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Aljabali AAA, Alkaraki AK, Gammoh O, Tambuwala MM, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Hassan SS, El-Tanani M. Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:638. [PMID: 39194576 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Omar Gammoh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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Smal M, Memoli D, Alexandrova E, Di Rosa D, D'Agostino Y, Russo F, Giurato G, Nassa G, Tarallo R, Weisz A, Rizzo F. Small non-coding RNA transcriptomic profiling in adult and fetal human brain. Sci Data 2024; 11:767. [PMID: 38997254 PMCID: PMC11245507 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-024-03604-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) make up ~1% of the transcriptome; nevertheless, they play significant roles in regulating cellular processes. Given the complexity of the central nervous system, sncRNAs likely hold particular importance in the human brain. In this study, we provide sncRNA transcriptomic profiles in a range of adult and prenatal brain regions, with a focus on piRNAs, due to their underexplored expression in somatic cells and tissue-specific nature. Using the WIND workflow, which combines two detection methods, we found 1333 (731 miRNAs, 249 piRNAs, 285 snoRNAs, and 68 other sncRNAs) and 1445 unique sncRNAs (770 miRNAs, 307 piRNAs, 289 snoRNAs, and 79 other sncRNAs) in developing and adult brains, respectively. Significant variations were found upon comparison of fetal and adult brain groups, with 82 miRNAs, 17 piRNAs, and 70 snoRNAs enriched in fetal brains and 22 miRNAs, 11 piRNAs in adult brains. This dataset represents a valuable resource for exploring the sncRNA roles in brain function, their involvement in neurological diseases, and the molecular mechanisms behind brain region interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marharyta Smal
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Domenico Memoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Elena Alexandrova
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Domenico Di Rosa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Ylenia D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Fabio Russo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giurato
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine - University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nassa
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine - University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Roberta Tarallo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine - University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Alessandro Weisz
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
- Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine - University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry 'Scuola Medica Salernitana', University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
- Medical Genomics Program, AOU 'S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona', University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
- Genome Research Center for Health - CRGS, Campus of Medicine - University of Salerno, 84081, Baronissi, SA, Italy.
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Ilieva MS. Non-Coding RNAs in Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Unraveling the Hidden Players in Disease Pathogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:1063. [PMID: 38920691 PMCID: PMC11201512 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders pose substantial challenges to public health, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis. In recent years, the focus has shifted toward the intricate world of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), a class of RNA molecules that do not encode proteins but play pivotal roles in gene regulation and cellular processes. This review explores the emerging significance of ncRNAs in the context of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, shedding light on their diverse functions and regulatory mechanisms. The dysregulation of various ncRNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), has been implicated in the pathophysiology of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. This review delves into the specific roles these ncRNAs play in modulating key cellular processes, including synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, providing a nuanced understanding of their impact on disease progression. Furthermore, it discusses the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications of targeting ncRNAs in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The identification of specific ncRNA signatures holds promise for the development of novel biomarkers for early disease detection, while the manipulation of ncRNA expression offers innovative therapeutic avenues. Challenges and future directions in the field are also considered, highlighting the need for continued research to unravel the complexities of ncRNA-mediated regulatory networks in the context of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge and stimulate further exploration into the fascinating realm of ncRNAs in the brain's intricate landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirolyuba Simeonova Ilieva
- The Bartholin Institute, Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 3rd Floor, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Guo XD, Zhou CX, Li LY, Ai K, Wang YL, Zhou DH. Comprehensive analysis of mRNA-lncRNA co-expression profiles in mouse brain during infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Acta Trop 2023; 237:106722. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Denham AN, Drake J, Gavrilov M, Taylor ZN, Bacanu SA, Vladimirov VI. Long Non-Coding RNAs: The New Frontier into Understanding the Etiology of Alcohol Use Disorder. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:59. [PMID: 36005827 PMCID: PMC9415279 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8040059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, chronic, debilitating condition impacting millions worldwide. Genetic, environmental, and epigenetic factors are known to contribute to the development of AUD. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of regulatory RNAs, commonly referred to as the "dark matter" of the genome, with little to no protein-coding potential. LncRNAs have been implicated in numerous processes critical for cell survival, suggesting that they play important functional roles in regulating different cell processes. LncRNAs were also shown to display higher tissue specificity than protein-coding genes and have a higher abundance in the brain and central nervous system, demonstrating a possible role in the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Indeed, genetic (e.g., genome-wide association studies (GWAS)), molecular (e.g., expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL)) and epigenetic studies from postmortem brain tissues have identified a growing list of lncRNAs associated with neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders. Given that the expression patterns of lncRNAs have been associated with widespread changes in the transcriptome, including methylation, chromatin architecture, and activation or suppression of translational activity, the regulatory nature of lncRNAs may be ubiquitous and an innate component of gene regulation. In this review, we present a synopsis of the functional impact that lncRNAs may play in the etiology of AUD. We also discuss the classifications of lncRNAs, their known functional roles, and therapeutic advancements in the field of lncRNAs to further clarify the functional relationship between lncRNAs and AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allie N. Denham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - John Drake
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- MSCI Program, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Matthew Gavrilov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Zachary N. Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
- Departent of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
| | - Vladimir I. Vladimirov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
- Departent of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219, USA
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, College Station, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Genetics Interdisciplinary Program, College Station, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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6
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Wei W, Zhao Q, Wang Z, Liau WS, Basic D, Ren H, Marshall PR, Zajaczkowski EL, Leighton LJ, Madugalle SU, Musgrove M, Periyakaruppiah A, Shi J, Zhang J, Mattick JS, Mercer TR, Spitale RC, Li X, Bredy TW. ADRAM is an experience-dependent long noncoding RNA that drives fear extinction through a direct interaction with the chaperone protein 14-3-3. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110546. [PMID: 35320727 PMCID: PMC9015815 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we used RNA capture-seq to identify a large population of lncRNAs that are expressed in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex of adult male mice in response to fear-related learning. Combining these data with cell-type-specific ATAC-seq on neurons that had been selectively activated by fear extinction learning, we find inducible 434 lncRNAs that are derived from enhancer regions in the vicinity of protein-coding genes. In particular, we discover an experience-induced lncRNA we call ADRAM (activity-dependent lncRNA associated with memory) that acts as both a scaffold and a combinatorial guide to recruit the brain-enriched chaperone protein 14-3-3 to the promoter of the memory-associated immediate-early gene Nr4a2 and is required fear extinction memory. This study expands the lexicon of experience-dependent lncRNA activity in the brain and highlights enhancer-derived RNAs (eRNAs) as key players in the epigenomic regulation of gene expression associated with the formation of fear extinction memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiongyi Zhao
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wei-Siang Liau
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dean Basic
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Haobin Ren
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Esmi L Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sachithrani U Madugalle
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mason Musgrove
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ambika Periyakaruppiah
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jichun Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianjian Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - John S Mattick
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy R Mercer
