1
|
Jiang Y, Zhou Y, Tan S, Xu C, Ma J. Role of posttranslational modifications in memory and cognitive impairments caused by neonatal sevoflurane exposure. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113345. [PMID: 36992831 PMCID: PMC10040769 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of technology, increasingly many newborns are receiving general anesthesia at a young age for surgery, other interventions, or clinical assessment. Anesthetics cause neurotoxicity and apoptosis of nerve cells, leading to memory and cognitive impairments. The most frequently used anesthetic in infants is sevoflurane; however, it has the potential to be neurotoxic. A single, short bout of sevoflurane exposure has little impact on cognitive function, but prolonged or recurrent exposure to general anesthetics can impair memory and cognitive function. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown. Posttranslational modifications (PTMs), which can be described roughly as the regulation of gene expression, protein activity, and protein function, have sparked enormous interest in neuroscience. Posttranslational modifications are a critical mechanism mediating anesthesia-induced long-term modifications in gene transcription and protein functional deficits in memory and cognition in children, according to a growing body of studies in recent years. Based on these recent findings, our paper reviews the effects of sevoflurane on memory loss and cognitive impairment, discusses how posttranslational modifications mechanisms can contribute to sevoflurane-induced neurotoxicity, and provides new insights into the prevention of sevoflurane-induced memory and cognitive impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Xindu District People’s Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Siwen Tan
- Outpatient Department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chongxi Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junpeng Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Junpeng Ma,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cao-Lei L, Saumier D, Fortin J, Brunet A. A narrative review of the epigenetics of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:857087. [PMID: 36419982 PMCID: PMC9676221 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.857087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic research in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential, given that environmental stressors and fear play such a crucial role in its development. As such, it may provide a framework for understanding individual differences in the prevalence of the disorder and in treatment response. This paper reviews the epigenetic markers associated with PTSD and its treatment, including candidate genes and epigenome-wide studies. Because the etiopathogenesis of PTSD rests heavily on learning and memory, we also draw upon animal neuroepigenetic research on the acquisition, update and erasure of fear memory, focusing on the mechanisms associated with memory reconsolidation. Reconsolidation blockade (or impairment) treatment in PTSD has been studied in clinical trials and, from a neurological perspective, may hold promise for identifying epigenetic markers of successful therapy. We conclude this paper by discussing several key considerations and challenges in epigenetic research on PTSD in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cao-Lei
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Saumier
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justine Fortin
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Brunet
- Research Center of the Douglas Mental Health University Institute (CIUSSS-ODIM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Environmental enrichment mitigates PTSD-like behaviors in adult male rats exposed to early life stress by regulating histone acetylation in the hippocampus and amygdala. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:120-136. [PMID: 36029624 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) can cause long-term changes in gene expression, affect cognition, mood, and behavior, and increase susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adulthood, in which the histone acetylation plays a crucial role. Studies have found that environmental enrichment (EE) mitigated the unfavorable outcomes of ELS. However, the underlying mechanism of the histone acetylation is not yet completely clear. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of EE on the histone acetylation after ELS. In this study, using single prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm in early adolescent rats explored the long-term effects of ELS on behavior, the activity of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs), as well as the acetylation levels of the lysine 9 site of histone H3 (H3K9) and lysine 12 site of histone H4 (H4K12) in the hippocampus and amygdala. Meanwhile, the protective effects of EE intervention were examined. We found that adult male rats exposed to ELS showed behavioral changes, including reduced locomotor activity, increased anxiety-like behaviors, impaired spatial learning and memory, enhanced contextual and cued fear memory, and the HATs/HDACs ratio and acetyl H3K9 (Ac-H3K9) and acetyl H4K12 (Ac-H4K12) were increased in the hippocampus and decreased in the amygdala. Furthermore, EE attenuated the behavioral abnormalities from ELS, possibly through down-regulating the activity of HATs in the hippocampus and up-regulating HDACs activities in the amygdala. These finding suggested that EE could ameliorate ELS-induced PTSD-like behaviors by regulating histone acetylation in the hippocampus and amygdala, reducing the susceptibility to PTSD in adulthood.
Collapse
|
4
|
Maity S, Abbaspour R, Nahabedian D, Connor SA. Norepinephrine, beyond the Synapse: Coordinating Epigenetic Codes for Memory. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179916. [PMID: 36077313 PMCID: PMC9456295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The noradrenergic system is implicated in neuropathologies contributing to major disorders of the memory, including post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer’s disease. Determining the impact of norepinephrine on cellular function and plasticity is thus essential for making inroads into our understanding of these brain conditions, while expanding our capacity for treating them. Norepinephrine is a neuromodulator within the mammalian central nervous system which plays important roles in cognition and associated synaptic plasticity. Specifically, norepinephrine regulates the formation of memory through the stimulation of β-ARs, increasing the dynamic range of synaptic modifiability. The mechanisms through which NE influences neural circuit function have been extended to the level of the epigenome. This review focuses on recent insights into how the noradrenergic recruitment of epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and post-translational modification of histones, contribute to homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity. These advances will be placed in the context of synaptic changes associated with memory formation and linked to brain disorders and neurotherapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Maity
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience, and Behavioral Sciences, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue FZ818, Grenada
| | - Raman Abbaspour
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - David Nahabedian
- The Center for Biomedical Visualization, Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George’s University School of Medicine, True Blue FZ818, Grenada
| | - Steven A. Connor
- Department of Biology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(416)-736-2100 (ext. 33803)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Grigoryan GA. Neuroinflammation and Reconsolidation of Memory. NEUROCHEM J+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712422020076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
6
|
Tendulkar S, Hegde S, Garg L, Thulasidharan A, Kaduskar B, Ratnaparkhi A, Ratnaparkhi GS. Caspar, an adapter for VAPB and TER94, modulates the progression of ALS8 by regulating IMD/NFκB mediated glial inflammation in a drosophila model of human disease. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2857-2875. [PMID: 35377453 PMCID: PMC9433731 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal, late-onset, progressive motor neurodegenerative disorder. A key pathological feature of the disease is the presence of heavily ubiquitinated protein inclusions. Both the unfolded protein response and the ubiquitin–proteasome system appear significantly impaired in patients and animal models of ALS. We have studied cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in ALS using a vesicle-associated membrane protein-associated protein B (VAPB/ALS8) Drosophila model [Moustaqim-Barrette, A., Lin, Y.Q., Pradhan, S., Neely, G.G., Bellen, H.J. and Tsuda, H. (2014) The ALS 8 protein, VAP, is required for ER protein quality control. Hum. Mol. Genet., 23, 1975–1989], which mimics many systemic aspects of the human disease. Here, we show that VAPB, located on the cytoplasmic face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, interacts with Caspar, an orthologue of human fas associated factor 1 (FAF1). Caspar, in turn, interacts with transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (TER94), a fly orthologue of ALS14 (VCP/p97, valosin-containing protein). Caspar overexpression in the glia extends lifespan and also slows the progression of motor dysfunction in the ALS8 disease model, a phenomenon that we ascribe to its ability to restrain age-dependent inflammation, which is modulated by Relish/NFκB signalling. Caspar binds to VAPB via an FFAT motif, and we find that Caspar’s ability to negatively regulate NFκB signalling is not dependent on the VAPB:Caspar interaction. We hypothesize that Caspar is a key molecule in the pathogenesis of ALS. The VAPB:Caspar:TER94 complex appears to be a candidate for regulating both protein homeostasis and NFκB signalling, with our study highlighting a role for Caspar in glial inflammation. We project human FAF1 as an important protein target to alleviate the progression of motor neuron disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Tendulkar
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
| | - Sushmitha Hegde
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
| | - Lovleen Garg
- Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) Pune 411008, India
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Epigenetic Mechanisms in Memory and Cognitive Decline Associated with Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212280. [PMID: 34830163 PMCID: PMC8618067 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, which include DNA methylation, a variety of post-translational modifications of histone proteins (acetylation, phosphorylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, serotonylation, dopaminylation), chromatin remodeling enzymes, and long non-coding RNAs, are robust regulators of activity-dependent changes in gene transcription. In the brain, many of these epigenetic modifications have been widely implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms has been reported in the aged brain and is associated with or contributes to memory decline across the lifespan. Furthermore, alterations in the epigenome have been reported in neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. Here, we review the diverse types of epigenetic modifications and their role in activity- and learning-dependent synaptic plasticity. We then discuss how these mechanisms become dysregulated across the lifespan and contribute to memory loss with age and in Alzheimer’s disease. Collectively, the evidence reviewed here strongly supports a role for diverse epigenetic mechanisms in memory formation, aging, and neurodegeneration in the brain.
