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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Schirò G, Di Liegro I. Role of Post-Transcriptional Regulation in Learning and Memory in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:337. [PMID: 38540396 PMCID: PMC10970538 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
After many decades, during which most molecular studies on the regulation of gene expression focused on transcriptional events, it was realized that post-transcriptional control was equally important in order to determine where and when specific proteins were to be synthesized. Translational regulation is of the most importance in the brain, where all the steps of mRNA maturation, transport to different regions of the cells and actual expression, in response to specific signals, constitute the molecular basis for neuronal plasticity and, as a consequence, for structural stabilization/modification of synapses; notably, these latter events are fundamental for the highest brain functions, such as learning and memory, and are characterized by long-term potentiation (LTP) of specific synapses. Here, we will discuss the molecular bases of these fundamental events by considering both the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and the effects of non-coding RNAs involved in controlling splicing, editing, stability and translation of mRNAs. Importantly, it has also been found that dysregulation of mRNA metabolism/localization is involved in many pathological conditions, arising either during brain development or in the adult nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (C.M.D.L.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Schirò
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
- Neurology and Multiple Sclerosis Center, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC), Foundation Institute “G. Giglio”, 90015 Cefalù, Italy
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
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Ullah H, Khan A, Rengasamy KRR, Di Minno A, Sacchi R, Daglia M. The Efficacy of S-Adenosyl Methionine and Probiotic Supplementation on Depression: A Synergistic Approach. Nutrients 2022; 14:2751. [PMID: 35807931 PMCID: PMC9268496 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a common and serious health issue affecting around 280 million people around the world. Suicidal ideation more frequently occurs in people with moderate to severe depression. Psychotherapy and pharmacological drugs are the mainstay of available treatment options for depressive disorders. However, pharmacological options do not offer complete cure, especially in moderate to severe depression, and are often seen with a range of adverse events. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) supplementation has been widely studied, and an impressive collection of literature published over the last few decades suggests its antidepressant efficacy. Probiotics have gained significant attention due to their wide array of clinical uses, and multiple studies have explored the link between probiotic species and mood disorders. Gut dysbiosis is one of the risk factors in depression by inducing systemic inflammation accompanied by an imbalance in neurotransmitter production. Thus, concomitant administration of probiotics may be an effective treatment strategy in patients with depressed mood, particularly in resistant cases, as these can aid in dysbiosis, possibly resulting in the attenuation of systemic inflammatory processes and the improvement of the therapeutic efficacy of SAMe. The current review highlights the therapeutic roles of SAMe and probiotics in depression, their mechanistic targets, and their possible synergistic effects and may help in the development of food supplements consisting of a combination of SAMe and probiotics with new dosage forms that may improve their bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (H.U.); (A.D.M.)
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Department of Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Nowshera, Nowshera 24110, Pakistan;
| | - Kannan R. R. Rengasamy
- Centre for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Alessandro Di Minno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (H.U.); (A.D.M.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacchi
- Applied Statistic Unit, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Pavia, Viale Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Maria Daglia
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy; (H.U.); (A.D.M.)
- International Research Center for Food Nutrition and Safety, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
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Alachkar A, Agrawal S, Baboldashtian M, Nuseir K, Salazar J, Agrawal A. L-methionine enhances neuroinflammation and impairs neurogenesis: Implication for Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 366:577843. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Schieffler DA, Matta SE. Evidence to Support the Use of S-Adenosylmethionine for Treatment of Post-Concussive Sequelae in the Military. Mil Med 2021; 187:e1182-e1192. [PMID: 33900393 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since the year 2000, over 413,000 service members have sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) and may present with post-concussive sequelae including headaches, fatigue, irritability, cognitive problems, depression, insomnia, and chronic pain. Although the focus of the article is on military TBI, the usefulness of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) would extend to both civilian and military populations. This narrative review examines the preclinical and clinical literature of SAMe's metabolism and alterations seen in disease states such as depressive disorders, pain disorders, fatigue, cognition, dementia, use in pregnancy and peripartum, children, adolescents, and adults, to the elderly with and without dementia, stroke, and neurodegeneration, in order to highlight its potential benefit in post-concussive sequelae after TBI. MATERIALS AND METHODS A MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane Database search was conducted between May 3, 2018 and July 30, 2019 by combining search terms for SAMe with terms for relevant disease states including depression, brain injury, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cognition, fatigue, and pain. This search retrieved a total of 676 references. 