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Terrinoni A, Micheloni G, Moretti V, Caporali S, Bernardini S, Minieri M, Pieri M, Giaroni C, Acquati F, Costantino L, Ferrara F, Valli R, Porta G. OTX Genes in Adult Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16962. [PMID: 38069286 PMCID: PMC10707059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OTX homeobox genes have been extensively studied for their role in development, especially in neuroectoderm formation. Recently, their expression has also been reported in adult physiological and pathological tissues, including retina, mammary and pituitary glands, sinonasal mucosa, in several types of cancer, and in response to inflammatory, ischemic, and hypoxic stimuli. Reactivation of OTX genes in adult tissues supports the notion of the evolutionary amplification of functions of genes by varying their temporal expression, with the selection of homeobox genes from the "toolbox" to drive or contribute to different processes at different stages of life. OTX involvement in pathologies points toward these genes as potential diagnostic and/or prognostic markers as well as possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Terrinoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Micheloni
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Vittoria Moretti
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Sabrina Caporali
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Minieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Giaroni
- Department of Medicina e Innovazione Tecnologica, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Acquati
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lucy Costantino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano, Via Saint Bon 20, 20147 Milano, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ferrara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano, Via Saint Bon 20, 20147 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Valli
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Porta
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
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Hitzemann R, Ozburn AR, Lockwood D, Phillips TJ. Modeling Brain Gene Expression in Alcohol Use Disorder with Genetic Animal Models. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37982929 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Animal genetic models have and will continue to provide important new information about the behavioral and physiological adaptations associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD). This chapter focuses on two models, ethanol preference and drinking in the dark (DID), their usefulness in interrogating brain gene expression data and the relevance of the data obtained to interpret AUD-related GWAS and TWAS studies. Both the animal and human data point to the importance for AUD of changes in synaptic transmission (particularly glutamate and GABA transmission), of changes in the extracellular matrix (specifically including collagens, cadherins and protocadherins) and of changes in neuroimmune processes. The implementation of new technologies (e.g., cell type-specific gene expression) is expected to further enhance the value of genetic animal models in understanding AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hitzemann
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Angela R Ozburn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Denesa Lockwood
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
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Fisher DW, Tulloch J, Yu CE, Tsuang D. A Preliminary Comparison of the Methylome and Transcriptome from the Prefrontal Cortex Across Alzheimer’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:279-297. [PMID: 37220618 PMCID: PMC10200238 DOI: 10.3233/adr220114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Pathological amyloid-β and α-synuclein are associated with a spectrum of related dementias, ranging from Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), to Parkinson disease dementia (PDD). While these diseases share clinical and pathological features, they also have unique patterns of pathology. However, epigenetic factors that contribute to these pathological differences remain unknown. Objective: In this preliminary study, we explore differences in DNA methylation and transcription in five neuropathologically defined groups: cognitively unimpaired controls, AD, pure DLB, DLB with concomitant AD (DLBAD), and PDD. Methods: We employed an Illumina Infinium 850k array and RNA-seq to quantify these differences in DNA methylation and transcription, respectively. We then used Weighted Gene Co-Network Expression Analysis (WGCNA) to determine transcriptional modules and correlated these with DNA methylation. Results: We found that PDD was transcriptionally unique and correlated with an unexpected hypomethylation pattern compared to the other dementias and controls. Surprisingly, differences between PDD and DLB were especially notable with 197 differentially methylated regions. WGCNA yielded numerous modules associated with controls and the four dementias: one module was associated with transcriptional differences between controls and all the dementias as well as having significant overlap with differentially methylated probes. Functional enrichment demonstrated that this module was associated with responses to oxidative stress. Conclusion: Future work that extends these joint DNA methylation and transcription analyses will be critical to better understanding of differences that contribute to varying clinical presentation across dementias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W. Fisher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jessica Tulloch
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran’s Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chang-En Yu
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran’s Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Debby Tsuang
