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Morgunova A, Teixeira M, Flores C. Perspective on adolescent psychiatric illness and emerging role of microRNAs as biomarkers of risk. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2024; 49:E282-E288. [PMID: 39209460 PMCID: PMC11374446 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.240072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Morgunova
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Teixeira); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores); the Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores)
| | - Maxime Teixeira
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Teixeira); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores); the Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores)
| | - Cecilia Flores
- From the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Morgunova, Flores); the Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Teixeira); the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores); the Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics & Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Que. (Flores)
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Bortolozzi A, Fico G, Berk M, Solmi M, Fornaro M, Quevedo J, Zarate CA, Kessing LV, Vieta E, Carvalho AF. New Advances in the Pharmacology and Toxicology of Lithium: A Neurobiologically Oriented Overview. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:323-357. [PMID: 38697859 PMCID: PMC11068842 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the last six decades, lithium has been considered the gold standard treatment for the long-term management of bipolar disorder due to its efficacy in preventing both manic and depressive episodes as well as suicidal behaviors. Nevertheless, despite numerous observed effects on various cellular pathways and biologic systems, the precise mechanism through which lithium stabilizes mood remains elusive. Furthermore, there is recent support for the therapeutic potential of lithium in other brain diseases. This review offers a comprehensive examination of contemporary understanding and predominant theories concerning the diverse mechanisms underlying lithium's effects. These findings are based on investigations utilizing cellular and animal models of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Recent studies have provided additional support for the significance of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) inhibition as a crucial mechanism. Furthermore, research has shed more light on the interconnections between GSK3-mediated neuroprotective, antioxidant, and neuroplasticity processes. Moreover, recent advancements in animal and human models have provided valuable insights into how lithium-induced modifications at the homeostatic synaptic plasticity level may play a pivotal role in its clinical effectiveness. We focused on findings from translational studies suggesting that lithium may interface with microRNA expression. Finally, we are exploring the repurposing potential of lithium beyond bipolar disorder. These recent findings on the therapeutic mechanisms of lithium have provided important clues toward developing predictive models of response to lithium treatment and identifying new biologic targets. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Lithium is the drug of choice for the treatment of bipolar disorder, but its mechanism of action in stabilizing mood remains elusive. This review presents the latest evidence on lithium's various mechanisms of action. Recent evidence has strengthened glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) inhibition, changes at the level of homeostatic synaptic plasticity, and regulation of microRNA expression as key mechanisms, providing an intriguing perspective that may help bridge the mechanistic gap between molecular functions and its clinical efficacy as a mood stabilizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analia Bortolozzi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Giovanna Fico
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Michael Berk
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Marco Solmi
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Joao Quevedo
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Carlos A Zarate
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Lars V Kessing
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques de Barcelona (IIBB), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain (A.B.); Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain (A.B., G.F., E.V.); Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (G.F., E.V.); IMPACT - The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia (M.B., A.F.C.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); The Champlain First Episode Psychosis Program, Department of Mental Health, The Ottawa Hospital, Ontario, Canada (M.S.); Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany (M.S.); Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Odontostomatology, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy (M.F.); Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UT Health), Houston, Texas (J.Q.); Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (C.A.Z.); Copenhagen Affective Disorders Research Centre (CADIC), Psychiatric Center Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark (L.V.K.); and Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark (L.V.K.)