Collapse
|
8
|
Aykac A, Kalkan R. Epigenetic Approach to PTSD: In the Aspects of Rat Models. Glob Med Genet 2021; 9:7-13. [PMID: 35169777 PMCID: PMC8837403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related mental disorder and develops after exposure to life-threatening traumatic experiences. The risk factors of PTSD included genetic factors; alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; neurotrophic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic systems; and a variety of environmental factors, such as war, accident, natural disaster, pandemic, physical, or sexual abuse, that cause stress or trauma in individuals. To be able to understand the molecular background of PTSD, rodent animal models are widely used by researchers. When looking for a solution for PTSD, it is important to consider preexisting genetic risk factors and physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes caused by trauma that may cause susceptibility to this disorder. In studies, it is reported that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the biological response affected by environmental factors, as well as the task of programming cell identity. In this article, we provided an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications in understanding the biology of PTSD. We also summarized the data from animal studies and their importance during the investigation of PTSD. This study shed light on the epigenetic background of stress and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asli Aykac
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Van Gils J, Magdinier F, Fergelot P, Lacombe D. Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome: A Model of Epigenetic Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:968. [PMID: 34202860 PMCID: PMC8303114 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) is a rare congenital developmental disorder characterized by a typical facial dysmorphism, distal limb abnormalities, intellectual disability, and many additional phenotypical features. It occurs at between 1/100,000 and 1/125,000 births. Two genes are currently known to cause RSTS, CREBBP and EP300, mutated in around 55% and 8% of clinically diagnosed cases, respectively. To date, 500 pathogenic variants have been reported for the CREBBP gene and 118 for EP300. These two genes encode paralogs acting as lysine acetyltransferase involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling with a key role in neuronal plasticity and cognition. Because of the clinical heterogeneity of this syndrome ranging from the typical clinical diagnosis to features overlapping with other Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic machinery, phenotype/genotype correlations remain difficult to establish. In this context, the deciphering of the patho-physiological process underlying these diseases and the definition of a specific episignature will likely improve the diagnostic efficiency but also open novel therapeutic perspectives. This review summarizes the current clinical and molecular knowledge and highlights the epigenetic regulation of RSTS as a model of chromatinopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Van Gils
- Reference Center AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, INSERM U 1211, Medical Genetics Department, Bordeaux University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (P.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Frederique Magdinier
- Marseille Medical Genetics, INSERM U 1251, MMG, Aix Marseille University, 13385 Marseille, France;
| | - Patricia Fergelot
- Reference Center AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, INSERM U 1211, Medical Genetics Department, Bordeaux University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (P.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Didier Lacombe
- Reference Center AD SOOR, AnDDI-RARE, INSERM U 1211, Medical Genetics Department, Bordeaux University, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, 33076 Bordeaux, France; (P.F.); (D.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lin B, Alganem K, O'Donovan SM, Jin Z, Naghavi F, Miller OA, Ortyl TC, Ruan YC, McCullumsmith RE, Du J. Activation of acid-sensing ion channels by carbon dioxide regulates amygdala synaptic protein degradation in memory reconsolidation. Mol Brain 2021; 14:78. [PMID: 33962650 PMCID: PMC8106190 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00786-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reconsolidation has been considered a process in which a consolidated memory is turned into a labile stage. Within the reconsolidation window, the labile memory can be either erased or strengthened. Manipulating acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in the amygdala via carbon dioxide (CO2) inhalation enhances memory retrieval and its lability within the reconsolidation window. Moreover, pairing CO2 inhalation with retrieval bears the reactivation of the memory trace and enhances the synaptic exchange of the calcium-impermeable AMPA receptors to calcium-permeable AMPA receptors. Our patch-clamp data suggest that the exchange of the AMPA receptors depends on the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), via protein degradation. Ziram (50 µM), a ubiquitination inhibitor, reduces the turnover of the AMPA receptors. CO2 inhalation with retrieval boosts the ubiquitination without altering the proteasome activity. Several calcium-dependent kinases potentially involved in the CO2-inhalation regulated memory liability were identified using the Kinome assay. These results suggest that the UPS plays a key role in regulating the turnover of AMPA receptors during CO2 inhalation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boren Lin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 38163, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Toledo, 43606, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Khaled Alganem
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo Medical Center, 43614, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sinead M O'Donovan
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo Medical Center, 43614, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zhen Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 38163, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - FarzanehSadat Naghavi
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo Medical Center, 43614, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Olivia A Miller
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Toledo, 43606, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Tyler C Ortyl
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 38163, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ye Chun Ruan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neurosciences, The University of Toledo Medical Center, 43614, Toledo, OH, USA
- Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, OH, 43614, Toledo, USA
| | - Jianyang Du
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 38163, Memphis, TN, USA.
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 38163, Memphis, TN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Clinton SM, Shupe EA, Glover ME, Unroe KA, McCoy CR, Cohen JL, Kerman IA. Modeling heritability of temperamental differences, stress reactivity, and risk for anxiety and depression: Relevance to research domain criteria (RDoC). Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2076-2107. [PMID: 33629390 PMCID: PMC8382785 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Animal models provide important tools to study biological and environmental factors that shape brain function and behavior. These models can be effectively leveraged by drawing on concepts from the National Institute of Mental Health Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Initiative, which aims to delineate molecular pathways and neural circuits that underpin behavioral anomalies that transcend psychiatric conditions. To study factors that contribute to individual differences in emotionality and stress reactivity, our laboratory utilized Sprague-Dawley rats that were selectively bred for differences in novelty exploration. Selective breeding for low versus high locomotor response to novelty produced rat lines that differ in behavioral domains relevant to anxiety and depression, particularly the RDoC Negative Valence domains, including acute threat, potential threat, and loss. Bred Low Novelty Responder (LR) rats, relative to their High Responder (HR) counterparts, display high levels of behavioral inhibition, conditioned and unconditioned fear, avoidance, passive stress coping, anhedonia, and psychomotor retardation. The HR/LR traits are heritable, emerge in the first weeks of life, and appear to be driven by alterations in the developing amygdala and hippocampus. Epigenomic and transcriptomic profiling in the developing and adult HR/LR brain suggest that DNA methylation and microRNAs, as well as differences in monoaminergic transmission (dopamine and serotonin in particular), contribute to their distinct behavioral phenotypes. This work exemplifies ways that animal models such as the HR/LR rats can be effectively used to study neural and molecular factors driving emotional behavior, which may pave the way toward improved understanding the neurobiological mechanisms involved in emotional disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Clinton
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Shupe
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Matthew E Glover
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Keaton A Unroe
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Chelsea R McCoy
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Joshua L Cohen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ilan A Kerman
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Behavioral Health Service Line, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vinarskaya AK, Balaban PM, Roshchin MV, Zuzina AB. Sodium butyrate as a selective cognitive enhancer for weak or impaired memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 180:107414. [PMID: 33610771 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Several recent studies showed that memory can be modulated by manipulating chromatin modifications using histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors during memory formation, consolidation, and reconsolidation. We used a context fear conditioning paradigm with minimal non-painful current as a reinforcement, what elicited alertness to the context and freezing during tests in rats. Such paradigm resulted in a relatively weak memory in significant part of the rats. Here, we demonstrate that intraperitoneal administration of the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate immediately following memory reactivation, produced memory enhancement in rats with weak memory, however, not in rats with strong memory. Additionally, we investigated the ability of the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate to restore the contextual memory impaired due to the blockade of protein synthesis during memory reactivation. The results obtained evidence that the HDAC inhibitor sodium butyrate reinstated the impaired contextual memory. This enhancement effect is consistent with other studies demonstrating a role for HDAC inhibitors in the facilitation of contextual fear.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliya Kh Vinarskaya
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova St., Moscow 117485, Russia.
