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Zhou Z, Pan Y, Zhou S, Wang S, Zhang D, Cao Y, Jiang X, Li J, Zhu L, Zhao L, Gu S, Lin G, Dong Z, Sun HX. Single-cell analysis reveals specific neuronal transition during mouse corticogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209320. [PMID: 38020907 PMCID: PMC10657809 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Currently, the mechanism(s) underlying corticogenesis is still under characterization. Methods: We curated the most comprehensive single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) datasets from mouse and human fetal cortexes for data analysis and confirmed the findings with co-immunostaining experiments. Results: By analyzing the developmental trajectories with scRNA-seq datasets in mice, we identified a specific developmental sub-path contributed by a cell-population expressing both deep- and upper-layer neurons (DLNs and ULNs) specific markers, which occurred on E13.5 but was absent in adults. In this cell-population, the percentages of cells expressing DLN and ULN markers decreased and increased, respectively, during the development suggesting direct neuronal transition (namely D-T-U). Whilst genes significantly highly/uniquely expressed in D-T-U cell population were significantly enriched in PTN/MDK signaling pathways related to cell migration. Both findings were further confirmed by co-immunostaining with DLNs, ULNs and D-T-U specific markers across different timepoints. Furthermore, six genes (co-expressed with D-T-U specific markers in mice) showing a potential opposite temporal expression between human and mouse during fetal cortical development were associated with neuronal migration and cognitive functions. In adult prefrontal cortexes (PFC), D-T-U specific genes were expressed in neurons from different layers between humans and mice. Conclusion: Our study characterizes a specific cell population D-T-U showing direct DLNs to ULNs neuronal transition and migration during fetal cortical development in mice. It is potentially associated with the difference of cortical development in humans and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziheng Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yueyang Pan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Si Zhou
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuguang Wang
- Bioinformatics Department, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dengwei Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaosen Jiang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linnan Zhu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lijian Zhao
- Medical Technology College, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shen Gu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zirui Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hai-Xi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Molecular Alterations of the Endocannabinoid System in Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094764. [PMID: 35563156 PMCID: PMC9104141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic benefits of the current medications for patients with psychiatric disorders contrast with a great variety of adverse effects. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) components have gained high interest as potential new targets for treating psychiatry diseases because of their neuromodulator role, which is essential to understanding the regulation of many brain functions. This article reviewed the molecular alterations in ECS occurring in different psychiatric conditions. The methods used to identify alterations in the ECS were also described. We used a translational approach. The animal models reproducing some behavioral and/or neurochemical aspects of psychiatric disorders and the molecular alterations in clinical studies in post-mortem brain tissue or peripheral tissues were analyzed. This article reviewed the most relevant ECS changes in prevalent psychiatric diseases such as mood disorders, schizophrenia, autism, attentional deficit, eating disorders (ED), and addiction. The review concludes that clinical research studies are urgently needed for two different purposes: (1) To identify alterations of the ECS components potentially useful as new biomarkers relating to a specific disease or condition, and (2) to design new therapeutic targets based on the specific alterations found to improve the pharmacological treatment in psychiatry.
