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Salerno JA, Rehen S. Human pluripotent stem cells as a translational toolkit in psychedelic research in vitro. iScience 2024; 27:109631. [PMID: 38628967 PMCID: PMC11019282 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics, recognized for their impact on perception, are resurging as promising treatments with rapid onset for mood and substance use disorders. Despite increasing evidence from clinical trials, questions persist about the cellular and molecular mechanisms and their precise correlation with treatment outcomes. Murine neurons and immortalized non-neural cell lines harboring overexpressed constructs have shed light on neuroplastic changes mediated by the serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT2AR) as the primary mechanism. However, limitations exist in capturing human- and disease-specific traits. Here, we discuss current accomplishments and prospects for incorporating human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to complement these models. PSCs can differentiate into various brain cell types, mirroring endogenous expression patterns and cell identities to recreate disease phenotypes. Brain organoids derived from PSCs resemble cell diversity and patterning, while region-specific organoids simulate circuit-level phenotypes. PSC-based models hold significant promise to illuminate the cellular and molecular substrates of psychedelic-induced phenotypic recovery in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Alexandre Salerno
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Morphological Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stevens Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Usona Institute, Fitchburg, WI, USA
- Promega Corporation, Madison, WI, USA
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Cardon I, Grobecker S, Jenne F, Jahner T, Rupprecht R, Milenkovic VM, Wetzel CH. Serotonin effects on human iPSC-derived neural cell functions: from mitochondria to depression. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02538-0. [PMID: 38532010 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02538-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Depression's link to serotonin dysregulation is well-known. The monoamine theory posits that depression results from impaired serotonin activity, leading to the development of antidepressants targeting serotonin levels. However, their limited efficacy suggests a more complex cause. Recent studies highlight mitochondria as key players in depression's pathophysiology. Mounting evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction significantly correlates with major depressive disorder (MDD), underscoring its pivotal role in depression. Exploring the serotonin-mitochondrial connection, our study investigated the effects of chronic serotonin treatment on induced-pluripotent stem cell-derived astrocytes and neurons from healthy controls and two case study patients. One was a patient with antidepressant non-responding MDD ("Non-R") and another had a non-genetic mitochondrial disorder ("Mito"). The results revealed that serotonin altered the expression of genes related to mitochondrial function and dynamics in neurons and had an equalizing effect on calcium homeostasis in astrocytes, while ATP levels seemed increased. Serotonin significantly decreased cytosolic and mitochondrial calcium in neurons. Electrophysiological measurements evidenced that serotonin depolarized the resting membrane potential, increased both sodium and potassium current density and ultimately improved the overall excitability of neurons. Specifically, neurons from the Non-R patient appeared responsive to serotonin in vitro, which seemed to improve neurotransmission. While it is unclear how this translates to the systemic level and AD resistance mechanisms are not fully elucidated, our observations show that despite his treatment resistance, this patient's cortical neurons are responsive to serotonergic signals. In the Mito patient, evidence suggested that serotonin, by increasing excitability, exacerbated an existing hyperexcitability highlighting the importance of considering mitochondrial disorders in patients with MDD, and avoiding serotonin-increasing medication. Taken together, our findings suggested that serotonin positively affects calcium homeostasis in astrocytes and increases neuronal excitability. The latter effect must be considered carefully, as it could have beneficial or detrimental implications based on individual pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iseline Cardon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Grobecker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frederike Jenne
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tatjana Jahner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Vladimir M Milenkovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christian H Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Cardon I, Grobecker S, Kücükoktay S, Bader S, Jahner T, Nothdurfter C, Koschitzki K, Berneburg M, Weber BHF, Stöhr H, Höring M, Liebisch G, Braun F, Rothammer-Hampl T, Riemenschneider MJ, Rupprecht R, Milenkovic VM, Wetzel CH. Mitochondrial and Cellular Function in Fibroblasts, Induced Neurons, and Astrocytes Derived from Case Study Patients: Insights into Major Depression as a Mitochondria-Associated Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:963. [PMID: 38256041 PMCID: PMC10815943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between mitochondria and major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasingly evident, underscored both by mitochondria's involvement in many mechanisms identified in depression and the high prevalence of MDD in individuals with mitochondrial disorders. Mitochondrial functions and energy metabolism are increasingly considered to be involved in MDD's pathogenesis. This study focused on cellular and mitochondrial (dys)function in two atypical cases: an antidepressant non-responding MDD patient ("Non-R") and another with an unexplained mitochondrial disorder ("Mito"). Skin biopsies from these patients and controls were used to generate various cell types, including astrocytes and neurons, and cellular and mitochondrial functions were analyzed. Similarities were observed between the Mito patient and a broader MDD cohort, including decreased respiration and mitochondrial function. Conversely, the Non-R patient exhibited increased respiratory rates, mitochondrial calcium, and resting membrane potential. In conclusion, the Non-R patient's data offered a new perspective on MDD, suggesting a detrimental imbalance in mitochondrial and cellular processes, rather than simply reduced functions. Meanwhile, the Mito patient's data revealed the extensive effects of mitochondrial dysfunctions on cellular functions, potentially highlighting new MDD-associated impairments. Together, these case studies enhance our comprehension of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iseline Cardon
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Sonja Grobecker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Selin Kücükoktay
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Stefanie Bader
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Tatjana Jahner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Kevin Koschitzki
- Department of Dermatology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard H. F. Weber
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Human Genetics, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Heidi Stöhr
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Höring
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Frank Braun
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Rothammer-Hampl
- Department of Neuropathology, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Vladimir M. Milenkovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
| | - Christian H. Wetzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (I.C.)