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert C Spitale
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Brain Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
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7
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OUP accepted manuscript. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4763-4781. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Chavda V, Madhwani K, Chaurasia B. PiWi RNA in Neurodevelopment and Neurodegenerative disorders. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:517-531. [PMID: 34212832 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210629164535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Shedding light on the mysterious dark matter of the genome gears up the knowledge of modern biology. Beyond the genome, epigenome layers an untraveled path of fundamental biological and functional roles of gene regulation. Extraordinary character- P element wimpy testis-induced (PiWi)-interacting RNA (piRNA) is a type of small non-coding RNA that serves as a defender that imposes genomic and cellular defense by silencing nucleic and structural invaders. PIWI proteins and piRNAs appear in both reproductive and somatic cells, though germ line richness is partially unraveled more as it was originally discovered. The foremost function is to suppress invasive DNA sequences, which move within genomic DNA referred to as transposon elements (TEs) and downstream target genes via Transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) and Post-translational gene silencing (PTGS). Germline piRNAs maintain genomic integrity, stability, sternness, and impact imprinting expression. Somatic tissue-specific piRNAs have been surprised by their novel roles. piRNA regulates neurodevelopmental processes in metazoans, including humans. Neural heterogeneity, neurogenesis, neural plasticity, and transgenerational inheritance of adaptive and long-term memory are governed by the PIWI pathway. Neuro-developmental, neurodegenerative or psychiatric illness are the outcome of dysregulated piRNA. Aberrant piRNA signature causes inappropriate switching on or off genes by activation of TEs, incorrect epigenetic tags on DNA, and or histones. Defective piRNA regulation leads to abnormal brain development and neurodegenerative etiology, promoting life-threatening disorders. Exemplification of exciting roles of piRNA is in infancy, so future investigation may expand on these observations using innovative techniques and launch them as impending biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. In this current review, we have summarized the possible gene molecular role of piRNAs regulating neurobiology and contributing as uncharted biomarkers and therapeutic targets for life-threatening diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Chavda
- Department of Pharmacology, Nirma University, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Kajal Madhwani
- Department of Microbiology, Nirma University, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India
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Shirvani Farsani Z, Zahirodin A, Ghaderian SMH, Shams J, Naghavi Gargari B. The role of long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in patients with bipolar disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:1077-1083. [PMID: 32458337 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00580-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorders are known as chronic, recurrent, and heterogenic diseases. Regarding, diagnosis and treatment of them are very complex. The molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of bipolar disorder are slightly known. Accordingly, long noncoding RNAs are considered as one of the main factors that are dysfunctional in many diseases such as the nervous system diseases. Hence, we aim to investigate the expression of two long non coding RNAs, MALAT1 and UCA1, in patients in bipolar disorder. The levels of MALAT1 and UCA1 lncRNA were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 50 bipolar patients and 50 healthy controls with real-time PCR. Also, ROC curve analysis and correlation analysis were performed between the gene expression and some clinical features of bipolar individuals. The significant decline of MALAT1 expression level was found in the patients compared to controls; but no significant difference was observed in the UCA1 expression level between the patients and controls. Furthermore, computational analysis of CpG Islands and miRNAs binding sites on LncRNAs, MALAT1, and UCA1 was conducted. Also, The ROC curve area (AUC) of MALAT1 was 0.80. The current results suggest that the expression level of MALAT1 could serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for bipolar patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Shirvani Farsani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University G.C, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Alireza Zahirodin
- Behavioral Science Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | | | - Jamal Shams
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR, Iran
| | - Bahar Naghavi Gargari
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, IR, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Ahmadi S, Zobeiri M, Bradburn S. Molecular mechanisms underlying actions of certain long noncoding RNAs in Alzheimer's disease. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:681-693. [PMID: 32185592 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a group of non-protein coding RNAs that have more than 200 nucleotides. LncRNAs play an important role in the regulation of protein-coding genes at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. They are found in most organs, with a high prevalence in the central nervous system. Accumulating data suggests that lncRNAs are involved in various neurodegenerative disorders, including the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Recent insights suggest lncRNAs, such as BACE1-AS, 51A, 17A, NDM29 and AS-UCHL1, are dysregulated in AD tissues. Furthermore, there are ongoing efforts to explore the clinical usability of lncRNAs as biomarkers in the disease. In this review, we explore the mechanisms by which aberrant expressions of the most studied lncRNAs contribute to the neuropathologies associated with AD, including amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in patients with AD will reveal novel diagnosis strategies and more effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamseddin Ahmadi
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Zobeiri
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Steven Bradburn
- Bioscience Research Centre, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
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11
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Gatto EM, Rojas NG, Persi G, Etcheverry JL, Cesarini ME, Perandones C. Huntington disease: Advances in the understanding of its mechanisms. Clin Park Relat Disord 2020; 3:100056. [PMID: 34316639 PMCID: PMC8298812 DOI: 10.1016/j.prdoa.2020.100056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington disease (HD) is a devastating monogenic autosomal dominant disorder. HD is caused by a CAG expansion in exon 1 of the gene coding for huntingtin, placed in the short arm of chromosome 4. Despite its well-defined genetic origin, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the disease are unclear and complex. Here, we review some of the currently known functions of the wild-type huntingtin protein and discuss the deleterious effects that arise from the expansion of the CAG repeats, which are translated into an abnormally long polyglutamine tract. Also, we present a modern view on the molecular biology of HD as a representative of the group of polyglutamine diseases, with an emphasis on conformational changes of mutant huntingtin, disturbances in its cellular processing, and proteolytic stress in degenerating neurons. The main pathogenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in HD are discussed in detail, such as autophagy, impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, lysosomal dysfunction, organelle and protein transport, inflammation, oxidative stress, and transcription factor modulation. However, other unraveling mechanisms are still unknown. This practical and brief review summarizes some of the currently known functions of the wild-type huntingtin protein and the recent findings related to the mechanisms involved in HD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia M Gatto
- Institute of Neuroscience Buenos Aires (INEBA), Argentina.,Sanatorio de la Trinidad Mitre, Argentina
| | | | - Gabriel Persi
- Institute of Neuroscience Buenos Aires (INEBA), Argentina.,Sanatorio de la Trinidad Mitre, Argentina
| | | | | | - Claudia Perandones
- National Administration of Laboratories and Institutes of Health, ANLIS, Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán, Argentina
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Abstract
MicroRNAs as critical regulators of gene expression important for functions including neuronal development, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity have been linked with the regulation of neurobiological systems that underlie anxiety processing in the brain. In this chapter, we give an update on associative evidence linking regulation of microRNAs with anxiety- and trauma-related disorders. Moving beyond correlative research, functional studies have emerged recently that explore causal relationships between microRNA expression and anxiety-like behavior. It has been demonstrated that experimental up- or downregulation of the candidate microRNAs in important nodes of the anxiety neurocircuitry can indeed modulate anxiety-related behavior in animal models. Improved methodologies for assessing microRNA-mediated modulation have aided such functional studies, revealing a number of anxiety-regulating microRNAs including miR-15a, miR-17-92, miR-34, miR-101, miR-124, miR-135, and miR-155. Important functional target genes of these identified microRNAs are associated with specific neurotransmitter/neuromodulator signaling, neurotrophin (e.g., BDNF) expression and other aspects of synaptic plasticity, as well as with stress-regulatory/hypothalamic-pituitary-axis function. Furthermore, microRNAs have been revealed that are regulated in distinct brain regions following various anxiety-attenuating strategies. These include pharmacological treatments such as antidepressants and other drugs, as well as non-pharmacological interventions such as fear extinction/exposure therapy or positive stimuli such as exposure to environmental enrichment. These are first indications for a role for microRNAs in the mechanism of action of anxiolytic treatments. As research continues, there is much hope that a deeper understanding of the microRNA-mediated mechanisms underlying anxiety-related disorders could open up possibilities for future novel biomarker and treatment strategies.