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Kaurani L. Clinical Insights into MicroRNAs in Depression: Bridging Molecular Discoveries and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2866. [PMID: 38474112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. The discovery of biomarkers for diagnosis or prediction of treatment responses and as therapeutic agents is a current priority. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of short RNA molecules in the etiology of depression. The most extensively researched of these are microRNAs, a major component of cellular gene regulation and function. MicroRNAs function in a temporal and tissue-specific manner to regulate and modify the post-transcriptional expression of target mRNAs. They can also be shuttled as cargo of extracellular vesicles between the brain and the blood, thus informing about relevant mechanisms in the CNS through the periphery. In fact, studies have already shown that microRNAs identified peripherally are dysregulated in the pathological phenotypes seen in depression. Our article aims to review the existing evidence on microRNA dysregulation in depression and to summarize and evaluate the growing body of evidence for the use of microRNAs as a target for diagnostics and RNA-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalit Kaurani
- Department for Epigenetics and Systems Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
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Ibrahim P, Denniston R, Mitsuhashi H, Yang J, Fiori LM, Żurawek D, Mechawar N, Nagy C, Turecki G. Profiling Small RNA From Brain Extracellular Vesicles in Individuals With Depression. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyae013. [PMID: 38457375 PMCID: PMC10946232 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability with significant mortality risk. Despite progress in our understanding of the etiology of MDD, the underlying molecular changes in the brain remain poorly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound particles that can reflect the molecular signatures of the tissue of origin. We aimed to optimize a streamlined EV isolation protocol from postmortem brain tissue and determine whether EV RNA cargo, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), have an MDD-specific profile. METHODS EVs were isolated from postmortem human brain tissue. Quality was assessed using western blots, transmission electron microscopy, and microfluidic resistive pulse sensing. EV RNA was extracted and sequenced on Illumina platforms. Functional follow-up was performed in silico. RESULTS Quality assessment showed an enrichment of EV markers, as well as a size distribution of 30 to 200 nm in diameter, and no contamination with cellular debris. Small RNA profiling indicated the presence of several RNA biotypes, with miRNAs and transfer RNAs being the most prominent. Exploring miRNA levels between groups revealed decreased expression of miR-92a-3p and miR-129-5p, which was validated by qPCR and was specific to EVs and not seen in bulk tissue. Finally, in silico functional analyses indicate potential roles for these 2 miRNAs in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. CONCLUSION We provide a streamlined isolation protocol that yields EVs of high quality that are suitable for molecular follow-up. Our findings warrant future investigations into brain EV miRNA dysregulation in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Ibrahim
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ryan Denniston
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Haruka Mitsuhashi
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jennie Yang
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Laura M Fiori
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dariusz Żurawek
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Corina Nagy
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Vyas A, Doshi G. A cross talk on the role of contemporary biomarkers in depression. Biomarkers 2024; 29:18-29. [PMID: 38261718 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2024.2308834] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Biomarkers can be used to identify determinants of response to various treatments of mental disorders. Evidence to date demonstrates that markers of inflammatory, neurotransmitter, neurotrophic, neuroendocrine, and metabolic function can predict the psychological and physical consequences of depression in individuals, allowing for the development of new therapeutic targets with fewer side effects. Extensive research has included hundreds of potential biomarkers of depression, but their roles in depression, abnormal patients, and how bioinformatics can be used to improve diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis have not been determined or defined. To determine which biomarkers can and cannot be used to predict treatment response, classify patients for specific treatments, and develop targets for new interventions, proprietary strategies, and current research projects need to be tailored.Material and Methods: This review article focuses on - biomarker systems that would help in the further development and expansion of newer targets - which holds great promise for reducing the burden of depression.Results and Discussion: Further, this review point to the inflammatory response, metabolic marker, and microribonucleic acids, long non-coding RNAs, HPA axis which are - related to depression and can serve as future targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Vyas
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, India
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Hu P, Cao Q, Feng H, Liu Y, Chen Y, Xu J, Feng W, Sun H, Ding H, Wang C, Gao J, Xiao M. MicroRNA-451a is a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for major depressive disorder. Gen Psychiatr 2024; 37:e101291. [PMID: 38304710 PMCID: PMC10831421 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2023-101291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence supports the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in major depressive disorder (MDD), but the pathophysiological mechanism remains elusive. Aims To explore the mechanism of microRNA-451a (miR-451a) in the pathology and behaviours of depression. Methods Abnormal miRNAs such as miR-451a reported previously in the serum of patients with MDD were screened and then confirmed in a mouse model of depression induced by chronic restraint stress (CRS). Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice had miR-451a overexpression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vectors encoding a pri-mmu-miR-451a-GFP fusion protein followed by behavioural and pathological analyses. Finally, molecular biological experiments were conducted to investigate the potential mechanism of miR-451a against depression. Results The serum levels of miRNA-451a were significantly lower in patients with MDD, with a negative correlation with the Hamilton Depression Scale scores. Additionally, a negative association between serum miR-451a and behavioural despair or anhedonia was observed in CRS mice. Notably, miR-451a expression was significantly downregulated in the mPFC of CRS-susceptible mice. Overexpressing miR-451a in the mPFC reversed the loss of dendritic spines and the depression-like phenotype of CRS mice. Mechanistically, miR-451a could inhibit CRS-induced corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 expression via targeting transcription factor 2, subsequently protecting dendritic spine plasticity. Conclusions Together, these results highlighted miR-451a as a candidate biomarker and therapeutic target for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiuchen Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hu Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingfan Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weixi Feng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huaiqing Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huachen Ding
