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Xiong HY, Wyns A, Campenhout JV, Hendrix J, De Bruyne E, Godderis L, Schabrun S, Nijs J, Polli A. Epigenetic Landscapes of Pain: DNA Methylation Dynamics in Chronic Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8324. [PMID: 39125894 PMCID: PMC11312850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent condition with a multifaceted pathogenesis, where epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation, might play an important role. This review delves into the intricate mechanisms by which DNA methylation and demethylation regulate genes associated with nociception and pain perception in nociceptive pathways. We explore the dynamic nature of these epigenetic processes, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes, which modulate the expression of pro- and anti-nociceptive genes. Aberrant DNA methylation profiles have been observed in patients with various chronic pain syndromes, correlating with hypersensitivity to painful stimuli, neuronal hyperexcitability, and inflammatory responses. Genome-wide analyses shed light on differentially methylated regions and genes that could serve as potential biomarkers for chronic pain in the epigenetic landscape. The transition from acute to chronic pain is marked by rapid DNA methylation reprogramming, suggesting its potential role in pain chronicity. This review highlights the importance of understanding the temporal dynamics of DNA methylation during this transition to develop targeted therapeutic interventions. Reversing pathological DNA methylation patterns through epigenetic therapies emerges as a promising strategy for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan-Yu Xiong
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Arne Wyns
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jente Van Campenhout
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
| | - Jolien Hendrix
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Siobhan Schabrun
- The School of Physical Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
- The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - Andrea Polli
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (H.-Y.X.); (A.W.); (J.V.C.); (J.H.); (A.P.)
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
- Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO), 1000 Brussels, Belgium
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2
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Bečeheli I, Horvatiček M, Perić M, Nikolić B, Holuka C, Klasić M, Ivanišević M, Starčević M, Desoye G, Hranilović D, Turner JD, Štefulj J. Methylation of serotonin regulating genes in cord blood cells: association with maternal metabolic parameters and correlation with methylation in peripheral blood cells during childhood and adolescence. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:4. [PMID: 38172913 PMCID: PMC10765867 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01610-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) signaling is involved in neurodevelopment, mood regulation, energy metabolism, and other physiological processes. DNA methylation plays a significant role in modulating the expression of genes responsible for maintaining 5-HT balance, such as 5-HT transporter (SLC6A4), monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), and 5-HT receptor type 2A (HTR2A). Maternal metabolic health can influence long-term outcomes in offspring, with DNA methylation mediating these effects. We investigated associations between maternal metabolic parameters-pre-pregnancy body mass index (pBMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and glucose tolerance status (GTS), i.e., gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) versus normal glucose tolerance (NGT)-and cord blood methylation of SLC6A4, MAOA, and HTR2A in participants from our PlaNS birth cohort. CpG sites (15, 9, and 2 in each gene, respectively) were selected based on literature and in silico data. Methylation levels were quantified by bisulfite pyrosequencing. We also examined the stability of methylation patterns in these genes in circulating blood cells from birth to adolescence using longitudinal DNA methylation data from the ARIES database. RESULTS None of the 203 PlaNS mothers included in this study had preexisting diabetes, 99 were diagnosed with GDM, and 104 had NGT; all neonates were born at full term by planned Cesarean section. Methylation at most CpG sites differed between male and female newborns. SLC6A4 methylation correlated inversely with maternal pBMI and GWG, while methylation at HTR2A site -1665 correlated positively with GWG. None of the maternal metabolic parameters statistically associated with MAOA methylation. DNA methylation data in cord blood and peripheral blood at ages 7 and 15 years were available for 808 participants from the ARIES database; 4 CpG sites (2 in SLC6A4 and 2 in HTR2A) overlapped between the PlaNS and ARIES cohorts. A positive correlation between methylation levels in cord blood and peripheral blood at 7 and 15 years of age was observed for both SLC6A4 and HTR2A CpG sites. CONCLUSIONS Methylation of 5-HT regulating genes in cord blood cells is influenced by neonatal sex, with maternal metabolism playing an additional role. Inter-individual variations present in circulating blood cells at birth are still pronounced in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Bečeheli
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Horvatiček
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Perić
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Barbara Nikolić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Cyrielle Holuka
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, 4365, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Marija Klasić
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Ivanišević
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starčević
- Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gernot Desoye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Graz, 8036, Graz, Austria
| | - Dubravka Hranilović
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 4354, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Jasminka Štefulj
- Division of Molecular Biology, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
- University Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Kanarik M, Sakala K, Matrov D, Kaart T, Roy A, Ziegler GC, Veidebaum T, Lesch KP, Harro J. MAOA methylation is associated with impulsive and antisocial behaviour: dependence on allelic variation, family environment and diet. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:59-71. [PMID: 37507512 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Congenital absence of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity predisposes to antisocial impulsive behaviour, and the MAOA uVNTR low-expressing genotype (MAOA-L) together with childhood maltreatment is associated with similar phenotypes in males. A possible explanation of how family environment may lead to such behaviour involves DNA methylation. We have assessed MAOA methylation and impulsive/antisocial behaviour in 121 males from the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. Of the 12 CpG sites measured, methylation levels at the locus designated CpG3 were significantly lower in subjects with antisocial behaviour involving police contact. CpG3 methylation was lower in subjects with alcohol use disorder by age 25, but only in MAOA-H genotype. No correlation between MAOA CpG3 methylation levels and adaptive impulsivity was found at age 15, but in MAOA-L genotype a positive correlation appeared by age 18. By age 25, this positive correlation was no longer observed in subjects with better family relationships but had increased further with experience of adversity within the family. MAOA CpG3 methylation had different developmental dynamics in relation to maladaptive impulsivity. At age 18, a positive correlation was observed in MAOA-L genotype with inferior family relationships and a negative correlation was found in MAOA-H with superior home environment; both of these associations had disappeared by age 25. CpG3 methylation was associated with dietary intake of several micronutrients, most notable was a negative correlation with the intake of zinc, but also with calcium, potassium and vitamin E; a positive correlation was found with intake of phosphorus. In conclusion, MAOA CpG3 methylation is related to both maladaptive and adaptive impulsivity in adolescence in MAOA-L males from adverse home environment. By young adulthood, this relationship with maladaptive impulsivity had disappeared but with adaptive impulsivity strengthened. Thus, MAOA CpG3 methylation may serve as a marker for adaptive developmental neuroplasticity in MAOA-L genotype. The mechanisms involved may include dietary factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margus Kanarik
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A Chemicum, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katre Sakala
- National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Denis Matrov
- Section on Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tanel Kaart
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arunima Roy
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georg C Ziegler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A Chemicum, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Mallick R, Duttaroy AK. Epigenetic modification impacting brain functions: Effects of physical activity, micronutrients, caffeine, toxins, and addictive substances. Neurochem Int 2023; 171:105627. [PMID: 37827244 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105627] [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] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Changes in gene expression are involved in many brain functions. Epigenetic processes modulate gene expression by histone modification and DNA methylation or RNA-mediated processes, which is important for brain function. Consequently, epigenetic changes are also a part of brain diseases such as mental illness and addiction. Understanding the role of different factors on the brain epigenome may help us understand the function of the brain. This review discussed the effects of caffeine, lipids, addictive substances, physical activity, and pollutants on the epigenetic changes in the brain and their modulatory effects on brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Mallick
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Finland
| | - Asim K Duttaroy
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, POB 1046 Blindern, Oslo, Norway.
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Serra V, Aroni S, Bortolato M, Frau R, Melis M. Endocannabinoid-dependent decrease of GABAergic transmission on dopaminergic neurons is associated with susceptibility to cocaine stimulant effects in pre-adolescent male MAOA hypomorphic mice exposed to early life stress. Neuropharmacology 2023; 233:109548. [PMID: 37080337 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109548] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Vulnerability to cocaine use disorder depends upon a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. While early life adversity is a critical environmental vulnerability factor for drug misuse, allelic variants of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene have been shown to moderate its influence on the risk of drug-related problems. However, data on the interactions between MAOA variants and early life stress (ES) with respect to predisposition to cocaine abuse are limited. Here, we show that a mouse model capturing the interaction of genetic (low-activity alleles of the Maoa gene; MAOANeo) and environmental (i.e., ES) vulnerability factors displays an increased sensitivity to repeated in vivo cocaine psychomotor stimulant actions associated with a reduction of GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition of dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI), a 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2AG)-dependent form of short-term plasticity, also becomes readily expressed by dopamine neurons from male MAOANeo ES mice repeatedly treated with cocaine. The activation of either dopamine D2 or CB1 receptors contributes to cocaine-induced DSI expression, decreased GABA synaptic efficacy, and hyperlocomotion. Next, in vivo pharmacological enhancement of 2AG signaling during repeated cocaine exposure occludes its actions both in vivo and ex vivo. This data extends our knowledge of the multifaceted sequelae imposed by this gene-environment interaction in VTA dopamine neurons of male pre-adolescent mice and contributes to our understanding of neural mechanisms of vulnerability for early onset cocaine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Sonia Aroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, 84112, USA
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Miriam Melis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, 09042, Monserrato, Italy.