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veteran’s Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Hitzemann R, Lockwood DR, Ozburn AR, Phillips TJ. On the Use of Heterogeneous Stock Mice to Map Transcriptomes Associated With Excessive Ethanol Consumption. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:725819. [PMID: 34712155 PMCID: PMC8545898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.725819] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We and many others have noted the advantages of using heterogeneous (HS) animals to map genes and gene networks associated with both behavioral and non-behavioral phenotypes. Importantly, genetically complex Mus musculus crosses provide substantially increased resolution to examine old and new relationships between gene expression and behavior. Here we report on data obtained from two HS populations: the HS/NPT derived from eight inbred laboratory mouse strains and the HS-CC derived from the eight collaborative cross inbred mouse strains that includes three wild-derived strains. Our work has focused on the genes and gene networks associated with risk for excessive ethanol consumption, individual variation in ethanol consumption and the consequences, including escalation, of long-term ethanol consumption. Background data on the development of HS mice is provided, including advantages for the detection of expression quantitative trait loci. Examples are also provided of using HS animals to probe the genes associated with ethanol preference and binge ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hitzemann
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Denesa R. Lockwood
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Angela R. Ozburn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Tamara J. Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
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Sex Differences in the Brain Transcriptome Related to Alcohol Effects and Alcohol Use Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 91:43-52. [PMID: 34274109 PMCID: PMC8558111 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
There is compelling evidence that sex and gender have crucial roles in excessive alcohol (ethanol) consumption. Here, we review some of the data from the perspective of brain transcriptional differences between males and females, focusing on rodent animal models. A key emerging transcriptional feature is the role of neuroimmune processes. Microglia are the resident neuroimmune cells in the brain and exhibit substantial functional differences between males and females. Selective breeding for binge ethanol consumption and the impacts of chronic ethanol consumption and withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure all demonstrate sex-dependent neuroimmune signatures. A focus is on resolving sex-dependent differences in transcriptional responses to ethanol at the neurocircuitry level. Sex-dependent transcriptional differences are found in the extended amygdala and the nucleus accumbens. Telescoping of ethanol consumption is found in some, but not all, studies to be more prevalent in females. Recent transcriptional studies suggest that some sex differences may be due to female-dependent remodeling of the primary cilium. An interesting theme appears to be developing: at least from the animal model perspective, even when males and females are phenotypically similar, they differ significantly at the level of the transcriptome.
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Coles C, Lasek AW. Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking Increases Otx2, Wnt1, and Mdk Gene Expression in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Adult Mice. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211009850. [PMID: 33954290 PMCID: PMC8058803 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211009850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is associated with pathophysiological changes in the dopaminergic system. Orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) is a transcription factor important for the development of dopaminergic neurons residing in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a critical region of the brain involved in drug reinforcement. Previous studies have demonstrated that ethanol exposure during embryonic development reduces Otx2 mRNA levels in the central nervous system. We hypothesized that levels of OTX2 would be altered by binge-like ethanol consumption in adult animals. To test this, Otx2 mRNA and protein levels in the mouse VTA were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively, after mice drank ethanol for 4 days in a procedure that elicits binge levels of ethanol consumption (drinking in the dark). Expression of known and putative OTX2 transcriptional target genes (Sema3c, Wnt1, and Mdk) were also measured in the VTA after ethanol drinking. Otx2 mRNA and protein levels were elevated in the VTA 24 hours after the fourth drinking session and there was a corresponding increase in the expression of Mdk transcript. Interestingly, Wnt1 transcript was elevated in the VTA immediately after the fourth drinking session but returned to control levels 24 hours later. We next investigated if viral-mediated reduction of Otx2 in the mouse VTA would alter ethanol or sucrose intake. Lentiviral vectors expressing a shRNA targeting Otx2 or a control shRNA were injected into the VTA and mice were tested in the drinking in the dark protocol for ethanol and sucrose drinking. Reducing levels of OTX2 in the VTA did not alter ethanol or sucrose consumption. One limitation is that the extent of OTX2 reduction may not have been sufficient. Although OTX2 in the VTA may not play a role in binge-like drinking in adult mice, OTX2 could contribute to ethanol-induced transcriptional changes in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandre Coles