439 were excluded for being over a 10-year publication date, except where clinically relevant. After additional removal of repeated articles, the number of articles were totaled 197. An additional 59 articles were excluded: 10 not in English, 4 duplicates, 4 not original investigations, and 41 outside the scope of this article. The remaining 138 articles were used in this review and included 25 clinical studies, 46 preclinical studies, 63 reviews, and 4 case reports. RESULTS This narrative review examined the preclinical and clinical literature of SAMe's metabolism and alterations seen in MDD, pain disorders, fatigue, cognition and memory, dementia, and other disorders to highlight the potential benefit of SAMe in post-concussive sequelae in mTBI. The literature showed potential for improvement, safety, and tolerability in these symptom clusters commonly seen in military mild TBI (mTBI). CONCLUSION There is evidence of a potential benefit of SAMe as an intervention to help with symptoms across the range of post-concussive sequelae and syndromes commonly seen in military mTBI. Since the discovery of SAMe in 1952, this pleiotropic molecule has shown the significance of its involvement in several metabolic cascades in such disparate systems as epigenetics, bioenergetics, DNA methylation, neurotransmitter systems, and potential usefulness in military TBI. Significant limitations include disparate presentations seen in patients with mild TBI, those with post-concussive syndrome, as well as those with comorbid depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. Also, over-the-counter medications are not regulated and SAMe products may vary widely in price and quality. Given the potential for mania in patients with bipolar disorder, evaluation and recommendations should be made by a physician able to evaluate the underlying bipolar diathesis. Furthermore, this narrative review serves as the rationale for future open-label and double-blind placebo-controlled trials in military mTBI and SAMe.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia E Matta
- Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA 92055, USA
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Bessière B, Iris F, Milet A, Beopoulos A, Billoet C, Farjot G. A new mechanistic approach for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain with nitrous oxide integrated from a systems biology narrative review. Med Gas Res 2021; 11:34-41. [PMID: 33642336 PMCID: PMC8103977 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.310058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The limitations of the currently available treatments for chronic neuropathic pain highlight the need for safer and more effective alternatives. The authors carried out a focused review using a systems biology approach to integrate the complex mechanisms of nociception and neuropathic pain, and to decipher the effects of nitrous oxide (N2O) on those pathways, beyond the known effect of N2O on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. This review identified a number of potential mechanisms by which N2O could impact the processes involved in peripheral and central sensitization. In the ascending pathway, the effects of N2O include activating TWIK-related K+ channel 1 potassium channels on first-order neurons, blocking voltage-dependent calcium channels to attenuate neuronal excitability, attenuating postsynaptic glutamatergic receptor activation, and possibly blocking voltage-dependent sodium channels. In the descending pathway, N2O induces the release of endogenous opioid ligands and stimulates norepinephrine release. In addition, N2O may mediate epigenetic changes by inhibiting methionine synthase, a key enzyme involved in DNA and RNA methylation. This could explain why this short-acting analgesic has shown long-lasting anti-pain sensitization effects in animal models of chronic pain. These new hypotheses support the rationale for investigating N2O, either alone or in combination with other analgesics, for the management of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Bessière
- Air Liquide Santé International, Paris Innovation Campus, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Aude Milet
- Air Liquide Santé International, Paris Innovation Campus, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Catherine Billoet
- Air Liquide Santé International, Paris Innovation Campus, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Géraldine Farjot
- Air Liquide Santé International, Paris Innovation Campus, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Jaureguiberry MS, Venturino A. Nutritional and environmental contributions to Autism Spectrum Disorders: Focus on nutrigenomics as complementary therapy. INT J VITAM NUTR RES 2020; 92:248-266. [PMID: 32065556 DOI: 10.1024/0300-9831/a000630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has risen sharply in the last 30 years, posing a major public health concern and a big emotional and financial challenge for families. While the underlying causes remain to be fully elucidated, evidence shows moderate genetic heritability contribution, but heavy environmental influence. Over the last decades, modern lifestyle has deeply changed our eating, rest, and exercise habits, while exposure to air, water, and food chemical pollution has increased due to indiscriminate use of pesticides, food additives, adjuvants, and antibiotics. The result is a drastic change in the quality of our energy source input, and an overload for antioxidant and detoxification pathways that compromises normal metabolism and homeostasis. Current research shows high prevalence of food selectivity and/or food allergy among children with autism, resulting in essential micronutrient deficits that may trigger or aggravate physical and cognitive symptoms. Nutrigenomics is an emerging discipline that focuses on genotype-micronutrient interaction, and a useful approach to tailor low risk, personalized interventions through diet and micronutrient supplementation. Here, we review available literature addressing the role of micronutrients in the symptomatology of ASD, the metabolic pathways involved, and their therapeutic relevance. Personalized and supervised supplementation according to individual needs is suggested as a complement of traditional therapies to improve outcome both for children with autism and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- María S Jaureguiberry