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Handschuh PA, Murgaš M, Vraka C, Nics L, Hartmann AM, Winkler-Pjrek E, Baldinger-Melich P, Wadsak W, Winkler D, Hacker M, Rujescu D, Domschke K, Lanzenberger R, Spies M. Effect of MAOA DNA Methylation on Human in Vivo Protein Expression Measured by [11C]harmine Positron Emission Tomography. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:116-124. [PMID: 36573644 PMCID: PMC9926052 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation are understood as an intermediary between environmental factors and neurobiology. Cerebral monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) levels are altered in depression, as are DNA methylation levels within the MAOA gene, particularly in the promoter/exon I/intron I region. An effect of MAOA methylation on peripheral protein expression was shown, but the extent to which methylation affects brain MAO-A levels is not fully understood. METHODS Here, the influence of MAOA promoter/exon I/intron I region DNA methylation on global MAO-A distribution volume (VT), an index of MAO-A density, was assessed via [11C]harmine positron emission tomography in 22 patients (14 females) suffering from seasonal affective disorder and 30 healthy controls (17 females). RESULTS No significant influence of MAOA DNA methylation on global MAO-A VT was found, despite correction for health status, sex, season, and MAOA variable number of tandem repeat genotype. However, season affected average methylation in women, with higher levels in spring and summer (Puncorr = .03). We thus did not find evidence for an effect of MAOA DNA methylation on brain MAO-A VT. CONCLUSIONS In contrast to a previous study demonstrating an effect of methylation of a MAOA promoter region located further 5' on brain MAO-A, MAOA methylation of the region assessed here appears to affect brain protein levels to a limited extent at most. The observed effect of season on methylation levels is in accordance with extensive evidence for seasonal effects within the serotonergic system. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02582398 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02582398).
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Matej Murgaš
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Annette M Hartmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Edda Winkler-Pjrek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Baldinger-Melich
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Wadsak
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Center for Biomarker Research in Medicine (CBmed), Graz, Austria
| | - Dietmar Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Prenatal SAMe Treatment Induces Changes in Brain Monoamines and in the Expression of Genes Related to Monoamine Metabolism in a Mouse Model of Social Hierarchy and Depression, Probably via an Epigenetic Mechanism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911898. [PMID: 36233200 PMCID: PMC9569718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduction in the levels of monoamines, such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain, were reported in patients and animals with depression. SAMe, a universal methyl donor and an epigenetic modulator, is successfully used as an adjunct treatment of depression. We previously found that prenatal treatment with SAMe of Submissive (Sub) mice that serve as a model for depression alleviated many of the behavioral depressive symptoms. In the present study, we treated pregnant Sub mice with 20 mg/kg of SAMe on days 12–15 of gestation and studied the levels of monoamines and the expression of genes related to monoamines metabolism in their prefrontal cortex (PFC) at the age of 3 months. The data were compared to normal saline-treated Sub mice that exhibit depressive-like symptoms. SAMe increased the levels of serotonin in the PFC of female Sub mice but not in males. The levels of 5-HIAA were not changed. SAMe increased the levels of dopamine and of DOPAC in males and females but increased the levels of HVA only in females. The levels of norepinephrine and its metabolite MHPG were unchanged. SAMe treatment changed the expression of several genes involved in the metabolism of these monoamines, also in a sex-related manner. The increase in several monoamines induced by SAMe in the PFC may explain the alleviation of depressive-like symptoms. Moreover, these changes in gene expression more than 3 months after treatment probably reflect the beneficial effects of SAMe as an epigenetic modulator in the treatment of depression.
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Tikhonova MA, Zhanaeva SY, Shvaikovskaya AA, Olkov NM, Aftanas LI, Danilenko KV. Neurospecific Molecules Measured in Periphery in Humans: How Do They Correlate with the Brain Levels? A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169193. [PMID: 36012459 PMCID: PMC9409387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human brain state is usually estimated by brain-specific substances in peripheral tissues, but, for most analytes, a concordance between their content in the brain and periphery is unclear. In this systematic review, we summarized the investigated correlations in humans. PubMed was searched up to June 2022. We included studies measuring the same endogenous neurospecific analytes in the central nervous system and periphery in the same subjects. Not eligible were studies of cerebrospinal fluid, with significant blood–brain barrier disruption, of molecules with well-established blood-periphery concordance or measured in brain tumors. Seventeen studies were eligible. Four studies did not report on correlation and four revealed no significant correlation. Four molecules were examined twice. For BDNF, there was no correlation in both studies. For phenylalanine, glutamine, and glutamate, results were contradictory. Strong correlations were found for free tryptophan (r = 0.97) and translocator protein (r = 0.90). Thus, only for three molecules was there some certainty. BDNF in plasma or serum does not reflect brain content, whereas free tryptophan (in plasma) and translocator protein (in blood cells) can serve as peripheral biomarkers. We expect a breakthrough in the field with advanced in vivo metabolomic analyses, neuroimaging techniques, and blood assays for exosomes of brain origin.
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9
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Capitanio JP, Sommet N, Del Rosso L. The relationship of maternal rank, 5-HTTLPR genotype, and MAOA-LPR genotype to temperament in infant rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23374. [PMID: 35322905 PMCID: PMC10461592 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Temperament is a construct whose manifestations are quantifiable from an early age, and whose origins have been proposed as "biological." Our goal was to determine whether maternal rank and infant genotype are associated with five measures of temperament in 3- to 4-month old rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), all of whom were born and reared by their mothers in large, outdoor, half-acre cages. Maternal rank was defined as the proportion of animals outranked by each female, and the two genes of interest to us were monoamine oxidase and serotonin transporter, both of which are polymorphic in their promoter regions (MAOA-LPR and 5-HTTLPR, respectively), with one allele of each gene considered a "plasticity" allele, conferring increased sensitivity to environmental events. Our large sample size (n = 2014-3140) enabled us to examine the effects of individual genotypes rather than combining genotypes as is often done. Rank was positively associated with Confident temperament, but only for animals with the 5-repeat allele for MAOA-LPR. Rank had no other effect on temperament. In contrast, genotype had many different effects, with 5-HTTLPR associated with behavioral inhibition, and MAOA-LPR associated with ratings-based measures of temperament. We also examined the joint effect of the two genotypes and found some evidence for a dose-response: animals with the plasticity alleles for both genes were more likely to be behaviorally inhibited. Our results suggest phenotypic differences between animals possessing alleles for MAOA-LPR that show functional equivalence based on in vitro tests, and our data for 5-HTTLPR revealed differences between short/short homozygotes and long/short heterozygotes, strongly suggesting that combining genotypes for statistical analysis should be avoided if possible. Our analysis also provides evidence of sex differences in temperament, and, to our knowledge, the only evidence of differences in temperament based on specific pathogen-free status. We suggest several directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Capitanio
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nicolas Sommet
- LIVES Center, Faculty of Social and Political SciencesUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Laura Del Rosso
- Neuroscience and Behavior Unit, California National Primate Research CenterUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
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Deest M, Buchholz V, Jahn K, Eberlein C, Bleich S, Frieling H. Hypomethylation of monoamine oxidase A promoter/exon 1 region is associated with temper outbursts in Prader-Willi syndrome. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:359-366. [PMID: 34782122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the absence of paternally expressed and maternally imprinted genes on chromosome 15q 11.2-13. It is associated with a certain behavioural phenotype, especially temper outbursts with verbal and physical aggression towards others. Recent studies show a promising therapeutic effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline on frequency and intensity of outbursts. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) (X p11.23) plays a crucial role in the metabolism of monoamines. Dysregulation in methylation of the CpG island spanning the promoter region and exon 1 of MAOA is implicated in impulsive and aggressive behaviour. METHODS In the present study, methylation rates of CpG dinucleotides in the MAOA promoter and exon 1 region were determined from DNA derived from whole blood samples of PWS patients (n = 32) and controls (n = 14) matched for age, sex and BMI via bisulfite sequencing. PWS patients were grouped into those showing temper outbursts, and those who do not. RESULTS Overall, PWS patients show a significant lower methylation rate at the promoter/exon 1 region than healthy controls in both sexes. Furthermore, PWS patients, male as well female with temper outbursts show a significant lower methylation rate than those without temper outbursts (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). CONCLUSION The MAOA promoter/exon 1 region methylation seems to be dysregulated in PWS patients in sense of a hypomethylation, especially in those suffering from temper outbursts. This dysregulation probably plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of temper outbursts in PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Deest
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Eberlein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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11
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Epigenetic correlates of the psychological interventions outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2022.100310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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12
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Checknita D, Tiihonen J, Hodgins S, Nilsson KW. Associations of age, sex, sexual abuse, and genotype with monoamine oxidase a gene methylation. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:1721-1739. [PMID: 34424394 PMCID: PMC8536631 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenome-wide studies report higher methylation among women than men with decreasing levels with age. Little is known about associations of sex and age with methylation of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA). Methylation of the first exonic and partial first intronic region of MAOA has been shown to strengthen associations of interactions of MAOA-uVNTR genotypes and adversity with aggression and substance misuse. Our study examined associations of sex and age with MAOA first exon and intron methylation levels in 252 women and 157 men aged 14–73 years. Participants included adolescents recruited at a substance misuse clinic, their siblings and parents, and healthy women. Women showed ~ 50% higher levels of exonic, and ~ 15% higher intronic, methylation than men. Methylation levels were similar between younger (M = 22.7 years) and older (M = 46.1 years) participants, and stable across age. Age modified few associations of methylation levels with sex. MAOA genotypes modified few associations of methylation with sex and age. Higher methylation levels among women were not explained by genotype, nor interaction of genotype and sexual abuse. Findings were similar after adjusting for lifetime diagnoses of substance dependence (women = 24.3%; men = 34.2%). Methylation levels were higher among women who experienced sexual abuse than women who did not. Results extend on prior studies by showing that women display higher levels of methylation than men within first intronic/exonic regions of MAOA, which did not decrease with age in either sex. Findings were not conditioned by genotype nor interactions of genotype and trauma, and indicate X-chromosome inactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Checknita