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Navarrete F, García-Gutiérrez MS, Gasparyan A, Navarro D, López-Picón F, Morcuende Á, Femenía T, Manzanares J. Biomarkers of the Endocannabinoid System in Substance Use Disorders. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030396. [PMID: 35327588 PMCID: PMC8946268 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite substance use disorders (SUD) being one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally, available therapeutic approaches remain ineffective. The difficulty in accurately characterizing the neurobiological mechanisms involved with a purely qualitative diagnosis is an obstacle to improving the classification and treatment of SUD. In this regard, identifying central and peripheral biomarkers is essential to diagnosing the severity of drug dependence, monitoring therapeutic efficacy, predicting treatment response, and enhancing the development of safer and more effective pharmacological tools. In recent years, the crucial role that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays in regulating the reinforcing and motivational properties of drugs of abuse has been described. This has led to studies characterizing ECS alterations after exposure to various substances to identify biomarkers with potential diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic utility. This review aims to compile the primary evidence available from rodent and clinical studies on how the ECS components are modified in the context of different substance-related disorders, gathering data from genetic, molecular, functional, and neuroimaging experimental approaches. Finally, this report concludes that additional translational research is needed to further characterize the modifications of the ECS in the context of SUD, and their potential usefulness in the necessary search for biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María S. García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco López-Picón
- PET Preclinical Imaging Laboratory, Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Álvaro Morcuende
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
| | - Teresa Femenía
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Avda. de Ramón y Cajal s/n, San Juan de Alicante, 03550 Alicante, Spain; (F.N.); (M.S.G.-G.); (A.G.); (D.N.); (Á.M.); (T.F.)
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Redes de Investigación Cooperativa Orientada a Resultados en Salud (RICORS), Red de Investigación en Atención Primaria de Adicciones (RIAPAd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-919-248
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Saravia R, Ten-Blanco M, Pereda-Pérez I, Berrendero F. New Insights in the Involvement of the Endocannabinoid System and Natural Cannabinoids in Nicotine Dependence. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13316. [PMID: 34948106 PMCID: PMC8715672 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotine, the main psychoactive component in tobacco smoke, plays a major role in tobacco addiction, producing a high morbidity and mortality in the world. A great amount of research has been developed to elucidate the neural pathways and neurotransmitter systems involved in such a complex addictive behavior. The endocannabinoid system, which has been reported to participate in the addictive properties of most of the prototypical drugs of abuse, is also implicated in nicotine dependence. This review summarizes and updates the main behavioral and biochemical data involving the endocannabinoid system in the rewarding properties of nicotine as well as in nicotine withdrawal and relapse to nicotine-seeking behavior. Promising results from preclinical studies suggest that manipulation of the endocannabinoid system could be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Saravia
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Marc Ten-Blanco
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
| | - Inmaculada Pereda-Pérez
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, Pozuelo de Alarcón, 28223 Madrid, Spain; (M.T.-B.); (I.P.-P.)
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Pabalan N, Chaweeborisuit P, Tharabenjasin P, Tasanarong A, Jarjanazi H, Eiamsitrakoon T, Tapanadechopone P. Associations of CB1 cannabinoid receptor (CNR1) gene polymorphisms with risk for alcohol dependence: Evidence from meta-analyses of genetic and genome-wide association studies. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27343. [PMID: 34713823 PMCID: PMC8556036 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reported associations of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with alcohol dependence (AD) have been inconsistent, prompting a meta-analysis to obtain more precise estimates. METHODS A Boolean search of 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Mednar) sought articles that evaluated the association between CNR1 polymorphisms and risk of AD. We selected the articles with sufficient genotype frequency data to enable calculation of odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Using the Population Intervention Comparators Outcome elements, AD patients (P) were compared by genotype data between AD-participants (I) and non-AD-participants (C) in order to determine the risk of AD (O) attributed to the CNR1 SNPs. Analyzing 4 SNPs (rs1049353, rs1535255, rs2023239, and rs806379) using standard genetic models, we examined associations where