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Chen HS, Wang F, Chen JG. Epigenetic mechanisms in depression: Implications for pathogenesis and treatment. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 85:102854. [PMID: 38401316 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
The risk of depression is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It has been suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate the risk of depression following exposure to adverse life events. Epigenetics encompasses stable alterations in gene expression that are controlled through transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, or post-translational processes, including DNA modifications, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, without any changes in the DNA sequence. In this review, we explore recent research advancements in the realm of epigenetics concerning depression. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of epigenetic changes as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430030, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan 430030, China; The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan 430030, China.
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2
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Wang P, Wu PF, Wang HJ, Liao F, Wang F, Chen JG. Gut microbiome-derived ammonia modulates stress vulnerability in the host. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1986-2001. [PMID: 37872351 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Ammonia has been long recognized as a metabolic waste product with well-known neurotoxic effects. However, little is known about the beneficial function of endogenous ammonia. Here, we show that gut ammonia links microbe nitrogen metabolism to host stress vulnerability by maintaining brain glutamine availability in male mice. Chronic stress decreases blood ammonia levels by altering gut urease-positive microbiota. A representative urease-producing strain, Streptococcus thermophilus, can reverse depression-like behaviours induced by gut microbiota that was altered by stress, whereas pharmacological inhibition of gut ammonia production increases stress vulnerability. Notably, abnormally low blood ammonia levels limit the brain's availability of glutamine, a key metabolite produced by astrocytes that is required for presynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) replenishment and confers stress vulnerability through cortical GABAergic dysfunction. Of therapeutic interest, ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), a commonly used expectorant in the clinic, can rescue behavioural abnormalities and GABAergic deficits in mouse models of depression. In sum, ammonia produced by the gut microbiome can help buffer stress in the host, providing a gut-brain signalling basis for emotional behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Liao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, Wuhan, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China.
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3
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Jeong S, Chokkalla AK, Davis CK, Vemuganti R. Post-stroke depression: epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications and their interplay with gut microbiota. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4044-4055. [PMID: 37188778 PMCID: PMC10646155 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic and epitranscriptomic modifications that regulate physiological processes of an organism at the DNA and RNA levels, respectively, are novel therapeutic candidates for various neurological diseases. Gut microbiota and its metabolites are known to modulate DNA methylation and histone modifications (epigenetics), as well as RNA methylation especially N6-methyladenosine (epitranscriptomics). As gut microbiota as well as these modifications are highly dynamic across the lifespan of an organism, they are implicated in the pathogenesis of stroke and depression. The lack of specific therapeutic interventions for managing post-stroke depression emphasizes the need to identify novel molecular targets. This review highlights the interaction between the gut microbiota and epigenetic/epitranscriptomic pathways and their interplay in modulating candidate genes that are involved in post-stroke depression. This review further focuses on the three candidates, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ten-eleven translocation family proteins, and fat mass and obesity-associated protein based on their prevalence and pathoetiologic role in post-stroke depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soomin Jeong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles K Davis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- William S. Middleton Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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4
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Yuan M, Yang B, Rothschild G, Mann JJ, Sanford LD, Tang X, Huang C, Wang C, Zhang W. Epigenetic regulation in major depression and other stress-related disorders: molecular mechanisms, clinical relevance and therapeutic potential. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:309. [PMID: 37644009 PMCID: PMC10465587 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01519-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic, generally episodic and debilitating disease that affects an estimated 300 million people worldwide, but its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The heritability estimate of MDD is 30-40%, suggesting that genetics alone do not account for most of the risk of major depression. Another factor known to associate with MDD involves environmental stressors such as childhood adversity and recent life stress. Recent studies have emerged to show that the biological impact of environmental factors in MDD and other stress-related disorders is mediated by a variety of epigenetic modifications. These epigenetic modification alterations contribute to abnormal neuroendocrine responses, neuroplasticity impairment, neurotransmission and neuroglia dysfunction, which are involved in the pathophysiology of MDD. Furthermore, epigenetic marks have been associated with the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. The evaluation of epigenetic modifications holds promise for further understanding of the heterogeneous etiology and complex phenotypes of MDD, and may identify new therapeutic targets. Here, we review preclinical and clinical epigenetic findings, including DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNA, RNA modification, and chromatin remodeling factor in MDD. In addition, we elaborate on the contribution of these epigenetic mechanisms to the pathological trait variability in depression and discuss how such mechanisms can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minlan Yuan
