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Opsasnick LA, Zhao W, Schmitz LL, Ratliff SM, Faul JD, Zhou X, Needham BL, Smith JA. Epigenome-wide association study of long-term psychosocial stress in older adults. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2323907. [PMID: 38431869 PMCID: PMC10913704 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2323907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Long-term psychosocial stress is strongly associated with negative physical and mental health outcomes, as well as adverse health behaviours; however, little is known about the role that stress plays on the epigenome. One proposed mechanism by which stress affects DNA methylation is through health behaviours. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of cumulative psychosocial stress (n = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study (mean age = 70.4 years), assessing DNA methylation (Illumina Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC Beadchip) at 789,656 CpG sites. For identified CpG sites, we conducted a formal mediation analysis to examine whether smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) mediate the relationship between stress and DNA methylation. Nine CpG sites were associated with psychosocial stress (all p < 9E-07; FDR q < 0.10). Additionally, health behaviours and/or BMI mediated 9.4% to 21.8% of the relationship between stress and methylation at eight of the nine CpGs. Several of the identified CpGs were in or near genes associated with cardiometabolic traits, psychosocial disorders, inflammation, and smoking. These findings support our hypothesis that psychosocial stress is associated with DNA methylation across the epigenome. Furthermore, specific health behaviours mediate only a modest percentage of this relationship, providing evidence that other mechanisms may link stress and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. Opsasnick
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren L. Schmitz
- Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Scott M. Ratliff
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jessica D. Faul
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Belinda L. Needham
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Smith
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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2
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Moshtael R, Lynch ME, Duncan GE, Beam CR. A Genetically Informed Study of the Association Between Perceived Stress and Loneliness. Behav Genet 2024; 54:268-277. [PMID: 38341828 PMCID: PMC11032291 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-023-10176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Although research shows a strong positive association between perceived stress and loneliness, the genetic and environmental etiology underlying their association remains unknown. People with a genetic predisposition to perceived stress, for example, may be more prone to feeling lonely and vice versa. Conversely, unique factors in people's lives may explain differences in perceived stress levels that, in turn, affect feelings of loneliness. We tested whether genetic factors, environmental factors, or both account for the association between perceived stress and loneliness. Participants were 3,066 individual twins (nFemale = 2,154, 70.3%) from the Washington State Twin Registry who completed a survey during April-May, 2020. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the item-level perceived stress and loneliness measures. The correlation between latent perceived stress and latent loneliness was .68. Genetic and nonshared environmental variance components underlying perceived stress accounted for 3.71% and 23.26% of the total variance in loneliness, respectively. The genetic correlation between loneliness and perceived stress was .45 and did not differ significantly between men and women. The nonshared environmental correlation was .54 and also did not differ between men and women. Findings suggest that holding constant the strong genetic association between perceived stress and loneliness, unique life experiences underlying people's perceived stress account for individual differences in loneliness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Moshtael
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Southern California, 3620 McClintock Ave., Seeley G. Mudd Room 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90063, USA.
| | - Morgan E Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Glen E Duncan
- Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, USA
| | - Christopher R Beam
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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3
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Sawyers C, Sheerin C, Moore AA, Neigh G, Hettema JM, Roberson-Nay R. Genetic and environmental influences on alpha amylase stress reactivity and shared genetic covariation with cortisol. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 161:106922. [PMID: 38101095 PMCID: PMC10842877 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Salivary alpha amylase (sAA) is a common measure of stress reactivity, primarily reflecting sympathetic nervous system activity. Salivary cortisol is also a reliable, frequently used biomarker of stress and reflects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response. This study examined heritability across varying metrics of sAA in response to a social evaluative stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The goal of this study was to estimate genetic and environmental influences on measurements of sAA stress reactivity. Moreover, we evaluated the shared genetic covariation between sAA and cortisol. Participants included twins aged 15-20 years (54% female). We measured alpha amylase and cortisol reactivity to the TSST via serial salivary cortisol samples collected pre- and post-TSST. Modest to moderate heritability estimates (11-64%) were observed across measures purported to capture alpha amylase stress reactivity (peak, area under the curve, baseline-to-peak change). Findings also indicate that sAA baseline and peak are primarily influenced by a shared genetic factor. There was no evidence of shared genetic influences between sAA and cortisol. These findings suggest the genetic control of the HPA and Sympathetic Adreno-Medullar axis are genetically independent of one another despite both playing a role in response to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Sawyers
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.