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chun Wang
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junying Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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7
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Nahar Z, Nowshin DT, Roknuzzaman ASM, Sohan M, Islam S, Qusar MMAS, Islam MR. Serum levels of interleukin-33 and mesencephalic astrocyte derived neurotrophic factors in patients with major depressive disorder: a cross-sectional comparative design. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:47. [PMID: 38216957 PMCID: PMC10785548 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05463-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating health condition that has significant morbidity and mortality rates. Depression can be caused due to social, biological, environmental, psychological, and genetic factors. A few biological processes have been proposed as the pathophysiological pathways of depression. Neurotrophic factors and inflammatory cytokines have been linked to depression. Thus, we aimed to investigate the serum interleukin-33 (IL-33) and mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) in MDD patients and corresponding healthy controls (HCs). METHOD This study involved the inclusion of 129 MDD patients and 125 HCs matched by sex and age. A psychiatrist evaluated the study participants following DSM-5 criteria. The severity of the illness was assessed utilizing the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). The serum concentrations of IL-33 and MANF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. RESULTS The mean serum levels of IL-33 were decreased (159.12 ± 6.07 pg/ml vs. 180.60 ± 8.64 pg/ml, p = 0.042), and the MANF levels were increased (5.40 ± 0.19 ng/ml vs. 4.46 ± 0.21 ng/ml, p = 0.001) in MDD patients when compared to HCs. CONCLUSIONS The current study proposes that lower IL-33 and higher MANF serum levels are associated with MDD progression and depression severity. These biomarkers could be used as risk assessment tools for MDD. We recommend more investigation, including a significant population, to determine the precise function of IL-33 and MANF in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zabun Nahar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Delruba Tabassum Nowshin
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - A S M Roknuzzaman
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Md Sohan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - Salsabil Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, 74/A Green Road, Farmgate, Dhaka, 1205, Bangladesh
| | - M M A Shalahuddin Qusar
- Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahabagh, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rabiul Islam
- School of Pharmacy, BRAC University, KHA 224, Progati Sarani, 1212, Merul Badda, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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8
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Musazzi L, Mingardi J, Ieraci A, Barbon A, Popoli M. Stress, microRNAs, and stress-related psychiatric disorders: an overview. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4977-4994. [PMID: 37391530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. During and after exposure to stressors, the stress response may have pro- or maladaptive consequences, depending on several factors related to the individual response and nature of the stressor. However, the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of exposure to stress, which may ultimately lead to the development of stress-related disorders, are still largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to mediate the effects of the environment on brain gene expression and behavior. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs estimated to control the expression of about 60% of all genes by post-transcriptional regulation, are a fundamental epigenetic mechanism. Many microRNAs are expressed in the brain, where they work as fine-tuners of gene expression, with a key role in the regulation of homeostatic balance, and a likely influence on pro- or maladaptive brain changes. Here we have selected a number of microRNAs, which have been strongly implicated as mediators of the effects of stress in the brain and in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. For all of them recent evidence is reported, obtained from rodent stress models, manipulation of microRNAs levels with related behavioral changes, and clinical studies of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Moreover, we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of the predicted brain-expressed target genes of the microRNAs discussed, and found a central role for mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic function. The complex regulatory role of microRNAs has suggested their use as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response, as well as possible therapeutic drugs. While, microRNA-based diagnostics have registered advancements, particularly in oncology and other fields, and many biotech companies have launched miRNA therapeutics in their development pipeline, the development of microRNA-based tests and drugs for brain disorders is comparatively slower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Molecular Pharmacology, Cellular and Behavioral Physiology; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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9
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Seki I, Izumi H, Okamoto N, Ikenouchi A, Morimoto Y, Horie S, Yoshimura R. Serum Extracellular Vesicle-Derived hsa-miR-2277-3p and hsa-miR-6813-3p Are Potential Biomarkers for Major Depression: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13902. [PMID: 37762202 PMCID: PMC10531403 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine the association between miRNA levels in extracellular vesicles (EVs) from serum and the severity of Major Depression (MD). Patient sera from 16 MD cases were collected at our university hospital. The miRNAs contained in EVs were extracted using a nanofiltration method, and their expression levels were analyzed using miRNA microarrays. Intergroup comparisons were performed to validate the diagnostic performance of miRNAs in EVs. Furthermore, candidate miRNAs in EVs were added to neural progenitor cells, astrocytes, and microglial cells in vitro, and the predicted target genes of the candidate miRNAs were extracted. The predicted target genes underwent enrichment analysis. The expression levels of hsa-miR-6813-3p and hsa-miR-2277-3p were significantly downregulated with increasing depression severity of MD. The pathway enrichment analysis suggests that hsa-miR-6813-3p may be involved in glucocorticoid receptor and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor signaling. Additionally, hsa-miR-2277-3p was found to be involved in the dopaminergic neural pathway. The analysis of serum miRNAs in EVs suggests that hsa-miR-6813-3p and hsa-miR-2277-3p could serve as novel biomarkers for MD, reflecting its severity. Moreover, these miRNAs in EVs could help understand MD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issei Seki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (I.S.); (N.O.); (A.I.)