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Hitzemann R, Phillips TJ, Lockwood DR, Darakjian P, Searles RP. Phenotypic and gene expression features associated with variation in chronic ethanol consumption in heterogeneous stock collaborative cross mice. Genomics 2020; 112:4516-4524. [PMID: 32771621 PMCID: PMC7749084 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Of the more than 100 studies that have examined relationships between excessive ethanol consumption and the brain transcriptome, few rodent studies have examined chronic consumption. Heterogeneous stock collaborative cross mice freely consumed ethanol vs. water for 3 months. Transcriptional differences were examined for the central nucleus of the amygdala, a brain region known to impact ethanol preference. Early preference was modestly predictive of final preference and there was significant escalation of preference in females only. Genes significantly correlated with female preference were enriched in annotations for the primary cilium and extracellular matrix. A single module in the gene co-expression network was enriched in genes with an astrocyte annotation. The key hub node was the master regulator, orthodenticle homeobox 2 (Otx2). These data support an important role for the extracellular matrix, primary cilium and astrocytes in ethanol preference and consumption differences among individual female mice of a genetically diverse population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Hitzemann
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Denesa R Lockwood
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Priscila Darakjian
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
| | - Robert P Searles
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Integrated Genomics Laboratory, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Bitanihirwe BKY, Woo TUW. A conceptualized model linking matrix metalloproteinase-9 to schizophrenia pathogenesis. Schizophr Res 2020; 218:28-35. [PMID: 32001079 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is an extracellularly operating zinc-dependent endopeptidase that is commonly expressed in the brain, other tissues. It is synthesized in a latent zymogen form known as pro-MMP-9 that is subsequently converted to the active MMP-9 enzyme following cleavage of the pro-domain. Within the central nervous system, MMP-9 is localized and released from neurons, astrocytes and microglia where its expression levels are modulated by cytokines and growth factors during both normal and pathological conditions as well as by reactive oxygen species generated during oxidative stress. MMP-9 is involved in a number of key neurodevelopmental processes that are thought to be affected in schizophrenia, including maturation of the inhibitory neurons that contain the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin, developmental formation of the specialized extracellular matrix structure perineuronal net, synaptic pruning, and myelination. In this context, the present article provides a narrative synthesis of the existing evidence linking MMP-9 dysregulation to schizophrenia pathogenesis. We start by providing an overview of MMP-9 involvement in brain development and physiology. We then discuss the potential mechanisms through which MMP-9 dysregulation may affect neural circuitry maturation as well as how these anomalies may contribute to the disease process of schizophrenia. We conclude by articulating a comprehensive, cogent, and experimentally testable hypothesis linking MMP-9 to the developmental pathophysiologic cascade that triggers the onset and sustains the chronicity of the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tsung-Ung W Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Program in Cellular Neuropathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Maheu ME, Ressler KJ. Developmental pathway genes and neural plasticity underlying emotional learning and stress-related disorders. Learn Mem 2017; 24:492-501. [PMID: 28814475 PMCID: PMC5580529 DOI: 10.1101/lm.044271.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The manipulation of neural plasticity as a means of intervening in the onset and progression of stress-related disorders retains its appeal for many researchers, despite our limited success in translating such interventions from the laboratory to the clinic. Given the challenges of identifying individual genetic variants that confer increased risk for illnesses like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, some have turned their attention instead to focusing on so-called "master regulators" of plasticity that may provide a means of controlling these potentially impaired processes in psychiatric illnesses. The mammalian homolog of Tailless (TLX), Wnt, and the homeoprotein Otx2 have all been proposed to constitute master regulators of different forms of plasticity which have, in turn, each been implicated in learning and stress-related disorders. In the present review, we provide an overview of the changing distribution of these genes and their roles both during development and in the adult brain. We further discuss how their distinct expression profiles provide clues as to their function, and may inform their suitability as candidate drug targets in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E Maheu
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA
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Tripathi PP, Bozzi Y. The role of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in neurodevelopmental disorders: a focus on epilepsy and seizure susceptibility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:97-102. [PMID: 26191504 PMCID: PMC4492191 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2015.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
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Introduction: The embryonic development of the vertebrate Central Nervous System (CNS) requires the induction of transcription factors regulating the expression of specific subsets of genes in restricted CNS regions. Among these transcription factors, homeobox-containing proteins play a crucial role, and altered expression of these factors can impact the embryonic as well as adult CNS functions. Importantly, the homeobox-containing genes Otx2, Engrailed-1 (En1), and Engrailed-2 (En2) have been described to crucially regulate differentiation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons during vertebrate CNS development. Dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, located in midbrain and hindbrain regions respectively, diffusely innervate several forebrain areas including limbic system, contributing in regulating several physiological functions. Understanding the embryonic development of these neuronal populations is crucial to elucidate their physiological function including brain excitability in the adult brain. New evidence is emerging about the impact of an altered embryonic development of dopamine and serotonin neurons onto seizure susceptibility in the adult life.