multiple comparisons were Holm-Bonferroni corrected. The pooled ORs were assessed for aggregate statistical power and robustness (sensitivity analysis). Subgroups were Caucasians and African-Americans. RESULTS From 32 comparisons, 14 were significant indicating increased risk, from which 5 outcomes (P-value for association [Pa] = .003 to <.001) survived the Holm-Bonferroni-correction, which were deemed robust. In the rs1535255 outcomes, the codominant effect (OR = 1.43, 95% CIs = 1.24-1.65, Pa < .001) had greater statistical power than the dominant effect (OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.08-1.57, Pa = .006). In contrast, the rs2023239 codominant outcome was underpowered. Significance of both rs806379 Caucasian outcomes (ORs = 1.20-1.43, 95% CIs = 1.07-1.57, Pa = .003) contrasted with the null effects in African-Americans (ORs = 0.98-1.08, 95% CIs = 0.70-1.53). CONCLUSIONS Three CNR1 SNPs (rs1535255, rs2023239, and rs806379) were implicated in their associations with development of AD: based on aggregate statistical power, rs1535255 presented greater evidence for associations than rs2023239; rs806379 implicated the Caucasian subgroup. Multiple statistical and meta-analytical features (consistency, robustness, and high significance) underpinned the strengths of these outcomes. Our findings could render the CNR1 polymorphisms useful in the clinical genetics of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noel Pabalan
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | - Phuntila Tharabenjasin
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Adis Tasanarong
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Hamdi Jarjanazi
- Environmental Monitoring and Reporting Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, 125 Resources Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thanee Eiamsitrakoon
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
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Influence of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Genetic Variants on the Subjective Effects of Smoked Cannabis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147388. [PMID: 34299009 PMCID: PMC8307475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As many jurisdictions consider relaxing cannabis legislation and usage is increasing in North America and other parts of the world, there is a need to explore the possible genetic differences underlying the subjective effects of cannabis. This pilot study investigated specific genetic variations within the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CNR1) gene for association with the subjective effects of smoked cannabis. Data were obtained from a double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial studying the impact of cannabis intoxication on driving performance. Participants randomized to the active cannabis group who consented to secondary genetic analysis (n = 52) were genotyped at the CNR1 rs1049353 and rs2023239 polymorphic areas. Maximum value and area under the curve (AUC) analyses were performed on subjective measures data. Analysis of subjective effects by genotype uncovered a global trend towards greater subjective effects for rs1049353 T-allele- and rs2023239 C-allele-carrying subjects. However, significant differences attributed to allelic identity were only documented for a subset of subjective effects. Our findings suggest that rs1049353 and rs2023239 minor allele carriers experience augmented subjective effects during acute cannabis intoxication.
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7
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Identification of a sex-stratified genetic algorithm for opioid addiction risk. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2021; 21:326-335. [PMID: 33589790 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-021-00212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has had a devastating impact on our country, with wide-ranging effects on healthcare, corrections, employment, and social systems. Programs have been put in place for monitoring prescriptions, initiating and expanding medications for opioid use disorder, and harm reduction (i.e., naloxone distribution, needle exchanges). However, opportunities for personalization of opioid therapy based on addiction risk have been limited. The goal of the present study was to develop an objective risk assessment algorithm based on genetic markers that are correlated with opioid use disorder (OUD). A total of 180 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested in patients with and without OUD. SNPs selected for testing were associated with opioid metabolism and drug reward pathways based on previous studies. Of the 394 patients recruited, 200 had OUD and 194 served as controls without OUD but with prior opioid exposure. Logistic regression analyses stratified by sex identified ten unique SNPs in females and nine unique SNPs in males that were significantly associated with OUD. A Genetics Opioid Risk Score (GenORs) was calculated by counting the number of OUD risk-associated SNPs/genotypes for each patient. To evaluate the discrimination of the GenORs, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each sex was generated and determined to be sensitive and specific. This represents the first published example of a sex-based genetic risk score with potential to predict OUD, and the first OUD algorithm to include opioid-associated pharmacokinetic genes.
