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Yin X, Zhao Y, Wang S, Feng H, He X, Li X, Liu X, Lu H, Wen D, Shi Y, Shi H. Postweaning stress affects behavior, brain and gut microbiota of adolescent mice in a sex-dependent manner. Neuropharmacology 2024; 248:109869. [PMID: 38354850 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.109869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Aggression is an instinctive behavior that has been reported to be influenced by early-life stress. However, the potential effects of acute stress during the postweaning period, a key stage for brain development, on defensive aggression and the associated mechanism remain poorly understood. In the present study, aggressive behaviors were evaluated in adolescent mice exposed to postweaning stress. Serum corticosterone and testosterone levels, neural dendritic spine density, and gut microbiota composition were determined to identify the underlying mechanism. Behavioral analysis showed that postweaning stress reduced locomotor activity in mice and decreased defensive aggression in male mice. ELISA results showed that postweaning stress reduced serum testosterone levels in female mice. Golgi staining analysis demonstrated that postweaning stress decreased neural dendritic spine density in the medial prefrontal cortex of male mice. 16S rRNA sequencing results indicated that postweaning stress altered the composition of the gut microbiota in male mice. Combined, these results suggested that postweaning stress alters defensive aggression in male mice, which may be due to changes in neuronal structure as well as gut microbiota composition. Our findings highlight the long-lasting and sex-dependent effects of early-life experience on behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyong Yin
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ye Zhao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Hao Feng
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xinyue He
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xincheng Li
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Hengtai Lu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Di Wen
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yun Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Haishui Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Nursing School, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050031, China.
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Ji MT, Pashankar N, Harter AM, Nemesh M, Przybyl KJ, Mulligan MK, Chen H, Redei EE. Limited WKY chromosomal regions confer increases in anxiety and fear memory in a F344 congenic rat strain. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:327-342. [PMID: 38314698 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00114.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the interaction between genetic differences in stress reactivity/coping and environmental challenges, such as acute stress during adolescence on adult contextual fear memory and anxiety-like behaviors. Fischer 344 (F344) and the inbred F344;WKY-Stresp3/Eer congenic strain (congenic), in which chromosomal regions from the Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) strain were introgressed into the F344 background, were exposed to a modified forced swim test during adolescence, while controls were undisturbed. In adulthood, fear learning and memory, assessed by contextual fear conditioning, were significantly greater in congenic animals compared with F344 animals, and stress during adolescence increased them even further in males of both strains. Anxiety-like behavior, measured by the open field test, was also greater in congenic than F344 animals, and stress during adolescence increased it further in both strains of adult males. Whole genome sequencing of the F344;WKY-Stresp3/Eer strain revealed an enrichment of WKY genotypes in chromosomes 9, 14, and 15. An example of functional WKY sequence variations in the congenic strain, cannabinoid receptor interacting protein 1 (Cnrip1) had a Cnrip1 transcript isoform that lacked two exons. Although the original hypothesis that the genetic predisposition to increased anxiety of the WKY donor strain would exaggerate fear memory relative to the background strain was confirmed, the consequences of adolescent stress were strain independent but sex dependent in adulthood. Molecular genomic approaches combined with genetic mapping of WKY sequence variations in chromosomes 9, 14, and 15 could aid in finding quantitative trait genes contributing to the variation in fear memory.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study found that 1) whole genome sequencing of congenic strains should be a criterion for their recognition; 2) sequence variations between Wistar-Kyoto and Fischer 344 strains at regions of chromosomes 9, 14, and 15 contribute to differences in contextual fear memory and anxiety-like behaviors; and 3) stress during adolescence affects these behaviors in males, but not females, and is independent of strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle T Ji
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Neha Pashankar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Aspen M Harter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Mariya Nemesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Katherine J Przybyl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Megan K Mulligan
- Department of Genetics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States
| | - Eva E Redei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Lossi L, Castagna C, Merighi A. An Overview of the Epigenetic Modifications in the Brain under Normal and Pathological Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3881. [PMID: 38612690 PMCID: PMC11011998 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes are changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the DNA sequence. These changes lead to establishing a so-called epigenetic code that dictates which and when genes are activated, thus orchestrating gene regulation and playing a central role in development, health, and disease. The brain, being mostly formed by cells that do not undergo a renewal process throughout life, is highly prone to the risk of alterations leading to neuronal death and neurodegenerative disorders, mainly at a late age. Here, we review the main epigenetic modifications that have been described in the brain, with particular attention on those related to the onset of developmental anomalies or neurodegenerative conditions and/or occurring in old age. DNA methylation and several types of histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, lactylation, and crotonylation) are major players in these processes. They are directly or indirectly involved in the onset of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Therefore, this review briefly describes the roles of these epigenetic changes in the mechanisms of brain development, maturation, and aging and some of the most important factors dynamically regulating or contributing to these changes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (L.L.); (C.C.)