| | - Hiroto Izumi
- Center for Stress-related Disease Control and Prevention, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (H.I.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Occupational Pneumology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Naomichi Okamoto
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (I.S.); (N.O.); (A.I.)
| | - Atsuko Ikenouchi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (I.S.); (N.O.); (A.I.)
| | - Yasuo Morimoto
- Center for Stress-related Disease Control and Prevention, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (H.I.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Occupational Pneumology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Seichi Horie
- Center for Stress-related Disease Control and Prevention, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (H.I.); (Y.M.)
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan
| | - Reiji Yoshimura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyusyu 807-8555, Japan; (I.S.); (N.O.); (A.I.)
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10
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Funatsuki T, Ogata H, Tahara H, Shimamoto A, Takekita Y, Koshikawa Y, Nonen S, Higasa K, Kinoshita T, Kato M. Changes in Multiple microRNA Levels with Antidepressant Treatment Are Associated with Remission and Interact with Key Pathways: A Comprehensive microRNA Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12199. [PMID: 37569574 PMCID: PMC10418406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Individual treatment outcomes to antidepressants varies widely, yet the determinants to this difference remain elusive. MicroRNA (miRNA) gene expression regulation in major depressive disorder (MDD) has attracted interest as a biomarker. This 4-week randomized controlled trial examined changes in the plasma miRNAs that correlated with the treatment outcomes of mirtazapine (MIR) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) monotherapy. Pre- and post- treatment, we comprehensively analyzed the miRNA levels in MDD patients, and identified the gene pathways linked to these miRNAs in 46 patients. Overall, 141 miRNA levels significantly demonstrated correlations with treatment remission after 4 weeks of MIR, with miR-1237-5p showing the most robust and significant correlation after Bonferroni correction. These 141 miRNAs displayed a negative correlation with remission, indicating a decreasing trend. These miRNAs were associated with 15 pathways, including TGF-β and MAPK. Through database searches, the genes targeted by these miRNAs with the identified pathways were compared, and it was found that MAPK1, IGF1, IGF1R, and BRAF matched. Alterations in specific miRNAs levels before and after MIR treatment correlated with remission. The miRNAs mentioned in this study have not been previously reported. No other studies have investigated treatment with MIR. The identified miRNAs also correlated with depression-related genes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Funatsuki
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Haruhiko Ogata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Hidetoshi Tahara
- Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8533, Japan;
| | - Akira Shimamoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sanyo-Onoda City University, Sanyo-Onoda 756-0084, Japan;
| | - Yoshiteru Takekita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Yosuke Koshikawa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Shinpei Nonen
- Department of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, Nishinomiya 650-8530, Japan;
| | - Koichiro Higasa
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Department of Genome Analysis, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan;
| | - Toshihiko Kinoshita
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Masaki Kato
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Kansai Medical University, Osaka 573-1191, Japan; (T.F.); (H.O.); (Y.T.); (Y.K.); (T.K.)