Methods: In this mini-review, we summarized our kainic acid (KA) induced seizure susceptibility in adult mutant mouse lines with targeted manipulation of Otx2, En1, and En2 genes.
Results: Our results demonstrated that altered development of dopamine (DA) neurons does not interfere with KA seizure susceptibility, while increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) hyperinnervation leads to resistance to KA-induced seizure.
Conclusion: We propose that developmental alterations of serotonergic but not dopaminergic circuits play a crucial role in controlling seizure susceptibility in the adult life
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Prakash Tripathi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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McAdams RM, McPherson RJ, Beyer RP, Bammler TK, Farin FM, Juul SE. Dose-dependent effects of morphine exposure on mRNA and microRNA (miR) expression in hippocampus of stressed neonatal mice. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123047. [PMID: 25844808 PMCID: PMC4386824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphine is used to sedate critically ill infants to treat painful or stressful conditions associated with intensive care. Whether neonatal morphine exposure affects microRNA (miR) expression and thereby alters mRNA regulation is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that repeated morphine treatment in stress-exposed neonatal mice alters hippocampal mRNA and miR expression. C57BL/6 male mice were treated from postnatal day (P) 5 to P9 with morphine sulfate at 2 or 5 mg/kg ip twice daily and then exposed to stress consisting of hypoxia (100% N2 1 min and 100% O2 5 min) followed by 2h maternal separation. Control mice were untreated and dam-reared. mRNA and miR expression profiling was performed on hippocampal tissues at P9. Overall, 2 and 5 mg/kg morphine treatment altered expression of a total of 150 transcripts (>1.5 fold change, P<0.05) from which 100 unique mRNAs were recognized (21 genes were up- and 79 genes were down-regulated), and 5 mg/kg morphine affected 63 mRNAs exclusively. The most upregulated mRNAs were fidgetin, arginine vasopressin, and resistin-like alpha, and the most down-regulated were defensin beta 11, aquaporin 1, calmodulin-like 4, chloride intracellular channel 6, and claudin 2. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that morphine treatment affected pathways related to cell cycle, membrane function, signaling, metabolism, cell death, transcriptional regulation, and immune response. Morphine decreased expression of miR-204-5p, miR-455-3p, miR-448-5p, and miR-574-3p. Nine morphine-responsive mRNAs that are involved in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and inflammation are predicted targets of the aforementioned differentially expressed miRs. These data establish that morphine produces dose-dependent changes in both hippocampal mRNA and miR expression in stressed neonatal mice. If permanent, morphine–mediated neuroepigenetic effects may affect long-term hippocampal function, and this provides a mechanism for the neonatal morphine-related impairment of adult learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M. McAdams
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ronald J. McPherson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Richard P. Beyer
- Dept of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Theo K. Bammler
- Dept of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Frederico M. Farin
- Dept of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Sandra E. Juul
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Veenvliet JV, Smidt MP. Molecular mechanisms of dopaminergic subset specification: fundamental aspects and clinical perspectives. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:4703-27. [PMID: 25064061 PMCID: PMC11113784 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1681-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the ventral mesodiencephalon control locomotion and emotion and are affected in psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). A clinical hallmark of PD is the specific degeneration of DA neurons located within the substantia nigra (SNc), whereas neurons in the ventral tegmental area remain unaffected. Recent advances have highlighted that the selective vulnerability of the SNc may originate in subset-specific molecular programming during DA neuron development, and significantly increased our understanding of the molecular code that drives specific SNc development. We here present an up-to-date overview of molecular mechanisms that direct DA subset specification, integrating our current knowledge about subset-specific roles of transcription factors, signaling pathways and morphogenes. We discuss strategies to further unravel subset-specific gene-regulatory networks, and the clinical promise of fundamental knowledge about subset specification of DA neurons, with regards to cell replacement therapy and cell-type-specific vulnerability in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse V. Veenvliet
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marten P. Smidt
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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