1
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Tiane A, Schepers M, Reijnders RA, van Veggel L, Chenine S, Rombaut B, Dempster E, Verfaillie C, Wasner K, Grünewald A, Prickaerts J, Pishva E, Hellings N, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T. From methylation to myelination: epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling of chronic inactive demyelinated multiple sclerosis lesions. Acta Neuropathol 2023; 146:283-299. [PMID: 37286732 PMCID: PMC10328906 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-023-02596-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS), the hampered differentiation capacity of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) eventually results in remyelination failure. We have previously shown that DNA methylation of Id2/Id4 is highly involved in OPC differentiation and remyelination. In this study, we took an unbiased approach by determining genome-wide DNA methylation patterns within chronically demyelinated MS lesions and investigated how certain epigenetic signatures relate to OPC differentiation capacity. We compared genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptional profiles between chronically demyelinated MS lesions and matched normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), making use of post-mortem brain tissue (n = 9/group). DNA methylation differences that inversely correlated with mRNA expression of their corresponding genes were validated for their cell-type specificity in laser-captured OPCs using pyrosequencing. The CRISPR-dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system was used to epigenetically edit human-iPSC-derived oligodendrocytes to assess the effect on cellular differentiation. Our data show hypermethylation of CpGs within genes that cluster in gene ontologies related to myelination and axon ensheathment. Cell type-specific validation indicates a region-dependent hypermethylation of MBP, encoding for myelin basic protein, in OPCs obtained from white matter lesions compared to NAWM-derived OPCs. By altering the DNA methylation state of specific CpGs within the promotor region of MBP, using epigenetic editing, we show that cellular differentiation and myelination can be bidirectionally manipulated using the CRISPR-dCas9-DNMT3a/TET1 system in vitro. Our data indicate that OPCs within chronically demyelinated MS lesions acquire an inhibitory phenotype, which translates into hypermethylation of crucial myelination-related genes. Altering the epigenetic status of MBP can restore the differentiation capacity of OPCs and possibly boost (re)myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Tiane
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Rick A. Reijnders
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lieve van Veggel
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Sarah Chenine
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
| | - Emma Dempster
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Catherine Verfaillie
- Stem Cell Institute, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kobi Wasner
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Anne Grünewald
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Institute of Neurogenetics, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Niels Hellings
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
- Department of Immunology and Infection, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University MS Center (UMSC) Hasselt, Pelt, Belgium
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2
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Paes D, Schepers M, Willems E, Rombaut B, Tiane A, Solomina Y, Tibbo A, Blair C, Kyurkchieva E, Baillie GS, Ricciarelli R, Brullo C, Fedele E, Bruno O, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. Ablation of specific long PDE4D isoforms increases neurite elongation and conveys protection against amyloid-β pathology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:178. [PMID: 37306762 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) enzymes has been investigated as therapeutic strategy to treat memory problems in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although PDE4D inhibitors are effective in enhancing memory processes in rodents and humans, severe side effects may hamper their clinical use. PDE4D enzymes comprise different isoforms, which, when targeted specifically, can increase treatment efficacy and safety. The function of PDE4D isoforms in AD and in molecular memory processes per se has remained unresolved. Here, we report the upregulation of specific PDE4D isoforms in transgenic AD mice and hippocampal neurons exposed to amyloid-β. Furthermore, by means of pharmacological inhibition and CRISPR-Cas9 knockdown, we show that the long-form PDE4D3, -D5, -D7, and -D9 isoforms regulate neuronal plasticity and convey resilience against amyloid-β in vitro. These results indicate that isoform-specific, next to non-selective, PDE4D inhibition is efficient in promoting neuroplasticity in an AD context. Therapeutic effects of non-selective PDE4D inhibitors are likely achieved through actions on long isoforms. Future research should identify which long PDE4D isoforms should be specifically targeted in vivo to both improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Paes
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Assia Tiane
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Yevgeniya Solomina
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Amy Tibbo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Connor Blair
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Elka Kyurkchieva
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - George S Baillie
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Roberta Ricciarelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Experimental Medicine, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Brullo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ernesto Fedele
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Olga Bruno
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy, School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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3
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Bassil K, Krontira AC, Leroy T, Escoto AIH, Snijders C, Pernia CD, Pasterkamp RJ, de Nijs L, van den Hove D, Kenis G, Boks MP, Vadodaria K, Daskalakis NP, Binder EB, Rutten BPF. In vitro modeling of the neurobiological effects of glucocorticoids: A review. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 23:100530. [PMID: 36891528 PMCID: PMC9986648 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA)axis dysregulation has long been implicated in stress-related disorders such as major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are released from the adrenal glands as a result of HPA-axis activation. The release of GCs is implicated with several neurobiological changes that are associated with negative consequences of chronic stress and the onset and course of psychiatric disorders. Investigating the underlying neurobiological effects of GCs may help to better understand the pathophysiology of stress-related psychiatric disorders. GCs impact a plethora of neuronal processes at the genetic, epigenetic, cellular, and molecular levels. Given the scarcity and difficulty in accessing human brain samples, 2D and 3D in vitro neuronal cultures are becoming increasingly useful in studying GC effects. In this review, we provide an overview of in vitro studies investigating the effects of GCs on key neuronal processes such as proliferation and survival of progenitor cells, neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, neuronal activity, inflammation, genetic vulnerability, and epigenetic alterations. Finally, we discuss the challenges in the field and offer suggestions for improving the use of in vitro models to investigate GC effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bassil
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Anthi C Krontira
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Leroy
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alana I H Escoto
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Clara Snijders