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Psychiatry Building R5:00 c/o Jari Tiihonen, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Centre for Clinical Research, Västmanland County Council, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Psychiatry Building R5:00 c/o Jari Tiihonen, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Psychiatry Building R5:00 c/o Jari Tiihonen, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.,Département de Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kent W Nilsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research, Västmanland County Council, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Lee RS, Song SQ, Garrison-Desany HM, Carey JL, Lasutschinkow P, Zabel A, Bressler J, Gropman A, Samango-Sprouse C. DNA methylation and behavioral dysfunction in males with 47,XXY and 49,XXXXY: a pilot study. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:136. [PMID: 34210361 PMCID: PMC8252231 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01123-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Equal dosage of X-linked genes between males and females is maintained by the X-inactivation of the second X chromosome in females through epigenetic mechanisms. Boys with aneuploidy of the X chromosome exhibit a host of symptoms such as low fertility, musculoskeletal anomalies, and cognitive and behavioral deficits that are presumed to be caused by the abnormal dosage of these genes. The objective of this pilot study is to assess the relationship between CpG methylation, an epigenetic modification, at several genes on the X chromosome and behavioral dysfunction in boys with supernumerary X chromosomes. Results Two parental questionnaires, the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), were analyzed, and they showed expected differences in both internal and external behaviors between neurotypical (46,XY) boys and boys with 49,XXXXY. There were several CpGs in AR and MAOA of boys with 49,XXXXY whose methylation levels were skewed from levels predicted from having one active (Xa) and three inactive (Xi) X chromosomes. Further, methylation levels of multiple CpGs in MAOA showed nominally significant association with externalizing behavior on the CBCL, and the methylation level of one CpG in AR showed nominally significant association with the BRIEF Regulation Index. Conclusions Boys with 49,XXXXY displayed higher levels of CpG methylation at regulatory intronic regions in X-linked genes encoding the androgen receptor (AR) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), compared to that in boys with 47,XXY and neurotypical boys. Our pilot study results suggest a link between CpG methylation levels and behavior in boys with 49,XXXXY. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01123-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Lee
- The Mood Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sophia Q Song
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD, USA
| | - Henri M Garrison-Desany
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jenny L Carey
- The Mood Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Gropman
- Department of Neurology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.,Division of Neurogenetics and Developmental Pediatrics, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Carole Samango-Sprouse
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA. .,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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14
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Sanfilippo C, Castrogiovanni P, Imbesi R, Lazzarino G, Di Pietro V, Li Volti G, Tibullo D, Barbagallo I, Lazzarino G, Avola R, Musumeci G, Fazio F, Vinciguerra M, Di Rosa M. Sex-dependent monoamine oxidase isoforms expression patterns during human brain ageing. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 197:111516. [PMID: 34097937 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111516] [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: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Human behavior is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is among the most investigated genetic determinants of violent behaviors, while the monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) is explored in Parkinson's disease. We collected twenty-four post-mortem brain tissue datasets of 3871 and 1820 non-demented males and females, respectively, who died from causes not attributable to neurodegenerative diseases. The gene expressions of MAOA and MAOB (MAO genes) were analyzed in these subjects, who were further stratified according to age into eleven groups ranging from late Infancy (5-9 months) to centenarians (>100 years). MAO genes were differently expressed in brains during the entire life span. In particular, maximal and minimal expression levels were found in early life and around the teen years. Females tended to have higher MAO gene levels throughout their lives than those found in age-matched males, even when expressions were separately measured in different brain regions. We demonstrated the existence of age- and sex- related variations in the MAO transcript levels in defined brain regions. More in-depth protein studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results obtained only on messenger RNAs in order to establish the role played by MAO genes in human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sanfilippo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, Strada Statale 113, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Paola Castrogiovanni
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa Imbesi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lazzarino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Pietro
- Neurotrauma and Ophthalmology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Daniele Tibullo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Section of Biochemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lazzarino
- UniCamillus - Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant'Alessandro 8, 00131, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Biochemistry, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, Health Science, San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- International Clinical Research Center (FNUSA-ICRC), St' Anne University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michelino Di Rosa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Anatomy, Histology and Movement Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Italy.
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15
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Jones DN, Raghanti MA. The role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 114:101957. [PMID: 33836221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.101957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase enzymes are responsible for the degredation of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the central neurvous system. Although it has been nearly 100 years since they were first described, we are still learning about their role in the healthy brain and how they are altered in various disease states. The present review provides a survey of our current understanding of monoamine oxidases, with a focus on their contributions to neuropsychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disease. Important species differences in monoamine oxidase function and development in the brain are highlighted. Sex-specific monoamine oxidase regulatory mechanisms and their implications for various neurological disorders are also discussed. While our understanding of these critical enzymes has expanded over the last century, gaps exist in our understanding of sex and species differences and the roles monoamine oxidases may play in conditions often comorbid with neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N Jones
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology and School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA; Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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16
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Soga T, Teo CH, Parhar I. Genetic and Epigenetic Consequence of Early-Life Social Stress on Depression: Role of Serotonin-Associated Genes. Front Genet 2021; 11:601868. [PMID: 33584798 PMCID: PMC7874148 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.601868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity caused by poor social bonding and deprived maternal care is known to affect mental wellbeing and physical health. It is a form of chronic social stress that persists because of a negative environment, and the consequences are long-lasting on mental health. The presence of social stress during early life can have an epigenetic effect on the body, possibly resulting in many complex mental disorders, including depression in later life. Here, we review the evidence for early-life social stress-induced epigenetic changes that modulate juvenile and adult social behavior (depression and anxiety). This review has a particular emphasis on the interaction between early-life social stress and genetic variation of serotonin associate genes including the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT; also known as SLC6A4), which are key molecules involved in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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17
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Ludwig B, Carlberg L, Kienesberger K, Swoboda P, Mitschek MMM, Bernegger A, Koller R, Inaner M, Senft B, Meisner L, Fischer-Hansal D, Affenzeller A, Huber J, Schoenthaler S, Kapusta ND, Haslacher H, Aigner M, Weinhaeusel A, Kasper S, Schosser A. Monoamino Oxidase A Gene Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Methylation Status and the Risk of Violent Suicide Attempts in Affective Disorder Patients. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:667191. [PMID: 34421667 PMCID: PMC8378401 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.667191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: When investigating the neurobiology of suicidal behavior, Monoamino Oxidase A (MAOA) is one of the prime suspects to consider. Interestingly, MAOA dysregulation has also been associated with violent behavior in previous publications. In the present study, we aimed to establish an association between polymorphisms of the MAOA gene and methylation status of the MAOA gene Exon I, and suicide attempts with violent methods in a sample of affective disorder patients. Methods: Eight hundred fourteen Caucasian affective disorder patients were assessed at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the Medical University Vienna, the Karl Landsteiner University for Health and Science and Zentren für seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med Leopoldau. An assemblage of psychiatric interviews was performed (e.g., SCAN, HAMD, SBQ-R, CTQ) and DNA samples of peripheral blood cells were collected for Sequenom MassARRAY® iPLEX Gold genotyping and Multiplexed and Sensitive DNA Methylation Testing. Results: Female affective disorder patients with a history of violent suicide attempt were found to have a significantly increased frequency of the AA genotype in the rs5906957 single nucleotide polymorphism (p = 0.003). Furthermore, the MAOA gene exon I promoter region showed significantly decreased methylation in female violent suicide attempter(s) as opposed to female affective disorder patients who had no history of suicide attempt or no history of suicide attempt with violent method. Limitations: The small sample size hampers to reveal small genetic effects as to be expected in psychiatric disorders. Conclusions: This study offers promising findings about associations between the MAOA gene and violent suicide especially in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Ludwig
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Laura Carlberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klemens Kienesberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Swoboda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marleen M M Mitschek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Bernegger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Romina Koller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michelle Inaner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Senft
- Zentren für Seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa Meisner
- Zentren für Seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med, Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Fischer-Hansal
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Zentren für Seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Jasmin Huber
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Silvia Schoenthaler
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nestor D Kapusta
- Department of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helmuth Haslacher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Aigner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Karl Landsteiner University for Health and Science, Tulln, Austria
| | - Andreas Weinhaeusel
- Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexandra Schosser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Zentren für Seelische Gesundheit, BBRZ-Med, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Kolla NJ, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in the neurobiology of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior: A tale of mice and men. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 194:101875. [PMID: 32574581 PMCID: PMC7609507 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene implicated in aggression is MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A), which encodes the key enzyme for the degradation of serotonin and catecholamines. Congenital MAOA deficiency, as well as low-activity MAOA variants, has been associated with a higher risk for antisocial behavior (ASB) and violence, particularly in males with a history of child maltreatment. Indeed, the interplay between low MAOA genetic variants and early-life adversity is the best-documented gene × environment (G × E) interaction in the pathophysiology of aggression and ASB. Additional evidence indicates that low MAOA activity in the brain is strongly associated with a higher propensity for aggression; furthermore, MAOA inhibition may be one of the primary mechanisms whereby prenatal smoke exposure increases the risk of ASB. Complementary to these lines of evidence, mouse models of Maoa deficiency and G × E interactions exhibit striking similarities with clinical phenotypes, proving to be valuable tools to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying antisocial and aggressive behavior. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the knowledge on the involvement of MAOA in aggression, as defined by preclinical and clinical evidence. In particular, we show how the convergence of human and animal research is proving helpful to our understanding of how MAOA influences antisocial and violent behavior and how it may assist in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for aggressive manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada; Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
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19