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13
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Hippocampus-specific regulation of long non-coding RNA and mRNA expression in germ-free mice. Funct Integr Genomics 2019; 20:355-365. [PMID: 31677064 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-019-00716-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gut microbiota can affect multiple brain functions and cause behavioral alterations through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. In our previous study, we found that the absence of gut microbiota can influence the expression of microRNAs and mRNAs in the hippocampal region of the germ-free (GF) mice. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly being recognized as an important functional transcriptional regulator in the brain. In the present study, we aim to identify possible biological pathways and functional networks for lncRNA-associated transcript of the gut microbiota in relation to the brain function. The profiles of lncRNA and mRNA from specific pathogen-free (SPF), colonized GF (CGF), and GF mice were generated using the Agilent Mouse LncRNA Array v2.0. Differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs were identified, and lncRNA target genes were also predicted. Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) was performed to analyze related signaling pathways and biological functions associated with these dysregulated mRNAs and target genes. Validation with quantitative real-time PCR was performed on several key genes. Compared with SPF mice a total of 2230 DE lncRNAs were found in GF mice. Among these, 1355 were upregulated and 875 were downregulated. After comparing the target genes of DE lncRNAs with mRNA datasets, 669 overlapping genes were identified. IPA core analyses revealed that most of these genes were highly associated with cardiac hypertrophy, nuclear factors of activated T cells (NFAT) gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), calcium, and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathways. Additionally, mRNA expression levels of APP, CASP9, IGFBP2, PTGDS, and TGFBR2 genes that are involved in central nervous system functions were significantly changed in the GF mouse hippocampus. Through this study, for the first time, we describe the effect of gut microbiota on the hippocampal lncRNA regulation. This will help in enhancing the overall knowledge about microbiota-gut-brain axis.
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14
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Khandelwal N, Dey SK, Chakravarty S, Kumar A. miR-30 Family miRNAs Mediate the Effect of Chronic Social Defeat Stress on Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Mouse Depression Model. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:188. [PMID: 31440139 PMCID: PMC6694739 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a debilitating psychiatric disorder with a high rate of relapse and a low rate of response to antidepressant treatment. There is a dearth of new antidepressants due to an incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in its etiopathology. Chronic stress appears to be one of the foremost underlying causes of depression. Studies in animal models in the past decade have implicated epigenetic mechanisms in mediating the negative effects of chronic stressful events on the progression/manifestation of depression and other co-morbid neuropsychiatric disorders. However, non-coding RNAs, another layer of epigenetic regulation is relatively less studied in depression. Here, using the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS)-induced depression model, we hypothesized dysregulation in miRNA-mRNA networks in the neurogenic dentate gyrus (DG) region of male C57BL/6 mice. Among several dysregulated miRNAs identified via miRNA arrays, the most striking finding was the downregulation of miRNAs of the miR-30 family in stressed/defeated mice. To investigate miRNAs in the DG-resident neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs), we used the in vitro neurosphere culture, where proliferating NSCs/NPCs were subjected to differentiation. Among several differentially expressed miRNAs, we observed an upregulation of miR-30 family miRNAs upon differentiation. To search for the gene targets of these miRNAs, we performed gene arrays followed by bioinformatics analysis, miRNA manipulations and luciferase assays. Our results suggest that miR-30 family miRNAs mediate chronic stress-induced depression-like phenotype by altering hippocampal neurogenesis and neuroplasticity via controlling the epigenetic and transcription regulators such as Mll3 and Runx1; and cell signaling regulators like Socs3, Ppp3r1, Gpr125, and Nrp1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitin Khandelwal
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sandeep Kumar Dey
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Department of Cell Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), Hyderabad, India.,Division of Biological Sciences, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- Epigenetics and Neuropsychiatric Disorders' Laboratory, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India.,Division of Biological Sciences, Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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15
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Zhang L, Wang H. Long Non-coding RNA in CNS Injuries: A New Target for Therapeutic Intervention. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 17:754-766. [PMID: 31437654 PMCID: PMC6709344 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CNS injuries, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and cerebral ischemic stroke, are important causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. As an important class of pervasive genes involved in many pathophysiological processes, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have received attention in the past decades. Multiple studies indicate that lncRNAs are abundant in the CNS and have a key role in brain function as well as many neurological disorders, especially in CNS injuries. Several investigations have deciphered that regulation of lncRNAs exert pro-angiogenesis, anti-apoptosis, and anti-inflammation effects in CNS injury via different molecules and pathways, including microRNA (miRNA), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Notch, and p53. Thus, lncRNAs show great promise as molecular targets in CNS injuries. In this article, we provide an updated review of the current state of our knowledge about the relationship between lncRNAs and CNS injuries, highlighting the specific roles of lncRNAs in CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Handong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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16
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Nieto SJ, Kosten TA. Who's your daddy? Behavioral and epigenetic consequences of paternal drug exposure. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 78:109-121. [PMID: 31301337 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance use disorders (SUDs) reflect genetic and environmental factors. While identifying reliable genetic variants that predispose individuals to developing SUDs has been challenging, epigenetic factors may also contribute to the heritability of SUDs. Familial drug use associates with a wide range of problems in children, including an increased risk for developing a SUD. The implications of maternal drug use on offspring development are a well-studied area; however, paternal drug use prior to conception has received relatively little attention. Paternal exposure to several environmental stimuli (i.e. stress or diet manipulations) results in behavioral and epigenetic changes in offspring. The purpose of this review is to determine the state of the preclinical literature on the behavioral and epigenetic consequences of paternal drug exposure. Drug-sired offspring show several developmental and physiological abnormalities. These offspring also show deficits in cognitive and emotional domains. Examining sensitivity to drugs in offspring is a growing area of research. Drug-sired offspring are resistant to the rewarding and reinforcing properties of drugs. However, greater paternal motivation for the drug, combined with high drug intake, can result in addiction-like behaviors in offspring. Drug-sired offspring also show altered histone modifications and DNA methylation levels of imprinted genes and microRNAs; epigenetic-mediated changes were also noted in genes related to glutamatergic and neurotrophic factor signaling. In some instances, drug use resulted in aberrant epigenetic modifications in sire sperm, and these changes were maintained in the brains of offspring. Thus, paternal drug exposure has long-lasting consequences that include altered drug sensitivity in subsequent generations. We discuss factors (i.e. maternal behaviors) that may moderate these paternal drug-induced effects as well as ideas for future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Nieto
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX, 77204-6022, United States
| | - Therese A Kosten
- University of Houston, Department of Psychology & Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation and Statistics (TIMES), Houston, TX, 77204-6022, United States
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17
