1
|
Falconnier C, Caparros-Roissard A, Decraene C, Lutz PE. Functional genomic mechanisms of opioid action and opioid use disorder: a systematic review of animal models and human studies. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4568-4584. [PMID: 37723284 PMCID: PMC10914629 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
In the past two decades, over-prescription of opioids for pain management has driven a steep increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) and death by overdose, exerting a dramatic toll on western countries. OUD is a chronic relapsing disease associated with a lifetime struggle to control drug consumption, suggesting that opioids trigger long-lasting brain adaptations, notably through functional genomic and epigenomic mechanisms. Current understanding of these processes, however, remain scarce, and have not been previously reviewed systematically. To do so, the goal of the present work was to synthesize current knowledge on genome-wide transcriptomic and epigenetic mechanisms of opioid action, in primate and rodent species. Using a prospectively registered methodology, comprehensive literature searches were completed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Of the 2709 articles identified, 73 met our inclusion criteria and were considered for qualitative analysis. Focusing on the 5 most studied nervous system structures (nucleus accumbens, frontal cortex, whole striatum, dorsal striatum, spinal cord; 44 articles), we also conducted a quantitative analysis of differentially expressed genes, in an effort to identify a putative core transcriptional signature of opioids. Only one gene, Cdkn1a, was consistently identified in eleven studies, and globally, our results unveil surprisingly low consistency across published work, even when considering most recent single-cell approaches. Analysis of sources of variability detected significant contributions from species, brain structure, duration of opioid exposure, strain, time-point of analysis, and batch effects, but not type of opioid. To go beyond those limitations, we leveraged threshold-free methods to illustrate how genome-wide comparisons may generate new findings and hypotheses. Finally, we discuss current methodological development in the field, and their implication for future research and, ultimately, better care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Camille Falconnier
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alba Caparros-Roissard
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Charles Decraene
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives UMR 7364, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre-Eric Lutz
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives UPR 3212, 67000, Strasbourg, France.
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rompala G, Nagamatsu ST, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nuñez-Ríos DL, Wang J, Girgenti MJ, Krystal JH, Gelernter J, Hurd YL, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Profiling neuronal methylome and hydroxymethylome of opioid use disorder in the human orbitofrontal cortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4544. [PMID: 37507366 PMCID: PMC10382503 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Opioid use disorder (OUD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. While recent research suggests epigenetic disturbances in OUD, this is mostly limited to DNA methylation (5mC). DNA hydroxymethylation (5hmC) has been widely understudied. We conducted a multi-omics profiling of OUD in a male cohort, integrating neuronal-specific 5mC and 5hmC as well as gene expression profiles from human postmortem orbitofrontal cortex (OUD = 12; non-OUD = 26). Single locus methylomic analysis and co-methylation analysis showed a higher number of OUD-associated genes and gene networks for 5hmC compared to 5mC; these were enriched for GPCR, Wnt, neurogenesis, and opioid signaling. 5hmC marks also showed a higher correlation with gene expression patterns and enriched for GWAS of psychiatric traits. Drug interaction analysis revealed interactions with opioid-related drugs, some used as OUD treatments. Our multi-omics findings suggest an important role of 5hmC and reveal loci epigenetically dysregulated in OFC neurons of individuals with OUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sheila T Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Diana L Nuñez-Ríos
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew J Girgenti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neurosciences Division, West Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang H, Zhang Y, Xun Y, Yu J, Lu Y, Zhang R, Dang W, Zhu F, Zhang J. Association between methylation in the promoter region of the GAD2 gene and opioid use disorder. Brain Res 2023; 1812:148407. [PMID: 37182687 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is one of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in opioid use disorder. GAD2 is a key catalyticase in gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) synthesis from glutamate, that is implicated in opioid-induced rewarding effect. To reveal the relationship and the underlying mechanism between GAD2 gene methylation and opioid use disorder, we first examined and compared the methylation levels in the promoter region of the GAD2 gene in peripheral blood between 120 patients with opioid use disorder and 110 healthy controls by using a targeted approach. A diagnostic model with methylation biomarkers was established to distinguish opioid use disorder and healthy control groups. Correlations between methylation levels in the promoter region of the GAD2 gene and the duration and dosage of opioid use were then determined. Finally, the transcription factors that potentially bind to the target sequences including the detected CpG sites were predicted with the JASPAR database. Our results demonstrated that hypermethylation in the promoter region of the GAD2 gene was associated with opioid use disorder. A diagnostic model based on 10 methylation biomarkers could distinguish the opioid use disorder and healthy control groups. Several correlations between methylation levels in the GAD2 gene promoter and the duration and dosage of opioid use were observed. Transcription factors TFAP2A, Arnt and Runx1 were predicted to bind to the target sequences including several CpG sites detected in the present study in the GAD2 gene promoter. Our findings highlight and extend the role of DNA methylation in the GAD2 gene in opioid use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Tang