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Straight B, Fisher G, Needham BL, Naugle A, Olungah C, Wanitjirattikal P, Root C, Farman J, Barkman T, Lalancette C. Lifetime stress and war exposure timing may predict methylation changes at NR3C1 based on a pilot study in a warrior cohort in a small-scale society in Kenya. Am J Hum Biol 2020; 33:e23515. [PMID: 33058324 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Candidate gene methylation studies of NR3C1 have identified associations with psychosocial adversity, including war trauma. This pilot study (sample sizes from 22 to 45 for primary analyses) examined NR3C1 methylation in a group of Kenyan pastoralist young men in relation to culturally relevant traumatic experiences, including participation in coalitional lethal gun violence. METHODS Adolescent and young adult Samburu men ("warriors") were recruited for participation. DNA was obtained from whole saliva and methylation analyses performed using mass spectrometry. We performed a data reduction of variables from a standardized instrument of lifetime stress using a factor analysis and we assessed the association between the extracted factors with culturally relevant and cross-culturally comparative experiences. RESULTS Cumulative lifetime trauma exposure and forms of violence to which warriors are particularly susceptible were associated with DNA methylation changes in the NR3C1 1F promoter region but not in the NR3C1 1D promoter region. However, sensitivity analyses revealed significant associations between individual CpG sites in both regions and cumulative stress exposures, war exposure timing, and war fatalities. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the importance of NR3C1 methylation changes in response to challenging life circumstances, including in a global south cultural context that contrasts in notable ways from global north contexts and from the starkly tragic examples of the Rwandan genocide and war-associated rape explored in recent studies. Timing of traumatic exposure and culturally salient means to measure enduring symptoms of trauma remain important considerations for DNA methylation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilinda Straight
- Department of Anthropology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Georgiana Fisher
- Department of Statistics, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Belinda L Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Amy Naugle
- Department of Psychology, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Charles Olungah
- University of Nairobi Institute of Anthropology, Gender & African Studies, Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Cecilia Root
- Unaffiliated (Western Michigan University Department of Anthropology Alum), Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Jen Farman
- Unaffiliated (Western Michigan University Department of Anthropology Alum), Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Todd Barkman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
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20
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Kollert L, Schiele MA, Thiel C, Menke A, Deckert J, Domschke K. DNA hypomethylation of the Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11) gene promoter: a putative biomarker of depression comorbidity in panic disorder and of non-anxious depression? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2020; 127:1539-1546. [PMID: 32524199 PMCID: PMC7578153 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-020-02216-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Panic disorder (PD) is one of the most common anxiety disorders and often occurs comorbidly with major depressive disorder (MDD). Altered methylation of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene has been implicated in the etiology of both PD and MDD. The Krüppel-like factor 11 (KLF11; alias TIEG2), an activating transcription factor of the MAOA gene, has been found to be increased in MDD, but has not yet been investigated in PD. In an effort to further delineate the effects of the KLF11–MAOA pathway in anxiety and affective disorders, KLF11 promoter methylation was analyzed via pyrosequencing of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA isolated from human peripheral blood in two independent samples of PD patients with or without comorbid MDD in a case–control design (sample 1: N = 120) as well as MDD patients with and without anxious depression (sample 2: N = 170). Additionally, in sample 1, KLF11 methylation was correlated with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) scores. No overall association of KLF11 promoter methylation with PD was detected. However, PD patients with comorbid MDD showed significant hypomethylation relative to both healthy controls (p = 0.010) and PD patients without comorbid MDD (p = 0.008). Furthermore, KLF11 methylation was negatively correlated with BDI-II scores in PD patients (p = 0.013). MDD patients without anxious features showed nominally decreased KLF11 methylation in comparison to MDD patients with anxious depression (p = 0.052). The present results suggest KLF11 promoter hypomethylation as a potential epigenetic marker of MDD comorbidity in PD or of non-anxious depression, respectively, possibly constituting a differential pathomechanism in anxiety and mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Kollert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Thiel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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The effect of SLC6A3 variable number of tandem repeats and methylation levels on individual susceptibility to start tobacco smoking and on the ability of smokers to quit smoking. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2020; 30:117-123. [PMID: 32371614 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0000000000000403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nicotine acts through the dopamine pathway in the brain affecting reward processing through cigarette consumption. Thus, both genetic and epigenetic factors related to dopamine metabolism may influence individual's smoking behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied variations of two variable numbers of tandem repeats (VNTRs), 40 and 30 bp in length, in SLC6A3 gene together with six DNA methylation sites located in a first intron of the gene in relation to several smoking-related phenotypes in a study population consisting of 1230 Whites of Russian origin. RESULTS Both the 5R allele of 30 bp VNTR and the 9R allele of 40 bp VNTR in SLC6A3 were associated with a reduced risk to tobacco smoking [odds ratio (OR) 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.37-0.75; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.43-0.88]. Although the carriers of 9R allele also had high Fagerström test for nicotine dependence scores (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.04-2.60), they were still more likely to succeed in smoking cessation (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.40-0.88). Also, current smokers had more than 2.5-fold likelihood to have increased SLC6A3 methylation levels than former smokers (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.63-4.53). CONCLUSION The SLC6A3 5R of 30 bp and 9R of 40 bp VNTR variants may lead to a reduced risk to start smoking through decreased dopamine availability, and can also affect the success in subsequent smoking cessation attempts. Moreover, the elevated mean methylation values in the first intron of SLC6A3 may be related to nicotine dependence via a more active dopamine transporter.
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Deibel SH, McDonald RJ, Kolla NJ. Are Owls and Larks Different When it Comes to Aggression? Genetics, Neurobiology, and Behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:39. [PMID: 32256322 PMCID: PMC7092663 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the contribution of circadian rhythms to aggression with a multifaceted approach incorporating genetics, neural networks, and behavior. We explore the hypothesis that chronic circadian misalignment is contributing to increased aggression. Genes involved in both circadian rhythms and aggression are discussed as a possible mechanism for increased aggression that might be elicited by circadian misalignment. We then discuss the neural networks underlying aggression and how dysregulation in the interaction of these networks evoked by circadian rhythm misalignment could contribute to aggression. The last section of this review will present recent human correlational data demonstrating the association between chronotype and/or circadian misalignment with aggression. With circadian rhythms and aggression being a burgeoning area of study, we hope that this review initiates more interest in this promising and topical area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott H Deibel
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Robert J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AL, Canada
| | - Nathan J Kolla
- Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Schiele MA, Thiel C, Deckert J, Zaudig M, Berberich G, Domschke K. Monoamine Oxidase A Hypomethylation in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Reversibility By Successful Psychotherapy? Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 23:319-323. [PMID: 32133483 PMCID: PMC7251630 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyaa016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic markers such as DNA methylation of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene have previously been shown to be altered in anxiety- and stress-related disorders and to constitute a potential mechanism of action of psychotherapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy in these disorders. The present study for the first time, to our knowledge, investigated MAOA methylation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder applying a longitudinal psychotherapy-epigenetic approach. METHODS The present sample comprised 14 unmedicated female patients with primary obsessive-compulsive disorder and 14 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. MAOA promoter methylation was analyzed via direct sequencing of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA extracted from whole blood before and after an 8- to 10-week semi-standardized, obsessive-compulsive disorder-specific cognitive behavioral therapy. Clinical response was assessed by means of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale. RESULTS Significantly lower MAOA promoter methylation was discerned in obsessive-compulsive disorder patients relative to healthy controls. Data were available for 12 patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder and 14 controls. Furthermore, following cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical improvement, i.e., decreases in obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms as indicated by lower scores on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was found to be significantly correlated with increases in MAOA methylation levels in patients (data available for n = 7). CONCLUSIONS The present pilot data suggest MAOA hypomethylation as a potential risk marker of obsessive-compulsive disorder and an increase in MAOA methylation levels as a possible mechanistic correlate of response to cognitive behavioral therapy in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Thiel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany,Correspondence: Prof. Katharina Domschke, MA, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany ()
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24
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Monoamine oxidase A genotype and methylation moderate the association of maltreatment and aggressive behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2020; 382:112476. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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25
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Schiele MA, Gottschalk MG, Domschke K. The applied implications of epigenetics in anxiety, affective and stress-related disorders - A review and synthesis on psychosocial stress, psychotherapy and prevention. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 77:101830. [PMID: 32163803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mental disorders are highly complex and multifactorial in origin, comprising an elaborate interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA modifications (e.g. CpG methylation), histone modifications (e.g. acetylation) and microRNAs function as a translator between genes and the environment. Indeed, environmental influences such as exposure to stress shape epigenetic patterns, and lifetime experiences continue to alter the function of the genome throughout the lifespan. Here, we summarize the recently burgeoning body of research regarding the involvement of aberrant epigenetic signatures in mediating an increased vulnerability to a wide range of mental disorders. We review the current knowledge of epigenetic changes to constitute useful markers predicting the clinical response to psychotherapeutic interventions, and of psychotherapy to alter - and potentially reverse - epigenetic risk patterns. Given first evidence pointing to a transgenerational transmission of epigenetic information, epigenetic alterations arising from successful psychotherapy might be transferred to future generations and thus contribute to the prevention of mental disorders. Findings are integrated into a multi-level framework highlighting challenges pertaining to the mechanisms of action and clinical implications of epigenetic research. Promising future directions regarding the prediction, prevention, and personalized treatment of mental disorders in line with a 'precision medicine' approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael G Gottschalk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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26
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Monoamine oxidase polymorphisms in rhesus and Japanese macaques (Macaca mulatta and M. fuscata). J Chem Neuroanat 2020; 103:101726. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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27