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Butler K, Le Foll B. Novel therapeutic and drug development strategies for tobacco use disorder: endocannabinoid modulation. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1065-1080. [DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1767581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Butler
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard Le Foll
- Translational Addiction Research Laboratory, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Acute Care Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Cannabinoid receptor CNR1 expression and DNA methylation in human prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and caudate in brain development and schizophrenia. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:158. [PMID: 32433545 PMCID: PMC7237456 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0832-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Beyond being one the most widely used psychoactive drugs in the world, cannabis has been identified as an environmental risk factor for psychosis. Though the relationship between cannabis use and psychiatric disorders remains controversial, consistent association between early adolescent cannabis use and the subsequent risk of psychosis suggested adolescence may be a particularly vulnerable period. Previous findings on gene by environment interactions indicated that cannabis use may only increase the risk for psychosis in the subjects who have a specific genetic vulnerability. The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1), encoded by the CNR1 gene, is a key component of the endocannabinoid system. As the primary endocannabinoid receptor in the brain, CB1 is the main molecular target of the endocannabinoid ligand, as well as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. In this study, we have examined mRNA expression and DNA methylation of CNR1 in human prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and caudate samples. The expression of CNR1 is higher in fetal PFC and hippocampus, then drops down dramatically after birth. The lifespan trajectory of CNR1 expression in the DLPFC differentially correlated with age by allelic variation at rs4680, a functional polymorphism in the COMT gene. Compared with COMT methionine158 carriers, Caucasian carriers of the COMT valine158 allele have a stronger negative correlation between the expression of CNR1 in DLPFC and age. In contrast, the methylation level of cg02498983, which is negatively correlated with the expression of CNR1 in PFC, showed the strongest positive correlation with age in PFC of Caucasian carriers of COMT valine158. Additionally, we have observed decreased mRNA expression of CNR1 in the DLPFC of patients with schizophrenia. Further analysis revealed a positive eQTL SNP, rs806368, which predicted the expression of a novel transcript of CNR1 in human DLPFC, hippocampus and caudate. This SNP has been associated with addiction and other psychiatric disorders. THC or ethanol are each significantly associated with dysregulated expression of CNR1 in the PFC of patients with affective disorder, and the expression of CNR1 is significantly upregulated in the PFC of schizophrenia patients who completed suicide. Our results support previous studies that have implicated the endocannabinoid system in the pathology of schizophrenia and provided additional insight into the mechanism of increasing risk for schizophrenia in the adolescent cannabis users.
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Szejko N, Fichna JP, Safranow K, Dziuba T, Żekanowski C, Janik P. Association of a Variant of CNR1 Gene Encoding Cannabinoid Receptor 1 With Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome. Front Genet 2020; 11:125. [PMID: 32194619 PMCID: PMC7065033 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown etiology, although a major role of genetic factors has been established. Cannabis-based medicines may alleviate GTS-associated tics and variants of CNR1 gene encoding central cannabinoid receptor (CB1) are believed to be a risk factor for the development of some neurodevelopmental diseases. Our aim was to test the association of selected CNR1 gene variants with GTS. Material and Methods The cohort of GTS cases comprised 262 unrelated patients aged 3–53 years (mean age: 18.3 ± 9.1 years; 204 males (77.9%), 126 (48.1%) adults defined as ≥18 years). As a control group we enrolled 279 unrelated, ethnically and gender matched individuals with no diagnosed mental, neurological or general disorder, aged 13–54 years (mean age: 22.5 ± 3.0 years; 200 males, (74.1%). Both study and control groups were selected from Polish population, which is ethnically homogenous subgroup of Caucasian population. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CNR1 were selected: rs2023239, rs2180619, rs806379, and rs1049353 based on minor allele frequency in general population >15%. These variants were genotyped using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction system (TaqMan SNP genotyping assay). Results We found significant association of GTS clinical phenotype with rs2023239 variant. Minor allele C and CT+CC genotypes were found significantly more often in GTS patients compared to controls (17.4 vs 11.1%, p=0.003 and 32.8 vs 20.4%, p=0.001, respectively), and the difference remained significant after correction for multiple testing. C allele of rs2023239 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene was associated with the occurrence of tics. There were no statistically significant associations for rs806379, rs1049353 or rs2180619 variants. Conclusion Our findings suggest that C allele of rs2023239 polymorphism of the CNR1 gene is a risk factor of GTS in Polish population. The variant can be potentially associated with abnormal endocannabinoid transmission, which is suspected to be one of the causes of GTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Szejko
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Bioethics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Piotr Fichna
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Dziuba