| | - Christina Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - Ashlee A Moore
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Oswego, USA
| | - Gretchen Neigh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
| | - John M Hettema
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas A&M Health Sciences Center, USA
| | - Roxann Roberson-Nay
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
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4
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Bennett SN, Chang AB, Rogers FD, Jones P, Peña CJ. Thyroid hormones mediate the impact of early-life stress on ventral tegmental area gene expression and behavior. Horm Behav 2024; 159:105472. [PMID: 38141539 PMCID: PMC10922504 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Proper thyroid function is essential to the developing brain, including dopamine neuron differentiation, growth, and maintenance. Stress across the lifespan impacts thyroid hormone signaling and anxiety disorders and depression have been associated with thyroid dysfunction (both hypo- and hyper-active). However, less is known about how stress during postnatal development impacts thyroid function and related brain development. Our previous work in mice demonstrated that early-life stress (ELS) transiently impinged on expression of a transcription factor in dopamine neurons, Otx2, shown to be regulated by thyroid hormones. We hypothesized that thyroid hormone signaling may link experience of ELS with transcriptional dysregulation within the dopaminergic midbrain, and ultimately behavior. Here, we find that ELS transiently increases thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (inversely related to thyroid signaling) in both male and female mice at P21, an effect which recovers by adolescence. We next tested whether transient treatment of ELS mice with synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine, LT4) could ameliorate the impact of ELS on sensitivity to future stress, and on expression of genes related to dopamine neuron development and maintenance, thyroid signaling, and plasticity within the ventral tegmental area. Among male mice, but not females, juvenile LT4 treatment prevented hypersensitivity to adult stress. We also found that rescuing developmental deficits in thyroid hormone signaling after ELS restored levels of some genes altered directly by ELS, and prevented alterations in expression of other genes sensitive to the second hit of adult stress. These findings suggest that thyroid signaling mediates the deleterious impact of ELS on VTA development, and that temporary treatment of hypothyroidism after ELS may be sufficient to prevent future stress hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Austin B Chang
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, USA
| | - Forrest D Rogers
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, USA; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, USA
| | - Parker Jones
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, USA
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5
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Tu K, Zhou M, Tan JJ, Markos L, Cloud C, Zhou M, Hayashi N, Rawson NE, Margolskee RF, Wang H. Chronic social defeat stress broadly inhibits gene expression in the peripheral taste system and alters taste responses in mice. Physiol Behav 2024; 275:114446. [PMID: 38128683 PMCID: PMC10843841 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Human studies have linked stress exposure to unhealthy eating behavior. However, the mechanisms that drive stress-associated changes in eating behavior remain incompletely understood. The sense of taste plays important roles in food preference and intake. In this study, we use a chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) model in mice to address whether chronic stress impacts taste sensation and gene expression in taste buds and the gut. Our results showed that CSDS significantly elevated circulating levels of corticosterone and acylated ghrelin while lowering levels of leptin, suggesting a change in metabolic hormones that promotes food consumption. Stressed mice substantially increased their intake of food and water 3-5 days after the stress onset and gradually gained more body weight than that of controls. Moreover, CSDS significantly decreased the expression of multiple taste receptors and signaling molecules in taste buds and reduced mRNA levels of several taste progenitor/stem cell markers and regulators. Stressed mice showed significantly reduced sensitivity and response to umami and sweet taste compounds in behavioral tests. In the small intestine, the mRNA levels of Gnat3 and Tas1r2 were elevated in CSDS mice. The increased Gnat3 was mostly localized in a type of Gnat3+ and CD45+ immune cells, suggesting changes of immune cell distribution in the gut of stressed mice. Together, our study revealed broad effects of CSDS on the peripheral taste system and the gut, which may contribute to stress-associated changes in eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn Tu
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 19041, USA
| | - Mary Zhou
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, PA 19041, USA
| | - Jidong J Tan
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Chemistry, the University of Pennsylvania, 231 S. 34 St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Loza Markos
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cameron Cloud
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Lafayette College, 730 High St., Easton, PA 18042, USA
| | - Minliang Zhou
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Naoki Hayashi
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nancy E Rawson
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Robert F Margolskee
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hong Wang
- The Monell Chemical Senses Center, 3500 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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6
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Zannas AS. Emerging evidence linking stress and glucocorticoid signaling with cancer phenotypes. J Transl Med 2024; 22:147. [PMID: 38347561 PMCID: PMC10863226 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04962-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 438 Taylor Hall, 109 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7096, USA.