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Cameron D Pernia
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Laurence de Nijs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marco P Boks
- Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Krishna Vadodaria
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, United States
| | | | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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4
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van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Koulousakis P, Tiane A, Hellings N, Prickaerts J. A perspective on causality assessment in epigenetic research on neurodegenerative disorders. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:331-332. [PMID: 35900421 PMCID: PMC9396512 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.343898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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5
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Koulousakis P, Willems E, Schepers M, Rombaut B, Prickaerts J, Vanmierlo T, van den Hove D. Exogenous Oxytocin Administration Restores Memory in Female APP/PS1 Mice. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 96:1207-1219. [PMID: 37927260 PMCID: PMC10741313 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatment options for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are limited, inefficient, and often have serious side effects. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide implicated in a variety of central processes, such as social and reproductive behaviors. Among others, it has garnered attention in various domains of psychiatric research, while its role in the development and course of neurodegenerative disorders like AD is rather unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the role of exogenous oxytocin administration on memory, specifically in view of AD, as a potential novel treatment option. METHODS We describe a novel treatment approach by using a relatively low dose of long-term intranasal oxytocin treatment, to restore memory deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice. RESULTS Female APPswePS1dE9 mice treated with oxytocin showed increased spatial memory performance in the object location task and improved working memory in the Y-Maze, while indicating decreased sociability. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that oxytocin is able to reverse acquired cognitive deficits in female APPswePS1dE9 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Koulousakis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Emily Willems
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium
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6
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Klein L, Ophelders DR, van den Hove D, Damoiseaux M, Rutten BP, Reutelingsperger CP, Schurgers LJ, Wolfs TG. Prenatal administration of multipotent adult progenitor cells modulates the systemic and cerebral immune response in an ovine model of chorioamnionitis. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 23:100458. [PMID: 35647567 PMCID: PMC9136278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic and cerebral inflammation following antenatal infection (e.g. chorioamnionitis) and dysregulation of the blood brain barrier (BBB) are major risk factors for abnormal neonatal brain development. Administration of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) represents an interesting pharmacological strategy as modulator of the peripheral and cerebral immune response and protector of BBB integrity. We studied the immunomodulatory and protective cerebrovascular potential of prenatally administered MAPCs in a preclinical ovine model for antenatal inflammation. Ovine fetuses were intra-amniotically (i.a.) exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline at gestational day 125, followed by the intravenous administration of 1*107 MAPCs or saline at gestational day 127. Circulating inflammation markers were measured. Fetal brains were examined immuno-histochemically post-mortem at gestational day 132. Fetal plasma IL-6 levels were elevated significantly 24 h after LPS administration. In utero systemic MAPC treatment after LPS exposure increased Annexin A1 (ANXA1) expression in the cerebrovascular endothelium, indicating enforcement of BBB integrity, and increased the number of leukocytes at brain barriers throughout the brain. Further characterisation of brain barrier-associated leukocytes showed that monocyte/choroid plexus macrophage (IBA-1+/CD206+) and neutrophil (MPO+) populations predominantly contributed to the LPS-MAPC-induced increase of CD45+cells. In the choroid plexus, the percentage of leukocytes expressing the proresolving mediator ANXA1 tended to be decreased after LPS-induced antenatal inflammation, an effect reversed by systemic MAPC treatment. Accordingly, expression levels of ANXA1 per leukocyte were decreased after LPS and restored after subsequent MAPC treatment. Increased expression of ANXA1 by the cerebrovasculature and immune cells at brain barriers following MAPC treatment in an infectious setting indicate a MAPC driven early defence mechanism to protect the neonatal brain against infection-driven inflammation and potential additional pro-inflammatory insults in the neonatal period. MAPCs administered systemically enhance the brain directed immune response in an inflammation dependent manner in preterm fetuses. Annexin A1 expression is increased in cerebrovasculature and immune cells at brain barriers when MAPCs were i.v. administered in the infectious setting. MAPCs potentially protect the neonatal brain by enforcing the blood brain barrier and modulating inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Klein
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daan R.M.G. Ophelders
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Maurits Damoiseaux
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Bart P.F. Rutten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Chris P.M. Reutelingsperger
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Leon J. Schurgers
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, the Netherlands
| | - Tim G.A.M. Wolfs
- School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. School for Oncology and Reproduction (GROW), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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7
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Rivero O, Alhama-Riba J, Ku HP, Fischer M, Ortega G, Álmos P, Diouf D, van den Hove D, Lesch KP. Haploinsufficiency of the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Risk Gene St3gal3 in Mice Causes Alterations in Cognition and Expression of Genes Involved in Myelination and Sialylation. Front Genet 2021; 12:688488. [PMID: 34650588 PMCID: PMC8505805 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.688488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome wide association meta-analysis identified ST3GAL3, a gene encoding the beta-galactosidase-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase-III, as a risk gene for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although loss-of-function mutations in ST3GAL3 are implicated in non-syndromic autosomal recessive intellectual disability (NSARID) and West syndrome, the impact of ST3GAL3 haploinsufficiency on brain function and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as ADHD, is unknown. Since St3gal3 null mutant mice display severe developmental delay and neurological deficits, we investigated the effects of partial inactivation of St3gal3 in heterozygous (HET) knockout (St3gal3±) mice on behavior as well as expression of markers linked to myelination processes and sialylation pathways. Our results reveal that male St3gal3 HET mice display cognitive deficits, while female HET animals show increased activity, as well as increased cognitive control, compared to their wildtype littermates. In addition, we observed subtle alterations in the expression of several markers implicated in oligodendrogenesis, myelin formation, and protein sialylation as well as cell adhesion/synaptic target glycoproteins of ST3GAL3 in a brain region- and/or sex-specific manner. Taken together, our findings indicate that haploinsufficiency of ST3GAL3 results in a sex-dependent alteration of cognition, behavior and markers of brain plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Rivero