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Nilsen FM, Tulve NS. A systematic review and meta-analysis examining the interrelationships between chemical and non-chemical stressors and inherent characteristics in children with ADHD. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 180:108884. [PMID: 31706600 PMCID: PMC6937727 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Children may be more vulnerable to the combined interactions of chemical and non-chemical stressors from their built, natural, and social environments when compared to adults. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurodevelopmental disorder and is considered a major public health issue, as 75% of childhood cases persist into adulthood. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention, with the neurotransmitter serotonin regulating these symptoms. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) aids in serotonin uptake and is often implicated in behavioral and emotional disorders, including ADHD. When children are exposed to cigarette smoke, bisphenol A (BPA), or organophosphate pesticides, MAOA activity is inhibited. Non-chemical stressors, such as traumatic childhood experiences, and lifestyle factors, complicate the relationship between genotype and exposures to chemical stressors. But the co-occurrence among outcomes between exposures to chemical stressors, non-chemical stressors, and the low activity MAOA genotype suggest that mental illness in children may be influenced by multiple interacting factors. In this systematic review, we examine the existing literature that combines exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors (specifically childhood trauma), MAOA characteristics, and ADHD diagnosis to investigate the interrelationships present. We observe that chemical (lead [Pb], phthalates/plasticizers, persistent organic pollutants, and cigarette smoke) exposure is significantly related to ADHD in children. We also observed that existing literature examining the interaction between MAOA, exposures to chemical stressors, and traumatic experiences and their effect on ADHD outcomes is sparse. We recommend that future studies investigating childhood ADHD include chemical and non-chemical stressors and inherent characteristics to gain a holistic understanding of childhood mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M Nilsen
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Post-Doctoral Participant, U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Nicolle S Tulve
- U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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28
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Smolka MN, Reimold M, Kobiella A, Reischl G, Rietschel M, Heinz A. Smoking moderates association of 5-HTTLPR and in vivo availability of serotonin transporters. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:171-178. [PMID: 30587400 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.08.509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although preclinical studies clearly indicate an effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) expression, studies in humans provided inconclusive results, hypothetically due to environmental factors and differences in individual behavior. For example, nicotine and other constituents of tobacco smoke elevate serotonin (5-HT) levels in the brain and may thereby cause homeostatic adaptations in 5-HTT availability that moderate effects of 5-HTTLPR genotype. To test whether 5-HTT availability in the midbrain is affected by smoking status and 5-HTTLPR genotype, we pooled data from prior studies on in vivo 5-HTT availability (BPND) measured with positron emission tomography (PET) and [11C]DASB. In total, we reanalyzed 5-HTT availability in 116 subjects using ANCOVA statistics. ROI analysis revealed that current smokers and non-smokers do not differ in midbrain BPND. Interestingly, smoking status significantly interacted with 5-HTTLPR genotype: active smoking was associated with reduced 5-HTT availability only in LL subjects but not in carriers of the S-allele. From the perspective of genotype effects, non-smokers showed the expected association with 5-HTTLPR, i.e. higher 5-HTT availability in LL subjects compared to carriers of the S-allele, whereas this pattern was actually reversed for active smokers. Our study indicates that smoking status moderates the association of 5-HTTLPR genotype and 5-HTT expression, which may help to explain inconsistent findings in previous studies. Regarding the mechanism, we suggest that smoking may induce epigenetic processes such as methylation of SLC6A4, which can differ depending on its genetic constitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Würzburger Straße 35, Dresden 01187, Germany.
| | - Matthias Reimold
- PET Center, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Kobiella
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroimaging Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Würzburger Straße 35, Dresden 01187, Germany
| | - Gerald Reischl
- Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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29
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van der Toorn M, Koshibu K, Schlage WK, Majeed S, Pospisil P, Hoeng J, Peitsch MC. Comparison of monoamine oxidase inhibition by cigarettes and modified risk tobacco products. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:1206-1215. [PMID: 31768332 PMCID: PMC6872813 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adverse effects of cigarette smoking are well documented, and the two main strategies for reducing smoking prevalence are prevention of smoking initiation and promotion of smoking cessation. More recently, a third and complementary avenue, tobacco harm reduction has emerged, which is aimed to reduce the burden of smoking-related diseases. This has been enabled by the development of novel products such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products, designed to deliver nicotine with significantly reduced levels of the toxicants that are emitted by cigarettes. Several potential modified risk tobacco products (pMRTP) have been reported to emit significantly less toxicants than cigarettes and significantly reduce toxicant exposure in smokers who switch completely to such products. These are two prerequisites for pMRTPs to reduce harm and the risk of smoking-related disease. However, concerns remain regarding the addictive nature of these products. Smoking addiction is a complex phenomenon involving multiple pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors. Although the main pharmacological substance associated with smoking addiction is nicotine, accumulating evidence suggests that nicotine mostly acts as a primary reinforcer and that other factors are involved in establishing smoking addiction. Inhibition of monoamine oxidases (MAO)-mammalian flavoenzymes with a central role in neurotransmitter metabolism-has also been suggested to be involved in this process. Therefore, we aimed to comparatively investigate the ability of several types of pMRTPs and cigarette smoke (3R4F) to inhibit MAO activity. The results showed that the heated tobacco product Tobacco Heating System (THS) 2.2 and the MESH 1.1 e-cigarette possessed no MAO inhibitory activity while 3R4F significantly inhibits the levels of MAO activity (3R4F MAO-A and B; > 2 μM nicotine). Snus products have similar inhibition profiles as 3R4F but for larger nicotine concentrations (snus MAO-A; ∼68-fold, snus MAO-B; ∼23-fold higher compared to 3R4F). These observations were confirmed by analytical datasets of potential MAO inhibitors emitted by these products. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that specific pMRTPs, namely THS 2.2 and MESH 1.1, have a significantly lower MAO-inhibitory activity than 3R4F. These findings provide a basis for further investigation of the role of MAO inhibitors in cigarette addiction as well as the implications of the findings for abuse liability of pMRTPs in comparison with cigarettes.
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Key Words
- 3R4F, reference cigarette
- CRP, CORESTA Reference Product
- CS, cigarette smoke
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- E-cigarettes
- FID, flame ionization detection
- GC, gas chromatography
- GCW, General Classic White
- GVP, gas–vapor phase
- Harm reduction
- IC50, half maximal inhibitory concentrations
- Ki, Inhibition Constant
- Km, Michaelis constant
- MAO, monoamine oxidases
- MESH, electronic cigarette
- Monoamine oxidase
- PBS, phosphate-buffered saline
- PMI, Philip Morris International
- PREP, potential reduced exposure products
- RT, room temperature
- Snus
- THS, Tobacco Heating System
- TPM, total particulate matter (TPM)
- Tobacco heating system
- cDNA, complementary DNA
- pMRTP, potential modified risk tobacco products
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco van der Toorn
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Kyoko Koshibu
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Walter K Schlage
- Biology Consultant, Max-Baermann-Str. 21, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Shoaib Majeed
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Pavel Pospisil
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Julia Hoeng
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel C Peitsch
- Department of Systems Toxicology, PMI R&D, Philip Morris Products S.A., Quai Jeanrenaud 5, CH-2000, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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Wiers CE, Lohoff FW, Lee J, Muench C, Freeman C, Zehra A, Marenco S, Lipska BK, Auluck PK, Feng N, Sun H, Goldman D, Swanson JM, Wang GJ, Volkow ND. Methylation of the dopamine transporter gene in blood is associated with striatal dopamine transporter availability in ADHD: A preliminary study. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 48:1884-1895. [PMID: 30033547 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine transporters (DAT) are implicated in the pathogenesis and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and are upregulated by chronic treatment with methylphenidate, commonly prescribed for ADHD. Methylation of the DAT1 gene in brain and blood has been associated with DAT expression in rodents' brains. Here we tested the association between methylation of the DAT1 promoter derived from blood and DAT availability in the striatum of unmedicated ADHD adult participants and in that of healthy age-matched controls (HC) using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and [11 C]cocaine. Results showed no between-group differences in DAT1 promoter methylation or striatal DAT availability. However, the degree of methylation in the promoter region of DAT1 correlated negatively with DAT availability in caudate in ADHD participants only. DAT availability in VS correlated with inattention scores in ADHD participants. We verified in a postmortem cohort with ADHD diagnosis and without, that DAT1 promoter methylation in peripheral blood correlated positively with DAT1 promoter methylation extracted from substantia nigra (SN) in both groups. In the cohort without ADHD diagnosis, DAT1 gene expression in SN further correlated positively with DAT protein expression in caudate; however, the sample size of the cohort with ADHD was insufficient to investigate DAT1 and DAT expression levels. Overall, these findings suggest that peripheral DAT1 promoter methylation may be predictive of striatal DAT availability in adults with ADHD. Due to the small sample size, more work is needed to validate whether DAT1 methylation in blood predicts DAT1 methylation in SN in ADHD and controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinde E Wiers
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Falk W Lohoff
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jisoo Lee
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christine Muench
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Clara Freeman
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amna Zehra
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Stefano Marenco
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Barbara K Lipska
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Pavan K Auluck
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ningping Feng
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hui Sun
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - David Goldman
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James M Swanson
- Child Development Center, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Gene-Jack Wang
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nora D Volkow
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Konar A, Rastogi M, Bhambri A. Brain region specific methylation and Sirt1 binding changes in MAOA promoter is associated with sexual dimorphism in early life stress induced aggressive behavior. Neurochem Int 2019; 129:104510. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Bendre M, Granholm L, Drennan R, Meyer A, Yan L, Nilsson KW, Nylander I, Comasco E. Early life stress and voluntary alcohol consumption in relation to Maoa methylation in male rats. Alcohol 2019; 79:7-16. [PMID: 30414913 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) or alcohol consumption can influence DNA methylation and affect gene expression. Monoamine oxidase A (Maoa) encodes the enzyme that metabolizes monoaminergic neurotransmitters crucial for the stress response, alcohol reward, and reinforcement. Previously, we reported lower Maoa expression in the nucleus accumbens and dorsal striatum of male rats exposed to ELS during the first three postnatal weeks, and to voluntary alcohol consumption in adulthood, compared with controls. The present study continued to investigate the effect of ELS and alcohol consumption on Maoa methylation, and its relation to Maoa expression in these animals. We selected candidate CpGs after performing next-generation bisulfite sequencing of the Maoa promoter, intron 1-5, and exons 5 and 6, together composed of 107 CpGs (5'-cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-3'), in a subgroup of rats. Pyrosequencing was used to analyze the methylation of 10 candidate CpGs in the promoter and intron 1 in the entire sample. ELS and alcohol displayed an interactive effect on CpG-specific methylation in the dorsal striatum. CpG-specific methylation correlated with Maoa expression, corticosterone levels, and alcohol consumption in a brain region-specific manner. CpG-specific methylation in the Maoa promoter was a potential moderator of the interaction of ELS with alcohol consumption on Maoa expression in the NAc. However, the findings were sparse, did not survive correction for multiple testing, and the magnitude of differences in methylation levels was small. In conclusion, CpG-specific Maoa methylation in the promoter and intron 1 may associate with ELS, alcohol consumption, and Maoa expression in reward-related brain regions.