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova St., Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Matvey V Roshchin
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova St., Moscow 117485, Russia
| | - Alena B Zuzina
- Cellular Neurobiology of Learning Lab, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5A Butlerova St., Moscow 117485, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Histone Modifications of Neuronal Plasticity. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:6690523. [PMID: 33628222 PMCID: PMC7892255 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6690523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleosomes composed of histone octamer and DNA are the basic structural unit in the eukaryote chromosome. Under the stimulation of various factors, histones will undergo posttranslational modifications such as methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, which change the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes and affect gene expression. Therefore, the combination of different states of histone modifications modulates gene expression is called histone code. The formation of learning and memory is one of the most important mechanisms for animals to adapt to environmental changes. A large number of studies have shown that histone codes are involved in the formation and consolidation of learning and memory. Here, we review the most recent literature of histone modification in regulating neurogenesis, dendritic spine dynamic, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
|
14
|
Navabpour S, Rogers J, McFadden T, Jarome TJ. DNA Double-Strand Breaks Are a Critical Regulator of Fear Memory Reconsolidation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238995. [PMID: 33256213 PMCID: PMC7730899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that following retrieval, a previously consolidated memory requires increased transcriptional regulation in order to be reconsolidated. Previously, it was reported that histone H3 lysine-4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), a marker of active transcription, is increased in the hippocampus after the retrieval of contextual fear memory. However, it is currently unknown how this epigenetic mark is regulated during the reconsolidation process. Furthermore, though recent evidence suggests that neuronal activity triggers DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in some early-response genes, it is currently unknown if DSBs contribute to the reconsolidation of a memory following retrieval. Here, using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses, we report a significant overlap between DSBs and H3K4me3 in area CA1 of the hippocampus during the reconsolidation process. We found an increase in phosphorylation of histone H2A.X at serine 139 (H2A.XpS139), a marker of DSB, in the Npas4, but not c-fos, promoter region 5 min after retrieval, which correlated with increased H3K4me3 levels, suggesting that the two epigenetic marks may work in concert during the reconsolidation process. Consistent with this, in vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of topoisomerase II β, the enzyme responsible for DSB, prior to retrieval, reduced Npas4 promoter-specific H2A.XpS139 and H3K4me3 levels and impaired long-term memory, indicating an indispensable role of DSBs in the memory reconsolidation process. Collectively, our data propose a novel mechanism for memory reconsolidation through increases in epigenetic-mediated transcriptional control via DNA double-strand breaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Navabpour
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine & Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA;
| | - Jessie Rogers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Taylor McFadden
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Timothy J. Jarome
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine & Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA;
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-540-231-3520
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Myricitrin ameliorates cognitive deficits in MCAO cerebral stroke rats via histone acetylation-induced alterations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Mol Cell Biochem 2020; 476:609-617. [PMID: 33074446 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-020-03930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The present study screened the effect of Myricitrin on cognitive deficits post-cerebral ischemic stroke and the involved mechanism. The rats were submitted to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and were treated with sodium butyrate or Myricitrin (15 and 30 mg/kg) for 28 days. The spatial memory was studied by Morris water maze (MWM). After 4 weeks, the rats were euthanized and hippocampus region was utilized for neurochemical and biochemical changes. The extent of histone acetylation was studied by ELISA. Protein levels were analyzed by Western blot analysis. The mRNA levels were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In silico bioinformatics docking studies were done for target confirmation of Myricitrin. The treatment of Myricitrin showed improved memory in MWM compared to rats treated with vehicle, and the effects of Myricitrin were similar to sodium butyrate-treated rats. At a dose of 30 mg/kg Myricitrin, the histone deacetylase content was decreased, the expression levels of BDNF were increased, the levels of acetylated H3 and H4 along with Syn-I in the hippocampus region were over-expressed compared to control vehicle-treated rats. However, at low dose, i.e., 15 mg/kg Myricitrin failed to show alterations in biochemical as well as neurochemical markers. Docking studies suggested the BDNF and Sun-I as potential target proteins of Myricitrin. The cognitive ameliorating effect of Myricitrin post-cerebral ischemia stroke can be attributed to increased expression of BDNF and Syn-I and modulation of histone acetylation.
Collapse
|
16
|
Subbanna S, Basavarajappa BS. Postnatal Ethanol-Induced Neurodegeneration Involves CB1R-Mediated β-Catenin Degradation in Neonatal Mice. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E271. [PMID: 32370076 PMCID: PMC7288104 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10050271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption by pregnant women may produce neurological abnormalities that affect cognitive processes in children and are together defined as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). However, the molecular underpinnings are still poorly defined. In our earlier studies, we found that ethanol exposure of postnatal day 7 (P7) mice significantly induced widespread neurodegeneration mediated via endocannabinoids (eCBs)/cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1R). In the current study, we examined changes in the β-catenin protein levels that are involved in the regulation of neuronal function including neuronal death and survival. We found that moderate- and high-dose postnatal ethanol exposure (PEE) significantly reduced active-β-catenin (ABC) (non-phosphorylated form) protein levels in the hippocampus (HP) and neocortex (NC). In addition, we found that moderate- and high-dose PEE significantly increased the phosphorylated-β-catenin (p-β-catenin)/ABC ratios in the HP and NC. Antagonism/null mutation of CB1R before PEE to inhibit CC3 production mitigated the loss of ABC protein levels. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that the CB1R/β-catenin signaling mechanism causes neurodegeneration in neonatal mouse brains following PEE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shivakumar Subbanna
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA;
| | - Balapal S. Basavarajappa
- Division of Analytical Psychopharmacology, Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA;
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Webb WM, Irwin AB, Pepin ME, Henderson BW, Huang V, Butler AA, Herskowitz JH, Wende AR, Cash AE, Lubin FD. The SETD6 Methyltransferase Plays an Essential Role in Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Formation. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:577-587. [PMID: 31378303 PMCID: PMC6906268 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic mechanisms are critical for hippocampus-dependent memory formation. Building on previous studies that implicate the N-lysine methyltransferase SETD6 in the activation of nuclear factor-κB RELA (also known as transcription factor p65) as an epigenetic recruiter, we hypothesized that SETD6 is a key player in the epigenetic control of long-term memory. METHODS Using a series of molecular, biochemical, imaging, electrophysiological, and behavioral experiments, we interrogated the effects of short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of Setd6 in the rat dorsal hippocampus during memory consolidation. RESULTS Our findings demonstrate that SETD6 is necessary for memory-related nuclear factor-κB RELA methylation at lysine 310 and associated increases in H3K9me2 (histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation) in the dorsal hippocampus and that SETD6 knockdown interferes with memory consolidation, alters gene expression patterns, and disrupts spine morphology. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings suggest that SETD6 plays a critical role in memory formation and may act as an upstream initiator of H3K9me2 changes in the hippocampus during memory consolidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Webb
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ashleigh B Irwin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mark E Pepin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Benjamin W Henderson
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Victoria Huang
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Jeremy H Herskowitz
- Department of Neurology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Adam R Wende
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Andrew E Cash
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Haubrich J, Bernabo M, Baker AG, Nader K. Impairments to Consolidation, Reconsolidation, and Long-Term Memory Maintenance Lead to Memory Erasure. Annu Rev Neurosci 2020; 43:297-314. [PMID: 32097575 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-091319-024636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
An enduring problem in neuroscience is determining whether cases of amnesia result from eradication of the memory trace (storage impairment) or if the trace is present but inaccessible (retrieval impairment). The most direct approach to resolving this question is to quantify changes in the brain mechanisms of long-term memory (BM-LTM). This approach argues that if the amnesia is due to a retrieval failure, BM-LTM should remain at levels comparable to trained, unimpaired animals. Conversely, if memories are erased, BM-LTM should be reduced to resemble untrained levels. Here we review the use of BM-LTM in a number of studies that induced amnesia by targeting memory maintenance or reconsolidation. The literature strongly suggests that such amnesia is due to storage rather than retrieval impairments. We also describe the shortcomings of the purely behavioral protocol that purports to show recovery from amnesia as a method of understanding the nature of amnesia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josué Haubrich
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada;
| | - Matteo Bernabo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Andrew G Baker
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada;
| | - Karim Nader
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dresselhaus EC, Meffert MK. Cellular Specificity of NF-κB Function in the Nervous System. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1043. [PMID: 31143184 PMCID: PMC6520659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor with key functions in a wide array of biological systems. While the role of NF-κB in processes, such as host immunity and oncogenesis has been more clearly defined, an understanding of the basic functions of NF-κB in the nervous system has lagged behind. The vast cell-type heterogeneity within the central nervous system (CNS) and the interplay between cell-type specific roles of NF-κB contributes to the complexity of understanding NF-κB functions in the brain. In this review, we will focus on the emerging understanding of cell-autonomous regulation of NF-κB signaling as well as the non-cell-autonomous functional impacts of NF-κB activation in the mammalian nervous system. We will focus on recent work which is unlocking the pleiotropic roles of NF-κB in neurons and glial cells (including astrocytes and microglia). Normal physiology as well as disorders of the CNS in which NF-κB signaling has been implicated will be discussed with reference to the lens of cell-type specific responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica C Dresselhaus
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mollie K Meffert
