients with MDD, whereas the expression of MeCP2 and BDNF was decreased; thus, the expression levels of MeCP2 and BDNF were negatively correlated with those of miR‑132. In addition, in an animal model of chronic stress‑induced depression, increased expression levels of miR‑132, and decreased levels of MeCP2 and BDNF were detected in the hippocampi. Furthermore, knockdown of MeCP2 expression in primary hippocampal neurons increased the expression of miR‑132 and decreased the expression levels of BDNF. The results of the present study demonstrated that miR‑132 may directly target MeCP2, but not BDNF, and control its expression at the transcriptional and translational level. miR‑132 was also shown to negatively regulate BDNF expression. The reduced expression levels of BDNF, as induced by MeCP2 knockdown, were enhanced by miR‑132 mimics, and were rescued by miR‑132 inhibitors. These results suggested that homeostatic interactions between MeCP2 and miR‑132 may regulate hippocampal BDNF levels, which may have a role in the pathogenesis of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilei Su
- Department of Psychology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Jun Hong
- Department of Psychology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Yongzhi Zhao
- Department of Psychology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Psychology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xue
- Department of Psychology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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Asaoka N, Nagayasu K, Nishitani N, Yamashiro M, Shirakawa H, Nakagawa T, Kaneko S. Inhibition of histone deacetylases enhances the function of serotoninergic neurons in organotypic raphe slice cultures. Neurosci Lett 2015; 593:72-7. [PMID: 25796177 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs) is a promising approach for the treatment of mood disorders. However, the effects of HDAC inhibition on the serotonin (5-HT) system, a common target for psychiatric disorders, are poorly understood. Here, we show that a broad-spectrum HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), enhances the function of 5-HT neurons in organotypic raphe slice cultures. Sustained treatment with TSA (1μM) for 2 or 4 days significantly increased the 5-HT tissue content and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) expression, which were accompanied by hyper-acetylation of histone H3 in the promoter region of the TPH2 gene. TSA treatment for 4 days increased the extracellular 5-HT level, which was significantly suppressed in the presence of the selective AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonist NBQX. Moreover, the expression of both the AMPAR subunit GluA2 and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II α (CaMKIIα) mRNAs were significantly increased by TSA treatment. Co-treatment with the CaMKII inhibitors KN-62 and KN-93 prevented the TSA-induced increase in 5-HT release, but had no effect on the increases in 5-HT tissue content. These results suggest that inhibition of HDACs increases 5-HT synthesis and release by epigenetic mechanisms, and that 5-HT release is mediated by the enhancement of AMPAR-mediated excitatory inputs and CaMKII signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Asaoka
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nagayasu
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Drug Innovation Center, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan; Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Nishitani
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Mayumi Yamashiro
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Shuji Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Anderson G, Kubera M, Duda W, Lasoń W, Berk M, Maes M. Increased IL-6 trans-signaling in depression: focus on the tryptophan catabolite pathway, melatonin and neuroprogression. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:1647-54. [PMID: 24553013 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Depression has been conceptualized as a disorder driven by immuno-inflammatory pathways and oxidative and nitrosative stress. These factors couple to the induction of neuroregulatory tryptophan catabolites via the activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). Oxidative damage to neoepitopes increases autoimmune responses, changing the nature of the neural substrate of recurrent depression, which leads to neuroprogression and drives treatment resistance. A number of pro-inflammatory cytokines are linked to these processes. Here, we focus on the role of interleukin (IL)-6 in depression and its associated disorders; we highlight the progress made since the first paper showing increased IL-6 levels was published 20 years ago by Maes and colleagues. When coupled with increased levels of the soluble IL-6 receptor in depression, higher levels of IL-6 may indicate increased IL-6 trans-signaling, whereby IL-6 receptor signaling occurs in cells not normally expressing the IL-6 receptor. It has been suggested that IL-6 is intimately associated with two crucial aspects of depression, as well as central inflammation more broadly. First, the regulation of the local inflammatory response via its interactions with macrophage and glia melatonin production is coupled to local epigenetic modulation via methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2). Second, the more systemic regulation of tryptophan availability occurs via the IL-6 induction of IDO. Coupled to its role in the regulation of autoimmune associated T-helper 17 cells and IL-17 production, IL-6 has wide and differential impacts on processes driving depression and a wider range of psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Clinical Research Centre/Communications, Rm 30, 57 Laurel Street, Glasgow, G11 7QT, Scotland.