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Valencia, Spain
| | - Judit Alhama-Riba
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hsing-Ping Ku
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Ortega
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Péter Álmos
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - David Diouf
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Paes D, Schepers M, Rombaut B, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. The Molecular Biology of Phosphodiesterase 4 Enzymes as Pharmacological Targets: An Interplay of Isoforms, Conformational States, and Inhibitors. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:1016-1049. [PMID: 34233947 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme family plays a pivotal role in regulating levels of the second messenger cAMP. Consequently, PDE4 inhibitors have been investigated as a therapeutic strategy to enhance cAMP signaling in a broad range of diseases, including several types of cancers, as well as in various neurologic, dermatological, and inflammatory diseases. Despite their widespread therapeutic potential, the progression of PDE4 inhibitors into the clinic has been hampered because of their related relatively small therapeutic window, which increases the chance of producing adverse side effects. Interestingly, the PDE4 enzyme family consists of several subtypes and isoforms that can be modified post-translationally or can engage in specific protein-protein interactions to yield a variety of conformational states. Inhibition of specific PDE4 subtypes, isoforms, or conformational states may lead to more precise effects and hence improve the safety profile of PDE4 inhibition. In this review, we provide an overview of the variety of PDE4 isoforms and how their activity and inhibition is influenced by post-translational modifications and interactions with partner proteins. Furthermore, we describe the importance of screening potential PDE4 inhibitors in view of different PDE4 subtypes, isoforms, and conformational states rather than testing compounds directed toward a specific PDE4 catalytic domain. Lastly, potential mechanisms underlying PDE4-mediated adverse effects are outlined. In this review, we illustrate that PDE4 inhibitors retain their therapeutic potential in myriad diseases, but target identification should be more precise to establish selective inhibition of disease-affected PDE4 isoforms while avoiding isoforms involved in adverse effects. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Although the PDE4 enzyme family is a therapeutic target in an extensive range of disorders, clinical use of PDE4 inhibitors has been hindered because of the adverse side effects. This review elaborately shows that safer and more effective PDE4 targeting is possible by characterizing 1) which PDE4 subtypes and isoforms exist, 2) how PDE4 isoforms can adopt specific conformations upon post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions, and 3) which PDE4 inhibitors can selectively bind specific PDE4 subtypes, isoforms, and/or conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Paes
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands (D.P, M.S., B.R., D.v.d.H., T.V., J.P.); Department of Neuroscience, Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt, Belgium (D.P., M.S., B.R., T.V.); and Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany (D.v.d.H.)
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9
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Vitale MR, Zöller JEM, Jansch C, Janz A, Edenhofer F, Klopocki E, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T, Rivero O, Nadif Kasri N, Ziegler GC, Lesch KP. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines carrying a heterozygous (UKWMPi002-A-1) and null mutant knockout (UKWMPi002-A-2) of Cadherin 13 associated with neurodevelopmental disorders using CRISPR/Cas9. Stem Cell Res 2021; 51:102169. [PMID: 33486346 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2021.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblasts isolated from a skin biopsy of a healthy 46-year-old female were infected with Sendai virus containing the Yamanaka factors to produce transgene-free human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). CRISPR/Cas9 was used to generate isogenic cell lines with a gene dose-dependent deficiency of CDH13, a risk gene associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Thereby, a heterozygous CDH13 knockout (CDH13+/-) and a CDH13 null mutant (CDH13-/-) iPSC line was obtained. All three lines showed expression of pluripotency-associated markers, the ability to differentiate into cells of the three germ layers in vitro, and a normal female karyotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Vitale
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Johanna Eva Maria Zöller
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Charline Jansch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anna Janz
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center (CHFC) and Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Frank Edenhofer
- Department of Genomics, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biology & CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva Klopocki
- Institute of Human Genetics, Biocentre, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Neuro-immune Connect and Repair Lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Belgium
| | - Olga Rivero
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Georg Christoph Ziegler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Germany; Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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10
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Rombaut B, Kessels S, Schepers M, Tiane A, Paes D, Solomina Y, Piccart E, Hove DVD, Brône B, Prickaerts J, Vanmierlo T. PDE inhibition in distinct cell types to reclaim the balance of synaptic plasticity. Theranostics 2021; 11:2080-2097. [PMID: 33500712 PMCID: PMC7797685 DOI: 10.7150/thno.50701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the functional units of the brain. They form specific contact points that drive neuronal communication and are highly plastic in their strength, density, and shape. A carefully orchestrated balance between synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, i.e., the elimination of weak or redundant synapses, ensures adequate synaptic density. An imbalance between these two processes lies at the basis of multiple neuropathologies. Recent evidence has highlighted the importance of glia-neuron interactions in the synaptic unit, emphasized by glial phagocytosis of synapses and local excretion of inflammatory mediators. These findings warrant a closer look into the molecular basis of cell-signaling pathways in the different brain cells that are related to synaptic plasticity. In neurons, intracellular second messengers, such as cyclic guanosine or adenosine monophosphate (cGMP and cAMP, respectively), are known mediators of synaptic homeostasis and plasticity. Increased levels of these second messengers in glial cells slow down inflammation and neurodegenerative processes. These multi-faceted effects provide the opportunity to counteract excessive synapse loss by targeting cGMP and cAMP pathways in multiple cell types. Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are specialized degraders of these second messengers, rendering them attractive targets to combat the detrimental effects of neurological disorders. Cellular and subcellular compartmentalization of the specific isoforms of PDEs leads to divergent downstream effects for these enzymes in the various central nervous system resident cell types. This review provides a detailed overview on the role of PDEs and their inhibition in the context of glia-neuron interactions in different neuropathologies characterized by synapse loss. In doing so, it provides a framework to support future research towards finding combinational therapy for specific neuropathologies.