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11
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Krivosova M, Adamcakova J, Kaadt E, Mumm BH, Dvorska D, Brany D, Dankova Z, Dohal M, Samec M, Ferencova N, Tonhajzerova I, Ondrejka I, Hrtanek I, Hutka P, Oppa M, Mokry J, Elfving B. The VEGF protein levels, miR-101-3p, and miR-122-5p are dysregulated in plasma from adolescents with major depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 334:60-68. [PMID: 37127118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Krivosova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Jana Adamcakova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Erik Kaadt
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Birgitte Hviid Mumm
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Dana Dvorska
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Dusan Brany
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Zuzana Dankova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Matus Dohal
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic; Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Marek Samec
- Department of Pathological Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Nikola Ferencova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Ingrid Tonhajzerova
- Department of Physiology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Igor Ondrejka
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Igor Hrtanek
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Peter Hutka
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Miloslav Oppa
- Psychiatric Clinic, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, University Hospital Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Juraj Mokry
- Department of Pharmacology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovak Republic.
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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12
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Ding R, Su D, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Wang JY, Lv S, Ji X. The role of microRNAs in depression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1129186. [PMID: 37063278 PMCID: PMC10090555 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1129186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. It is a leading cause of disability and suicide, severely affecting physical and mental health. However, the study of depression remains at an exploratory stage in terms of diagnostics and treatment due to the complexity of its pathogenesis. MicroRNAs are endogenous short-stranded non-coding RNAs capable of binding to the 3’untranslated region of mRNAs. Because of their ability to repress translation process of genes and are found at high levels in brain tissues, investigation of their role in depression has gradually increased recently. This article summarizes recent research progress on the relationship between microRNAs and depression. The microRNAs play a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of depression, involving dysregulation of monoamines, abnormalities in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, hyperactivity of the HPA axis, and dysregulation of inflammatory responses. These microRNAs might provide new clue for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD, and the development of antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruidong Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Dingyuan Su
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wang
- San-Quan College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Shuangyu Lv
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
| | - Xinying Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
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13
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Roy B, Dwivedi Y. An insight into the sprawling microverse of microRNAs in depression pathophysiology and treatment response. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105040. [PMID: 36639069 PMCID: PMC9974865 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Stress-related neuropathologies are pivotal in developing major depressive disorder (MDD) and are often governed by gene-regulatory changes. Being a stress-responsive gene-regulatory factor, microRNAs (miRNAs) have tremendous biomolecular potential to define an altered gene-regulatory landscape in the MDD brain. MiRNAs' regulatory roles in the MDD brain are closely aligned with changes in plasticity, neurogenesis, and stress-axis functions. MiRNAs act at the epigenetic interface between stress-induced environmental stimuli and cellular pathologies by triggering large-scale gene expression changes in a highly coordinated fashion. The parallel changes in peripheral circulation may provide an excellent opportunity for miRNA to devise more effective treatment strategies and help explore their potential as biomarkers in treatment response. This review discusses the role of miRNAs as epigenetic modifiers in the etiopathogenesis of MDD. Concurrently, key research is highlighted to show the progress in using miRNAs as predictive biomarkers for treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Roy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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14
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Weapons of stress reduction: (R,S)-ketamine and its metabolites as prophylactics for the prevention of stress-induced psychiatric disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 224:109345. [PMID: 36427554 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to stress is one of the greatest contributing factors to developing a psychiatric disorder, particularly in susceptible populations. Enhancing resilience to stress could be a powerful intervention to reduce the incidence of psychiatric disease and reveal insight into the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. (R,S)-ketamine and its metabolites have recently been shown to exert protective effects when administered before or after a variety of stressors and may be effective, tractable prophylactic compounds against psychiatric disease. Drug dosing, sex, age, and strain in preclinical rodent studies, significantly influence the prophylactic effects of (R,S)-ketamine and related compounds. Due to the broad neurobiological actions of (R,S)-ketamine, a variety of mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the resilience-enhancing effects of this drug, including altering various transcription factors across the genome, enhancing inhibitory connections from the prefrontal cortex, and increasing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Promisingly, select data have shown that (R,S)-ketamine may be an effective prophylactic against psychiatric disorders, such as postpartum depression (PPD). Overall, this review will highlight a brief history of the prophylactic effects of (R,S)-ketamine, the potential mechanisms underlying its protective actions, and possible future directions for translating prophylactic compounds to the clinic. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'Ketamine and its Metabolites'.