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, 438 Taylor Hall, 109 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599-7096, USA.
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7
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Garman A, Ash AM, Kokkinos EK, Nerland D, Winter L, Langreck CB, Forgette ML, Girgenti MJ, Banasr M, Duric V. Novel hippocampal genes involved in enhanced susceptibility to chronic pain-induced behavioral emotionality. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 964:176273. [PMID: 38135263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Altered mood and psychiatric disorders are commonly associated with chronic pain conditions; however, brain mechanisms linking pain and comorbid clinical depression are still largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify whether key genes/cellular mechanisms underlie susceptibility/resiliency to development of depressive-like behaviors during chronic pain state. Genome-wide RNA-seq analysis was used to examine the transcriptomic profile of the hippocampus, a limbic brain region that regulates mood and stress responses, from male rats exposed to chronic inflammatory pain. Pain-exposed animals were separated into either 'resilient' or 'susceptible' to development of enhanced behavioral emotionality based on behavioral testing. RNA-seq bioinformatic analysis, followed by validation using qPCR, revealed dysregulation of hippocampal genes involved in neuroinflammation, cell cycle/neurogenesis and blood-brain barrier integrity. Specifically, ADAM Metallopeptidase Domain 8 (Adam8) and Aurora Kinase B (Aurkb), genes with functional roles in activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and microgliosis, respectively, were significantly upregulated in the hippocampus of 'susceptible' animals expressing increased behavioral emotionality. In addition, genes associated with blood-brain barrier integrity, such as the Claudin 4 (Cldn4), a tight junction protein and a known marker of astrocyte activation, were also significantly dysregulated between 'resilient' or 'susceptible' pain groups. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were further characterized in rodents stress models to determine whether their hippocampal dysregulation is driven by common stress responses vs. affective pain processing. Altogether these results continue to strengthen the connection between dysregulation of hippocampal genes involved in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes with increased behavioral emotionality often expressed in chronic pain state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Garman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Allison M Ash
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Ellesavette K Kokkinos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Dakota Nerland
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Lori Winter
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Cory B Langreck
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Morgan L Forgette
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Matthew J Girgenti
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06508, USA
| | - Mounira Banasr
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute of CAMH, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Vanja Duric
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA.
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8
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Milicic M, Gaszner B, Berta G, Pintér E, Kormos V. The Lack of TRPA1 Ion Channel Does Not Affect the Chronic Stress-Induced Activation of the Locus Ceruleus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1765. [PMID: 38339042 PMCID: PMC10855130 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We have previously proven the involvement of transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in stress adaptation. A lack of TRPA1 affects both urocortin 1 (member of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family) content of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. The noradrenergic locus ceruleus (LC) is also an important player in mood control. We aimed at investigating whether the TRPA1 is expressed in the LC, and to test if the response to chronic variable mild stress (CVMS) is affected by a lack of TRPA1. The TRPA1 expression was examined via RNAscope in situ hybridization. We investigated TRPA1 knockout and wildtype mice using the CVMS model of depression. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and FOSB double immunofluorescence were used to test the functional neuromorphological changes in the LC. No TRPA1 expression was detected in the LC. The TH content was not affected by CVMS exposure. The CVMS-induced FOSB immunosignal did not co-localize with the TH neurons. TRPA1 is not expressed in the LC. A lack of functional TRPA1 receptor neither directly nor indirectly affects the TH content of LC neurons under CVMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milica Milicic
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, Medical School and Research Group for Mood Disorders, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.M.); (E.P.)
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (M.M.); (E.P.)