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11
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Koulousakis P, van den Hove D, Visser-Vandewalle V, Sesia T. Cognitive Improvements After Intermittent Deep Brain Stimulation of the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert in a Transgenic Rat Model for Alzheimer's Disease: A Preliminary Approach. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 73:461-466. [PMID: 31868670 DOI: 10.3233/jad-190919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) has been shown to exert promising therapeutical effects in a pilot study with patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease (AD). We aimed at comparing the cognitive effects of intermittent and continuous NBM stimulation paradigms in an animal model for AD. In this exploratory study, aged Tgf344-AD rats were behaviorally tested pre-, and post implantation, while being stimulated with unilateral- or bilateral-intermittent and bilateral-continuous patterns. Bilateral-intermittent NBM DBS lead to supernormal performance in a spatial memory task. These findings suggest that NBM DBS could be further refined, thereby improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippos Koulousakis
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Veerle Visser-Vandewalle
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thibaut Sesia
- Department of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,European Graduate School of Neuroscience (EURON), AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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12
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Genzel L, Adan R, Berns A, van den Beucken JJJP, Blokland A, Boddeke EHWGM, Bogers WM, Bontrop R, Bulthuis R, Bousema T, Clevers H, Coenen TCJJ, van Dam AM, Deen PMT, van Dijk KW, Eggen BJL, Elgersma Y, Erdogan I, Englitz B, Fentener van Vlissingen JM, la Fleur S, Fouchier R, Fitzsimons CP, Frieling W, Haagmans B, Heesters BA, Henckens MJAG, Herfst S, Hol E, van den Hove D, de Jonge MI, Jonkers J, Joosten LAB, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kampinga HH, Kas MJ, Keijer J, Kersten S, Kiliaan AJ, Kooij TWA, Kooijman S, Koopman WJH, Korosi A, Krugers HJ, Kuiken T, Kushner SA, Langermans JAM, Lesscher HMB, Lucassen PJ, Lutgens E, Netea MG, Noldus LPJJ, van der Meer JWM, Meye FJ, Mul JD, van Oers K, Olivier JDA, Pasterkamp RJ, Philippens IHCHM, Prickaerts J, Pollux BJA, Rensen PCN, van Rheenen J, van Rij RP, Ritsma L, Rockx BHG, Roozendaal B, van Schothorst EM, Stittelaar K, Stockhofe N, Swaab DF, de Swart RL, Vanderschuren LJMJ, de Vries TJ, de Vrij F, van Wezel R, Wierenga CJ, Wiesmann M, Willuhn I, de Zeeuw CI, Homberg JR. How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research. Curr Biol 2020; 30:4328. [PMID: 33142090 PMCID: PMC7605800 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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13
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Genzel L, Adan R, Berns A, van den Beucken JJJP, Blokland A, Boddeke EHWGM, Bogers WM, Bontrop R, Bulthuis R, Bousema T, Clevers H, Coenen TCJJ, van Dam AM, Deen PMT, van Dijk KW, Eggen BJL, Elgersma Y, Erdogan I, Englitz B, Fentener van Vlissingen JM, la Fleur S, Fouchier R, Fitzsimons CP, Frieling W, Haagmans B, Heesters BA, Henckens MJAG, Herfst S, Hol E, van den Hove D, de Jonge MI, Jonkers J, Joosten LAB, Kalsbeek A, Kamermans M, Kampinga HH, Kas MJ, Keijer JA, Kersten S, Kiliaan AJ, Kooij TWA, Kooijman S, Koopman WJH, Korosi A, Krugers HJ, Kuiken T, Kushner SA, Langermans JAM, Lesscher HMB, Lucassen PJ, Lutgens E, Netea MG, Noldus LPJJ, van der Meer JWM, Meye FJ, Mul JD, van Oers K, Olivier JDA, Pasterkamp RJ, Philippens IHCHM, Prickaerts J, Pollux BJA, Rensen PCN, van Rheenen J, van Rij RP, Ritsma L, Rockx BHG, Roozendaal B, van Schothorst EM, Stittelaar K, Stockhofe N, Swaab DF, de Swart RL, Vanderschuren LJMJ, de Vries TJ, de Vrij F, van Wezel R, Wierenga CJ, Wiesmann M, Willuhn I, de Zeeuw CI, Homberg JR. How the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the necessity of animal research. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R1014-R1018. [PMID: 32961149 PMCID: PMC7416712 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a petition was offered to the European Commission calling for an immediate ban on animal testing. Although a Europe-wide moratorium on the use of animals in science is not yet possible, there has been a push by the non-scientific community and politicians for a rapid transition to animal-free innovations. Although there are benefits for both animal welfare and researchers, advances on alternative methods have not progressed enough to be able to replace animal research in the foreseeable future. This trend has led first and foremost to a substantial increase in the administrative burden and hurdles required to make timely advances in research and treatments for human and animal diseases. The current COVID-19 pandemic clearly highlights how much we actually rely on animal research. COVID-19 affects several organs and systems, and the various animal-free alternatives currently available do not come close to this complexity. In this Essay, we therefore argue that the use of animals is essential for the advancement of human and veterinary health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Genzel
- Radboud University, 6525 XZ Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Roger Adan
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Berns
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Arjan Blokland
- Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H W G M Boddeke
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willy M Bogers
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Bontrop
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands
| | - R Bulthuis
- Metris BV, 2132 NG Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Teun Bousema
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- University Medical Center, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Anne-Marie van Dam
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - K W van Dijk
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J L Eggen
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Izel Erdogan
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Susanne la Fleur
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Fouchier
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos P Fitzsimons
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bart Haagmans
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Balthasar A Heesters
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sander Herfst
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elly Hol
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Marien I de Jonge
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Leo A B Joosten
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm H Kampinga
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J Kas
- University of Groningen, 9712 CP Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - J Aap Keijer
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kersten
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda J Kiliaan
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Taco W A Kooij
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Kuiken
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven A Kushner
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A M Langermans