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Biao Yang
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gerson Rothschild
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Research Laboratory, Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Xiangdong Tang
- Sleep Medicine Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Mental Health Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Canhua Huang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, and Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology in School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315211, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Medical Big Data Center, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Deng Q, Zhang SQ, Yang PF, Dong WT, Wang F, Long LH, Chen JG. α-MSH-catabolic enzyme prolylcarboxypeptidase in nucleus accumbens shell ameliorates stress susceptibility in mice through regulating synaptic plasticity. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1576-1588. [PMID: 37012493 PMCID: PMC10374542 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates the vital role of synaptic transmission and structural remodeling in major depressive disorder. Activation of melanocortin receptors facilitates stress-induced emotional behavior. Prolylcarboxypeptidase (PRCP) is a serine protease, which splits the C-terminal amino acid of α-MSH and inactivates it. In this study, we asked whether PRCP, the endogenous enzyme of melanocortin system, might play a role in stress susceptibility via regulating synaptic adaptations. Mice were subjected to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) or subthreshold social defeat stress (SSDS). Depressive-like behavior was assessed in SIT, SPT, TST and FST. Based on to behavioral assessments, mice were divided into the susceptible (SUS) and resilient (RES) groups. After social defeat stress, drug infusion or viral expression and behavioral tests, morphological and electrophysiological analysis were conducted in PFX-fixed and fresh brain slices containing the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcsh). We showed that PRCP was downregulated in NAcsh of susceptible mice. Administration of fluoxetine (20 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.p., for 2 weeks) ameliorated the depressive-like behavior, and restored the expression levels of PRCP in NAcsh of susceptible mice. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of PRCP in NAcsh by microinjection of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-prolyl-L-prolinal (ZPP) or LV-shPRCP enhanced the excitatory synaptic transmission in NAcsh, facilitating stress susceptibility via central melanocortin receptors. On the contrary, overexpression of PRCP in NAcsh by microinjection of AAV-PRCP alleviated the depressive-like behavior and reversed the enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission, abnormal dendritogenesis and spinogenesis in NAcsh induced by chronic stress. Furthermore, chronic stress increased the level of CaMKIIα, a kinase closely related to synaptic plasticity, in NAcsh. The elevated level of CaMKIIα was reversed by overexpression of PRCP in NAcsh. Pharmacological inhibition of CaMKIIα in NAcsh alleviated stress susceptibility induced by PRCP knockdown. This study has revealed the essential role of PRCP in relieving stress susceptibility through melanocortin signaling-mediated synaptic plasticity in NAcsh.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shao-Qi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ping-Fen Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wan-Ting Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li-Hong Long
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, The Institute of Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Lv J, Xing L, Zhong X, Li K, Liu M, Du K. Role of N6-methyladenosine modification in central nervous system diseases and related therapeutic agents. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114583. [PMID: 36989722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a ubiquitous mRNA modification in eukaryotes. m6A occurs through the action of methyltransferases, demethylases, and methylation-binding proteins. m6A methylation of RNA is associated with various neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), depression, cerebral apoplexy, brain injury, epilepsy, cerebral arteriovenous malformations, and glioma. Furthermore, recent studies report that m6A-related drugs have attracted considerable concerns in the therapeutic areas of neurological disorders. Here, we mainly summarized the role of m6A modification in neurological diseases and the therapeutic potential of m6A-related drugs. The aim of this review is expected to be useful to systematically assess m6A as a new potential biomarker and develop innovative modulators of m6A for the amelioration and treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Lijuan Xing
- Precision Laboratory of Panjin Central Hospital, Panjin 124000, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Mingyan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang 110179, China.
| | - Ke Du
- School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China; Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China; Liaoning Medical Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shenyang 110179, China.