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Harneit A, Braun U, Geiger LS, Zang Z, Hakobjan M, van Donkelaar MMJ, Schweiger JI, Schwarz K, Gan G, Erk S, Heinz A, Romanczuk-Seiferth N, Witt S, Rietschel M, Walter H, Franke B, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Tost H. MAOA-VNTR genotype affects structural and functional connectivity in distributed brain networks. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:5202-5212. [PMID: 31441562 PMCID: PMC6864897 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have linked the low expression variant of a variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA‐L) to the risk for impulsivity and aggression, brain developmental abnormalities, altered cortico‐limbic circuit function, and an exaggerated neural serotonergic tone. However, the neurobiological effects of this variant on human brain network architecture are incompletely understood. We studied healthy individuals and used multimodal neuroimaging (sample size range: 219–284 across modalities) and network‐based statistics (NBS) to probe the specificity of MAOA‐L‐related connectomic alterations to cortical‐limbic circuits and the emotion processing domain. We assessed the spatial distribution of affected links across several neuroimaging tasks and data modalities to identify potential alterations in network architecture. Our results revealed a distributed network of node links with a significantly increased connectivity in MAOA‐L carriers compared to the carriers of the high expression (H) variant. The hyperconnectivity phenotype primarily consisted of between‐lobe (“anisocoupled”) network links and showed a pronounced involvement of frontal‐temporal connections. Hyperconnectivity was observed across functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of implicit emotion processing (pFWE = .037), resting‐state fMRI (pFWE = .022), and diffusion tensor imaging (pFWE = .044) data, while no effects were seen in fMRI data of another cognitive domain, that is, spatial working memory (pFWE = .540). These observations are in line with prior research on the MAOA‐L variant and complement these existing data by novel insights into the specificity and spatial distribution of the neurogenetic effects. Our work highlights the value of multimodal network connectomic approaches for imaging genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Harneit
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Urs Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lena S Geiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Zhenxiang Zang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marina Hakobjan
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marjolein M J van Donkelaar
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Janina I Schweiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gabriela Gan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Susanne Erk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Romanczuk-Seiferth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephanie Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Golub MS, Hogrefe CE, Campos LJ, Fox AS. Serotonin Transporter Binding Potentials in Brain of Juvenile Monkeys 1 Year After Discontinuation of a 2-Year Treatment With Fluoxetine. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2019; 4:948-955. [PMID: 31471184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential long-term effects of childhood fluoxetine therapy on brain serotonin systems were studied using a nonhuman primate model, the rhesus monkey. METHODS Juvenile male rhesus (1-4 years of age, corresponding to 4-11 years of age in children) were treated orally with fluoxetine (2 mg/kg) or vehicle daily for 2 years and removed from treatment during the third year. Each treatment group was assigned an equal number of subjects with low and high transcription polymorphisms of MAOA. One year after discontinuation of treatment, positron emission tomography scans were conducted (n = 8 treated monkeys, n = 8 control monkeys) using [11C]DASB to quantify serotonin transporter in 16 cortical and subcortical regions. RESULTS Fluoxetine-treated monkeys with MAOA low transcription polymorphism had significantly lower [11C]DASB binding potentials than control monkeys. This finding was seen throughout the brain but was strongest in prefrontal and cingulate cortices. The MAOA × fluoxetine interaction was enhanced by binding potentials that were nonsignificantly higher in monkeys with high transcription polymorphism. CONCLUSIONS Juvenile fluoxetine treatment has residual posttreatment effects on brain serotonin transporter that depend on MAOA genotype. MAOA genotype may be important to consider when treating children with fluoxetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mari S Golub
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California.
| | - Casey E Hogrefe
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Lillian J Campos
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Andrew S Fox
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California; Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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Bidwell LC, Karoly HC, Thayer RE, Claus ED, Bryan AD, Weiland BJ, YorkWilliams S, Hutchison KE. DRD2 promoter methylation and measures of alcohol reward: functional activation of reward circuits and clinical severity. Addict Biol 2019; 24:539-548. [PMID: 29464814 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Studies have identified strong associations between D2 receptor binding potential and neural responses to rewarding stimuli and substance use. Thus, D2 receptor perturbations are central to theoretical models of the pathophysiology of substance dependence, and epigenetic changes may represent one of the fundamental molecular mechanisms impacting the effects of alcohol exposure on the brain. We hypothesized that epigenetic alterations in the promoter region of the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene would be associated with cue-elicited activation of neural reward regions, as well as severity of alcohol use behavior. The current study leveraged functional neuroimaging (fMRI) during an alcohol reward paradigm (n = 383) to test associations among DRD2 promoter methylation in peripheral tissue, signal change in the striatum during the presentation of alcohol cues, and severity of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Controlling for age, DRD2 promoter methylation was positively associated with responses to alcohol cues in the right accumbens (partial r = 0.144, P = 0.005), left putamen (partial r = 0.133, P = 0.009), right putamen (partial r = 0.106, P = 0.039), left caudate (partial r = 0.117, P = 0.022), and right caudate (partial r = 0.133, P = 0.009), suggesting that DRD2 methylation was positively associated with robust activation in the striatum in response to reward cues. DRD2 methylation was also positively associated with clinical metrics of AUD severity. Specifically, controlling for age, DRD2 methylation was associated with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test total (partial r = 0.140, P = 0.002); Impaired Control Scale total (partial r = 0.097, P = 0.044) and Alcohol Dependence Scale total (partial r = 0.152, P = 0.001). Thus, DRD2 methylation may be a critical mechanism linking D2 receptors with functional striatal brain changes and clinical severity among alcohol users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hollis C. Karoly
- Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | - Rachel E. Thayer
- Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | | | - Angela D. Bryan
- Institute of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | - Barbara J. Weiland
- Institute of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | - Sophie YorkWilliams
- Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
| | - Kent E. Hutchison
- Institute of Cognitive ScienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
- Department of Psychology & NeuroscienceUniversity of Colorado Boulder Boulder CO USA
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Prosocial Emotion, Adolescence, and Warfare. HUMAN NATURE-AN INTERDISCIPLINARY BIOSOCIAL PERSPECTIVE 2019; 30:192-216. [DOI: 10.1007/s12110-019-09344-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Chistiakov DA, Chekhonin VP. Early-life adversity-induced long-term epigenetic programming associated with early onset of chronic physical aggression: Studies in humans and animals. World J Biol Psychiatry 2019; 20:258-277. [PMID: 28441915 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2017.1322714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To examine whether chronic physical aggression (CPA) in adulthood can be epigenetically programmed early in life due to exposure to early-life adversity. Methods: Literature search of public databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE and Scopus. Results: Children/adolescents susceptible for CPA and exposed to early-life abuse fail to efficiently cope with stress that in turn results in the development of CPA later in life. This phenomenon was observed in humans and animal models of aggression. The susceptibility to aggression is a complex trait that is regulated by the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. Epigenetic mechanisms mediate this interaction. Subjects exposed to stress early in life exhibited long-term epigenetic programming that can influence their behaviour in adulthood. This programming affects expression of many genes not only in the brain but also in other systems such as neuroendocrine and immune. Conclusions: The propensity to adult CPA behaviour in subjects experienced to early-life adversity is mediated by epigenetic programming that involves long-term systemic epigenetic alterations in a whole genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitry A Chistiakov
- a Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology , Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology , Moscow , Russia
| | - Vladimir P Chekhonin
- a Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology , Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology , Moscow , Russia.,b Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology , Pirogov Russian State Medical University (RSMU) , Moscow , Russia
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38
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Im S, Jeong J, Jin G, Yeom J, Jekal J, Lee SI, Cho JA, Lee S, Lee Y, Kim DH, Bae M, Heo J, Moon C, Lee CH. MAOA variants differ in oscillatory EEG & ECG activities in response to aggression-inducing stimuli. Sci Rep 2019; 9:2680. [PMID: 30804379 PMCID: PMC6390082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-39103-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the genetic variations in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, upstream variable number tandem repeats (uVNTRs) of the promoter have been associated with individual differences in human physiology and aggressive behaviour. However, the evidence for a molecular or neural link between MAOA uVNTRs and aggression remains ambiguous. Additionally, the use of inconsistent promoter constructs in previous studies has added to the confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate the genetic function of MAOA uVNTR and its effects on multiple aspects of aggression. Here, we identified three MAOA alleles in Koreans: the predominant 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, as well as the rare 2.5R allele. There was a minor difference in transcriptional efficiency between the 3.5R and 4.5R alleles, with the greatest value for the 2.5R allele, in contrast to existing research. Psychological indices of aggression did not differ among MAOA genotypes. However, our electroencephalogram and electrocardiogram results obtained under aggression-related stimulation revealed oscillatory changes as novel phenotypes that vary with the MAOA genotype. In particular, we observed prominent changes in frontal γ power and heart rate in 4.5R carriers of men. Our findings provide genetic insights into MAOA function and offer a neurobiological basis for various socio-emotional mechanisms in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- SeungYeong Im
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jinju Jeong
- Undergraduate School Administration Team, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
- Well Aging Research Center, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Gwonhyu Jin
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jiwoo Yeom
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | | | - Sang-Im Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jung Ah Cho
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Sukkyoo Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Youngmi Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Kim
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Mijeong Bae
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jinhwa Heo
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea
| | - Cheil Moon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Graduate School, DGIST, Daegu, Korea.