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yudan Zhang
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yufeng Xun
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jiao Yu
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Wei Dang
- Department of Psychiatry, Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Center for Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jianbo Zhang
- Healthy Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Key Laboratory of National Health Commission for Forensic Science, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Poisel E, Zillich L, Streit F, Frank J, Friske MM, Foo JC, Mechawar N, Turecki G, Hansson AC, Nöthen MM, Rietschel M, Spanagel R, Witt SH. DNA methylation in cocaine use disorder-An epigenome-wide approach in the human prefrontal cortex. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1075250. [PMID: 36865068 PMCID: PMC9970996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1075250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is characterized by a loss of control over cocaine intake and is associated with structural, functional, and molecular alterations in the human brain. At the molecular level, epigenetic alterations are hypothesized to contribute to the higher-level functional and structural brain changes observed in CUD. Most evidence of cocaine-associated epigenetic changes comes from animal studies while only a few studies have been performed using human tissue. METHODS We investigated epigenome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) signatures of CUD in human post-mortem brain tissue of Brodmann area 9 (BA9). A total of N = 42 BA9 brain samples were obtained from N = 21 individuals with CUD and N = 21 individuals without a CUD diagnosis. We performed an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) and analyzed CUD-associated differentially methylated regions (DMRs). To assess the functional role of CUD-associated differential methylation, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses and characterized co-methylation networks using a weighted correlation network analysis. We further investigated epigenetic age in CUD using epigenetic clocks for the assessment of biological age. RESULTS While no cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) site was associated with CUD at epigenome-wide significance in BA9, we detected a total of 20 CUD-associated DMRs. After annotation of DMRs to genes, we identified Neuropeptide FF Receptor 2 (NPFFR2) and Kalirin RhoGEF Kinase (KALRN) for which a previous role in the behavioral response to cocaine in rodents is known. Three of the four identified CUD-associated co-methylation modules were functionally related to neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks derived from module hub genes revealed several addiction-related genes as highly connected nodes such as Calcium Voltage-Gated Channel Subunit Alpha1 C (CACNA1C), Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 3 Group C Member 1 (NR3C1), and Jun Proto-Oncogene, AP-1 Transcription Factor Subunit (JUN). In BA9, we observed a trend toward epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) in individuals with CUD remaining stable even after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSION Results from our study highlight that CUD is associated with epigenome-wide differences in DNAm levels in BA9 particularly related to synaptic signaling and neuroplasticity. This supports findings from previous studies that report on the strong impact of cocaine on neurocircuits in the human prefrontal cortex (PFC). Further studies are needed to follow up on the role of epigenetic alterations in CUD focusing on the integration of epigenetic signatures with transcriptomic and proteomic data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Poisel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marion M Friske
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jerome C Foo
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine and University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Center for Innovative Psychiatric and Psychotherapeutic Research, Biobank, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cabrera-Mendoza B, Stertz L, Najera K, Selvaraj S, Teixeira AL, Meyer TD, Fries GR, Walss-Bass C. Within subject cross-tissue analyzes of epigenetic clocks in substance use disorder postmortem brain and blood. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2023; 192:13-27. [PMID: 36056652 PMCID: PMC9742183 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a possible accelerated biological aging in patients with substance use disorders (SUD). The evaluation of epigenetic clocks, which are accurate estimators of biological aging based on DNA methylation changes, has been limited to blood tissue in patients with SUD. Consequently, the impact of biological aging in the brain of individuals with SUD remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated multiple epigenetic clocks (DNAmAge, DNAmAgeHannum, DNAmAgeSkinBlood, DNAmPhenoAge, DNAmGrimAge, and DNAmTL) in individuals with SUD (n = 42), including alcohol (n = 10), opioid (n = 19), and stimulant use disorder (n = 13), and controls (n = 10) in postmortem brain (prefrontal cortex) and blood tissue obtained from the same individuals. We found a higher DNAmPhenoAge (β = 0.191, p-value = 0.0104) and a nominally lower DNAmTL (β = -0.149, p-value = 0.0603) in blood from individuals with SUD compared to controls. SUD subgroup analysis showed a nominally lower brain DNAmTL in subjects with alcohol use disorder, compared to stimulant use disorder and controls (β = 0.0150, p-value = 0.087). Cross-tissue analyzes indicated a lower blood DNAmTL and a higher blood DNAmAge compared to their respective brain values in the SUD group. This study highlights the relevance of tissue specificity in biological aging studies and suggests that peripheral measures of epigenetic clocks in SUD may depend on the specific type of drug used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Cabrera-Mendoza