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Lei C, Li N, Chen J, Wang Q. Hypericin Ameliorates Depression-like Behaviors via Neurotrophin Signaling Pathway Mediating m6A Epitranscriptome Modification. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093859. [PMID: 37175269 PMCID: PMC10179818 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypericin, one of the major antidepressant constituents of St. John's wort, was shown to exert antidepressant effects by affecting cerebral CYP enzymes, serotonin homeostasis, and neuroinflammatory signaling pathways. However, its exact mechanisms are unknown. Previous clinical studies reported that the mRNA modification N6-methyladenosine (m6A) interferes with the neurobiological mechanism in depressed patients, and it was also found that the antidepressant efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) is related to m6A modifications. Therefore, we hypothesize that the antidepressant effect of hypericin may relate to the m6A modification of epitranscriptomic regulation. We constructed a UCMS mouse depression model and found that hypericin ameliorated depressive-like behavior in UCMS mice. Molecular pharmacology experiments showed that hypericin treatment upregulated the expression of m6A-modifying enzymes METTL3 and WTAP in the hippocampi of UCMS mice. Next, we performed MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq to study m6A modifications and changes in mRNA expression on a genome-wide scale. The genome-wide m6A assay and MeRIP-qPCR results revealed that the m6A modifications of Akt3, Ntrk2, Braf, and Kidins220 mRNA were significantly altered in the hippocampi of UCMS mice after stress stimulation and were reversed by hypericin treatment. Transcriptome assays and qPCR results showed that the Camk4 and Arhgdig genes might be related to the antidepressant efficacy of hypericin. Further gene enrichment results showed that the differential genes were mainly involved in neurotrophic factor signaling pathways. In conclusion, our results show that hypericin upregulates m6A methyltransferase METTL3 and WTAP in the hippocampi of UCMS mice and stabilizes m6A modifications to exert antidepressant effects via the neurotrophin signaling pathway. This suggests that METTL3 and WTAP-mediated changes in m6A modifications may be a potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of depression and the efficacy of antidepressants, and that the neurotrophin signaling pathway plays a key role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunguang Lei
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Qingzhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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Mitsuhashi H, Nagy C. Potential Roles of m6A and FTO in Synaptic Connectivity and Major Depressive Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076220. [PMID: 37047192 PMCID: PMC10093820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications known as epitranscriptomics have emerged as a novel layer of transcriptomic regulation. Like the well-studied epigenetic modifications characterized in DNA and on histone-tails, they have been shown to regulate activity-dependent gene expression and play a vital role in shaping synaptic connections in response to external stimuli. Among the hundreds of known RNA modifications, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes. Through recognition of its binding proteins, m6A can regulate various aspects of mRNA metabolism and is essential for maintaining higher brain functions. Indeed, m6A is highly enriched in synapses and is involved in neuronal plasticity, learning and memory, and adult neurogenesis. m6A can also respond to environmental stimuli, suggesting an important role in linking molecular and behavioral stress. This review summarizes key findings from fields related to major depressive disorder (MDD) including stress and learning and memory, which suggest that activity-dependent m6A changes may, directly and indirectly, contribute to synaptic connectivity changes underlying MDD. Furthermore, we will highlight the roles of m6A and FTO, a m6A eraser, in the context of depressive-like behaviors. Although we have only begun to explore m6A in the context of MDD and psychiatry, elucidating a link between m6A and MDD presents a novel molecular mechanism underlying MDD pathogenesis.
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Yao XP, Ye J, Feng T, Jiang FC, Zhou P, Wang F, Chen JG, Wu PF. Adaptor protein MyD88 confers the susceptibility to stress via amplifying immune danger signals. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:204-220. [PMID: 36496170 PMCID: PMC9726649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports the pathogenic role of neuroinflammation in psychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, the precise mechanism and therapeutic strategy are poorly understood. Here, we report that myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), a pivotal adaptor that bridges toll-like receptors to their downstream signaling by recruiting the signaling complex called 'myddosome', was up-regulated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) after exposure to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. The inducible expression of MyD88 in the mPFC primed neuroinflammation and conferred stress susceptibility via amplifying immune danger signals, such as high-mobility group box 1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Overexpression of MyD88 aggravated, whereas knockout or pharmacological inhibition of MyD88 ameliorated CSDS-induced depressive-like behavior. Notably, TJ-M2010-5, a novel synthesized targeting inhibitor of MyD88 dimerization, alleviated both CSDS- and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-induced depressive-like behavior. Taken together, our findings indicate that inhibiting MyD88 signaling represents a promising therapeutic strategy for stress-related mental disorders, such as MDD and COVID-19-related neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Ping Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Chao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, 430030 Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China.
| | - Jian-Guo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, 430030 Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China.
| | - Peng-Fei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China; The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China; The Research Center for Depression, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science, 430030 Wuhan, China; Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases (HUST), Ministry of Education of China, Wuhan, China.