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Leighton LJ, Wei W, Marshall PR, Ratnu VS, Li X, Zajaczkowski EL, Spadaro PA, Khandelwal N, Kumar A, Bredy TW. Disrupting the hippocampal Piwi pathway enhances contextual fear memory in mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 161:202-209. [PMID: 30965112 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Piwi pathway is a conserved gene regulatory mechanism comprised of Piwi-like proteins and Piwi-interacting RNAs, which modulates gene expression via RNA interference and through interaction with epigenetic mechanisms. The mammalian Piwi pathway has been defined by its role in transposon control during spermatogenesis; however, despite an increasing number of studies demonstrating its expression in the nervous system, relatively little is known about its function in neurons or potential contribution to behavioural regulation. We have discovered that all three Piwi-like genes are expressed in the adult mouse brain, and that viral-mediated knockdown of the Piwi-like genes Piwil1 and Piwil2 in the dorsal hippocampus leads to enhanced contextual fear memory without affecting generalised anxiety. These results implicate the Piwi pathway in behavioural regulation in the adult mammalian brain, likely through modulation of plasticity-related gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Wei Wei
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paul R Marshall
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Vikram Singh Ratnu
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Xiang Li
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Esmi L Zajaczkowski
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Paola A Spadaro
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nitin Khandelwal
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Arvind Kumar
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad 500007, India
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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18
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Xu XF, Wang YC, Zong L, Wang XL. miR-151-5p modulates APH1a expression to participate in contextual fear memory formation. RNA Biol 2019; 16:282-294. [PMID: 30663934 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1572435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory formation requires gene expression and new protein synthesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of small non-coding RNAs that inhibit target gene mRNA expression, are involved in new memory formation. In this study, elevated miR-151-5p (miR-151) levels were found to be responsible for hippocampal contextual fear memory formation. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that miR-151 targets APH1a, a protein that has been identified as a key factor in γ-secretase activity, namely APH1a. Blocking miR-151 can upregulate APH1a protein levels and subsequently impair hippocampal fear memory formation. These results indicate that miR-151 is involved in hippocampal contextual fear memory by inhibiting APH1a protein expression. This work provides novel evidence for the role of miRNAs in memory formation and demonstrates the implication of APH1a protein in miRNA processing in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Feng Xu
- a Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine , Qingdao University , Qingdao , Shandong , People's Republic of China.,b The Royal, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research , Ottawa , Canada.,c Department of Cell and Neurobiology , School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , People's Republic of China
| | - You-Cui Wang
- a Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine , Qingdao University , Qingdao , Shandong , People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Zong
- d BGI-Shenzhen , Shenzhen , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Long Wang
- e Department of Breast Surgery , Qilu hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , People's Republic of China
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19
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Frías-Lasserre D, Villagra CA, Guerrero-Bosagna C. Stress in the Educational System as a Potential Source of Epigenetic Influences on Children's Development and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:143. [PMID: 30057532 PMCID: PMC6053942 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite current advances on the relevance of environmental cues and epigenetic mechanisms in biological processes, including behavior, little attention has been paid to the potential link between epigenetic influences and educational sciences. For instance, could the learning environment and stress determine epigenetic marking, affecting students' behavior development? Could this have consequences on educational outcomes? So far, it has been shown that environmental stress influences neurological processes and behavior both in humans and rats. Through epigenetic mechanisms, offspring from stressed individuals develop altered behavior without any exposure to traumatizing experiences. Methylated DNA and noncoding RNAs regulate neurological processes such as synaptic plasticity and brain cortex development in children. The malfunctioning of these processes is associated with several neurological disorders, and these findings open up new avenues for the design of enriched environments for education and therapy. In this article, we discuss current cases of stress and behavioral disorders found in youngsters, and highlight the importance of considering epigenetic processes affecting the development of cognitive abilities and learning within the educational environment and for the development of teaching methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Frías-Lasserre
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian A. Villagra
- Instituto de Entomología, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación, Santiago, Chile
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20
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Leighton LJ, Bredy TW. Functional Interplay between Small Non-Coding RNAs and RNA Modification in the Brain. Noncoding RNA 2018; 4:E15. [PMID: 29880782 PMCID: PMC6027130 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna4020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Small non-coding RNAs are essential for transcription, translation and gene regulation in all cell types, but are particularly important in neurons, with known roles in neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity and neurological disease. Many small non-coding RNAs are directly involved in the post-transcriptional modification of other RNA species, while others are themselves substrates for modification, or are functionally modulated by modification of their target RNAs. In this review, we explore the known and potential functions of several distinct classes of small non-coding RNAs in the mammalian brain, focusing on the newly recognised interplay between the epitranscriptome and the activity of small RNAs. We discuss the potential for this relationship to influence the spatial and temporal dynamics of gene activation in the brain, and predict that further research in the field of epitranscriptomics will identify interactions between small RNAs and RNA modifications which are essential for higher order brain functions such as learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Leighton
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Cognitive Neuroepigenetics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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21
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Sun W, Pei L, Liang Z. mRNA and Long Non-coding RNA Expression Profiles in Rats Reveal Inflammatory Features in Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:3199-3219. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-017-2357-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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22
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Singh NK. miRNAs target databases: developmental methods and target identification techniques with functional annotations. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2239-2261. [PMID: 28204845 PMCID: PMC11107700 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE microRNA (miRNA) regulates diverse biological mechanisms and metabolisms in plants and animals. Thus, the discoveries of miRNA has revolutionized the life sciences and medical research.The miRNA represses and cleaves the targeted mRNA by binding perfect or near perfect or imperfect complementary base pairs by RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) formation during biogenesis process. One miRNA interacts with one or more mRNA genes and vice versa, hence takes part in causing various diseases. In this paper, the different microRNA target databases and their functional annotations developed by various researchers have been reviewed. The concurrent research review aims at comprehending the significance of miRNA and presenting the existing status of annotated miRNA target resources built by researchers henceforth discovering the knowledge for diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS AND RESULTS This review discusses the applications and developmental methodologies for constructing target database as well as the utility of user interface design. An integrated architecture is drawn and a graphically comparative study of present status of miRNA targets in diverse diseases and various biological processes is performed. These databases comprise of information such as miRNA target-associated disease, transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in miRNA genomic locations, polymorphism in miRNA target, A-to-I edited target, Gene Ontology (GO), genome annotations, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, target expression analysis, TF-miRNA and miRNA-mRNA interaction networks, drugs-targets interactions, etc. CONCLUSION miRNA target databases contain diverse experimentally and computationally predicted target through various algorithms. The comparison of various miRNA target database has been performed on various parameters. The computationally predicted target databases suffer from false positive information as there is no common theory for prediction of miRNA targets. The review conclusion emphasizes the need of more intelligent computational improvement for the miRNA target identification, their functional annotations and datasbase development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagendra Kumar Singh
- Department of Biological Science and Engineering, Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, 462003, India.