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Brivio P, Audano M, Gallo MT, Miceli E, Gruca P, Lason M, Litwa E, Fumagalli F, Papp M, Mitro N, Calabrese F. Venlafaxine's effect on resilience to stress is associated with a shift in the balance between glucose and fatty acid utilization. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1475-1483. [PMID: 37380799 PMCID: PMC10425382 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01633-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Brain metabolism is a fundamental process involved in the proper development of the central nervous system and in the maintenance of the main higher functions in humans. As consequence, energy metabolism imbalance has been commonly associated to several mental disorders, including depression. Here, by employing a metabolomic approach, we aimed to establish if differences in energy metabolite concentration may underlie the vulnerability and resilience in an animal model of mood disorder named chronic mild stress (CMS) paradigm. In addition, we have investigated the possibility that modulation of metabolite concentration may represent a pharmacological target for depression by testing whether repeated treatment with the antidepressant venlafaxine may normalize the pathological phenotype by acting at metabolic level. The analyses were conducted in the ventral hippocampus (vHip) for its key role in the modulation of anhedonia, a core symptom of patients affected by depression. Interestingly, we showed that a shift from glycolysis to beta oxidation seems to be responsible for the vulnerability to chronic stress and that vHip metabolism contributes to the ability of the antidepressant venlafaxine to normalize the pathological phenotype, as shown by the reversal of the changes observed in specific metabolites. These findings may provide novel perspectives on metabolic changes that could serve as diagnostic markers and preventive strategies for the early detection and treatment of depression as well as for the identification of potential drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Audano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Miceli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Piotr Gruca
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Lason
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewa Litwa
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mariusz Papp
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Nico Mitro
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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Das SC, Schulmann A, Callor WB, Jerominski L, Panicker MM, Christensen ED, Bunney WE, Williams ME, Coon H, Vawter MP. Altered transcriptomes, cell type proportions, and dendritic spine morphology in hippocampus of suicide deaths. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.28.23285121. [PMID: 36778310 PMCID: PMC9915834 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.28.23285121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a condition resulting from complex environmental and genetic risks that affect millions of people globally. Both structural and functional studies identified the hippocampus as one of the vulnerable brain regions contributing to suicide risk. Here, we have identified the hippocampal transcriptomes, gene ontology, cell type proportions, dendritic spine morphology, and transcriptomic signature in iPSC-derived neuronal precursor cells (NPCs) and neurons in postmortem brain tissue from suicide deaths. The hippocampal tissue transcriptomic data revealed that NPAS4 gene expression was downregulated while ALDH1A2, NAAA, and MLXIPL gene expressions were upregulated in tissue from suicide deaths. The gene ontology identified 29 significant pathways including NPAS4-associated gene ontology terms "excitatory post-synaptic potential", "regulation of postsynaptic membrane potential" and "long-term memory" indicating alteration of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus of suicide deaths. The cell type deconvolution identified decreased excitatory neuron proportion and an increased inhibitory neuron proportion providing evidence of excitation/inhibition imbalance in the hippocampus of suicide deaths. In addition, suicide deaths had increased dendric spine density, due to an increase of thin (relatively unstable) dendritic spines, compared to controls. The transcriptomes of iPSC-derived hippocampal-like NPCs and neurons revealed 31 and 33 differentially expressed genes in NPC and neurons, respectively, of suicide deaths. The suicide-associated differentially expressed genes in NPCs were RELN, CRH, EMX2, OXTR, PARM1 and IFITM2 which overlapped with previously published results. The previously-known suicide-associated differentially expressed genes in differentiated neurons were COL1A1, THBS1, IFITM2, AQP1, and NLRP2. Together, these findings would help better understand the hippocampal neurobiology of suicide for identifying therapeutic targets to prevent suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujan C. Das
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | - William B. Callor
- Utah State Office of Medical Examiner, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Leslie Jerominski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Mitradas M. Panicker
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Erik D. Christensen
- Utah State Office of Medical Examiner, Utah Department of Health, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - William E. Bunney
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Megan E. Williams
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah School of Medicine, UT, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marquis P. Vawter
- Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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