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ma T, Wu Y, Chen B, Zhang W, Jin L, Shen C, Wang Y, Liu Y. D-Serine Contributes to Seizure Development via ERK Signaling. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:254. [PMID: 30971878 PMCID: PMC6443828 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A seizure is one of the leading neurological disorders. NMDA receptor-mediated neuronal excitation has been thought to be essential for epileptogenesis. As an endogenous co-agonist of the NMDA receptor, D-serine has been suggested to play a role in epileptogenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we investigated the effects of antagonizing two key enzymes in D-serine metabolism on the development of seizures and the downstream signaling. Our results showed that serine racemase (SR), a key enzyme in regulating the L-to-D-serine conversion, was significantly up-regulated in hippocampal astrocytes in rats and patients who experienced seizure, in comparison with control rats and patients. L-aspartic acid β-hydroxamate (LaaβH), an inhibitor of SR, significantly prolonged the latencies of seizures, shortened the durations of seizures, and decreased the total EEG power in rats. In contrast, D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor 5-chlorobenzo[d]isoxazol-3-ol (CBIO), which can increase D-serine levels, showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, our data showed that LaaβH and CBIO significantly affected the phosphorylation of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK). Antagonizing or activating ERK could significantly block the effects of LaaβH/CBIO on the occurrence of seizures. In summary, our study revealed that D-serine is involved in the development of epileptic seizures, partially through ERK signaling, indicating that the metabolism of D-serine may be targeted for the treatment of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tie Ma
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurology, The Seventh Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xi'an High-tech Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Beibei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lang Jin
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Shen
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Institute of Neurosciences, School of Basic Medicine, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
In the past few decades, the field of neuroepigenetics has investigated how the brain encodes information to form long-lasting memories that lead to stable changes in behaviour. Activity-dependent molecular mechanisms, including, but not limited to, histone modification, DNA methylation and nucleosome remodelling, dynamically regulate the gene expression required for memory formation. Recently, the field has begun to examine how a learning experience is integrated at the level of both chromatin structure and synaptic physiology. Here, we provide an overview of key established epigenetic mechanisms that are important for memory formation. We explore how epigenetic mechanisms give rise to stable alterations in neuronal function by modifying synaptic structure and function, and highlight studies that demonstrate how manipulating epigenetic mechanisms may push the boundaries of memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianne R Campbell
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Center for Addiction Neuroscience, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Center for Addiction Neuroscience, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Orsi SA, Devulapalli RK, Nelsen JL, McFadden T, Surineni R, Jarome TJ. Distinct subcellular changes in proteasome activity and linkage-specific protein polyubiquitination in the amygdala during the consolidation and reconsolidation of a fear memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 157:1-11. [PMID: 30458285 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have supported a critical role for the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in the memory consolidation and reconsolidation processes. The protein targets and functional role of ubiquitin-proteasome activity can vary widely across cellular compartments, however, it is unknown how UPS activity changes within the nuclear, cytoplasmic, and synaptic regions in response to learning or memory retrieval. Additionally, while previous studies have focused on degradation-specific protein polyubiquitination, it is unknown how learning alters other polyubiquitin tags that are not targeted by the proteasome. Using cellular fractionation protocols in combination with linkage-specific polyubiquitin antibodies, we examined subcellular changes in ubiquitin-proteasome activity in the amygdala during memory consolidation and reconsolidation. Following memory acquisition, overall protein ubiquitination and proteasome activity simultaneously increased in the nucleus and decreased in the synaptic and cytoplasmic regions. The nuclear increases were associated with upregulation of degradation-specific (K48) and degradation-independent (K63, M1) polyubiquitin tags, suggesting multiple functions for ubiquitin signaling within this region. Interestingly, retrieval induced a very different pattern of ubiquitin-proteasome activity in the amygdala, consisting of increases in overall protein ubiquitination and proteasome activity and K48-, K63-, and M1-polyubiquitin tags in the synaptic, but not nuclear or cytoplasmic regions. Collectively, learning and memory retrieval dynamically and differentially alter degradation-dependent and degradation-independent ubiquitin-proteasome activity across different cellular compartments, suggesting that the UPS may serve unique functions during memory consolidation and reconsolidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina A Orsi
- Department of Biochemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rishi K Devulapalli
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Jacob L Nelsen
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Taylor McFadden
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Rithika Surineni
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kyrke-Smith M, Williams JM. Bridging Synaptic and Epigenetic Maintenance Mechanisms of the Engram. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:369. [PMID: 30344478 PMCID: PMC6182070 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
How memories are maintained, and how memories are lost during aging or disease, are intensely investigated issues. Arguably, the reigning theory is that synaptic modifications allow for the formation of engrams during learning, and sustaining engrams sustains memory. Activity-regulated gene expression profiles have been shown to be critical to these processes, and their control by the epigenome has begun to be investigated in earnest. Here, we propose a novel theory as to how engrams are sustained. We propose that many of the genes that are currently believed to underlie long-term memory are actually part of a “plasticity transcriptome” that underpins structural and functional modifications to neuronal connectivity during the hours to days following learning. Further, we hypothesize that a “maintenance transcriptome” is subsequently induced that includes epigenetic negative regulators of gene expression, particularly histone deacetylases. The maintenance transcriptome negatively regulates the plasticity transcriptome, and thus the plastic capability of a neuron, after learning. In this way, the maintenance transcriptome would act as a metaplasticity mechanism that raises the threshold for change in neurons within an engram, helping to ensure the connectivity is stabilized and memory is maintained.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Kyrke-Smith
- Department of Anatomy, The Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Psychology, The Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Joanna M Williams
- Department of Anatomy, The Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand - Rangahau Roro Aotearoa, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sellers KJ, Watson IA, Gresz RE, Raval P, Srivastava DP. Cyto-nuclear shuttling of afadin is required for rapid estradiol-mediated modifications of histone H3. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:153-162. [PMID: 30268521 PMCID: PMC6277849 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been shown to rapidly regulate local signalling at synapses and within the nucleus. The result of these signalling events is to rapidly modulate synapse structure and function, as well as epigenetic mechanisms including histone modifications. Ultimately these mechanisms are thought to contribute to long-lasting changes in neural circuitry, and thus influence cognitive functions such as learning and memory. However, the mechanisms by which estrogen-mediated local synaptic and nuclear signalling events are coordinated are not well understood. In this study we have found that the scaffold protein afadin, (also known as AF-6), undergoes a bi-directional trafficking to both synaptic and nuclear compartment in response to acute 17β-estradiol (estradiol) treatment, in mixed sex neuronal cultures derived from fetal cortex. Interestingly, nuclear accumulation of afadin was coincidental with an increase in the phosphorylation of histone H3 at serine 10 (H3S10p). This epigenetic modification is associated with the remodeling of chromatin into an open euchromatin state, allowing for transcriptional activation and related learning and memory processes. Critically, the cyto-nuclear trafficking of afadin was required for estradiol-dependent H3S10p. We further determined that nuclear accumulation of afadin is sufficient to induce phosphorylation of the mitogentic kinases ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) within the nucleus. Moreover, nuclear pERK1/2 was required for estradiol-dependent H3S10p. Taken together, we propose a model whereby estradiol induces the bi-directional trafficking of afadin to synaptic and nuclear sub-compartments. Within the nucleus, afadin is required for increased pERK1/2 which in turn is required for H3S10p. Therefore this represents a mechanism through which estrogens may be able to coordinate both synaptic and nucleosomal events within the same neuronal population. 17β-estradiol targets afadin to membrane and nuclear subcompartments. Histone H3 is rapidly phosphorylated by 17β-estradiol. Histone H3 phosphorylation by 17β-estradiol requires afadin nuclear accumulation. 17β-estradiol-mediated ERK1/2 activation is required for histone H3 phosphorylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Sellers
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Iain A Watson
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Rahel E Gresz
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Pooja Raval
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, UK; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, SE5 9RT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
EZH2 Methyltransferase Activity Controls Pten Expression and mTOR Signaling during Fear Memory Reconsolidation. J Neurosci 2018; 38:7635-7648. [PMID: 30030400 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0538-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory retrieval induces a transient period of increased transcriptional and translational regulation in neurons called reconsolidation, which is regulated by the protein kinase B (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. However, it is currently unknown how activation of the AKT-mTOR pathway is regulated during the reconsolidation process. Here, we found that in male rats retrieval of a contextual fear memory transiently increased Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) levels along with increased histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) levels, which correlated with decreased levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a potent inhibitor of AKT-mTOR-dependent signaling in the hippocampus. Further experiments found increased H3K27me3 levels and DNA methylation across the Pten promoter and coding regions, indicating transcriptional silencing of the Pten gene. Pten H3K27me3 levels did not change following training or after the retrieval of a remote (old) fear memory, suggesting that this mechanism of Pten repression was specific to the reconsolidation of a new memory. In vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of Ezh2 in the hippocampus abolished retrieval-induced increases in H3K27me3 and prevented decreases in PTEN levels. Ezh2 knockdown attenuated increases in the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR following retrieval, which could be restored by simultaneously reducing Pten, suggesting that H3K27me3 regulates AKT-mTOR phosphorylation via repression of Pten Consistent with these results, knockdown of Ezh2 in area CA1 before retrieval impaired memory on later tests. Collectively, these results suggest that EZH2-mediated H3K27me3 plays a critical role in the repression of Pten transcription necessary for AKT-mTOR activation and memory reconsolidation following retrieval.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Understanding how critical translation pathways, like mTOR-mediated protein synthesis, are regulated during the memory storage process is necessary for improving memory impairments. This study tests whether mTOR activation is coupled to epigenetic mechanisms in the hippocampus following the retrieval of a contextual fear memory. Specifically, this study evaluates the role of epigenetic modifications in the form of histone methylation in downstream mTOR translational control during learning-dependent synaptic plasticity in neurons. Considering the broad implications of transcriptional and translational mechanisms in synaptic plasticity, psychiatric, and neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, these data are of interest to the neuroscience community due to the robust and specific regulation of mTOR signaling we found to be dependent on repressive histone methylation.