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23
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Lussier AA, Weinberg J, Kobor MS. Epigenetics studies of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: where are we now? Epigenomics 2017; 9:291-311. [PMID: 28234026 PMCID: PMC5549650 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse in utero events can alter the development and function of numerous physiological systems, giving rise to lasting neurodevelopmental deficits. In particular, data have shown that prenatal alcohol exposure can reprogram neurobiological systems, altering developmental trajectories and resulting in increased vulnerability to adverse neurobiological, behavioral and health outcomes. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are potential mediators for the reprogramming of neurobiological systems, as they may provide a link between the genome, environmental conditions and neurodevelopmental outcomes. This review outlines the current state of epigenetic research in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, highlighting the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the reprogramming of neurobiological systems by alcohol and as potential diagnostic tools for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. We also present an assessment of the current limitations in studies of prenatal alcohol exposure, and highlight the future steps needed in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A Lussier
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Human Early Learning Partnership, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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24
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Huang X, Luo YL, Mao YS, Ji JL. The link between long noncoding RNAs and depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 73:73-78. [PMID: 27318257 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The major depressive disorder (MDD) is a relatively common mental disorder from which that hundreds of million people have suffered, leading to displeasing life quality, which is characterized by health damage and even suicidal thoughts. The complicated development and functioning of MDD is still under exploration. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) are highly expressed in the brain, could affect neural stem cell maintenance, neurogenesis and gliogenesis, brain patterning, synaptic and stress responses, and neural plasticity. The dysregulation of certain lncRNAs induces in neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and neuroimmunological disorders, primary brain tumors, and psychiatric diseases. Although advances have been made, no fully satisfactory treatments for major depression are available, further investigation is requested. And recently data showed that the expression level of the majority of lncRNAs demonstrated a clear tendency of upregulation, and the certain dysregulated miRNAs and lncRNAs in the MDD have been proved to have a co-synergism mechanism, that is why we speculate lncRNA might get the capability to regulate MDD. Few identified lncRNAs have been deeply studied in detailed experiments up until now, little predictions of their function have been raised, and further researches is calling for discover their signal pathway and related regulatory networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Huang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yan-Li Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yue-Shi Mao
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian-Lin Ji
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
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25
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Jin T, Zhang H, Yang Q, Li L, Ouyang Y, Yang M, Wang F, Wang Z, Zhang J, Yuan D. The relationship between polymorphisms ofBDNFOSandBDNFgenes and heroin addiction in the Han Chinese population. J Gene Med 2016; 18:288-293. [DOI: 10.1002/jgm.2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tianbo Jin
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
- Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Gene Related to Disease of Tibet Ministry of Education, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
- Xi'an Tiangen Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Hongxing Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Qi Yang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Lei Li
- Inner Mongolia Medical University; Hohhot Inner Mongolia China
| | - Yongri Ouyang
- Xi'an Tiangen Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Min Yang
- Xi'an Tiangen Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Fengjiao Wang
- Xi'an Tiangen Precision Medical Institute, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Zhenyuan Wang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Forensic Science and Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an; Shaanxi China
| | - Dongya Yuan
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Genetic Mechanisms and Intervention Research on High Altitude Disease of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
- Key Laboratory for Basic Life Science Research of Tibet Autonomous Region, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
- Key Laboratory of High Altitude Environment and Gene Related to Disease of Tibet Ministry of Education, School of Medicine; Xizang Minzu University; Xianyang Shaanxi China
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26
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Marshall P, Bredy TW. Cognitive neuroepigenetics: the next evolution in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying learning and memory? NPJ SCIENCE OF LEARNING 2016; 1:16014. [PMID: 27512601 PMCID: PMC4977095 DOI: 10.1038/npjscilearn.2016.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A complete understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of learning and memory continues to elude neuroscientists. Although many important discoveries have been made, the question of how memories are encoded and maintained at the molecular level remains. To date, this issue has been framed within the context of one of the most dominant concepts in molecular biology, the central dogma, and the result has been a protein-centric view of memory. Here we discuss the evidence supporting a role for neuroepigenetic mechanisms, which constitute dynamic and reversible, state-dependent modifications at all levels of control over cellular function, and their role in learning and memory. This neuroepigenetic view suggests that DNA, RNA and protein each influence one another to produce a holistic cellular state that contributes to the formation and maintenance of memory, and predicts a parallel and distributed system for the consolidation, storage and retrieval of the engram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Marshall
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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27
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Expression Profiles of Long Noncoding RNAs and Messenger RNAs in Mn-Exposed Hippocampal Neurons of Sprague-Dawley Rats Ascertained by Microarray: Implications for Mn-Induced Neurotoxicity. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0145856. [PMID: 26745496 PMCID: PMC4706437 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is an essential trace element, while excessive expose may induce neurotoxicity. Recently, lncRNAs have been extensively studied and it has been confirmed that lncRNAs participate in neural functions and aberrantly expressed lncRNAs are involved in neurological diseases. However, the pathological effects of lncRNAs on Mn-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. In this study, the expression profiles of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) were identified in Mn-treated hippocampal neurons and control neurons via microarray. Bioinformatic methods and intersection analysis were also employed. Results indicated that 566, 1161, and 1474 lncRNAs meanwhile 1848, 3228, and 4022 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed in low, intermediate, and high Mn-exposed groups compared with the control group, respectively. Go analysis determined that differentially expressed mRNAs were targeted to biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. Pathway analysis indicated that these mRNAs were enriched in insulin secretion, cell cycle, and DNA replication. Intersection analysis denominated that 135 lncRNAs and 373 mRNAs were consistently up-regulated while 150 lncRNAs and 560 mRNAs were consistently down-regulated. Meanwhile, lncRNA BC079195 was significantly up-regulated while lncRNAs uc.229- and BC089928 were significantly down-regulated in three comparison groups. The relative expression levels of 3 lncRNAs and 4 mRNAs were validated through qRT-PCR. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to identify the expression patterns of lncRNAs and mRNAs in hippocampal neurons of Sprague-Dawley rats. The results may provide evidence on underlying mechanisms of Mn-induced neurotoxicity, and aberrantly expressed lncRNAs/mRNAs may be useful in further investigations to detect early symptoms of Mn-induced neuropsychiatric disorders in the central nervous system.