- Biomedical Primate Research Centre, 2288 GJ Rijswijk, The Netherlands; Utrecht University, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mihai G Netea
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank J Meye
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joram D Mul
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kees van Oers
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute of Ecology(NIOO-KNAW), 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- University Medical Center, Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jos Prickaerts
- Maastricht University, 6211 LK Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - B J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Ronald P van Rij
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Laila Ritsma
- Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Barry H G Rockx
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - K Stittelaar
- Viroclinics Xplore, 5374 RE Schaijk, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Stockhofe
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, 8221 RA Lelystad, The Netherlands
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rik L de Swart
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Taco J de Vries
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Femke de Vrij
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Ingo Willuhn
- Amsterdam UMC, location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1105, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I de Zeeuw
- Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, 1105 BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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14
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Snijders C, Krauskopf J, Pishva E, Eijssen L, Machiels B, Kleinjans J, Kenis G, van den Hove D, Kim MO, Boks MPM, Vinkers CH, Vermetten E, Geuze E, Rutten BPF, de Nijs L. Circulating Serum MicroRNAs as Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Front Genet 2019; 10:1042. [PMID: 31824554 PMCID: PMC6883918 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop upon exposure to a traumatic event. While most people are able to recover promptly, others are at increased risk of developing PTSD. However, the exact underlying biological mechanisms of differential susceptibility are unknown. Identifying biomarkers of PTSD could assist in its diagnosis and facilitate treatment planning. Here, we identified serum microRNAs (miRNAs) of subjects that underwent a traumatic event and aimed to assess their potential to serve as diagnostic biomarkers of PTSD. Next-generation sequencing was performed to examine circulating miRNA profiles of 24 members belonging to the Dutch military cohort Prospective Research in Stress-Related Military Operations (PRISMO). Three groups were selected: "susceptible" subjects who developed PTSD after combat exposure, "resilient" subjects without PTSD, and nonexposed control subjects (N = 8 per group). Differential expression analysis revealed 22 differentially expressed miRNAs in PTSD subjects compared to controls and 1 in PTSD subjects compared to resilient individuals (after multiple testing correction and a log2 fold-change cutoff of ≥|1|). Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis (WGCNA) identified a module of coexpressed miRNAs which could distinguish between the three groups. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curve analyses suggest that the miRNAs with the highest module memberships could have a strong diagnostic accuracy as reflected by high areas under the curves. Overall, the results of our pilot study suggest that serum miRNAs could potentially serve as diagnostic biomarkers of PTSD, both individually or grouped within a cluster of coexpressed miRNAs. Larger studies are now needed to validate and build upon these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Snijders
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Julian Krauskopf
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Lars Eijssen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Bioinformatics (BiGCaT), NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Barbie Machiels
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jos Kleinjans
- Department of Toxicogenomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Myeong Ok Kim
- Division of Applied Life Science (BK 21), College of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Marco P. M. Boks
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Psychiatry, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Christiaan H. Vinkers
- Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Department of Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC (location VUmc), Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Arq, Psychotrauma Research Expert Group, Diemen, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Military Mental Healthcare, Netherlands Ministry of Defense, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, United States
| | - Elbert Geuze
- UMC Utrecht Brain Center, Department of Psychiatry, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Military Mental Healthcare, Netherlands Ministry of Defense, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bart P. F. Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Laurence de Nijs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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15
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Tiane A, Schepers M, Rombaut B, Hupperts R, Prickaerts J, Hellings N, van den Hove D, Vanmierlo T. From OPC to Oligodendrocyte: An Epigenetic Journey. Cells 2019; 8:E1236. [PMID: 31614602 PMCID: PMC6830107 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligodendrocytes provide metabolic and functional support to neuronal cells, rendering them key players in the functioning of the central nervous system. Oligodendrocytes need to be newly formed from a pool of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). The differentiation of OPCs into mature and myelinating cells is a multistep process, tightly controlled by spatiotemporal activation and repression of specific growth and transcription factors. While oligodendrocyte turnover is rather slow under physiological conditions, a disruption in this balanced differentiation process, for example in case of a differentiation block, could have devastating consequences during ageing and in pathological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. Over the recent years, increasing evidence has shown that epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, are major contributors to OPC differentiation. In this review, we discuss how these epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate and influence oligodendrocyte maturation. These insights are a crucial starting point for studies that aim to identify the contribution of epigenetics in demyelinating diseases and may thus provide new therapeutic targets to induce myelin repair in the long run.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Tiane
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Ben Rombaut
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Raymond Hupperts
- Department of Neurology, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen 6130 MB, The Netherlands.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Niels Hellings
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg 97080, Germany.