Collapse
|
26
|
Decreased level of histone acetylation in the infralimbic prefrontal cortex following immediate extinction may result in deficit of extinction memory. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:355-364. [PMID: 29908895 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the last few decades, there has been exponential increase in studies aiming to trace the molecular mechanism of fear extinction with a hope to minimize the return of fear after exposure therapy required for operational treatment of anxiety disorders. The present study explored how the timing of extinction training after developing a specific fear, affects the consequent return of the extinguished fear and the role of histone acetylation in controlling the circuitry, thereof. It was found that rats undergone extinction training 10 min. after fear memory acquisition (Immediate Extinction) had deficits in retention of extinction memory as compared to one which underwent extinction 24 h after fear acquisition (Delayed Extinction). When the differences were sorted at the circuitry level the relative activity of the infralimbic prefrontal cortex (IL) to prelimbic cortex (PL) was found to be lower in the immediate extinction group as compared to the delayed extinction group as evidenced by the c-fos expression in the mPFC of these groups. Further investigation showed that acetylation of histone H3/H4 along with the levels of CREB binding protein (CBP) which is a histone acetyltransferase (HAT), was associated with neuronal activation and was significantly lower in the IL of the immediate extinction group than the delayed extinction group. In conclusion, the observed deficits in the immediate extinction group may be the result of compromised activation of IL, which in turn may be associated with changes in histone acetylation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kim GS, Smith AK, Nievergelt CM, Uddin M. Neuroepigenetics of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 158:227-253. [PMID: 30072055 PMCID: PMC6474244 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While diagnosis of PTSD is based on behavioral symptom clusters that are most directly associated with brain function, epigenetic studies of PTSD in humans to date have been limited to peripheral tissues. Animal models of PTSD have been key for understanding the epigenetic alterations in the brain most directly relevant to endophenotypes of PTSD, in particular those pertaining to fear memory and stress response. This chapter provides an overview of neuroepigenetic studies based on animal models of PTSD, with an emphasis on the effect of stress on fear memory. Where relevant, we also describe human-based studies with relevance to neuroepigenetic insights gleaned from animal work and suggest promising directions for future studies of PTSD neuroepigenetics in living humans that combine peripheral epigenetic measures with measures of central nervous system activity, structure and function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace S Kim
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Medical Scholars Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Caroline M Nievergelt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Monica Uddin
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States; Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wang X, Li M, Zhu H, Yu Y, Xu Y, Zhang W, Bian C. Transcriptional Regulation Involved in Fear Memory Reconsolidation. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:127-140. [PMID: 29796837 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1084-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Memory reconsolidation has been demonstrated to offer a potential target period during which the fear memories underlying fear disorders can be disrupted. Reconsolidation is a labile stage that consolidated memories re-enter after memories are reactivated. Reactivated memories, induced by cues related to traumatic events, are susceptible to strengthening and weakening. Gene transcription regulation and protein synthesis have been suggested to be required for fear memory reconsolidation. Investigating the transcriptional regulation mechanisms underlying reconsolidation may provide a therapeutic method for the treatment of fear disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the therapeutic effect of treating a fear disorder through interfering with reconsolidation is still contradictory. In this review, we summarize several transcription factors that have been linked to fear memory reconsolidation and propose that transcription factors, as well as related signaling pathways can serve as targets for fear memory interventions. Then, we discuss the application of pharmacological and behavioral interventions during reconsolidation that may or not efficiently treat fear disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu Wang
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
- Forth Battalion of Cadet Brigade, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Medical Company, Troops 95848 of People's Liberation Army, Xiaogan, 432100, China
| | - Yongju Yu
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xu
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wenmo Zhang
- Department of Fundamental, Army Logistical University of PLA, Chongqing, 401331, China
| | - Chen Bian
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Inserra A. Hypothesis: The Psychedelic Ayahuasca Heals Traumatic Memories via a Sigma 1 Receptor-Mediated Epigenetic-Mnemonic Process. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:330. [PMID: 29674970 PMCID: PMC5895707 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ayahuasca ingestion modulates brain activity, neurotransmission, gene expression and epigenetic regulation. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT, one of the alkaloids in Ayahuasca) activates sigma 1 receptor (SIGMAR1) and others. SIGMAR1 is a multi-faceted stress-responsive receptor which promotes cell survival, neuroprotection, neuroplasticity, and neuroimmunomodulation. Simultaneously, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) also present in Ayahuasca prevent the degradation of DMT. One peculiarity of SIGMAR1 activation and MAOI activity is the reversal of mnemonic deficits in pre-clinical models. Since traumatic memories in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often characterised by “repression” and PTSD patients ingesting Ayahuasca report the retrieval of such memories, it cannot be excluded that DMT-mediated SIGMAR1 activation and the concomitant MAOIs effects during Ayahuasca ingestion might mediate such “anti-amnesic” process. Here I hypothesise that Ayahuasca, via hyperactivation of trauma and emotional memory-related centres, and via its concomitant SIGMAR1- and MAOIs- induced anti-amnesic effects, facilitates the retrieval of traumatic memories, in turn making them labile (destabilised). As Ayahuasca alkaloids enhance synaptic plasticity, increase neurogenesis and boost dopaminergic neurotransmission, and those processes are involved in memory reconsolidation and fear extinction, the fear response triggered by the memory can be reprogramed and/or extinguished. Subsequently, the memory is stored with this updated significance. To date, it is unclear if new memories replace, co-exist with or bypass old ones. Although the mechanisms involved in memory are still debated, they seem to require the involvement of cellular and molecular events, such as reorganisation of homo and heteroreceptor complexes at the synapse, synaptic plasticity, and epigenetic re-modulation of gene expression. Since SIGMAR1 mobilises synaptic receptor, boosts synaptic plasticity and modulates epigenetic processes, such effects might be involved in the reported healing of traumatic memories in PTSD patients. If this theory proves to be true, Ayahuasca could come to represent the only standing pharmacological treatment which targets traumatic memories in PTSD. Lastly, since SIGMAR1 activation triggers both epigenetic and immunomodulatory programmes, the mechanism here presented could help understanding and treating other conditions in which the cellular memory is dysregulated, such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune and neurodegenerative pathologies and substance addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Inserra
- Mind and Brain Theme, The South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Centre for Neuroscience, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The identification of genes affecting sociality can give insights into the maintenance and development of sociality and personality. In this study, we used the combination of an advanced intercross between wild and domestic chickens with a combined QTL and eQTL genetical genomics approach to identify genes for social reinstatement, a social and anxiety-related behavior. A total of 24 social reinstatement QTL were identified and overlaid with over 600 eQTL obtained from the same birds using hypothalamic tissue. Correlations between overlapping QTL and eQTL indicated five strong candidate genes, with the gene TTRAP being strongly significantly correlated with multiple aspects of social reinstatement behavior, as well as possessing a highly significant eQTL.