| | - Chang-Hun Lee
- School of Undergraduate Studies, DGIST, Daegu, Korea.
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39
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Chang HI, Chang YT, Tsai SJ, Huang CW, Hsu SW, Liu ME, Chang WN, Lien CY, Huang SH, Lee CC, Chang CC. MAOA-VNTR Genotype Effects on Ventral Striatum-Hippocampus Network in Alzheimer's Disease: Analysis Using Structural Covariance Network and Correlation with Neurobehavior Performance. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4518-4529. [PMID: 30338484 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1394-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Functional polymorphisms in the promoter region of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene are associated with brain MAOA activity and transcriptional efficiency in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study investigated structural covariance networks mediated by MAOA-variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) genotypes in patients with AD, and assessed whether this effect was associated with sex. A total of 193 patients with AD were classified into four genotype groups based on MAOA transcriptional efficiency (female low [L], low-high + high activity groups [LH + H]; male L, male H groups). Structural covariance networks were constructed focusing on triple-network and striatal networks. Covariance strength was analyzed in the four groups, and the genotype and sex main effects and their interactions were analyzed. Significant peak cluster volumes were correlated with neurobehavioral scores to establish the clinical significance. MAOA genotypes mediated the structural covariance strength on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC)-caudate axis in both sexes, but a higher covariance strength was shown in the female L group and male H group. The independent effect of male sex was related to higher covariance strength in the frontal medial superior region in the dLPFC, dorsal caudate (DC), and ventral superior striatum (VSs) seeds. In contrast, female sex had higher covariance strength in the frontal opercular areas anchored by the dLPFC, DC, and VSs seeds. Topographies showing higher covariance strength with sex interactions were found in the male H group and female L group in the dLPFC supplementary motor axis, DC-SMA, and DC-precentral axis. In our patients with AD, MAOA-VNTR polymorphisms and sex had independent and interactive effects on structural covariance networks, of which the dLPFC-, VSs-, and DC-anchored networks represented major endophenotypes that determined cognitive outcomes. The sex-genotype interaction model suggested that male high activity and female low activity may modulate brain morphometric connectivity and determine cognitive scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-I Chang
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
- Institute of Human Resource Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Psychiatric Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Mu-En Liu
- Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Neng Chang
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lien
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hua Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of General Neurology, Cognitive and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan.
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40
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Ziegler C, Domschke K. Epigenetic signature of MAOA and MAOB genes in mental disorders. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1581-1588. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Smoking dependence is the main cause for tobacco-related illnesses. The addiction-causing substance in tobacco, nicotine, acts through the dopamine pathway in the brain, causing several pleasurable experiences through cigarette smoking. Thus, both genetic and epigenetic factors related to dopamine metabolism may play an important role in influencing an individual's smoking behavior. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied the 1460 C/T variation and the variable number tandem repeat polymorphism in the MAOA gene and A/G variation in intron 13 in the MAOB gene together with four DNA methylation sites in both of these genes in relation to several smoking-related phenotypes in a study population of 1230 Whites of Russian origin. RESULTS The genotypes studied were found to be associated with smoking status in women; the MAOB G variant allele was more prevalent in female smokers than nonsmokers [odds ratio (OR): 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08-4.33], whereas a reverse relation was observed for the MAOA 1460 T-variant allele (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21-0.91) and variable number tandem repeat low-activity alleles (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24-0.98). Moreover, the mean methylation values of the CpG sites studied in the MAOA gene were related to smoking behavior in women. Similarly, several methylation patterns in the MAOB gene were associated with a smoking history, with each CpG site showing a remarkable sex dependence. CONCLUSION Smoking behavior seems to be related to the genetic and epigenetic profile of MAO genes, with considerable individual and sex-related differences.
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42
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Quartey MO, Nyarko JNK, Pennington PR, Heistad RM, Klassen PC, Baker GB, Mousseau DD. Alzheimer Disease and Selected Risk Factors Disrupt a Co-regulation of Monoamine Oxidase-A/B in the Hippocampus, but Not in the Cortex. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:419. [PMID: 29997470 PMCID: PMC6029266 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) and MAO-B have both been implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer disease (AD). We examined 60 autopsied control and AD donor brain samples to determine how well MAO function aligned with two major risk factors for AD, namely sex and APOE ε4 status. MAO-A activity was increased in AD cortical, but not hippocampal, samples. In contrast, MAO-B activity was increased in both regions (with a strong input from female donors) whether sample means were compared based on: (a) diagnosis alone; (b) diagnosis-by-APOE ε4 status (i.e., carriers vs. non-carriers of the ε4 allele); or (c) APOE ε4 status alone (i.e., ignoring ‘diagnosis’ as a variable). Sample means strictly based on the donor’s sex did not reveal any difference in either MAO-A or MAO-B activity. Unexpectedly, we found that cortical MAO-A and MAO-B activities were highly correlated in both males and females (if focussing strictly on the donor’s sex), while in the hippocampus, any correlation was lost in female samples. Stratifying for sex-by-APOE ε4 status revealed a strong correlation between cortical MAO-A and MAO-B activities in both non-carriers and carriers of the allele, but any correlation in hippocampal samples was lost in carriers of the allele. A diagnosis of AD disrupted the correlation between MAO-A and MAO-B activities in the hippocampus, but not the cortex. We observed a novel region-dependent co-regulation of MAO-A and MAO-B mRNAs (but not proteins), while a lack of correlation between MAO activities and the respective proteins corroborated previous reports. Overexpression of human APOE4 increased MAO activity (but not mRNA/protein) in C6 and in HT-22 cell cultures. We identified a novel co-regulation of MAO-A and MAO-B activities that is spared from any influence of risk factors for AD or AD itself in the cortex, but vulnerable to these same factors in the hippocampus. Sex- and region-dependent abilities to buffer influences on brain MAO activities could have significant bearing on ambiguous outcomes when monoaminergic systems are targeted in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maa O Quartey
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Jennifer N K Nyarko
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Paul R Pennington
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Ryan M Heistad
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Paula C Klassen
- The Pharmacology-Physiology Honours Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Glen B Baker
- Neurochemical Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Darrell D Mousseau
- Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,The Pharmacology-Physiology Honours Program, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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Schiele MA, Ziegler C, Kollert L, Katzorke A, Schartner C, Busch Y, Gromer D, Reif A, Pauli P, Deckert J, Herrmann MJ, Domschke K. Plasticity of Functional MAOA Gene Methylation in Acrophobia. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:822-827. [PMID: 30169842 PMCID: PMC6119289 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed to mediate fear extinction in animal models. Here, MAOA methylation was analyzed via direct sequencing of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA extracted from blood cells before and after a 2-week exposure therapy in a sample of n = 28 female patients with acrophobia as well as in n = 28 matched healthy female controls. Clinical response was measured using the Acrophobia Questionnaire and the Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire. The functional relevance of altered MAOA methylation was investigated by luciferase-based reporter gene assays. MAOA methylation was found to be significantly decreased in patients with acrophobia compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, MAOA methylation levels were shown to significantly increase after treatment and correlate with treatment response as reflected by decreasing Acrophobia Questionnaire/Attitude Towards Heights Questionnaire scores. Functional analyses revealed decreased reporter gene activity in presence of methylated compared with unmethylated pCpGfree_MAOA reporter gene vector constructs. The present proof-of-concept psychotherapy-epigenetic study for the first time suggests functional MAOA methylation changes as a potential epigenetic correlate of treatment response in acrophobia and fosters further investigation into the notion of epigenetic mechanisms underlying fear extinction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christiane Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Kollert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Katzorke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schartner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Yasmin Busch
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Gromer
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Biological Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Deckert
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin J Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany,Correspondence: Katharina Domschke, MA, MD, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany ()