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Li H, Chang Q. Regulation and function of stimulus-induced phosphorylation of MeCP2. FRONTIERS IN BIOLOGY 2014; 9:367-375. [PMID: 25568644 PMCID: PMC4283599 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-014-1330-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation-dependent epigenetic regulation plays important roles in the development and function of the mammalian nervous system. MeCP2 is a key player in recognizing methylated DNA and interpreting the epigenetic information encoded in different DNA methylation patterns. Mutations in the MECP2 gene cause Rett syndrome, a devastating neurological disease that shares many features with autism. One interesting aspect of MeCP2 function is that it can be phosphorylated in response to diverse stimuli. Insights into the regulation and function of MeCP2 phosphorylation will help improve our understanding of how MeCP2 integrates environmental stimuli in neuronal nuclei to generate adaptive responses and may eventually lead to treatments for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongda Li
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Genetics Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705,USA
| | - Qiang Chang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Genetics Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705,USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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Ausió J, Paz AMD, Esteller M. MeCP2: the long trip from a chromatin protein to neurological disorders. Trends Mol Med 2014; 20:487-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Bellini E, Pavesi G, Barbiero I, Bergo A, Chandola C, Nawaz MS, Rusconi L, Stefanelli G, Strollo M, Valente MM, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Landsberger N. MeCP2 post-translational modifications: a mechanism to control its involvement in synaptic plasticity and homeostasis? Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:236. [PMID: 25165434 PMCID: PMC4131190 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Rett syndrome (RTT) represents one of the most frequent forms of severe intellectual disability in females worldwide, we still have an inadequate knowledge of the many roles played by MeCP2 (whose mutations are responsible for most cases of RTT) and their relevance for RTT pathobiology. Several studies support a role of MeCP2 in the regulation of synaptic plasticity and homeostasis. At the molecular level, MeCP2 is described as a repressor capable of inhibiting gene transcription through chromatin compaction. Indeed, it interacts with several chromatin remodeling factors, such as HDAC-containing complexes and ATRX. Other studies have inferred that MeCP2 functions also as an activator; a role in regulating mRNA splicing and in modulating protein synthesis has also been proposed. Further, MeCP2 avidly binds both 5-methyl- and 5-hydroxymethyl-cytosine. Recent evidence suggests that it is the highly disorganized structure of MeCP2, together with its post-translational modifications (PTMs) that generate and regulate this functional versatility. Indeed, several reports have demonstrated that differential phosphorylation of MeCP2 is a key mechanism by which the methyl binding protein modulates its affinity for its partners, gene expression and cellular adaptations to stimuli and neuronal plasticity. As logic consequence, generation of phospho-defective Mecp2 knock-in mice has permitted associating alterations in neuronal morphology, circuit formation, and mouse behavioral phenotypes with specific phosphorylation events. MeCP2 undergoes various other PTMs, including acetylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation, whose functional roles remain largely unexplored. These results, together with the genome-wide distribution of MeCP2 and its capability to substitute histone H1, recall the complex regulation of histones and suggest the relevance of quickly gaining a deeper comprehension of MeCP2 PTMs, the respective writers and readers and the consequent functional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bellini
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Rett Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pavesi
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Barbiero
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Anna Bergo
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Chetan Chandola
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Mohammad S Nawaz
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Laura Rusconi
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Gilda Stefanelli
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Marta Strollo
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Maria M Valente
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Rett Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Rett Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute Milan, Italy ; Section of Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretic and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria Busto Arsizio, Italy
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Abstract
The methyl-DNA binding protein MeCP2 is emerging as an important regulator of drug reinforcement processes. Psychostimulants induce phosphorylation of MeCP2 at Ser421; however, the functional significance of this posttranslational modification for addictive-like behaviors was unknown. Here we show that MeCP2 Ser421Ala knock-in mice display both a reduced threshold for the induction of locomotor sensitization by investigator-administered amphetamine and enhanced behavioral sensitivity to the reinforcing properties of self-administered cocaine. These behavioral differences were accompanied in the knock-in mice by changes in medium spiny neuron intrinsic excitability and nucleus accumbens gene expression typically observed in association with repeated exposure to these drugs. These data show that phosphorylation of MeCP2 at Ser421 functions to limit the circuit plasticities in the nucleus accumbens that underlie addictive-like behaviors.
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Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe and progressive neurological disorder, which mainly affects young females. Mutations of the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are the most prevalent cause of classical RTT cases. MECP2 mutations or altered expression are also associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders with recent links to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Collectively, MeCP2 relation to these neurodevelopmental disorders highlights the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms by which MeCP2 impacts brain development, mental conditions, and compromised brain function. Since MECP2 mutations were discovered to be the primary cause of RTT, a significant progress has been made in the MeCP2 research, with respect to the expression, function and regulation of MeCP2 in the brain and its contribution in RTT pathogenesis. To date, there have been intensive efforts in designing effective therapeutic strategies for RTT benefiting from mouse models and cells collected from RTT patients. Despite significant progress in MeCP2 research over the last few decades, there is still a knowledge gap between the in vitro and in vivo research findings and translating these findings into effective therapeutic interventions in human RTT patients. In this review, we will provide a synopsis of Rett syndrome as a severe neurological disorder and will discuss the role of MeCP2 in RTT pathophysiology.