Collapse
|
31
|
Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Epigenetic regulation of Fgf1 transcription by CRTC1 and memory enhancement. Brain Res Bull 2018; 141:3-12. [PMID: 29477835 PMCID: PMC6128695 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence demonstrates that epigenetic regulation of gene transcription is critically involved in learning and memory. Here, we discuss the role of histone acetylation and DNA methylation, which are two best understood epigenetic processes in memory processes. More specifically, we focus on learning-strength-dependent changes in chromatin on the fibroblast growth factor 1 (Fgf1) gene and on the molecular events that modulate regulation of Fgf1 transcription, required for memory enhancement, with the specific focus on CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shusaku Uchida
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Gleb P Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Scientific advances in the last decades uncovered that memory is not a stable, fixed entity. Apparently stable memories may become transiently labile and susceptible to modifications when retrieved due to the process of reconsolidation. Here, we review the initial evidence and the logic on which reconsolidation theory is based, the wide range of conditions in which it has been reported and recent findings further revealing the fascinating nature of this process. Special focus is given to conceptual issues of when and why reconsolidation happen and its possible outcomes. Last, we discuss the potential clinical implications of memory modifications by reconsolidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josue Haubrich
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Karim Nader
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Singh P, Srivas S, Thakur MK. Epigenetic Regulation of Memory-Therapeutic Potential for Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:1208-1221. [PMID: 28393704 PMCID: PMC5725549 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170404144522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Memory is a vital function which declines in different physiological and pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Research in the past has reported that memory formation and consolidation require the precise expression of synaptic plasticity genes. However, little is known about the regulation of these genes. Epigenetic modification is now a well established mechanism that regulates synaptic plasticity genes and neuronal functions including memory. Therefore, we have reviewed the epigenetic regulation of memory and its therapeutic potential for memory dysfunction during aging and neurological disorders. METHOD Research reports and online contents relevant to epigenetic regulation of memory during physiological and pathological conditions have been compiled and discussed. RESULTS Epigenetic modifications include mainly DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone acetylation and methylation which involve chromatin modifying enzymes. These epigenetic marks change during memory formation and impairment due to dementia, aging and neurodegeneration. As the epigenetic modifications are reversible, they can be modulated by enzyme inhibitors leading to the recovery of memory. CONCLUSION Epigenetic modifications could be exploited as a potential therapeutic target to recover memory disorders during aging and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padmanabh Singh
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - Sweta Srivas
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| | - M K Thakur
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221 005, India
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kumar D, Thakur MK. Effect of perinatal exposure to Bisphenol-A on DNA methylation and histone acetylation in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of postnatal male mice. J Toxicol Sci 2017; 42:281-289. [PMID: 28496034 DOI: 10.2131/jts.42.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an estrogenic endocrine disruptor mostly used for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Recently we have reported that perinatal BPA exposure impaired spatial memory through upregulation of synaptic proteins Neurexin1 and Neuroligin3 in male mice. As epigenetic mechanism is a key regulator of memory, we hypothesized that BPA might influence memory through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Here we provide evidence that perinatal exposure to BPA decreased 5-mC DNA but increased histone H3 acetylation in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of postnatal 3 and 8 weeks male mice. BPA exposure also increased mRNA levels of DNMT1 and DNMT3a in cerebral cortex of 3 and 8 weeks; whereas in hippocampus DNMT1 mRNA increased in 3 weeks but decreased in 8 weeks and DNMT3a showed no change. Further, HDAC2 mRNA and protein increased in cerebral cortex of both ages and in hippocampus it increased in 3 weeks but decreased in 8 weeks. Altogether, our results demonstrate that the perinatal BPA exposure induces epigenetic changes that possibly underlie the enduring effect of BPA on brain function and behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Kumar
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Institute of Science, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, India
| | - Mahendra Kumar Thakur
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Brain Research Centre, Institute of Science, Department of Zoology, Banaras Hindu University, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Tu F, Pang Q, Huang T, Zhao Y, Liu M, Chen X. Apigenin Ameliorates Post-Stroke Cognitive Deficits in Rats Through Histone Acetylation-Mediated Neurochemical Alterations. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:4004-4013. [PMID: 28821706 PMCID: PMC5572783 DOI: 10.12659/msm.902770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To identify the effect of apigenin on cognitive deficits of rats after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury, and to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. Material/Methods The rats were given sodium butyrate (NaB) or apigenin (20 or 40 mg/kg) for 28 days. Cognition was investigated by the Morris water maze (MWM) test. On day 28, the rats were euthanized and their hippocampal brain regions were used to identify biochemical and neurochemical alterations. The content of histone deacetylase (HDAC) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot analysis was performed to determine the levels of BDNF, phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB), acetylated H3, and acetylated H4. The mRNA expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and synapsin-I (Syn-I) were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results The rats with chronic administration of apigenin (20 and 40 mg/kg) showed better performance in the MWM task than the model rats; there was no significant difference between the apigenin-treated and NaB-treated rats. At the higher apigenin dose of 40 mg/kg, the HDAC content was decreased, the BDNF level was markedly increased, and acetylated H3 and acetylated H4 expressions and Syn-I expressions in the hippocampus was upregulated compared with the model group. Apigenin at 20 mg/kg did not show reversal of the neurochemical alterations. Conclusions The improvement effect of apigenin on cognitive impairments after cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury may involve multiple mechanisms, such as the inhibition of HDAC, induction of BDNF and Syn-I expression, and regulation of histone acetylation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fengxia Tu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Qiongyi Pang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Tingting Huang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Meixia Liu
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Nennig SE, Schank JR. The Role of NFkB in Drug Addiction: Beyond Inflammation. Alcohol Alcohol 2017; 52:172-179. [PMID: 28043969 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agw098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NFkB) is a ubiquitous transcription factor well known for its role in the innate immune response. As such, NFkB is a transcriptional activator of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines. It has recently been demonstrated that alcohol and other drugs of abuse can induce NFkB activity and cytokine expression in the brain. A number of reviews have been published highlighting this effect of alcohol, and have linked increased NFkB function to neuroimmune-stimulated toxicity. However, in this review we focus on the potentially non-immune functions of NFkB as possible links between NFkB and addiction. Methods An extensive review of the literature via Pubmed searches was used to assess the current state of the field. Results NFkB can induce the expression of a diverse set of gene targets besides inflammatory mediators, some of which are involved in addictive processes, such as opioid receptors and neuropeptides. NFkB mediates complex behaviors including learning and memory, stress responses, anhedonia and drug reward, processes that may lie outside the role of NFkB in the classic neuroimmune response. Conclusions Future studies should focus on these non-immune functions of NFkB signaling and their association with addiction-related processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S E Nennig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - J R Schank
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, 501 D.W. Brooks Drive, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Uchida S, Shumyatsky GP. Synaptically Localized Transcriptional Regulators in Memory Formation. Neuroscience 2017; 370:4-13. [PMID: 28733211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
At the neuronal cell level, long-term memory formation emerges from interactions between initial activity-dependent molecular changes at the synapse and subsequent regulation of gene transcription in the nucleus. This in turn leads to strengthening of the connections back at the synapse that received the initial signal. However, the mechanisms through which this synapse-to-nucleus molecular exchange occurs remain poorly understood. Here we discuss recent studies that delineate nucleocytoplasmic transport of a special class of synaptically localized transcriptional regulators that upon receiving initial external signal by the synapse move to the nucleus to modulate gene transcription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shusaku Uchida
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Gleb P Shumyatsky
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Mitchnick KA, Creighton SD, Cloke JM, Wolter M, Zaika O, Christen B, Van Tiggelen M, Kalisch BE, Winters BD. Dissociable roles for histone acetyltransferases p300 and PCAF in hippocampus and perirhinal cortex-mediated object memory. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 15:542-57. [PMID: 27251651 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/29/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The importance of histone acetylation for certain types of memory is now well established. However, the specific contributions of the various histone acetyltransferases to distinct memory functions remain to be determined; therefore, we employed selective histone acetyltransferase protein inhibitors and short-interference RNAs to evaluate the roles of CREB-binding protein (CBP), E1A-binding protein (p300) and p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) in hippocampus and perirhinal cortex (PRh)-mediated object memory. Rats were tested for short- (STM) and long-term memory (LTM) in the object-in-place task, which relies on the hippocampus and PRh for spatial memory and object identity processing, respectively. Selective inhibition of these histone acetyltransferases by small-interfering RNA and pharmacological inhibitors targeting the HAT domain produced dissociable effects. In the hippocampus, CBP or p300 inhibition impaired long-term but not short-term object memory, while inhibition of PCAF impaired memory at both delays. In PRh, HAT inhibition did not impair STM, and only CBP and PCAF inhibition disrupted LTM; p300 inhibition had no effects. Messenger RNA analyses revealed findings consistent with the pattern of behavioral effects, as all three enzymes were upregulated in the hippocampus (dentate gyrus) following learning, whereas only CBP and PCAF were upregulated in PRh. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the necessity of histone acetyltransferase activity for PRh-mediated object memory and indicate that the specific mnemonic roles of distinctive histone acetyltransferases can be dissociated according to specific brain regions and memory timeframe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K A Mitchnick
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - S D Creighton
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - J M Cloke
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - M Wolter
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - O Zaika
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - B Christen
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - M Van Tiggelen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - B E Kalisch
- Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - B D Winters
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.,Collaborative Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shivarama Shetty M, Sajikumar S. 'Tagging' along memories in aging: Synaptic tagging and capture mechanisms in the aged hippocampus. Ageing Res Rev 2017; 35:22-35. [PMID: 28065806 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aging is accompanied by a general decline in the physiological functions of the body with the deteriorating organ systems. Brain is no exception to this and deficits in cognitive functions are quite common in advanced aging. Though a variety of age-related alterations are observed in the structure and function throughout the brain, certain regions show selective vulnerability. Medial temporal lobe, especially the hippocampus, is one such preferentially vulnerable region and is a crucial structure involved in the learning and long-term memory functions. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), are candidate cellular correlates of learning and memory and alterations in these properties have been well documented in aging. A related phenomenon called synaptic tagging and capture (STC) has been proposed as a mechanism for cellular memory consolidation and to account for temporal association of memories. Mounting evidences from behavioral settings suggest that STC could be a physiological phenomenon. In this article, we review the recent data concerning STC and provide a framework for how alterations in STC-related mechanisms could contribute to the age-associated memory impairments. The enormity of impairment in learning and memory functions demands an understanding of age-associated memory deficits at the fundamental level given its impact in the everyday tasks, thereby in the quality of life. Such an understanding is also crucial for designing interventions and preventive measures for successful brain aging.