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15
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D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Mancini C, Ielpo D, Babicola L, Di Segni M, Iacono LL, Ferlazzo F, Cifani C, Andolina D, Ventura R. The long-lasting effects of early life adversities are sex dependent: The signature of miR-34a. J Affect Disord 2023; 322:277-288. [PMID: 36414112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to early life adversities (ELA) can influence a plethora of biological mechanisms leading to stress-related disorders later in life through epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRs). MiR-34 is a critical modulator of stress response and stress-induced pathologies and a link between ELA and miR-34a has been reported. METHODS Here using our well-established model of ELA (Repeated Cross Fostering) we investigate the behavioral long-term effects of ELA in male and female mice. We also assess basal and ELA-induced miR-34a expression in adult mice and investigate whether ELA affects the later miR-34a response to adult acute stress exposure across brain areas (medial preFrontal Cortex, Dorsal Raphe Nuclei) and peripheral organs (heart, plasma) in animals from both sexes. Finally, based on our previous data demonstrating the critical role of Dorsal Raphe Nuclei miR-34a expression in serotonin (5-HT) transmission, we also investigated prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT outflow induced by acute stress exposure in ELA and Control females by in vivo intracerebral microdialysis. RESULTS ELA not just induces a depressive-like state as well as enduring changes in miR-34a expression, but also alters miR-34a expression in response to adult acute stress exclusively in females. Finally, altered DRN miR-34a expression is associated with prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT release under acute stress exposure in females. LIMITATIONS Translational study on humans is necessary to verify the results obtained in our animal models of ELA-induced depression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence showing long-lasting sex related effects of ELA on brain and peripheral miR-34a expression levels in an animal model of depression-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Camilla Mancini
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Donald Ielpo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Lucy Babicola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
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16
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Ho CSH, Soh MWT, Tay GWN. The diagnostic utility of miRNA and elucidation of pathological mechanisms in major depressive disorder. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 121:152363. [PMID: 36580691 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Our study aims to explore how miRNAs can elucidate the molecular mechanisms of major depressive disorder (MDD) by comparing the miRNA levels in the blood serum of patients with depression and healthy individuals. It also explores the potential of miRNAs to differentiate between depressed patients and healthy controls. METHODS 60 healthy controls (n = 45 females) were matched to 60 depressed patients (n = 10 unmedicated) for age (±7), sex, ethnicity, and years of education. Depression severity was measured using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and venous blood was collected using PAXgene Blood RNA tubes for miRNA profiling. To further identify the depression-related biological pathways that are influenced by differentially expressed miRNAs, networks were constructed using QIAGEN Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were also conducted to examine the discriminative ability of miRNAs to distinguish between depressed and healthy individuals. RESULTS Six miRNAs (miR-542-3p, miR-181b-3p, miR-190a-5p, miR-33a-3p, miR-3690 and miR-6895-3p) showed to be considerably down-regulated in unmedicated depressed patients relative to healthy controls. miR-542-3p, in particular, also has experimentally verified mRNA targets that are predicted to be associated with MDD. ROC analyses found that a panel combining miR-542-3p, miR-181b-3p and miR-3690 produced an area under the curve value of 0.67 in distinguishing between depressed and healthy individuals. CONCLUSIONS miRNAs - most notably, miR-542-3p, miR-181b-3p and miR-3690 - may be biomarkers with targets that are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. They could also be used to distinguish between depressed and healthy individuals with reasonable accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrus Su Hui Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Michelle Wei Ting Soh
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gabrielle Wann Nii Tay
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Involvement of miR-135a-5p Downregulation in Acute and Chronic Stress Response in the Prefrontal Cortex of Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021552. [PMID: 36675068 PMCID: PMC9865685 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a key risk factor in the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. The study of the mechanisms underlying stress response is important to understand the etiopathogenetic mechanisms and identify new putative therapeutic targets. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of the complex patterns of gene/protein expression changes in the brain, where they have a crucial role in the regulation of neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation. Among them, miR-135a-5p has been associated with stress response, synaptic plasticity, and the antidepressant effect in different brain areas. Here, we used acute unavoidable foot-shock stress (FS) and chronic mild stress (CMS) on male rats to study whether miR-135a-5p was involved in stress-induced changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Both acute and chronic stress decreased miR-135a-5p levels in the PFC, although after CMS the reduction was induced only in animals vulnerable to CMS, according to a sucrose preference test. MiR-135a-5p downregulation in the primary neurons reduced dendritic spine density, while its overexpression exerted the opposite effect. Two bioinformatically predicted target genes, Kif5c and Cplx1/2, were increased in FS rats 24 h after stress. Altogether, we found that miR-135a-5p might play a role in stress response in PFC involving synaptic mechanisms.