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9
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Dong J, Peng Z, Chen M, Lai Y, Zhang X, Yu M, Zhong H, Liu J, Yue Y, Shang J. Long Non-Coding RNA Mir17hg Positively Regulates Melanogenesis by Inhibiting TGFβ Receptor 2 under Psychological Stress. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:358-368.e10. [PMID: 37709007 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Vitiligo is a common skin depigmentation disorder characterized by the patchy loss of skin color. Nowadays, it is recognized as being correlated with multiple genetic factors as well as the psychological conditions of individuals. Long noncoding RNAs have been reported to underlie the pathogenesis of vitiligo; however, the role of long noncoding RNAs in the stress-related depigmentation process remains largely unknown. In this study, the inhibition of melanocyte function was observed in C57BL/6J mice modeled through chronic restraint stress. Furthermore, downregulation of the expression of the long noncoding RNAs Mir17hg was identified using RNA sequencing. The regulatory role of Mir17hg in melanogenesis was also investigated in melanocytes and zebrafish embryos through overexpression or knockdown. Finally, TGFβ receptor 2 was shown to be a downstream target in Mir17hg-mediated melanogenesis regulation, in which the classical TGFβ/SMAD signaling cascade and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling cascade play important roles. In conclusion, our results revealed an important regulatory role of Mir17hg in melanogenesis through inhibition of TGFβR2, which can provide a potential therapeutic target for treating skin depigmentation disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zan Peng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Minghan Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Lai
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Zhong
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liu
- New Drug Screening Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yunyun Yue
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jing Shang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China; NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Cosmetics, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China.
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10
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Cathomas F, Lin HY, Chan KL, Li L, Parise LF, Alvarez J, Durand-de Cuttoli R, Aubry AV, Muhareb S, Desland F, Shimo Y, Ramakrishnan A, Estill M, Ferrer-Pérez C, Parise EM, Wilk CM, Kaster MP, Wang J, Sowa A, Janssen WG, Costi S, Rahman A, Fernandez N, Campbell M, Swirski FK, Nestler EJ, Shen L, Merad M, Murrough JW, Russo SJ. Circulating myeloid-derived MMP8 in stress susceptibility and depression. Nature 2024; 626:1108-1115. [PMID: 38326622 PMCID: PMC10901735 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-07015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Psychosocial stress has profound effects on the body, including the immune system and the brain1,2. Although a large number of pre-clinical and clinical studies have linked peripheral immune system alterations to stress-related disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD)3, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here we show that expression of a circulating myeloid cell-specific proteinase, matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), is increased in the serum of humans with MDD as well as in stress-susceptible mice following chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). In mice, we show that this increase leads to alterations in extracellular space and neurophysiological changes in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), as well as altered social behaviour. Using a combination of mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing, we performed high-dimensional phenotyping of immune cells in circulation and in the brain and demonstrate that peripheral monocytes are strongly affected by stress. In stress-susceptible mice, both circulating monocytes and monocytes that traffic to the brain showed increased Mmp8 expression following chronic social defeat stress. We further demonstrate that circulating MMP8 directly infiltrates the NAc parenchyma and controls the ultrastructure of the extracellular space. Depleting MMP8 prevented stress-induced social avoidance behaviour and alterations in NAc neurophysiology and extracellular space. Collectively, these data establish a mechanism by which peripheral immune factors can affect central nervous system function and behaviour in the context of stress. Targeting specific peripheral immune cell-derived matrix metalloproteinases could constitute novel therapeutic targets for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flurin Cathomas
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Hsiao-Yun Lin
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenny L Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Long Li
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lyonna F Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Johana Alvarez
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romain Durand-de Cuttoli
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Antonio V Aubry
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samer Muhareb
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fiona Desland
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yusuke Shimo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Molly Estill
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carmen Ferrer-Pérez
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric M Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - C Matthias Wilk
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manuella P Kaster
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Jun Wang
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allison Sowa
- Microscopy CoRE and Advanced Bioimaging Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - William G Janssen
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Microscopy CoRE and Advanced Bioimaging Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sara Costi
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adeeb Rahman
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicolas Fernandez
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew Campbell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Filip K Swirski
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miriam Merad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James W Murrough
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine of Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott J Russo
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