Collapse
|
40
|
Khan AS, Murray MJ, Ho CMK, Zuercher WJ, Reeves MB, Strang BL. High-throughput screening of a GlaxoSmithKline protein kinase inhibitor set identifies an inhibitor of human cytomegalovirus replication that prevents CREB and histone H3 post-translational modification. J Gen Virol 2017; 98:754-768. [PMID: 28100301 DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.000713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify new compounds with anti-human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) activity and new anti-HCMV targets, we developed a high-throughput strategy to screen a GlaxoSmithKline Published Kinase Inhibitor Set. This collection contains a range of extensively characterized compounds grouped into chemical families (chemotypes). From our screen, we identified compounds within chemotypes that impede HCMV protein production and identified kinase proteins associated with inhibition of HCMV protein production that are potential novel anti-HCMV targets. We focused our study on a top 'hit' in our screen, SB-734117, which we found inhibits productive replication of several HCMV strains. Kinase selectivity data indicated that SB-734117 exhibited polypharmacology and was an inhibitor of several proteins from the AGC and CMCG kinase groups. Using Western blotting, we found that SB-734711 inhibited accumulation of HCMV immediate-early proteins, phosphorylation of cellular proteins involved in immediate-early protein production (cAMP response element-binding protein and histone H3) and histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation (H3K36me3). Therefore, we identified SB-734117 as a novel anti-HCMV compound and found that inhibition of AGC and CMCG kinase proteins during productive HCMV replication was associated with inhibition of viral protein production and prevented post-translational modification of cellular factors associated with viral protein production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amina S Khan
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Matthew J Murray
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine M K Ho
- Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - William J Zuercher
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Matthew B Reeves
- Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Blair L Strang
- Department of Biological Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Institute of Infection & Immunity, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Singh P, Thakur MK. Histone Deacetylase 2 Inhibition Attenuates Downregulation of Hippocampal Plasticity Gene Expression during Aging. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:2432-2442. [PMID: 28364391 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0490-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The brain undergoes several anatomical, biochemical, and molecular changes during aging, which subsequently result in downregulation of synaptic plasticity genes and decline of memory. However, the regulation of these genes during aging is not clearly understood. Previously, we reported that the expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC)2 was upregulated in the hippocampus of old mice and negatively correlated with the decline in recognition memory. As HDAC2 regulates key synaptic plasticity neuronal immediate early genes (IEGs), we have examined their expression and epigenetic regulation. We noted that the expression of neuronal IEGs decreased both at mRNA and protein level in the hippocampus of old mice. To explore the underlying regulation, we analyzed the binding of HDAC2 and level of histone acetylation at the promoter of neuronal IEGs. While the binding of HDAC2 was higher, H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation level was lower at the promoter of these genes in old as compared to young and adult mice. Further, we inhibited HDAC2 non-specifically by sodium butyrate and specifically by antisense oligonucleotide to recover epigenetic modification, expression of neuronal IEGs, and memory in old mice. Inhibition of HDAC2 increased histone H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation level at the promoter of neuronal IEGs, their expression, and recognition memory in old mice as compared to control. Thus, inhibition of HDAC2 can be used as a therapeutic target to recover decline in memory due to aging and associated neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Padmanabh Singh
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221 005, India
| | - M K Thakur
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221 005, India.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Webb WM, Sanchez RG, Perez G, Butler AA, Hauser RM, Rich MC, O'Bierne AL, Jarome TJ, Lubin FD. Dynamic association of epigenetic H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC marks in the dorsal hippocampus and anterior cingulate cortex following reactivation of a fear memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 142:66-78. [PMID: 28232238 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone methylation are critical regulators of gene transcription changes during memory consolidation. However, it is unknown how these epigenetic modifications coordinate control of gene expression following reactivation of a previously consolidated memory. Here, we found that retrieval of a recent contextual fear conditioned memory increased global levels of H3 lysine 4-trimethylation (H3K4me3) and DNA 5-hydroxymethylation (5hmC) in area CA1 of the dorsal hippocampus. Further experiments revealed increased levels of H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC within a CpG-enriched coding region of the Npas4, but not c-fos, gene. Intriguingly, retrieval of a 30-day old memory increased H3K4me3 and DNA 5hmC levels at a CpG-enriched coding region of c-fos, but not Npas4, in the anterior cingulate cortex, suggesting that while these two epigenetic mechanisms co-occur following the retrieval of a recent or remote memory, their gene targets differ depending on the brain region. Additionally, we found that in vivo siRNA-mediated knockdown of the H3K4me3 methyltransferase Mll1 in CA1 abolished retrieval-induced increases in DNA 5hmC levels at the Npas4 gene, suggesting that H3K4me3 couples to DNA 5hmC mechanisms. Consistent with this, loss of Mll1 prevented retrieval-induced increases in Npas4 mRNA levels in CA1 and impaired fear memory. Collectively, these findings suggest an important link between histone methylation and DNA hydroxymethylation mechanisms in the epigenetic control of de novo gene transcription triggered by memory retrieval.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William M Webb
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Richard G Sanchez
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Gabriella Perez
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Anderson A Butler
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Rebecca M Hauser
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Megan C Rich
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Aidan L O'Bierne
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Farah D Lubin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hemstedt TJ, Lattal KM, Wood MA. Reconsolidation and extinction: Using epigenetic signatures to challenge conventional wisdom. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 142:55-65. [PMID: 28119018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have the potential to give rise to lasting changes in cell function that ultimately can affect behavior persistently. This concept is especially interesting with respect to fear reconsolidation and fear memory extinction. These two behavioral approaches are used in the laboratory to investigate how fear memory can be attenuated, which becomes important when searching for therapeutic intervention to treat anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder. Here we review the role of several key epigenetic mechanisms in reconsolidation and extinction of learned fear and their potential to persistently alter behavioral responses to conditioned cues. We also briefly discuss how epigenetic mechanisms may establish persistent behaviors that challenge our definitions of extinction and reconsolidation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thekla J Hemstedt
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - K Matthew Lattal
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marcelo A Wood
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Enhanced Histone Acetylation in the Infralimbic Prefrontal Cortex is Associated with Fear Extinction. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 37:1287-1301. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0464-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
45
|
Zalcman G, Corbi N, Di Certo MG, Mattei E, Federman N, Romano A. Heterozygous Che-1 KO mice show deficiencies in object recognition memory persistence. Neurosci Lett 2016; 632:169-74. [PMID: 27589891 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.08.055] [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: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation is a key process in the formation of long-term memories. Che-1 is a protein involved in the regulation of gene transcription that has recently been proved to bind the transcription factor NF-κB, which is known to be involved in many memory-related molecular events. This evidence prompted us to investigate the putative role of Che-1 in memory processes. For this study we newly generated a line of Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mice. Che-1 homozygous KO mouse is lethal during development, but Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mouse is normal in its general anatomical and physiological characteristics. We analyzed the behavioral characteristic and memory performance of Che-1(+/-) mice in two NF-κB dependent types of memory. We found that Che-1(+/-) mice show similar locomotor activity and thigmotactic behavior than wild type (WT) mice in an open field. In a similar way, no differences were found in anxiety-like behavior between Che-1(+/-) and WT mice in an elevated plus maze as well as in fear response in a contextual fear conditioning (CFC) and object exploration in a novel object recognition (NOR) task. No differences were found between WT and Che-1(+/-) mice performance in CFC training and when tested at 24h or 7days after training. Similar performance was found between groups in NOR task, both in training and 24h testing performance. However, we found that object recognition memory persistence at 7days was impaired in Che-1(+/-) heterozygous mice. This is the first evidence showing that Che-1 is involved in memory processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Zalcman
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nicoletta Corbi
- CNR-IBPM, Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Di Certo
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mattei
- CNR-Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology CNR, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Noel Federman
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Arturo Romano
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
The last decade has been marked by an increased interest in relating epigenetic mechanisms to complex human behaviors, although this interest has not been balanced, accentuating various types of affective and primarily ignoring cognitive functioning. Recent animal model data support the view that epigenetic processes play a role in learning and memory consolidation and help transmit acquired memories even across generations. In this review, we provide an overview of various types of epigenetic mechanisms in the brain (DNA methylation, histone modification, and noncoding RNA action) and discuss their impact proximally on gene transcription, protein synthesis, and synaptic plasticity and distally on learning, memory, and other cognitive functions. Of particular importance are observations that neuronal activation regulates the dynamics of the epigenome's functioning under precise timing, with subsequent alterations in the gene expression profile. In turn, epigenetic regulation impacts neuronal action, closing the circle and substantiating the signaling pathways that underlie, at least partially, learning, memory, and other cognitive processes.