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18
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Transcriptomic Studies of Antidepressant Action in Rodent Models of Depression: A First Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113543. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antidepressants (ADs) are, for now, the best everyday treatment we have for moderate to severe major depressive episodes (MDEs). ADs are among the most prescribed drugs in the Western Hemisphere; however, the trial-and-error prescription strategy and side-effects leave a lot to be desired. More than 60% of patients suffering from major depression fail to respond to the first AD they are prescribed. For those who respond, full response is only observed after several weeks of treatment. In addition, there are no biomarkers that could help with therapeutic decisions; meanwhile, this is already true in cancer and other fields of medicine. For years, many investigators have been working to decipher the underlying mechanisms of AD response. Here, we provide the first systematic review of animal models. We thoroughly searched all the studies involving rodents, profiling transcriptomic alterations consecutive to AD treatment in naïve animals or in animals subjected to stress-induced models of depression. We have been confronted by an important heterogeneity regarding the drugs and the experimental settings. Thus, we perform a meta-analysis of the AD signature of fluoxetine (FLX) in the hippocampus, the most studied target. Among genes and pathways consistently modulated across species, we identify both old players of AD action and novel transcriptional biomarker candidates that warrant further investigation. We discuss the most prominent transcripts (immediate early genes and activity-dependent synaptic plasticity pathways). We also stress the need for systematic studies of AD action in animal models that span across sex, peripheral and central tissues, and pharmacological classes.
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Šalamon Arčan I, Kouter K, Videtič Paska A. Depressive disorder and antidepressants from an epigenetic point of view. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1150-1168. [PMID: 36186508 PMCID: PMC9521527 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i9.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorder is a complex, heterogeneous disease that affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. Environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors contribute to the depressive state. Since the nervous system is susceptible to shifts in activity of epigenetic modifiers, these allow for significant plasticity and response to rapid changes in the environment. Among the most studied epigenetic modifications in depressive disorder is DNA methylation, with findings centered on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, the glucocorticoid receptor gene, and the serotonin transporter gene. In order to identify biomarkers that would be useful in clinical settings, for diagnosis and for treatment response, further research on antidepressants and alterations they cause in the epigenetic landscape throughout the genome is needed. Studies on cornerstone antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitors and their effects on depressive disorder are available, but systematic conclusions on their effects are still hard to draw due to the highly heterogeneous nature of the studies. In addition, two novel drugs, ketamine and esketamine, are being investigated particularly in association with treatment of resistant depression, which is one of the hot topics of contemporary research and the field of precision psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Šalamon Arčan
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Kouter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Alja Videtič Paska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
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Schell G, Roy B, Prall K, Dwivedi Y. miR-218: A Stress-Responsive Epigenetic Modifier. Noncoding RNA 2022; 8:ncrna8040055. [PMID: 35893238 PMCID: PMC9326663 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna8040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the epigenetic role of microRNAs (miRNAs) has been a critical development in the field of neuropsychiatry and in understanding their underlying pathophysiology. Abnormalities in miRNA expression are often seen as key to the pathogenesis of many stress-associated mental disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD). Recent advances in omics biology have further contributed to this understanding and expanded the role of miRNAs in networking a diverse array of molecular pathways, which are essentially related to the stress adaptivity of a healthy brain. Studies have highlighted the role of many such miRNAs in causing maladaptive changes in the brain's stress axis. One such miRNA is miR-218, which is debated as a critical candidate for increased stress susceptibility. miR-218 is expressed throughout the brain, notably in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). It is expressed at various levels through life stages, as seen by adolescent and adult animal models. Until now, a minimal number of studies have been conducted on human subjects to understand its role in stress-related abnormalities in brain circuits. However, several studies, including animal and cell-culture models, have been used to understand the impact of miR-218 on stress response and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. So far, expression changes in this miRNA have been found to regulate signaling pathways such as glucocorticoid signaling, serotonergic signaling, and glutamatergic signaling. Recently, the developmental role of miR-218 has generated interest, given its increasing expression from adolescence to adulthood and targeting the Netrin-1/DCC signaling pathway. Since miR-218 expression affects neuronal development and plasticity, it is expected that a change in miR-218 expression levels over the course of development may negatively impact the process and make individuals stress-susceptible in adulthood. In this review, we describe the role of miR-218 in stress-induced neuropsychiatric conditions with an emphasis on stress-related disorders.