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Bedogni F, Rossi RL, Galli F, Cobolli Gigli C, Gandaglia A, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Landsberger N. Rett syndrome and the urge of novel approaches to study MeCP2 functions and mechanisms of action. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 2:187-201. [PMID: 24594195 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating genetic disorder that worldwide represents the most common genetic cause of severe intellectual disability in females. Most cases are caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene. Several recent studies have demonstrated that RTT mimicking animal models do not develop an irreversible condition and phenotypic rescue is possible. However, no cure for RTT has been identified so far, and patients are only given symptomatic and supportive treatments. The development of clinical applications imposes a more comprehensive knowledge of MeCP2 functional role(s) and their relevance for RTT pathobiology. Herein, we thoroughly survey the knowledge about MeCP2 structure and functions, highlighting the necessity of identifying more functional domains and the value of molecular genetics. Given that, in our opinion, RTT ultimately is generated by perturbations in gene transcription and so far no genes/pathways have been consistently linked to a dysfunctional MeCP2, we have used higher-level bioinformatic analyses to identify commonly deregulated mechanisms in MeCP2-defective samples. In this review we present our results and discuss the possible value of the utilized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bedogni
- San Raffaele Rett Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Division of Biomedical Research, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio 21052, Italy
| | - Riccardo L Rossi
- Fondazione Istituto Nazionale Genetica Molecolare, Milan 20122, Italy
| | - Francesco Galli
- San Raffaele Rett Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Clementina Cobolli Gigli
- San Raffaele Rett Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Division of Biomedical Research, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio 21052, Italy
| | - Anna Gandaglia
- San Raffaele Rett Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Division of Biomedical Research, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio 21052, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Division of Biomedical Research, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio 21052, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- San Raffaele Rett Research Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20132, Italy; Laboratory of Genetic and Epigenetic Control of Gene Expression, Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, Division of Biomedical Research, University of Insubria, Busto Arsizio 21052, Italy.
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Tadić A, Müller-Engling L, Schlicht KF, Kotsiari A, Dreimüller N, Kleimann A, Bleich S, Lieb K, Frieling H. Methylation of the promoter of brain-derived neurotrophic factor exon IV and antidepressant response in major depression. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:281-3. [PMID: 23670489 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A Tadić
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - L Müller-Engling
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - K F Schlicht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Kotsiari
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - N Dreimüller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Kleimann
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - S Bleich
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - K Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - H Frieling
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
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Epigenetics and the regulation of stress vulnerability and resilience. Neuroscience 2013; 264:157-70. [PMID: 24333971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The human brain has a remarkable capacity to adapt to and learn from a wide range of variations in the environment. However, environmental challenges can also precipitate psychiatric disorders in susceptible individuals. Why any given experience should induce one brain to adapt while another is edged toward psychopathology remains poorly understood. Like all aspects of psychological function, both nature (genetics) and nurture (life experience) sculpt the brain's response to stressful stimuli. Here we review how these two influences intersect at the epigenetic regulation of neuronal gene transcription, and we discuss how the regulation of genomic DNA methylation near key stress-response genes may influence psychological susceptibility or resilience to environmental stressors. Our goal is to offer a perspective on the epigenetics of stress responses that works to bridge the gap between the study of this molecular process in animal models and its potential usefulness for understanding stress vulnerabilities in humans.
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Miao CG, Huang C, Huang Y, Yang YY, He X, Zhang L, Lv XW, Jin Y, Li J. MeCP2 modulates the canonical Wnt pathway activation by targeting SFRP4 in rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes in rats. Cell Signal 2012. [PMID: 23200852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) against common autoantigens that are widely expressed within and outside the joints. Many factors participate in the pathogenesis of RA, such as cytokine imbalance, Wnt pathway activation, matrix production, and osteoprotegerin on osteoclasts. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) activation has an important role in RA pathogenesis. The methyl-CpG-binding protein (MeCP2) which promoted repressed chromatin structure was selectively detected in synovium of diseased articular in rats. Overexpression of this protein results in an up-regulation of global methylation levels and transcriptional suppression of specific genes. There were increased MeCP2 and decreased secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) in synovium as well as the FLS isolated from the synovium of RA rats. Knockdown of MeCP2 using siRNA technique enhanced SFRP4 expression in both mRNA and protein levels in FLS. These results indicated that epigenetic modification was involved in differential expression of SFRP4. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, we hypothesized that the SFRP4 down-regulation in synovium was caused by DNA methylation. Treatment of FLS with DNA methylation inhibitor 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-azadC) blocked the cell proliferation and increased the SFRP4 expression. Increased SFRP4 down-regulated the key gene β-catenin, the downstream effectors gene ccnd1 and fibronectin expression in canonical Wnt pathway at the same time. MeCP2 and DNA methylation may provide molecular mechanisms for canonical Wnt pathway activation in RA. Combination of 5-azadC and MeCP2 may be a promising treatment strategy for individuals with RA in which SFRP4 is inactivated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-gui Miao
- School of pharmacy, Anhui key laboratory of bioactivity of natural products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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