- Centro de Investigaciones en Toxicología Ambiental y Agrobiotecnología del Comahue-CITAAC, Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET, Neuquén, Argentina
| | - Andrés Venturino
- Centro de Investigaciones en Toxicología Ambiental y Agrobiotecnología del Comahue-CITAAC, Universidad Nacional del Comahue-CONICET, Neuquén, Argentina
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Metformin Protects against Oxidative Stress Injury Induced by Ischemia/Reperfusion via Regulation of the lncRNA-H19/miR-148a-3p/Rock2 Axis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:8768327. [PMID: 31934270 PMCID: PMC6942897 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8768327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that metformin not only is a hypoglycemic agent but also has neuroprotective effects. However, the mechanism of action of metformin in ischemic stroke is unclear. Oxidative stress is an important factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. It has been reported that metformin is associated with stroke risk in the clinical population. This study is aimed at investigating the effect and mechanism of metformin in an experimental model of oxidative stress induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in vivo and oxygen glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) in vitro. Metformin (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally immediately after induction of cerebral ischemia. The indicators of oxidative stress selected were antioxidant enzyme activities of catalase, malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidation enzyme (GSHPx). First, we demonstrated that metformin can significantly alleviate acute and chronic cerebral I/R injury and it has a strong regulatory effect on stroke-induced oxidative stress. It can reduce the elevated activities of MDA and NO and increase the levels of GSHPx and SOD in the cerebrum of mice and N2a cells exposed to I/R. Furthermore, real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of long noncoding RNA H19 (lncRNA-H19), microRNA-148a-3p (miR-148a-3p), and Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (Rock2). The direct interaction of lncRNA-H19, miR-148a-3p, and Rock2 was tested using a dual luciferase reporter assay. lncRNA-H19 altered OGD/R-induced oxidative stress by modulating miR-148a-3p to increase Rock2 expression. The expression of lncRNA-H19 and Rock2 could be downregulated with metformin in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our study confirmed that metformin exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating ischemic stroke-induced oxidative stress injury via the lncRNA-H19/miR-148a-3p/Rock2 axis. These results provide new evidence that metformin may represent a potential treatment for stroke-related brain injury.
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Trivedi MS, Holger D, Bui AT, Craddock TJA, Tartar JL. Short-term sleep deprivation leads to decreased systemic redox metabolites and altered epigenetic status. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181978. [PMID: 28738082 PMCID: PMC5524320 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is critical for repair as well as the rejuvenation processes in the body and many of these functions are regulated via underlying cellular metabolic homeostasis. Changes in sleep pattern are reported to alter such metabolic function resulting in altered disease susceptibility or behavior. Here, we measured the extent to which overnight total sleep deprivation (SD) in young adult humans can influence systemic (plasma-derived) redox-metabolism including the major antioxidant, glutathione as well as DNA methylation levels. Nineteen participants (n = 19, μ age = 21, SD = 3.09) underwent morning testing before and after overnight total SD. Biochemical measures before and after SD revealed that glutathione, ATP, cysteine, and homocysteine levels were significantly reduced following one night of sleep deprivation (all p’s < 0.01). Parallel to the well-recognized fact that sleep deprivation (maintaining wakefulness) uses up metabolic reserves, we observed that morning cortisol levels were blunted after sleep deprivation. There were no significant correlations between self-reported or actigraphy-measured sleep and the biochemical measurements, strongly indicating that prior sleep behavior did not have any direct influence on the biochemical measures taken at baseline or after sleep deprivation. Results from the current investigation supports the previous literature implicating the induction of oxidative stress and ATP depletion with sleep deprivation. Furthermore, such altered antioxidant status can also induce downstream epigenetic changes. Although we did not measure the specific genes that were altered under the influence of such sleep deprivation, such epigenetic changes could potentially contribute towards disease predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malav S. Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Dana Holger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anh Tuyet Bui
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Travis J. A. Craddock
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, Computer Science, and Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
- Clinical Systems Biology Group, Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jaime L. Tartar
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States of America
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Karas Kuželički N. S-Adenosyl Methionine in the Therapy of Depression and Other Psychiatric Disorders. Drug Dev Res 2016; 77:346-356. [DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Karas Kuželički
- Chair of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 7; 1000 Ljubljana Slovenia