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Functional Genomics Analysis to Disentangle the Role of Genetic Variants in Major Depression. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13071259. [PMID: 35886042 PMCID: PMC9320424 DOI: 10.3390/genes13071259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the molecular basis of major depression is critical for identifying new potential biomarkers and drug targets to alleviate its burden on society. Leveraging available GWAS data and functional genomic tools to assess regulatory variation could help explain the role of major depression-associated genetic variants in disease pathogenesis. We have conducted a fine-mapping analysis of genetic variants associated with major depression and applied a pipeline focused on gene expression regulation by using two complementary approaches: cis-eQTL colocalization analysis and alteration of transcription factor binding sites. The fine-mapping process uncovered putative causally associated variants whose proximal genes were linked with major depression pathophysiology. Four colocalizing genetic variants altered the expression of five genes, highlighting the role of SLC12A5 in neuronal chlorine homeostasis and MYRF in nervous system myelination and oligodendrocyte differentiation. The transcription factor binding analysis revealed the potential role of rs62259947 in modulating P4HTM expression by altering the YY1 binding site, altogether regulating hypoxia response. Overall, our pipeline could prioritize putative causal genetic variants in major depression. More importantly, it can be applied when only index genetic variants are available. Finally, the presented approach enabled the proposal of mechanistic hypotheses of these genetic variants and their role in disease pathogenesis.
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22
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Sundararajan V, Burk UC, Bajdak-Rusinek K. Revisiting the miR-200 Family: A Clan of Five Siblings with Essential Roles in Development and Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060781. [PMID: 35740906 PMCID: PMC9221129 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Over two decades of studies on small noncoding RNA molecules illustrate the significance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in controlling multiple physiological and pathological functions through post-transcriptional and spatiotemporal gene expression. Among the plethora of miRs that are essential during animal embryonic development, in this review, we elaborate the indispensable role of the miR-200 family (comprising miR-200a, -200b, 200c, -141, and -429) in governing the cellular functions associated with epithelial homeostasis, such as epithelial differentiation and neurogenesis. Additionally, in pathological contexts, miR-200 family members are primarily involved in tumor-suppressive roles, including the reversal of the cancer-associated epithelial–mesenchymal transition dedifferentiation process, and are dysregulated during organ fibrosis. Moreover, recent eminent studies have elucidated the crucial roles of miR-200s in the pathophysiology of multiple neurodegenerative diseases and tissue fibrosis. Lastly, we summarize the key studies that have recognized the potential use of miR-200 members as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers, elaborating the application of these small biomolecules in aiding early cancer detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Sundararajan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
| | - Ulrike C. Burk
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Karolina Bajdak-Rusinek
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-32-208-8382
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Van der Auwera S, Ameling S, Nauck M, Völzke H, Völker U, Grabe HJ. Plasma circulating micro-RNAs associated with alexithymia reflect a high overlap on neuropsychiatric outcomes. J Affect Disord 2022; 305:206-212. [PMID: 35283179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alexithymia ("no word for feelings") is a personality feature that is common in patients with psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about biological causes and mechanism behind. Research so far focusses on genetic risk variants primary associated with depression, but analyses on epigenetic mechanisms are still missing. METHODS In a sample of n = 813 subjects from the "Study of Health in Pomerania" we analyzed the association between alexithymia and plasma circulating micro RNAs (miRNA). Significant miRNAs were compared to associations regarding depression and pathway analyses were performed. RESULTS Two miRNAs were significantly associated with at least one of the alexithymia scores (hsa-miR-324-3p, hsa-miR-33a-5p) and three miRNAs additionally revealed a strong association pattern to alexithymia (hsa-miR-106b-5p, hsa-miR-484, hsa-miR-25-3p). None of these miRNAs was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in our sample. Literature research showed that all of the miRNAs have been found in association with several neuropsychiatric phenotypes. LIMITATIONS Main limitations are the lack of a replication sample as well as the limited number of miRNAs analyzed. CONCLUSIONS This is the first analysis investigating the association between miRNAs and alexithymia. Results indicate that miRNAs are not specific for one psychiatric disorder but may influence biological mechanisms that are involved in various psychiatric conditions which might be relevant for future treatment options and improve the biological understanding of psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Van der Auwera
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Sabine Ameling
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.; Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.; Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- Interfaculty Institute for Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany; German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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