- PECEM, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional
Autónoma de México, Mexico City, 04510, Mexico
| | - Laura Stertz
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Katherine Najera
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Sudhakar Selvaraj
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Antonio L. Teixeira
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Thomas D. Meyer
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Gabriel R. Fries
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical
Informatics, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX,
77054, USA
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and
Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science
Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sosnowski DW, Jaffe AE, Tao R, Deep-Soboslay A, Shu C, Sabunciyan S, Kleinman JE, Hyde TM, Maher BS. Differential expression of NPAS4 in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex following opioid overdose. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 3:100040. [PMID: 36845993 PMCID: PMC9948892 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Although preclinical models reveal the neurobiological pathways altered through opioid abuse, comprehensive assessments of gene expression in human brain samples are needed. Moreover, less is known about gene expression in response to fatal overdose. The primary goal of the present study was to compare gene expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) between brain samples of individuals who died of acute opioid intoxication and group-matched controls. Methods Postmortem tissue samples of the DLPFC from 153 deceased individuals (Mage = 35.4; 62% male; 77% European ancestry). Study groups included 72 brain samples from individuals who died of acute opioid intoxication, 53 psychiatric controls, and 28 normal controls. Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing was used to generate exon counts, and differential expression was tested using limma-voom. Analyses were adjusted for relevant sociodemographic characteristics, technical covariates, and cryptic relatedness using quality surrogate variables. Weighted correlation network analysis and gene set enrichment analyses also were conducted. Results Two genes were differentially expressed in opioid samples compared to control samples. The top gene, NPAS4, was downregulated in opioid samples (log2FC = -2.47, adj. p = .049) and has been implicated in opioid, cocaine, and methamphetamine use. Weighted correlation network analysis revealed 15 gene modules associated with opioid overdose, though no intramodular hub genes were related to opioid overdose, nor were pathways related to opioid overdose enriched for differential expression. Conclusions Results provide preliminary evidence that NPAS4 is implicated in opioid overdose, and more research is needed to understand its role in opioid abuse and associated outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David W. Sosnowski
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Andrew E. Jaffe
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, United States
| | - Ran Tao
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, United States
| | | | - Chang Shu
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, United States
| | | | - Joel E. Kleinman
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, United States
| | | | - Brion S. Maher
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Epigenome-wide association analyses of active injection drug use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 235:109431. [PMID: 35395503 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use (IDU) is prevalent in the US and is associated with substantial risk of blood-borne infections, morbidity, and mortality. However, the spectrum of its biologic effects on DNA methylation in blood is not well characterized. METHODS 401 participants (Mage = 47.9; 68% male; 90% African American) over several timepoints (1054 visits) were drawn from a longitudinal cohort of people who inject drugs. DNA methylation was measured among buffy coat samples from the 1054 visits. Compared to samples collected after ≥ 6 months of abstinence, separate EWAS were conducted for active injecting of any drug, quantitative injection frequency, injecting of heroin and injecting of cocaine. Linear mixed effect models were used and analyses were adjusted for repeated measurements and key technical, biological, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS We found epigenome-wide significant CpG sites associated with active injection (cg10636246, AIM2, p = 2.33 × 10-8) and injection intensity (cg13117953, p = 4.30 × 10-8). We found converging evidence that cg10636246 (AIM2), cg23110600 (PRKCH), cg03546163 (FKBP5), cg04590956 (GMCL1), and cg16317961 (MAPRE2) were among the top 0.1% significantly differentially methylated CpG sites shared across the five EWAS. Top ranked CpGs among the five EWAS were enriched (p < 0.0001) in AIM2 inflammasome complex, T cell migration, insulin regulation and epinephrine synthesis pathways. During periods of active injection, samples had 0.46 years of epigenetic age acceleration relative to the abstinence period, within the same subject (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study demonstrate modest, common, and specific effects on DNA methylation during a relatively short time between periods of active drug injection and abstinence.