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Immunology, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
- Department Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
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16
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Snijders C, de Nijs L, Baker DG, Hauger RL, van den Hove D, Kenis G, Nievergelt CM, Boks MP, Vermetten E, Gage FH, Rutten BPF. MicroRNAs in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 38:23-46. [PMID: 29063484 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2017_32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop following exposure to or witnessing of a (potentially) threatening event. A critical issue is to pinpoint the (neuro)biological mechanisms underlying the susceptibility to stress-related disorder such as PTSD, which develops in the minority of ~15% of individuals exposed to trauma. Over the last few years, a first wave of epigenetic studies has been performed in an attempt to identify the molecular underpinnings of the long-lasting behavioral and mental effects of trauma exposure. The potential roles of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as microRNAs (miRNAs) in moderating or mediating the impact of severe stress and trauma are increasingly gaining attention. To date, most studies focusing on the roles of miRNAs in PTSD have, however, been completed in animals, using cross-sectional study designs and focusing almost exclusively on subjects with susceptible phenotypes. Therefore, there is a strong need for new research comprising translational and cross-species approaches that use longitudinal designs for studying trajectories of change contrasting susceptible and resilient subjects. The present review offers a comprehensive overview of available studies of miRNAs in PTSD and discusses the current challenges, pitfalls, and future perspectives of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Snijders
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, (EURON), Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Laurence de Nijs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, (EURON), Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Dewleen G Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Richard L Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, (EURON), Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Gunter Kenis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, (EURON), Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Marco P Boks
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CG, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vermetten
- Military Mental Health Research Center, Ministry of Defense, P.O. Box 90000, Utrecht, 3509 AA, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, 2333 ZA, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Research Group, Diemen, 1112 XE, The Netherlands
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, European Graduate School of Neuroscience, (EURON), Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
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17
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Vangeel EB, Pishva E, Hompes T, van den Hove D, Lambrechts D, Allegaert K, Freson K, Izzi B, Claes S. Newborn genome-wide DNA methylation in association with pregnancy anxiety reveals a potential role for GABBR1. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:107. [PMID: 29026448 PMCID: PMC5627482 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0408-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence for the role of prenatal stress in shaping offspring DNA methylation and disease susceptibility. In the current study, we aimed to identify genes and pathways associated with pregnancy anxiety using a genome-wide DNA methylation approach. METHODS We selected 22 versus 23 newborns from our Prenatal Early Life Stress (PELS) cohort, exposed to the lowest or highest degree of maternal pregnancy anxiety, respectively. Cord blood genome-wide DNA methylation was assayed using the HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (HM450, n = 45) and candidate gene methylation using EpiTYPER (n = 80). Cortisol levels were measured at 2, 4, and 12 months of age to test infant stress system (re)activity. RESULTS Data showed ten differentially methylated regions (DMR) when comparing newborns exposed to low versus high pregnancy anxiety scores. We validated a top DMR in the GABA-B receptor subunit 1 gene (GABBR1) revealing the association with pregnancy anxiety particularly in male newborns (most significant CpG Pearson R = 0.517, p = 0.002; average methylation Pearson R = 0.332, p = 0.039). Cord blood GABBR1 methylation was associated with infant cortisol levels in response to a routine vaccination at 4 months old. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our results show that pregnancy anxiety is associated with differential DNA methylation patterns in newborns and that our candidate gene GABBR1 is associated with infant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response to a stressor. Our findings reveal a potential role for GABBR1 methylation in association with stress and provide grounds for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Beau Vangeel
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Titia Hompes
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Translational Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Vesalius Research Center (VRC), VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel Allegaert
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Intensive Care and Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus MC—Sophia’s Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kathleen Freson
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology (CMVB), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benedetta Izzi
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, IRCCS Instituto Neurologico Mediterraneo Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Stephan Claes
- Department of Neurosciences, Genetic Research About Stress and Psychiatry (GRASP), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Bodden C, van den Hove D, Lesch KP, Sachser N. Impact of varying social experiences during life history on behaviour, gene expression, and vasopressin receptor gene methylation in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8719. [PMID: 28821809 PMCID: PMC5562890 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09292-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Both negative and positive social experiences during sensitive life phases profoundly shape brain and behaviour. Current research is therefore increasingly focusing on mechanisms mediating the interaction between varying life experiences and the epigenome. Here, male mice grew up under either adverse or beneficial conditions until adulthood, when they were subdivided into groups exposed to situations that either matched or mismatched previous conditions. It was investigated whether the resulting four life histories were associated with changes in anxiety-like behaviour, gene expression of selected genes involved in anxiety and stress circuits, and arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a) gene methylation. Varying experiences during life significantly modulated (1) anxiety-like behaviour; (2) hippocampal gene expression of Avpr1a, serotonin receptor 1a (Htr1a), monoamine oxidase A (Maoa), myelin basic protein (Mbp), glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1), growth hormone (Gh); and (3) hippocampal DNA methylation within the Avpr1a gene. Notably, mice experiencing early beneficial and later adverse conditions showed a most pronounced downregulation of Avpr1a expression, accompanied by low anxiety-like behaviour. This decrease in Avpr1a expression may have been, in part, a consequence of increased methylation in the Avpr1a gene. In summary, this study highlights the impact of interactive social experiences throughout life on the hippocampal epigenotype and associated behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Bodden
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany. .,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Norbert Sachser
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Otto Creutzfeldt Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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19
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression, influencing protein levels and ultimately shaping phenotypes during life. However, both stochastic epigenetic variations and environmental reprogramming of the epigenome might influence neurodevelopment and ageing, and this may contribute to the origins of mental ill-health. Studying the role of epigenetic mechanisms is challenging, as genotype-, tissue- and cell type-dependent epigenetic changes have to be taken into account, while the nature of mental disorders also poses significant challenges for linking them with biological profiles. In this chapter, we summarise the current evidence suggesting the role of DNA methylation as a key epigenetic mechanism in major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pishva
- Complex Disease Epigenetic Group, University of Exeter Medical School, RILD Building, RD&E Hospital Wonford, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK. .,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.