- Brain and Body Research Center of the Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Apsley AT, Lee SA, Bhat AC, Rush J, Almeida DM, Cole SW, Shalev I. Affective reactivity to daily stressors and immune cell gene expression in the MIDUS study. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:80-88. [PMID: 37797778 PMCID: PMC10841912 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Affective reactivity to stress is a person-level measurement of how well an individual copes with daily stressors. A common method of measuring affective reactivity entails the estimation of within-person differences of either positive or negative affect on days with and without stressors present. Individuals more reactive to common stressors, as evidenced by affective reactivity measurements, have been shown to have increased levels of circulating pro-inflammatory markers. While affective reactivity has previously been associated with inflammatory markers, the upstream mechanistic links underlying these associations are unknown. Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Refresher study (N = 195; 52% female; 84% white), we quantified daily stress processes over 10 days and determined individuals' positive and negative affective reactivities to stressors. We then examined affective reactivity association with peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) gene expression of the immune-related conserved transcriptional response to adversity. Results indicated that individuals with a greater decrease in positive affect to daily stressors exhibited heightened PBMC JUNB expression after Bonferroni corrections (p-adjusted < 0.05). JUNB encodes a protein that acts as a transcription factor which regulates many aspects of the immune response, including inflammation and cell proliferation. Due to its critical role in the activation of macrophages and maintenance of CD4+ T-cells during inflammation, JUNB may serve as a potential upstream mechanistic target for future studies of the connection between affective reactivity and inflammatory processes. Overall, our findings provide evidence that affective reactivity to stress is associated with levels of immune cell gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abner T Apsley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Biosciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sun Ah Lee
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Aarti C Bhat
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Jonathan Rush
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - David M Almeida
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - Steven W Cole
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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12
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Li C, Tao T, Tang Y, Lu H, Zhang H, Li H, Liu X, Guan W, Niu Y. The association of psychological stress with metabolic syndrome and its components: cross-sectional and bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1212647. [PMID: 38144566 PMCID: PMC10749192 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1212647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of co-occurring conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which include the conditions of hypertension, overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. Psychological stress is gradually being taken seriously, stemming from the imbalance between environmental demands and individual perceptions. However, the potential causal relationship between psychological stress and MetS remains unclear. Method We conducted cross-sectional and bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to clarify the potential causal relationship of psychological stress with MetS and its components. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounders in the cross-sectional study of the Chinese population, including 4,933 individuals (70.1% men; mean age, 46.13 ± 8.25). Stratified analyses of sexual characteristics were also performed. Bidirectional MR analyses were further carried out to verify causality based on summary-level genome-wide association studies in the European population, using the main analysis of the inverse variance-weighted method. Results We found that higher psychological stress levels were cross-sectionally associated with an increased risk of hypertension in men (odds ratio (OR), 1.341; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.023-1.758; p = 0.034); moreover, higher levels of hypertension were cross-sectionally associated with an increased risk of psychological stress in men and the total population (men: OR, 1.545 (95% CI, 1.113-2.145); p = 0.009; total population: OR, 1.327 (95% CI, 1.025-1.718); p = 0.032). Genetically predicted hypertension was causally associated with a higher risk of psychological stress in the inverse-variance weighted MR model (OR, 2.386 (95% CI, 1.209-4.710); p = 0.012). However, there was no association between psychological stress and MetS or the other three risk factors (overweight or obesity, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia) in cross-sectional and MR analyses. Conclusion Although we did not observe an association between psychological stress and MetS, we found associations between psychological stress and hypertension both in cross-sectional and MR studies, which may have implications for targeting hypertension-related factors in interventions to improve mental and metabolic health. Further study is needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cancan Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianqi Tao
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongfeng Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huixin Li
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiuhua Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weiping Guan
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Niu
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Medical Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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13
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Parel ST, Bennett SN, Cheng CJ, Timmermans OC, Fiori LM, Turecki G, Peña CJ. Transcriptional signatures of early-life stress and antidepressant treatment efficacy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305776120. [PMID: 38011563 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305776120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a history of early-life stress (ELS) tend to have an altered course of depression and lower treatment response rates. Research suggests that ELS alters brain development, but the molecular changes in the brain following ELS that may mediate altered antidepressant response have not been systematically studied. Sex and gender also impact the risk of depression and treatment response. Here, we leveraged existing RNA sequencing datasets from 1) blood samples from depressed female- and male-identifying patients treated with escitalopram or desvenlafaxine and assessed for treatment response or failure; 2) the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of female and male mice exposed to ELS and/or adult stress; and 3) the NAc of mice after adult stress, antidepressant treatment with imipramine or ketamine, and assessed for treatment response or failure. We find that transcriptomic signatures of adult stress after a history of ELS correspond with transcriptomic signatures of treatment nonresponse, across species and multiple classes of antidepressants. Transcriptomic correspondence with treatment outcome was stronger among females and weaker among males. We next pharmacologically tested these predictions in our mouse model of early-life and adult social defeat stress and treatment with either chronic escitalopram or acute ketamine. Among female mice, the strongest predictor of behavior was an interaction between ELS and ketamine treatment. Among males, however, early experience and treatment were poor predictors of behavior, mirroring our bioinformatic predictions. These studies provide neurobiological evidence for molecular adaptations in the brain related to sex and ELS that contribute to antidepressant treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sero Toriano Parel