Collapse
|
47
|
Blouin AM, Sillivan SE, Joseph NF, Miller CA. The potential of epigenetics in stress-enhanced fear learning models of PTSD. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:576-86. [PMID: 27634148 PMCID: PMC5026205 DOI: 10.1101/lm.040485.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged distress and dysregulated memory processes are the core features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and represent the debilitating, persistent nature of the illness. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the expression of these symptoms are challenging to study in human patients. Stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) paradigms, which encompass both stress and memory components in rodents, are emerging as valuable preclinical models of PTSD. Rodent models designed to study the long-term mechanisms of either stress or fear memory alone have identified a critical role for numerous epigenetic modifications to DNA and histone proteins. However, the epigenetic modifications underlying SEFL remain largely unknown. This review will provide a brief overview of the epigenetic modifications implicated in stress and fear memory independently, followed by a description of existing SEFL models and the few epigenetic mechanisms found to date to underlie SEFL. The results of the animal studies discussed here highlight neuroepigenetics as an essential area for future research in the context of PTSD through SEFL studies, because of its potential to identify novel candidates for neurotherapeutics targeting stress-induced pathogenic memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Blouin
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Stephanie E Sillivan
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Nadine F Joseph
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Courtney A Miller
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Villain H, Florian C, Roullet P. HDAC inhibition promotes both initial consolidation and reconsolidation of spatial memory in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27015. [PMID: 27270584 PMCID: PMC4895233 DOI: 10.1038/srep27015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests a critical role for epigenetic regulations in long term memory (LTM) formation. Among them, post-translational modifications of proteins, as histone acetylation, are an important regulator of chromatin remodelling and gene transcription. While the implication of histone acetylation in memory consolidation is widely accepted, less is known about its role in memory reconsolidation i.e. during memory restabilization after its reactivation. In the present study, we investigated the role of histone acetylation during the initial consolidation and the reconsolidation of spatial memory, using a weak massed learning procedure in the Morris water maze paradigm in mice. Usually a weak learning is sufficient for short term memory (STM) formation, but insufficient to upgrade STM to LTM. We found that promoting histone acetylation through intra-hippocampal infusion of a class I selective histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor immediately after a subthreshold spatial learning improved LTM but not STM retention. More importantly, inhibiting HDAC activity after the reactivation of a weak memory promoted specifically LTM reconsolidation without affecting post-reactivation STM. These findings argue in favour of an important role for histone acetylation in memory consolidation, and more particularly during the reconsolidation of spatial memory in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Villain
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, cedex 9, France
| | - Cédrick Florian
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, cedex 9, France
| | - Pascal Roullet
- Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale, Centre de Biologie Intégrative, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 route de Narbonne, F-31062 Toulouse, cedex 9, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Scholz B, Doidge AN, Barnes P, Hall J, Wilkinson LS, Thomas KL. The Regulation of Cytokine Networks in Hippocampal CA1 Differentiates Extinction from Those Required for the Maintenance of Contextual Fear Memory after Recall. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153102. [PMID: 27224427 PMCID: PMC4880201 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the distinctiveness of gene regulatory networks in CA1 associated with the extinction of contextual fear memory (CFM) after recall using Affymetrix GeneChip Rat Genome 230 2.0 Arrays. These data were compared to previously published retrieval and reconsolidation-attributed, and consolidation datasets. A stringent dual normalization and pareto-scaled orthogonal partial least-square discriminant multivariate analysis together with a jack-knifing-based cross-validation approach was used on all datasets to reduce false positives. Consolidation, retrieval and extinction were correlated with distinct patterns of gene expression 2 hours later. Extinction-related gene expression was most distinct from the profile accompanying consolidation. A highly specific feature was the discrete regulation of neuroimmunological gene expression associated with retrieval and extinction. Immunity-associated genes of the tyrosine kinase receptor TGFβ and PDGF, and TNF families' characterized extinction. Cytokines and proinflammatory interleukins of the IL-1 and IL-6 families were enriched with the no-extinction retrieval condition. We used comparative genomics to predict transcription factor binding sites in proximal promoter regions of the retrieval-regulated genes. Retrieval that does not lead to extinction was associated with NF-κB-mediated gene expression. We confirmed differential NF-κBp65 expression, and activity in all of a representative sample of our candidate genes in the no-extinction condition. The differential regulation of cytokine networks after the acquisition and retrieval of CFM identifies the important contribution that neuroimmune signalling plays in normal hippocampal function. Further, targeting cytokine signalling upon retrieval offers a therapeutic strategy to promote extinction mechanisms in human disorders characterised by dysregulation of associative memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birger Scholz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Amie N. Doidge
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Barnes
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence S. Wilkinson
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Schools of Psychology and Medicine, Behavioral Genetics Group, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics and Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kerrie L. Thomas
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Persistent Associative Plasticity at an Identified Synapse Underlying Classical Conditioning Becomes Labile with Short-Term Homosynaptic Activation. J Neurosci 2016; 35:16159-70. [PMID: 26658867 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2034-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Synapses express different forms of plasticity that contribute to different forms of memory, and both memory and plasticity can become labile after reactivation. We previously reported that a persistent form of nonassociative long-term facilitation (PNA-LTF) of the sensorimotor synapses in Aplysia californica, a cellular analog of long-term sensitization, became labile with short-term heterosynaptic reactivation and reversed when the reactivation was followed by incubation with the protein synthesis inhibitor rapamycin. Here we examined the reciprocal impact of different forms of short-term plasticity (reactivations) on a persistent form of associative long-term facilitation (PA-LTF), a cellular analog of classical conditioning, which was expressed at Aplysia sensorimotor synapses when a tetanic stimulation of the sensory neurons was paired with a brief application of serotonin on 2 consecutive days. The expression of short-term homosynaptic plasticity [post-tetanic potentiation or homosynaptic depression (HSD)], or short-term heterosynaptic plasticity [serotonin-induced facilitation or neuropeptide Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH2 (FMRFa)-induced depression], at synapses expressing PA-LTF did not affect the maintenance of PA-LTF. The kinetics of HSD was attenuated at synapses expressing PA-LTF, which required activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Both PA-LTF and the attenuated kinetics of HSD were reversed by either a transient blockade of PKC activity or a homosynaptic, but not heterosynaptic, reactivation when paired with rapamycin. These results indicate that two different forms of persistent synaptic plasticity, PA-LTF and PNA-LTF, expressed at the same synapse become labile when reactivated by different stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Activity-dependent changes in neural circuits mediate long-term memories. Some forms of long-term memories become labile and can be reversed with specific types of reactivations, but the mechanism is complex. At the cellular level, reactivations that induce a reversal of memory must evoke changes in neural circuits underlying the memory. What types of reactivations induce a labile state at neural connections that lead to reversal of different types of memory? We find that a critical neural connection in Aplysia, which is modified with different stimuli that mediate different types of memory, becomes labile with different types of reactivations. These results provide insights for developing strategies in alleviating maladaptive memories accompanying anxiety disorders.
Collapse
|