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Pidsley R, Viana J, Hannon E, Spiers H, Troakes C, Al-Saraj S, Mechawar N, Turecki G, Schalkwyk LC, Bray NJ, Mill J. Methylomic profiling of human brain tissue supports a neurodevelopmental origin for schizophrenia. Genome Biol 2015; 15:483. [PMID: 25347937 PMCID: PMC4262979 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-014-0483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder that is hypothesized to result from disturbances ine arly brain development. There is mounting evidence to support a role for developmentally regulated epigenetic variation in the molecular etiology of the disorder. Here, we describe a systematic study of schizophrenia-associated methylomic variation in the adult brain and its relationship to changes in DNA methylation across human fetal brain development. RESULTS We profile methylomic variation in matched prefrontal cortex and cerebellum brain tissue from schizophrenia patients and controls, identifying disease-associated differential DNA methylation at multiple loci,particularly in the prefrontal cortex, and confirming these differences in an independent set of adult brain samples.Our data reveal discrete modules of co-methylated loci associated with schizophrenia that are enriched for genes involved in neurodevelopmental processes and include loci implicated by genetic studies of the disorder. Methylomic data from human fetal cortex samples, spanning 23 to 184 days post-conception, indicates that schizophrenia-associated differentially methylated positions are significantly enriched for loci at which DNA methylation is dynamically altered during human fetal brain development. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that schizophrenia has an important early neurodevelopmental component, and suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Pidsley
- Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Keshavan MS, Mehta UM, Padmanabhan JL, Shah JL. Dysplasticity, metaplasticity, and schizophrenia: Implications for risk, illness, and novel interventions. Dev Psychopathol 2015; 27:615-35. [PMID: 25997775 PMCID: PMC6283269 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941500019x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we review the history of the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, using schizophrenia as a case in point. We briefly review the myriad meanings of the term neuroplasticity, and its neuroscientific basis. We then review the evidence for aberrant neuroplasticity and metaplasticity associated with schizophrenia as well as the risk for developing this illness, and discuss the implications of such understanding for prevention and therapeutic interventions. We argue that the failure and/or altered timing of plasticity of critical brain circuits might underlie cognitive and deficit symptoms, and may also lead to aberrant plastic reorganization in other circuits, leading to affective dysregulation and eventually psychosis. This "dysplastic" model of schizophrenia can suggest testable etiology and treatment-relevant questions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Jaya L. Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jai L. Shah
- Douglas Hospital Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Singewald N, Schmuckermair C, Whittle N, Holmes A, Ressler KJ. Pharmacology of cognitive enhancers for exposure-based therapy of fear, anxiety and trauma-related disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 149:150-90. [PMID: 25550231 PMCID: PMC4380664 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Pathological fear and anxiety are highly debilitating and, despite considerable advances in psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy they remain insufficiently treated in many patients with PTSD, phobias, panic and other anxiety disorders. Increasing preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that pharmacological treatments including cognitive enhancers, when given as adjuncts to psychotherapeutic approaches [cognitive behavioral therapy including extinction-based exposure therapy] enhance treatment efficacy, while using anxiolytics such as benzodiazepines as adjuncts can undermine long-term treatment success. The purpose of this review is to outline the literature showing how pharmacological interventions targeting neurotransmitter systems including serotonin, dopamine, noradrenaline, histamine, glutamate, GABA, cannabinoids, neuropeptides (oxytocin, neuropeptides Y and S, opioids) and other targets (neurotrophins BDNF and FGF2, glucocorticoids, L-type-calcium channels, epigenetic modifications) as well as their downstream signaling pathways, can augment fear extinction and strengthen extinction memory persistently in preclinical models. Particularly promising approaches are discussed in regard to their effects on specific aspects of fear extinction namely, acquisition, consolidation and retrieval, including long-term protection from return of fear (relapse) phenomena like spontaneous recovery, reinstatement and renewal of fear. We also highlight the promising translational value of the preclinial research and the clinical potential of targeting certain neurochemical systems with, for example d-cycloserine, yohimbine, cortisol, and L-DOPA. The current body of research reveals important new insights into the neurobiology and neurochemistry of fear extinction and holds significant promise for pharmacologically-augmented psychotherapy as an improved approach to treat trauma and anxiety-related disorders in a more efficient and persistent way promoting enhanced symptom remission and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - C Schmuckermair
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - N Whittle
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy and CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - A Holmes
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Genomic Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - K J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Mather KA, Kwok JB, Armstrong N, Sachdev PS. The role of epigenetics in cognitive ageing. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 29:1162-71. [PMID: 25098266 DOI: 10.1002/gps.4183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE As the population is ageing, a better understanding of the underlying causes of age-related cognitive decline (cognitive ageing) is required. Epigenetic dysregulation is proposed as one of the underlying mechanisms for cognitive ageing. We review the current knowledge on epigenetics and cognitive ageing and appraise the potential of epigenetic preventative and therapeutic interventions. DESIGN Articles on cognitive ageing and epigenetics in English were identified. RESULTS Epigenetic dysregulation occurs with cognitive ageing, with changes in histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNA reported. However, human studies are lacking, with most being cross-sectional using peripheral blood samples. Pharmacological and lifestyle factors have the potential to change aberrant epigenetic profiles; but few studies have examined this in relation to cognitive ageing. CONCLUSIONS The relationship between epigenetic modifications and cognitive ageing is only beginning to be investigated. Epigenetic dysregulation appears to be an important feature in cognitive ageing, but whether it is an epiphenomenon or a causal factor remains to be elucidated. Clarification of the relationship between epigenetic profiles of different cell types is essential and would determine whether epigenetic marks of peripheral tissues can be used as a proxy for changes occurring in the brain. The use of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions to improve cognitive performance and quality of life of older adults needs more investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Mather
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Amygdala-dependent fear memory consolidation via miR-34a and Notch signaling. Neuron 2014; 83:906-18. [PMID: 25123309 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Using an array-based approach after auditory fear conditioning and microRNA (miRNA) sponge-mediated inhibition, we identified a role for miR-34a within the basolateral amygdala (BLA) in fear memory consolidation. Luciferase assays and bioinformatics suggested the Notch pathway as a target of miR-34a. mRNA and protein levels of Notch receptors and ligands are downregulated in a time- and learning-specific manner after fear conditioning in the amygdala. Systemic and stereotaxic manipulations of the Notch pathway indicated that Notch signaling in the BLA suppresses fear memory consolidation. Impairment of fear memory consolidation after inhibition of miR-34a within the BLA is rescued by inhibiting Notch signaling. Together, these data suggest that within the BLA, a transient decrease in Notch signaling, via miR-34a regulation, is important for the consolidation of fear memory. This work expands the idea that developmental molecules have roles in adult behavior and that existing interventions targeting them hold promise for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. VIDEO ABSTRACT