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10
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Chokkalla AK, Jeong S, Mehta SL, Davis CK, Morris-Blanco KC, Bathula S, Qureshi SS, Vemuganti R. Cerebroprotective Role of N6-Methyladenosine Demethylase FTO (Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Protein) After Experimental Stroke. Stroke 2023; 54:245-254. [PMID: 36321453 PMCID: PMC10250008 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.040401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated protein) demethylates N6-methyladenosine (m6A), which is a critical epitranscriptomic regulator of neuronal function. We previously reported that ischemic stroke induces m6A hypermethylation with a simultaneous decrease in FTO expression in neurons. Currently, we evaluated the functional significance of restoring FTO with an adeno-associated virus 9, and thus reducing m6A methylation in poststroke brain damage. METHODS Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were injected with FTO adeno-associated virus 9 (intracerebral) at 21 days prior to inducing transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. Poststroke brain damage (infarction, atrophy, and white matter integrity) and neurobehavioral deficits (motor function, cognition, depression, and anxiety-like behaviors) were evaluated between days 1 and 28 of reperfusion. RESULTS FTO overexpression significantly decreased the poststroke m6A hypermethylation. More importantly, exogenous FTO substantially decreased poststroke gray and white matter damage and improved motor function recovery, cognition, and depression-like behavior in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that FTO-dependent m6A demethylation minimizes long-term sequelae of stroke independent of sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K Chokkalla
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Soomin Jeong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Suresh L Mehta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Charles K Davis
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Simran S Qureshi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veteran Administration Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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SVCT2-mediated ascorbic acid uptake buffers stress responses via DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 gene. Redox Biol 2022; 58:102543. [PMID: 36436457 PMCID: PMC9694147 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C, a key antioxidant in the central nervous system, cycles between ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid under pathophysiological conditions. Clinical evidence supports that the absence of vitamin C may be linked to depressive symptoms, but much less is known about the mechanism. Herein, we show that chronic stress disrupts the expression of ascorbic acid transporter, sodium-dependent vitamin C transport 2, and induces a deficiency in endogenous ascorbic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to depressive-like behaviors by disturbing redox-dependent DNA methylation reprogramming. Attractively, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, as bioequivalent of an intravenous drip dose of 0.48 g-4.8 g ascorbic acid per day in humans) produces rapid-acting antidepressant effects via triggering DNA demethylation catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases. In particular, the mechanistic studies by both transcriptome sequencing and methylation sequencing have shown that S100 calcium binding protein A4, a potentially protective factor against oxidative stress and brain injury, mediates the antidepressant activity of ascorbic acid via activating erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4)-brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway. Overall, our findings reveal a novel nutritional mechanism that couples stress to aberrant DNA methylation underlying depressive-like behaviors. Therefore, application of vitamin C may be a potential strategy for the treatment of depression.
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12
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Jiang L, Li X, Wang S, Yuan Z, Cheng J. The role and regulatory mechanism of m6A methylation in the nervous system. Front Genet 2022; 13:962774. [PMID: 36118889 PMCID: PMC9474891 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.962774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification regulates RNA translation, splicing, transport, localization, and stability at the post-transcriptional level. The m6A modification has been reported to have a wide range of effects on the nervous system, including neurogenesis, cerebellar development, learning, cognition, and memory, as well as the occurrence and development of neurological disorders. In this review, we aim to summarize the findings on the role and regulatory mechanism of m6A modification in the nervous system, to reveal the molecular mechanisms of neurodevelopmental processes, and to promote targeted therapy for nervous system-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Jiang
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbo Cheng, ; Zengqiang Yuan, ,
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life & Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbo Cheng, ; Zengqiang Yuan, ,
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13
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You S, Su X, Ying J, Li S, Qu Y, Mu D. Research Progress on the Role of RNA m6A Modification in Glial Cells in the Regulation of Neurological Diseases. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081158. [PMID: 36009052 PMCID: PMC9405963 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells are the most abundant and widely distributed cells that maintain cerebral homeostasis in the central nervous system. They mainly include microglia, astrocytes, and the oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Moreover, glial cells may induce pathological changes, such as inflammatory responses, demyelination, and disruption of the blood–brain barrier, to regulate the occurrence and development of neurological diseases through various molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, RNA m6A modifications are involved in various pathological processes associated with glial cells. In this review, the roles of glial cells in physiological and pathological states, as well as advances in understanding the mechanisms by which glial cells regulate neurological diseases under RNA m6A modification, are summarized, hoping to provide new perspectives on the deeper mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi You
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Chronobiology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence:
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14
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Niu J, Wang B, Wang T, Zhou T. Mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modification in depression-induced cognitive deficits. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2022; 189:86-99. [PMID: 35591810 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Depressive disorder (DD) is associated with N6-methyladenosine (m6A) hypermethylation. This study sought to explore the molecular mechanism of Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in cognitive deficits of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-treated rats and provide novel targets for DD treatment. A DD rat model was established via CUMS treatment. Cognitive deficits were assessed via body weighing and behavioral tests. METTL3, microRNA (miR)-221-3p, pri-miR-221, GRB2-associated binding protein 1 (Gab1) expressions in hippocampal tissues were detected via RT-qPCR and Western blotting. m6A, DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 8 (DGCR8)-bound pri-miR-221 and pri-miR-221 m6A levels were measured. The binding relationship between miR-221-3p and Gab1 was testified by dual-luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. Rescue experiments were designed to confirm the role of miR-221-3p and Gab1. METTL3 was highly expressed in CUMS rats, and silencing METTL3 attenuated cognitive deficits of CUMS rats. METTL3-mediated m6A modification facilitated processing and maturation of pri-miR-221 via DGCR8 to upregulate miR-221-3p. miR-221-3p targeted Gab1. miR-221-3p overexpression or Gab1 downregulation reversed the role of silencing METTL3 in CUMS rats. Overall, METTL3-mediated m6A modification facilitated processing and maturation of pri-miR-221 to upregulate miR-221-3p and then inhibit Gab1, thereby aggravating cognitive deficits of CUMS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Niu
- Clinical Psychology Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bailing Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Clinical service department, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tiantian Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Qingdao Mental Health Center, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
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