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Cezary Żekanowski
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, Department of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Janik
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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Benowitz N, Nardone N, St.Helen G, Addo N, Jacob P, Liakoni E, Jain S, Hooshfar S, Lynch K. Quantitative biochemical screening for marijuana use and concordance with tobacco use in urban adolescents. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 205:107583. [PMID: 31600618 PMCID: PMC6893148 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessing the prevalence and level of exposure (dose) of tobacco and marijuana use is important in studies of harm from use of these substances. We used biochemical analysis of urine to quantitatively assess exposure to nicotine and delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in adolescents receiving medical care in a public hospital METHODS: Participants were 686 adolescents between 12 and 21 years old seen at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital between 2012 and 2014. Urine samples were assayed using high sensitivity liquid chromatographic assays for cotinine, a major metabolite of nicotine, and 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta 9-THC (THC-COOH), a major metabolite of THC. A commonly used immunoassay screen for THC-COOH was also performed. RESULTS The THC-COOH immunoassay substantially underestimated THC exposure, as measured with the high sensitivity assay. THC use was detected in 25% of participants, with higher prevalence with increasing age and in non-Hispanic blacks. Active tobacco smokers had an 80% prevalence of THC use (odds ratio for cigarette smoking predicting THC use 13.2). Urine cotinine and THC-COOH were significantly correlated (r = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS The use of a high sensitivity chromatographic urine assay provides a much more complete picture of adolescent tobacco use compared to a commonly used immunoassay. The immunoassay provides high specificity but moderate sensitivity. We confirm high concordance of tobacco and marijuana use and the high predictive value of cigarette smoking in predicting marijuana use, and provide novel data on the quantitative correlation between level of exposure to nicotine and THC. Quantitative screening of nicotine and THC exposure may enhance our understanding of addiction and harm from single and dual product use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal Benowitz
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States; Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States.
| | - Natalie Nardone
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Gideon St.Helen
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States,Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, University of California, San Francisco University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Newton Addo
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Peyton Jacob
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States,Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Evangelia Liakoni
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States,Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of General Internal Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shonul Jain
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Shirin Hooshfar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
| | - Kara Lynch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA United States
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12
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Saravia R, Ten-Blanco M, Grande MT, Maldonado R, Berrendero F. Anti-inflammatory agents for smoking cessation? Focus on cognitive deficits associated with nicotine withdrawal in male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 75:228-239. [PMID: 30391635 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotine withdrawal is associated with cognitive deficits including attention, working memory, and episodic memory impairments. These cognitive deficits are a hallmark of nicotine abstinence which could be targeted in order to prevent smoking relapse. The underlying mechanisms, however, are poorly understood. In this study, memory impairment was observed in mice 4 days after the precipitation of nicotine withdrawal by the nicotinic antagonist mecamylamine. The presence of cognitive deficits correlated with microglial activation in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. Moreover, an increased expression of neuroinflammatory markers including IL1β, TNFα and IFNγ was found in both memory-related brain regions. Notably, flow cytometric analysis also revealed an enhancement of TNFα and IFNγ plasmatic levels at the same time point during nicotine withdrawal. Impaired neurogenesis, as shown by reduction in the expression of the endogenous cell proliferation marker Ki67 and the early neuron marker doublecortin, was also associated with nicotine abstinence. Treatment with the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol abolished memory impairment of nicotine withdrawal and microglia reactivity, reduced the expression of IL1β and IFNγ in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, respectively, and normalized Ki67 levels. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin also prevented cognitive deficits and microglial reactivity during withdrawal. These data underline the usefulness of anti-inflammatory agents to improve cognitive performance during early nicotine abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Saravia
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Ten-Blanco
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María T Grande
- Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Fernando Berrendero
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Faculty of Experimental Sciences, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, UFV, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
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