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Ratnu VS, Wei W, Bredy TW. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase regulates activity-dependent BDNF expression in post-mitotic cortical neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 40:3032-9. [PMID: 25041363 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Activity-dependent gene expression depends, in part, on transcriptional regulation that is coordinated by rapid changes in the chromatin landscape as well as the covalent modification of DNA. Here we demonstrate that the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a gene that is critically involved in neural plasticity and subject to epigenetic regulation, is regulated by the RNA/DNA editing enzyme, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Similar to previous reports, we observed an activity-dependent induction of BDNF exon IV mRNA expression, which correlated with a reduction in DNA methylation within the BDNF P4 promoter. Lentiviral-mediated knockdown of AID disrupted these effects and inhibited BDNF exon IV mRNA expression, an effect that was associated with decreased cAMP response element-binding protein occupancy within the BDNF P4 promoter. Thus, together with other epigenetic mechanisms, AID plays a key role in regulating activity-dependent BDNF expression in post-mitotic cortical neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram S Ratnu
- Psychiatric Epigenomics Laboratory, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, 4072, Australia
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34
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Bronfman ZZ, Ginsburg S, Jablonka E. Shaping the learning curve: epigenetic dynamics in neural plasticity. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:55. [PMID: 25071483 PMCID: PMC4083220 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A key characteristic of learning and neural plasticity is state-dependent acquisition dynamics reflected by the non-linear learning curve that links increase in learning with practice. Here we propose that the manner by which epigenetic states of individual cells change during learning contributes to the shape of the neural and behavioral learning curve. We base our suggestion on recent studies showing that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone acetylation, and RNA-mediated gene regulation are intimately involved in the establishment and maintenance of long-term neural plasticity, reflecting specific learning-histories and influencing future learning. Our model, which is the first to suggest a dynamic molecular account of the shape of the learning curve, leads to several testable predictions regarding the link between epigenetic dynamics at the promoter, gene-network, and neural-network levels. This perspective opens up new avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurological pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Z Bronfman
- The Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas, Faculty of Humanities, Tel-Aviv University Tel-Aviv, Israel ; School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Tel-Aviv University Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Simona Ginsburg
- Natural Science Department, The Open University of Israel Raanana, Israel
| | - Eva Jablonka
- The Cohn Institute for the History and Philosophy of Science and Ideas, Faculty of Humanities, Tel-Aviv University Tel-Aviv, Israel
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35
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Antoniou D, Stergiopoulos A, Politis PK. Recent advances in the involvement of long non-coding RNAs in neural stem cell biology and brain pathophysiology. Front Physiol 2014; 5:155. [PMID: 24795650 PMCID: PMC4001054 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Exploration of non-coding genome has recently uncovered a growing list of formerly unknown regulatory long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) with important functions in stem cell pluripotency, development and homeostasis of several tissues. Although thousands of lncRNAs are expressed in mammalian brain in a highly patterned manner, their roles in brain development have just begun to emerge. Recent data suggest key roles for these molecules in gene regulatory networks controlling neuronal and glial cell differentiation. Analysis of the genomic distribution of genes encoding for lncRNAs indicates a physical association of these regulatory RNAs with transcription factors (TFs) with well-established roles in neural differentiation, suggesting that lncRNAs and TFs may form coherent regulatory networks with important functions in neural stem cells (NSCs). Additionally, many studies show that lncRNAs are involved in the pathophysiology of brain-related diseases/disorders. Here we discuss these observations and investigate the links between lncRNAs, brain development and brain-related diseases. Understanding the functions of lncRNAs in NSCs and brain organogenesis could revolutionize the basic principles of developmental biology and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne Antoniou
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios Stergiopoulos
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis K Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens Athens, Greece
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36
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Liu Z, Li X, Sun N, Xu Y, Meng Y, Yang C, Wang Y, Zhang K. Microarray profiling and co-expression network analysis of circulating lncRNAs and mRNAs associated with major depressive disorder. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93388. [PMID: 24676134 PMCID: PMC3968145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
LncRNAs, which represent one of the most highly expressed classes of ncRNAs in the brain, are becoming increasingly interesting with regard to brain functions and disorders. However, changes in the expression of regulatory lncRNAs in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) have not yet been reported. Using microarrays, we profiled the expression of 34834 lncRNAs and 39224 mRNAs in peripheral blood sampled from MDD patients as well as demographically-matched controls. Among these, we found that 2007 lncRNAs and 1667 mRNAs were differentially expressed, 17 of which were documented as depression-related gene in previous studies. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analyses indicated that the biological functions of differentially expressed mRNAs were related to fundamental metabolic processes and neurodevelopment diseases. To investigate the potential regulatory roles of the differentially expressed lncRNAs on the mRNAs, we also constructed co-expression networks composed of the lncRNAs and mRNAs, which shows significant correlated patterns of expression. In the MDD-derived network, there were a greater number of nodes and connections than that in the control-derived network. The lncRNAs located at chr10:874695-874794, chr10:75873456-75873642, and chr3:47048304-47048512 may be important factors regulating the expression of mRNAs as they have previously been reported associations with MDD. This study is the first to explore genome-wide lncRNA expression and co-expression with mRNA patterns in MDD using microarray technology. We identified circulating lncRNAs that are aberrantly expressed in MDD and the results suggest that lncRNAs may contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifen Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrong Li
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaqin Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunxia Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Kerang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Intravenous transplants of human adipose-derived stem cell protect the brain from traumatic brain injury-induced neurodegeneration and motor and cognitive impairments: cell graft biodistribution and soluble factors in young and aged rats. J Neurosci 2014; 34:313-26. [PMID: 24381292 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2425-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors exhibit motor and cognitive symptoms from the primary injury that can become aggravated over time because of secondary cell death. In the present in vivo study, we examined the beneficial effects of human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) in a controlled cortical impact model of mild TBI using young (6 months) and aged (20 months) F344 rats. Animals were transplanted intravenously with 4 × 10(6) hADSCs (Tx), conditioned media (CM), or vehicle (unconditioned media) at 3 h after TBI. Significant amelioration of motor and cognitive functions was revealed in young, but not aged, Tx and CM groups. Fluorescent imaging in vivo and ex vivo revealed 1,1' dioactadecyl-3-3-3',3'-tetramethylindotricarbocyanine iodide-labeled hADSCs in peripheral organs and brain after TBI. Spatiotemporal deposition of hADSCs differed between young and aged rats, most notably reduced migration to the aged spleen. Significant reduction in cortical damage and hippocampal cell loss was observed in both Tx and CM groups in young rats, whereas less neuroprotection was detected in the aged rats and mainly in the Tx group but not the CM group. CM harvested from hADSCs with silencing of either NEAT1 (nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1) or MALAT1 (metastasis associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) known to play a role in gene expression, lost the efficacy in our model. Altogether, hADSCs are promising therapeutic cells for TBI, and lncRNAs in the secretome is an important mechanism of cell therapy. Furthermore, hADSCs showed reduced efficacy in aged rats, which may in part result from decreased homing of the cells to the spleen.