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Iqbal J, Huang GD, Xue YX, Yang M, Jia XJ. The neural circuits and molecular mechanisms underlying fear dysregulation in posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1281401. [PMID: 38116070 PMCID: PMC10728304 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1281401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-associated complex and debilitating psychiatric disorder due to an imbalance of neurotransmitters in response to traumatic events or fear. PTSD is characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance behavior, hyperarousal, negative emotions, insomnia, personality changes, and memory problems following exposure to severe trauma. However, the biological mechanisms and symptomatology underlying this disorder are still largely unknown or poorly understood. Considerable evidence shows that PTSD results from a dysfunction in highly conserved brain systems involved in regulating stress, anxiety, fear, and reward circuitry. This review provides a contemporary update about PTSD, including new data from the clinical and preclinical literature on stress, PTSD, and fear memory consolidation and extinction processes. First, we present an overview of well-established laboratory models of PTSD and discuss their clinical translational value for finding various treatments for PTSD. We then highlight the research progress on the neural circuits of fear and extinction-related behavior, including the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. We further describe different molecular mechanisms, including GABAergic, glutamatergic, cholinergic, and neurotropic signaling, responsible for the structural and functional changes during fear acquisition and fear extinction processes in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Shenzhen Graduate School, Peking University Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao-Jian Jia
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center for Precision Psychiatric Technology, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital and Shenzhen Mental Health Center; Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center; Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Grigoryan GA. The systemic effects of the enriched environment on the conditioned fear reaction. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1227575. [PMID: 37674611 PMCID: PMC10477375 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1227575] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, a hypothesis is proposed to explain the beneficial effect of an enriched environment (EE) on the conditioned fear reaction (CFR) from the perspective of a functional system of behavioral control. According to the hypothesis, the EE affects all behavioral act components, including the processing of sensory information, memory, motivational and reinforcing systems, and motor activities, which weakens the CFR. Animals raised in the EE have effects that are comparable to those of context (CTX) and CS pre-exposures at latent inhibition. An abundance of stimuli in the EE and constant contact with them provide the formation of CS-noUS and CTX-noUS connections that later, during CFR learning, slow down and diminish fear. The EE also contributes to faster processing of information and habituation to it. As a result, many stimuli in the context lose their significance, and subjects simply ignore them. And finally, the EE affects the motivational and reinforcing brain mechanisms, induces an impairment of search activity, and worsens memory consolidation, which leads to a reduction of CFR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigory A. Grigoryan
- The Laboratory of Conditioned Reflexes and Physiology of Emotions, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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Rajan KE, Karen C, Dhivakar S. Early-life stressful social experience (SSE) alters ultrasound vocalizations and impairs novel odor preference: Influence of histone dopaminylation. Neurosci Lett 2023; 809:137304. [PMID: 37225119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Rat pups emit ultrasound vocalizations (USVs) in response to negative/positive stimuli, the acoustic features of USVs are altered during the stressful and threatening situation. We hypothesize that maternal separation (MS) and/or stranger (St) exposure would alter acoustic features of USVs, neurotransmitter transmission, epigenetic status and impaired odor recognition later in life. METHOD Rat pups were left undisturbed in the home cage (a) control, (b) pups were separated from mother MS [postnatal day (PND) 5-10], (c) intrusion of stranger (St; social experience: SE) to the pups either in the presence of mother (M + P + St) or (d) absence of mother (MSP + St). USVs was recorded on PND10 in two context i) five minutes after MS, MS and St, mother with their pups and St, ii) five minutes after the pups reunited with their pups and/or removal of stranger. Novel odor preference test was conducted during their mid-adolescence on PND34, 35. RESULTS Rat pups produced two complex USVs (frequency step-down: 38-48 kHz; and two syllable: 42-52 kHz) especially when the mother was absent and the stranger was present. Further, pups failed to recognize novel odor, which can be linked to an increased dopamine transmission, decreased transglutaminase (TGM)-2, increased histone trimethylation (H3K4me3) and dopaminylation (H3Q5dop) in the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS This result suggest that USVs act as acoustic code of different early-life stressful social experience, which appears to have long-term effect on odor recognition, dopaminergic activity and dopamine dependent epigenetic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koilmani Emmanuvel Rajan
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India.
| | - Christopher Karen
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India; Section on Behavioural Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Selvavinayagam Dhivakar
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India
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