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Cecil CA, Walton E, Jaffee SR, O’Connor T, Maughan B, Relton CL, Smith RG, McArdle W, Gaunt TR, Ouellet-Morin I, Barker ED. Neonatal DNA methylation and early-onset conduct problems: A genome-wide, prospective study. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:383-397. [PMID: 28595673 PMCID: PMC7612607 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941700092x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Early-onset conduct problems (CP) are a key predictor of adult criminality and poor mental health. While previous studies suggest that both genetic and environmental risks play an important role in the development of early-onset CP, little is known about potential biological processes underlying these associations. In this study, we examined prospective associations between DNA methylation (cord blood at birth) and trajectories of CP (4-13 years), using data drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Methylomic variation at seven loci across the genome (false discovery rate < 0.05) differentiated children who go on to develop early-onset (n = 174) versus low (n = 86) CP, including sites in the vicinity of the monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) gene (involved in endocannabinoid signaling and pain perception). Subthreshold associations in the vicinity of three candidate genes for CP (monoamine oxidase A [MAOA], brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF], and FK506 binding protein 5 [FKBP5]) were also identified. Within the early-onset CP group, methylation levels of the identified sites did not distinguish children who will go on to persist versus desist in CP behavior over time. Overall, we found that several of the identified sites correlated with prenatal exposures, and none were linked to known genetic methylation quantitative trait loci. Findings contribute to a better understanding of epigenetic patterns associated with early-onset CP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esther Walton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Sara R. Jaffee
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Barbara Maughan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - Caroline L. Relton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - Wendy McArdle
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Tom R. Gaunt
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | - Edward D. Barker
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
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Checknita D, Ekström TJ, Comasco E, Nilsson KW, Tiihonen J, Hodgins S. Associations of monoamine oxidase A gene first exon methylation with sexual abuse and current depression in women. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1053-1064. [PMID: 29600412 PMCID: PMC5999185 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1875-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Childhood physical abuse (PA) and sexual abuse (SA) interact with monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene polymorphism to modify risk for mental disorders. In addition, PA and SA may alter gene activity through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, thereby further modifying risk for disorders. We investigated whether methylation in a region spanning the MAOA first exon and part of the first intron was associated with PA and/or SA, MAOA genotype, alcohol dependence, drug dependence, depression disorders, anxiety disorders, and conduct disorder. 114 Swedish women completed standardized diagnostic interviews and questionnaires to report PA and SA, and provided saliva samples for DNA extraction. DNA was genotyped for MAOA-uVNTR polymorphisms, and methylation of a MAOA region of interest (chrX: 43,515,544–43,515,991) was measured. SA, not PA, was associated with hypermethylation of the MAOA first exon relative to no-abuse, and the association was robust to adjustment for psychoactive medication, alcohol and drug dependence, and current substance use. SA and MAOA-uVNTR genotype, but not their interaction, was associated with MAOA methylation. SA associated with all measured mental disorders. Hypermethylation of MAOA first exon mediated the association of SA with current depression, and both methylation levels and SA independently predicted lifetime depression. Much remains to be learned about the independent effects of SA and MAOA-uVNTR genotypes on methylation of the MAOA first exon.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Checknita
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden. .,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Psychiatry Building R5:00 c/o Jari Tiihonen, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tomas J Ekström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kent W Nilsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research, Västmanland County Council, Uppsala University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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DNA methylation and clinical response to antidepressant medication in major depressive disorder: A review and recommendations. Neurosci Lett 2018; 669:14-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Bendre M, Comasco E, Checknita D, Tiihonen J, Hodgins S, Nilsson KW. Associations Between MAOA-uVNTR Genotype, Maltreatment, MAOA Methylation, and Alcohol Consumption in Young Adult Males. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:508-519. [PMID: 29222910 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic mechanisms are candidate moderators of the effect of maltreatment on brain and behavior. Interactions between maltreatment and the monoamine oxidase A upstream variable number tandem repeat genotype (MAOA-uVNTR) are associated with alcohol-related problems. However, presently it is not known whether DNA methylation moderates this association. The study focused on 53 young adult males and aimed to determine whether MAOA methylation moderated the association of alcohol-related problems with the interaction of MAOA-uVNTR and maltreatment, and whether alcohol consumption moderated the association of MAOA methylation with the interaction of MAOA-uVNTR and maltreatment. METHODS MAOA-uVNTR genotypes with ≤ 3 and > 3 repeats were categorized as short (S) and long (L), respectively. Data on maltreatment were obtained retrospectively, using self-reported questionnaires. DNA methylation of 16 candidate CpGs within part of the MAOA first exon and intron was assessed and grouped based on principal component analyses. Alcohol-related problems were assessed using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Alcohol consumption was measured using AUDIT-C. Moderation effects were assessed and probed using the moderated moderation model and Johnson-Neyman's method, respectively. RESULTS Carriers of the S allele, who experienced maltreatment and displayed lower Component 1 (mean of CpGs 13-16 in the first intron) MAOA methylation levels, reported higher AUDIT score in contrast to L-allele carriers. Carriers of the S allele, who reported higher AUDIT-C score and experienced maltreatment, displayed lower Component 3 (mean of CpGs 2-6 in the first exon) MAOA methylation levels than L-allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS Intronic methylation moderated the association of alcohol-related problems with the interaction of MAOA-uVNTR and maltreatment. Alcohol consumption moderated the association of exonic methylation with the interaction of MAOA-uVNTR and maltreatment. These results suggest that epigenetic factors as well as genotype and maltreatment play a role in the development of alcohol misuse among young adult males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Bendre
- Department of Neuroscienc, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscienc, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Dave Checknita
- Department of Neuroscienc, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sheilagh Hodgins
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Kent W Nilsson
- Centre for Clinical Research, Uppsala University, County Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
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Comasco E, Rangmar J, Eriksson UJ, Oreland L. Neurological and neuropsychological effects of low and moderate prenatal alcohol exposure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 28470828 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Several explanations for the diverse results in research on foetal alcohol spectrum disorders or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder might be at hand: timing, amount and patterns of alcohol exposure, as well as complex epigenetic responses. The genetic background of the offspring and its interaction with other prenatal and post-natal environmental cues are likely also of importance. In the present report, key findings about the possible effects of low and moderate doses of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the offspring are reviewed and plausible mechanisms discussed. Special focus is put on the serotonergic system within developmental and gene-environment frameworks. The review also suggests guidelines for future studies and also summarizes some of to-be-answered questions of relevance to clinical practice. Contradictory findings and paucity of studies on the effects of exposure to low alcohol levels during foetal life for the offspring's neuropsychological development call for large prospective studies, as well as for studies including neuroimaging and multi-omics analyses to dissect the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol exposure-related phenotypes and to identify biomarkers. Finally, it remains to be investigated whether any safe threshold of alcohol drinking during pregnancy can be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - J. Rangmar
- Department of Psychology; University of Gothenburg; Gothenburg Sweden
| | - U. J. Eriksson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
| | - L. Oreland
- Department of Neuroscience; Uppsala University; Uppsala Sweden
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Naoi M, Maruyama W, Shamoto-Nagai M. Type A and B monoamine oxidases distinctly modulate signal transduction pathway and gene expression to regulate brain function and survival of neurons. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:1635-1650. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1832-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Kolla NJ, Meyer J, Sanches M, Charbonneau J. Monoamine Oxidase-A Genetic Variants and Childhood Abuse Predict Impulsiveness in Borderline Personality Disorder. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2017; 15:343-351. [PMID: 29073746 PMCID: PMC5678484 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2017.15.4.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Objective Impulsivity is a core feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) that likely arises from combined genetic and environmental influences. The interaction of the low activity variant of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA-L) gene and early childhood adversity has been shown to predict aggression in clinical and non-clinical populations. Although impulsivity is a risk factor for aggression in BPD and ASPD, little research has investigated potential gene-environment (G×E) influences impacting its expression in these conditions. Moreover, G×E interactions may differ by diagnosis. Methods Full factorial analysis of variance was employed to investigate the influence of monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A) genotype, childhood abuse, and diagnosis on Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) scores in 61 individuals: 20 subjects with BPD, 18 subjects with ASPD, and 23 healthy controls. Results A group×genotype×abuse interaction was present (F(2,49)=4.4, p=0.018), such that the interaction of MAOA-L and childhood abuse predicted greater BIS-11 motor impulsiveness in BPD. Additionally, BPD subjects reported higher BIS-11 attentional impulsiveness versus ASPD participants (t(1,36)=2.3, p=0.025). Conclusion These preliminary results suggest that MAOA-L may modulate the impact of childhood abuse on impulsivity in BPD. Results additionally indicate that impulsiveness may be expressed differently in BPD and ASPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Meyer
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marcos Sanches
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - James Charbonneau
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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