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Trivedi MS, Deth R. Redox-based epigenetic status in drug addiction: a potential contributor to gene priming and a mechanistic rationale for metabolic intervention. Front Neurosci 2015; 8:444. [PMID: 25657617 PMCID: PMC4302946 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and other drugs of abuse, including psychostimulants and opioids, can induce epigenetic changes: a contributing factor for drug addiction, tolerance, and associated withdrawal symptoms. DNA methylation is a major epigenetic mechanism and it is one of more than 200 methylation reactions supported by methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM). Levels of SAM are controlled by cellular redox status via the folate and vitamin B12-dependent enzyme methionine synthase (MS). For example, under oxidative conditions MS is inhibited, diverting its substrate homocysteine (HCY) to the trans sulfuration pathway. Alcohol, dopamine, and morphine, can alter intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH)-based cellular redox status, subsequently affecting SAM levels and DNA methylation status. Here, existing evidence is presented in a coherent manner to propose a novel hypothesis implicating the involvement of redox-based epigenetic changes in drug addiction. Further, we discuss how a “gene priming” phenomenon can contribute to the maintenance of redox and methylation status homeostasis under various stimuli including drugs of abuse. Additionally, a new mechanistic rationale for the use of metabolic interventions/redox-replenishers as symptomatic treatment of alcohol and other drug addiction and associated withdrawal symptoms is also provided. Hence, the current review article strengthens the hypothesis that neuronal metabolism has a critical bidirectional coupling with epigenetic changes in drug addiction exemplified by the link between redox-based metabolic changes and resultant epigenetic consequences under the effect of drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malav S Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Deth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University Boston, MA, USA
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Trivedi M, Shah J, Hodgson N, Byun HM, Deth R. Morphine induces redox-based changes in global DNA methylation and retrotransposon transcription by inhibition of excitatory amino acid transporter type 3-mediated cysteine uptake. Mol Pharmacol 2014; 85:747-57. [PMID: 24569088 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.091728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonically, opioids influence cells by binding to a G protein-coupled opioid receptor, initiating intracellular signaling cascades, such as protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, and extracellular receptor kinase pathways. This results in several downstream effects, including decreased levels of the reduced form of glutathione (GSH) and elevated oxidative stress, as well as epigenetic changes, especially in retrotransposons and heterochromatin, although the mechanism and consequences of these actions are unclear. We characterized the acute and long-term influence of morphine on redox and methylation status (including DNA methylation levels) in cultured neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. Acting via μ-opioid receptors, morphine inhibits excitatory amino acid transporter type 3-mediated cysteine uptake via multiple signaling pathways, involving different G proteins and protein kinases in a temporal manner. Decreased cysteine uptake was associated with decreases in both the redox and methylation status of neuronal cells, as defined by the ratios of GSH to oxidized forms of glutathione and S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine levels, respectively. Further, morphine induced global DNA methylation changes, including CpG sites in long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1) retrotransposons, resulting in increased LINE-1 mRNA. Together, these findings illuminate the mechanism by which morphine, and potentially other opioids, can influence neuronal-cell redox and methylation status including DNA methylation. Since epigenetic changes are implicated in drug addiction and tolerance phenomenon, this study could potentially extrapolate to elucidate a novel mechanism of action for other drugs of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malav Trivedi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (M.T., J.S., N.H., R.D.); Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida (R.D.); and Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts (H.-M.B.)
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Kiebler MA, Scheiffele P, Ule J. What, where, and when: the importance of post-transcriptional regulation in the brain. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:192. [PMID: 24194693 PMCID: PMC3810603 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Kiebler
- Department for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Germany
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Siniscalco D, Cirillo A, Bradstreet JJ, Antonucci N. Epigenetic findings in autism: new perspectives for therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4261-73. [PMID: 24030655 PMCID: PMC3799534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by dysfunctions in social interactions, communications, restricted interests, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Despite extensive genetic and biological research, significant controversy surrounds our understanding of the specific mechanisms of their pathogenesis. However, accumulating evidence points to the involvement of epigenetic modifications as foundational in creating ASD pathophysiology. Epigenetic modifications or the alteration of DNA transcription via variations in DNA methylation and histone modifications but without alterations in the DNA sequence, affect gene regulation. These alterations in gene expression, obtained through DNA methylation and/or histone modifications, result from transcriptional regulatory influences of environmental factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, various toxicants, immunological effects, and pharmaceuticals. As such these effects are epigenetic regulators which determine the final biochemistry and physiology of the individual. In contrast to psychopharmacological interventions, bettering our understanding of how these gene-environmental interactions create autistic symptoms should facilitate the development of therapeutic targeting of gene expression for ASD biomedical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples; via S. Maria di Costantinopoli, Napoli 16-80138, Italy
- Centre for Autism—La Forza del Silenzio, Caserta 81036, Italy
- Cancellautismo—Non-Profit Association for Autism Care, Florence 50132, Italy
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-0-81-566-5880; Fax: +39-0-81-566-7503
| | - Alessandra Cirillo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council of Italy; Naples 80128, Italy; E-Mail:
| | | | - Nicola Antonucci
- Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, Bari 70126, Italy; E-Mail:
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