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Flavell CR, Lambert EA, Winters BD, Bredy TW. Mechanisms governing the reactivation-dependent destabilization of memories and their role in extinction. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:214. [PMID: 24421762 PMCID: PMC3872723 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The extinction of learned associations has traditionally been considered to involve new learning, which competes with the original memory for control over behavior. However, a recent resurgence of interest in reactivation-dependent amnesia has revealed that the retrieval of fear-related memory (with what is essentially a brief extinction session) can result in its destabilization. This review discusses some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in the destabilization of a memory following its reactivation and/or extinction, and investigates the evidence that extinction may involve both new learning as well as a partial destabilization-induced erasure of the original memory trace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte R Flavell
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Elliot A Lambert
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Boyer D Winters
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy W Bredy
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Veerappan CS, Sleiman S, Coppola G. Epigenetics of Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:709-21. [PMID: 24150812 PMCID: PMC3805876 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0219-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article will review the recent advances in the understanding of the role of epigenetic modifications and the promise of future epigenetic therapy in neurodegenerative dementias, including Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chendhore S Veerappan
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA,
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40
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Dauncey MJ. Genomic and epigenomic insights into nutrition and brain disorders. Nutrients 2013; 5:887-914. [PMID: 23503168 PMCID: PMC3705325 DOI: 10.3390/nu5030887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [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: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence links many neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders with multiple complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors such as nutrition. Mental health problems, autism, eating disorders, Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and brain tumours are related to individual variability in numerous protein-coding and non-coding regions of the genome. However, genotype does not necessarily determine neurological phenotype because the epigenome modulates gene expression in response to endogenous and exogenous regulators, throughout the life-cycle. Studies using both genome-wide analysis of multiple genes and comprehensive analysis of specific genes are providing new insights into genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying nutrition and neuroscience. This review provides a critical evaluation of the following related areas: (1) recent advances in genomic and epigenomic technologies, and their relevance to brain disorders; (2) the emerging role of non-coding RNAs as key regulators of transcription, epigenetic processes and gene silencing; (3) novel approaches to nutrition, epigenetics and neuroscience; (4) gene-environment interactions, especially in the serotonergic system, as a paradigm of the multiple signalling pathways affected in neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Current and future advances in these four areas should contribute significantly to the prevention, amelioration and treatment of multiple devastating brain disorders.
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Abstract
In this review, we focus on the roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), including cellular and viral lncRNAs, in virus replication in infected cells. We survey the interactions and functions of several cellular lncRNAs such as XIST, HOTAIR, NEAT1, BIC, and several virus-encoded lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhang
- Molecular Virology Section, Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0460, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood disorders are expressed in many heterogeneous forms, varying from anxiety to severe major clinical depression. The disorders are expressed in individual variety through manifestations governed by co-morbidities, symptom frequency, severity, and duration, and the effects of genes on phenotypes. The underlying etiologies of mood disorders consist of complex interactive operations of genetic and environmental factors. The notion of endophenotypes, which encompasses the markers of several underlying liabilities to the disorders, may facilitate efforts to detect and define, through staging, the genetic risks inherent to the extreme complexity of disease state. AIMS This review evaluates the role of genetic biomarkers in assisting clinical diagnosis, identification of risk factors, and treatment of mood disorders. METHODS Through a systematic assessment of studies investigating the epigenetic basis for mood disorders, the present review examines the interaction of genes and environment underlying the pathophysiology of these disorders. RESULTS The majority of research findings suggest that the notion of endophenotypes, which encompasses the markers of several underlying liabilities to the disorders, may facilitate efforts to detect and define, through staging, the genetic risks inherent to the extreme complexity of the disease states. Several strategies under development and refinement show the propensity for derivation of essential elements in the etiopathogenesis of the disorders affecting drug-efficacy, drug metabolism, and drug adverse effects, e.g., with regard to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These include: transporter gene expression and genes encoding receptor systems, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis factors, neurotrophic factors, and inflammatory factors affecting neuroimmune function. Nevertheless, procedural considerations of pharmacogenetics presume the parallel investment of policies and regulations to withstand eventual attempts at misuse, thereby ensuring patient integrity. CONCLUSIONS Identification of genetic biomarkers facilitates choice of treatment, prediction of response, and prognosis of outcome over a wide spectrum of symptoms associated with affective states, thereby optimizing clinical practice procedures. Epigenetic regulation of primary brain signaling, e.g., serotonin and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function, and factors governing their metabolism are necessary considerations. The participation of neurotrophic factors remains indispensable for neurogenesis, survival, and functional maintenance of brain systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Archer
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Box 500, SE-40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Millan MJ. An epigenetic framework for neurodevelopmental disorders: from pathogenesis to potential therapy. Neuropharmacology 2012; 68:2-82. [PMID: 23246909 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2012] [Revised: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by aberrant and delayed early-life development of the brain, leading to deficits in language, cognition, motor behaviour and other functional domains, often accompanied by somatic symptoms. Environmental factors like perinatal infection, malnutrition and trauma can increase the risk of the heterogeneous, multifactorial and polygenic disorders, autism and schizophrenia. Conversely, discrete genetic anomalies are involved in Down, Rett and Fragile X syndromes, tuberous sclerosis and neurofibromatosis, the less familiar Phelan-McDermid, Sotos, Kleefstra, Coffin-Lowry and "ATRX" syndromes, and the disorders of imprinting, Angelman and Prader-Willi syndromes. NDDs have been termed "synaptopathies" in reference to structural and functional disturbance of synaptic plasticity, several involve abnormal Ras-Kinase signalling ("rasopathies"), and many are characterized by disrupted cerebral connectivity and an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory transmission. However, at a different level of integration, NDDs are accompanied by aberrant "epigenetic" regulation of processes critical for normal and orderly development of the brain. Epigenetics refers to potentially-heritable (by mitosis and/or meiosis) mechanisms controlling gene expression without changes in DNA sequence. In certain NDDs, prototypical epigenetic processes of DNA methylation and covalent histone marking are impacted. Conversely, others involve anomalies in chromatin-modelling, mRNA splicing/editing, mRNA translation, ribosome biogenesis and/or the regulatory actions of small nucleolar RNAs and micro-RNAs. Since epigenetic mechanisms are modifiable, this raises the hope of novel therapy, though questions remain concerning efficacy and safety. The above issues are critically surveyed in this review, which advocates a broad-based epigenetic framework for understanding and ultimately treating a diverse assemblage of NDDs ("epigenopathies") lying at the interface of genetic, developmental and environmental processes. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neurodevelopmental Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Millan
- Unit for Research and Discovery in Neuroscience, IDR Servier, 125 chemin de ronde, 78290 Croissy sur Seine, Paris, France.
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