| | - Bart P F Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Fuechsleinstrasse 15, Wurzburg, 97080, Germany
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20
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Gutknecht L, Popp S, Waider J, Sommerlandt FMJ, Göppner C, Post A, Reif A, van den Hove D, Strekalova T, Schmitt A, Colaςo MBN, Sommer C, Palme R, Lesch KP. Interaction of brain 5-HT synthesis deficiency, chronic stress and sex differentially impact emotional behavior in Tph2 knockout mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:2429-41. [PMID: 25716307 PMCID: PMC4480945 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3879-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE While brain serotonin (5-HT) function is implicated in gene-by-environment interaction (GxE) impacting the vulnerability-resilience continuum in neuropsychiatric disorders, it remains elusive how the interplay of altered 5-HT synthesis and environmental stressors is linked to failure in emotion regulation. OBJECTIVE Here, we investigated the effect of constitutively impaired 5-HT synthesis on behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to unpredictable chronic mild stress (CMS) using a mouse model of brain 5-HT deficiency resulting from targeted inactivation of the tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (Tph2) gene. RESULTS Locomotor activity and anxiety- and depression-like behavior as well as conditioned fear responses were differentially affected by Tph2 genotype, sex, and CMS. Tph2 null mutants (Tph2(-/-)) displayed increased general metabolism, marginally reduced anxiety- and depression-like behavior but strikingly increased conditioned fear responses. Behavioral modifications were associated with sex-specific hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system alterations as indicated by plasma corticosterone and fecal corticosterone metabolite concentrations. Tph2(-/-) males displayed increased impulsivity and high aggressiveness. Tph2(-/-) females displayed greater emotional reactivity to aversive conditions as reflected by changes in behaviors at baseline including increased freezing and decreased locomotion in novel environments. However, both Tph2(-/-) male and female mice were resilient to CMS-induced hyperlocomotion, while CMS intensified conditioned fear responses in a GxE-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that 5-HT mediates behavioral responses to environmental adversity by facilitating the encoding of stress effects leading to increased vulnerability for negative emotionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Gutknecht
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany ,Department of Neurobiology, Functional Genomic Institute, CNRS /INSERM UMR 5203, University of Montpellier, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Sandy Popp
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Waider
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Frank M. J. Sommerlandt
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Göppner
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Post
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Angelika Schmitt
- Center of Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Sommer
- Department of Neurology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences/Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany ,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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21
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Pishva E, Drukker M, Viechtbauer W, Decoster J, Collip D, van Winkel R, Wichers M, Jacobs N, Thiery E, Derom C, Geschwind N, van den Hove D, Lataster T, Myin-Germeys I, van Os J, Rutten BPF, Kenis G. Epigenetic genes and emotional reactivity to daily life events: a multi-step gene-environment interaction study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100935. [PMID: 24967710 PMCID: PMC4072714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent human and animal studies suggest that epigenetic mechanisms mediate the impact of environment on development of mental disorders. Therefore, we hypothesized that polymorphisms in epigenetic-regulatory genes impact stress-induced emotional changes. A multi-step, multi-sample gene-environment interaction analysis was conducted to test whether 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in epigenetic-regulatory genes, i.e. three DNA methyltransferase genes DNMT1, DNMT3A, DNMT3B, and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), moderate emotional responses to stressful and pleasant stimuli in daily life as measured by Experience Sampling Methodology (ESM). In the first step, main and interactive effects were tested in a sample of 112 healthy individuals. Significant associations in this discovery sample were then investigated in a population-based sample of 434 individuals for replication. SNPs showing significant effects in both the discovery and replication samples were subsequently tested in three other samples of: (i) 85 unaffected siblings of patients with psychosis, (ii) 110 patients with psychotic disorders, and iii) 126 patients with a history of major depressive disorder. Multilevel linear regression analyses showed no significant association between SNPs and negative affect or positive affect. No SNPs moderated the effect of pleasant stimuli on positive affect. Three SNPs of DNMT3A (rs11683424, rs1465764, rs1465825) and 1 SNP of MTHFR (rs1801131) moderated the effect of stressful events on negative affect. Only rs11683424 of DNMT3A showed consistent directions of effect in the majority of the 5 samples. These data provide the first evidence that emotional responses to daily life stressors may be moderated by genetic variation in the genes involved in the epigenetic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pishva
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Drukker
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Viechtbauer
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Decoster
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Collip
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Wichers
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nele Jacobs
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- School of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catherine Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, and Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicole Geschwind
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel van den Hove
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, and Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tineke Lataster
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Inez Myin-Germeys
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jim van Os
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s Health Partners, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bart P. F. Rutten
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Gunter Kenis