Collapse
|
8
|
Grimm SL, Mendez EF, Stertz L, Meyer TD, Fries GR, Gandhi T, Kanchi R, Selvaraj S, Teixeira AL, Kosten TR, Gunaratne P, Coarfa C, Walss-Bass C. MicroRNA-mRNA networks are dysregulated in opioid use disorder postmortem brain: Further evidence for opioid-induced neurovascular alterations. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1025346. [PMID: 36713930 PMCID: PMC9878702 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1025346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To understand mechanisms and identify potential targets for intervention in the current crisis of opioid use disorder (OUD), postmortem brains represent an under-utilized resource. To refine previously reported gene signatures of neurobiological alterations in OUD from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Area 9, BA9), we explored the role of microRNAs (miRNA) as powerful epigenetic regulators of gene function. METHODS Building on the growing appreciation that miRNAs can cross the blood-brain barrier, we carried out miRNA profiling in same-subject postmortem samples from BA9 and blood tissues. RESULTS miRNA-mRNA network analysis showed that even though miRNAs identified in BA9 and blood were fairly distinct, their target genes and corresponding enriched pathways overlapped strongly. Among the dominant enriched biological processes were tissue development and morphogenesis, and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings point to robust, redundant, and systemic opioid-induced miRNA dysregulation with a potential functional impact on transcriptomic changes. Further, using correlation network analysis, we identified cell-type specific miRNA targets, specifically in astrocytes, neurons, and endothelial cells, associated with OUD transcriptomic dysregulation. Finally, leveraging a collection of control brain transcriptomes from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project, we identified a correlation of OUD miRNA targets with TGF beta, hypoxia, angiogenesis, coagulation, immune system, and inflammatory pathways. DISCUSSION These findings support previous reports of neurovascular and immune system alterations as a consequence of opioid abuse and shed new light on miRNA network regulators of cellular response to opioid drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Grimm
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Emily F Mendez
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Laura Stertz
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas D Meyer
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tanmay Gandhi
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rupa Kanchi
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sudhakar Selvaraj
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Antonio L Teixeira
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Thomas R Kosten
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Preethi Gunaratne
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, TX, United States
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nagamatsu ST, Rompala G, Hurd YL, Núñez-Rios DL, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. CpH methylome analysis in human cortical neurons identifies novel gene pathways and drug targets for opioid use disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1078894. [PMID: 36745154 PMCID: PMC9892724 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1078894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION DNA methylation (DNAm), an epigenetic mechanism, has been associated with opioid use disorder (OUD) in preclinical and human studies. However, most of the studies have focused on DNAm at CpG sites. DNAm at non-CpG sites (mCpHs, where H indicates A, T, or C) has been recently shown to have a role in gene regulation and to be highly abundant in neurons. However, its role in OUD is unknown. This work aims to evaluate mCpHs in the human postmortem orbital frontal cortex (OFC) in the context of OUD. METHODS A total of 38 Postmortem OFC samples were obtained from the VA Brain Bank (OUD = 12; Control = 26). mCpHs were assessed using reduced representation oxidative bisulfite sequencing in neuronal nuclei. Differential analysis was performed using the "methylkit" R package. Age, ancestry, postmortem interval, PTSD, and smoking status were included as covariates. Significant mCpHs were set at q-value < 0.05. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed for the annotated genes of all differential mCpH loci using String, ShinyGO, and amiGO software. Further, all annotated genes were analyzed using the Drug gene interaction database (DGIdb). RESULTS A total of 2,352 differentially methylated genome-wide significant mCpHs were identified in OUD, mapping to 2,081 genes. GO analysis of genes with differential mCpH loci showed enrichment for nervous system development (p-value = 2.32E-19). KEGG enrichment analysis identified axon guidance and glutamatergic synapse (FDR 9E-4-2.1E-2). Drug interaction analysis found 3,420 interactions between the annotated genes and drugs, identifying interactions with 15 opioid-related drugs, including lofexidine and tizanidine, both previously used for the treatment of OUD-related symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a role of mCpHs for OUD in cortical neurons and reveal important biological pathways and drug targets associated with the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheila T Nagamatsu
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Gregory Rompala
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yasmin L Hurd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Diana L Núñez-Rios
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Division of Human Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States.,VA Connecticut (VA CT) Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT, United States.,Clinical Neurosciences Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, West Haven, CT, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|