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Pishva E, Kenis G, van den Hove D, Lesch KP, Boks MPM, van Os J, Rutten BPF. The epigenome and postnatal environmental influences in psychotic disorders. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2014; 49:337-48. [PMID: 24549836 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-014-0831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar spectrum disorders are the product of both heritable and non-heritable factors, the impact of which converges at different biological levels. Recent evidence from molecular approaches has provided new insights about how environmental exposures cause persistent alterations in the regulation of gene expression, particularly by so-called epigenetic mechanisms. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of findings of epigenetic studies in psychotic disorders, summarizing findings of human and animal studies on epigenetic alterations due to postnatal environmental exposures associated with psychotic disorders. METHODS Electronic and manual literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PSYCHINFO, using a range of search terms around epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, psychoses, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and environmental risks associated with psychotic disorders as observed in human and experimental animal studies, complemented by review articles and cross-references. RESULTS Despite several promising findings of differential epigenetic profiles in individuals with psychotic disorders in the studies published to date, the knowledge of the role of epigenetic processes in psychotic disorder remains very limited, and should be interpreted cautiously given various challenges in this rapidly evolving field of research. CONCLUSIONS Integration of epigenetic findings into biopsychosocial models of the etiology of psychotic disorders eventually may yield important insights into the biological underpinnings of the onset and course of psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pishva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Chouliaras L, van den Hove D, Kenis G, Draanen M, Hof P, Os J, Steinbusch H, Schmitz C, Rutten B. Histone Deacetylase 2 in the Mouse Hippocampus: Attenuation of Age- Related Increase by Caloric Restriction. Curr Alzheimer Res 2013; 10:868-76. [DOI: 10.2174/1567205011310080009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Lesch KP, Araragi N, Waider J, van den Hove D, Gutknecht L. Targeting brain serotonin synthesis: insights into neurodevelopmental disorders with long-term outcomes related to negative emotionality, aggression and antisocial behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2012; 367:2426-43. [PMID: 22826343 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggression, which comprises multi-faceted traits ranging from negative emotionality to antisocial behaviour, is influenced by an interaction of biological, psychological and social variables. Failure in social adjustment, aggressiveness and violence represent the most detrimental long-term outcome of neurodevelopmental disorders. With the exception of brain-specific tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (Tph2), which generates serotonin (5-HT) in raphe neurons, the contribution of gene variation to aggression-related behaviour in genetically modified mouse models has been previously appraised (Lesch 2005 Novartis Found Symp. 268, 111-140; Lesch & Merschdorf 2000 Behav. Sci. Law 18, 581-604). Genetic inactivation of Tph2 function in mice led to the identification of phenotypic changes, ranging from growth retardation and late-onset obesity, to enhanced conditioned fear response, increased aggression and depression-like behaviour. This spectrum of consequences, which are amplified by stress-related epigenetic interactions, are attributable to deficient brain 5-HT synthesis during development and adulthood. Human data relating altered TPH2 function to personality traits of negative emotionality and neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in cognitive control and emotion regulation are based on genetic association and are therefore not as robust as the experimental mouse results. Mouse models in conjunction with approaches focusing on TPH2 variants in humans provide unexpected views of 5-HT's role in brain development and in disorders related to negative emotionality, aggression and antisocial behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry (MP), Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience (LTN), Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, , Fuechsleinstrasse 15, 97080 Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Kittel-Schneider S, Kenis G, Schek J, van den Hove D, Prickaerts J, Lesch KP, Steinbusch H, Reif A. Expression of monoamine transporters, nitric oxide synthase 3, and neurotrophin genes in antidepressant-stimulated astrocytes. Front Psychiatry 2012; 3:33. [PMID: 22529824 PMCID: PMC3330247 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2012.00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that glial cells play a role in the pathomechanisms of mood disorders and the mode of action of antidepressant drugs. METHODS To examine whether there is a direct effect on the expression of different genes encoding proteins that have been implicated in the pathophysiology of affective disorders, primary astrocyte cell cultures from rats were treated with two different antidepressant drugs, imipramine and escitalopram, and the RNA expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf), serotonin transporter (5Htt), dopamine transporter (Dat), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (Nos3) was examined. RESULTS Stimulation of astroglial cell culture with imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, led to a significant increase of the Bdnf RNA level whereas treatment with escitalopram did not. In contrast, 5Htt was not differentially expressed after antidepressant treatment. Finally, neither Dat nor Nos3 RNA expression was detected in cultured astrocytes. CONCLUSION These data provide further evidence for a role of astroglial cells in the molecular mechanisms of action of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Kittel-Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric Neurobiology and Bipolar Disorder Program, University of Würzburg Würzburg, Germany
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O'Mahony SM, Myint AM, van den Hove D, Desbonnet L, Steinbusch H, Leonard BE. Gestational stress leads to depressive-like behavioural and immunological changes in the rat. Neuroimmunomodulation 2006; 13:82-8. [PMID: 17033197 DOI: 10.1159/000096090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2006] [Accepted: 08/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during pregnancy, gestational stress, can increase the chance of developing postpartum depression, which is estimated to occur in 10% of women. Since major depression is accompanied by an activation of the inflammatory response system, the aim of this study was to investigate if stress during pregnancy induces postpartum depressive-like behaviour, and if so, is it accompanied by activation of the inflammatory response system in female Fisher rats. We investigated the effect of gestational stress on the production of depressive-like behaviour in the rats. The pregnant dams underwent daily restraint stress (for 1 week, 3 times/day) or were left undisturbed (control). On postpartum day 22, the rats were introduced to the forced swim test (pre-test). On postpartum days 23 and 24 (test days), the immobility time was measured. Gestational stress significantly elevated immobility scores by 35-40% above the control values on both test days, which suggests that the stressed group displayed postpartum depressive-like behaviour. The concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 in stimulated whole-blood culture were also analysed. The stressed group showed higher levels of all three cytokines. No significant differences in the cytokine concentrations were detected in the hypothalamus, hippocampus or pre-frontal cortex.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Brain/immunology
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- Depression, Postpartum/immunology
- Depression, Postpartum/physiopathology
- Depression, Postpartum/psychology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Inflammation Mediators/blood
- Inflammation Mediators/immunology
- Interleukin-10/blood
- Interleukin-10/immunology
- Interleukin-1beta/blood
- Interleukin-1beta/immunology
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy Complications/immunology
- Pregnancy Complications/physiopathology
- Pregnancy Complications/psychology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred F344
- Restraint, Physical
- Stress, Physiological/immunology
- Stress, Physiological/physiopathology
- Stress, Physiological/psychology
- Swimming/physiology
- Swimming/psychology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/immunology
- Up-Regulation/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhain M O'Mahony
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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