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Shannon N Bennett
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Cindy J Cheng
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | | | - Laura M Fiori
- Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Douglas Institute, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada
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14
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Kos A, Lopez JP, Bordes J, de Donno C, Dine J, Brivio E, Karamihalev S, Luecken MD, Almeida-Correa S, Gasperoni S, Dick A, Miranda L, Büttner M, Stoffel R, Flachskamm C, Theis FJ, Schmidt MV, Chen A. Early life adversity shapes social subordination and cell type-specific transcriptomic patterning in the ventral hippocampus. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadj3793. [PMID: 38039370 PMCID: PMC10691768 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj3793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Adverse events in early life can modulate the response to additional stressors later in life and increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for these effects remain unclear. Here, we uncover that early life adversity (ELA) in mice leads to social subordination. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we identified cell type-specific changes in the transcriptional state of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in the ventral hippocampus of ELA mice after exposure to acute social stress in adulthood. These findings were reflected by an alteration in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission induced by ELA in response to acute social stress. Finally, enhancing the inhibitory network function through transient diazepam treatment during an early developmental sensitive period reversed the ELA-induced social subordination. Collectively, this study significantly advances our understanding of the molecular, physiological, and behavioral alterations induced by ELA, uncovering a previously unknown cell type-specific vulnerability to ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Kos
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Juan Pablo Lopez
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joeri Bordes
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Carlo de Donno
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Julien Dine
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elena Brivio
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Stoyo Karamihalev
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Malte D. Luecken
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Lung Health and Immunity, Helmholtz Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Serena Gasperoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alec Dick
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucas Miranda
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Maren Büttner
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Rainer Stoffel
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelia Flachskamm
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian J. Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias V. Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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15
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Musazzi L, Mingardi J, Ieraci A, Barbon A, Popoli M. Stress, microRNAs, and stress-related psychiatric disorders: an overview. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4977-4994. [PMID: 37391530 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. During and after exposure to stressors, the stress response may have pro- or maladaptive consequences, depending on several factors related to the individual response and nature of the stressor. However, the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of exposure to stress, which may ultimately lead to the development of stress-related disorders, are still largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to mediate the effects of the environment on brain gene expression and behavior. MicroRNAs, small non-coding RNAs estimated to control the expression of about 60% of all genes by post-transcriptional regulation, are a fundamental epigenetic mechanism. Many microRNAs are expressed in the brain, where they work as fine-tuners of gene expression, with a key role in the regulation of homeostatic balance, and a likely influence on pro- or maladaptive brain changes. Here we have selected a number of microRNAs, which have been strongly implicated as mediators of the effects of stress in the brain and in the development of stress-related psychiatric disorders. For all of them recent evidence is reported, obtained from rodent stress models, manipulation of microRNAs levels with related behavioral changes, and clinical studies of stress-related psychiatric disorders. Moreover, we have performed a bioinformatic analysis of the predicted brain-expressed target genes of the microRNAs discussed, and found a central role for mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic function. The complex regulatory role of microRNAs has suggested their use as biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment response, as well as possible therapeutic drugs. While, microRNA-based diagnostics have registered advancements, particularly in oncology and other fields, and many biotech companies have launched miRNA therapeutics in their development pipeline, the development of microRNA-based tests and drugs for brain disorders is comparatively slower.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Jessica Mingardi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandro Ieraci
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italy
- Molecular Pharmacology, Cellular and Behavioral Physiology; Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbon
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology and Functional Neurogenomics, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Peter HL, Giglberger M, Streit F, Frank J, Kreuzpointner L, Rietschel M, Kudielka BM, Wüst S. Association of polygenic scores for depression and neuroticism with perceived stress in daily life during a long-lasting stress period. Genes Brain Behav 2023; 22:e12872. [PMID: 37876358 PMCID: PMC10733580 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Genetic factors contribute significantly to interindividual differences in the susceptibility to stress-related disorders. As stress can also be conceptualized as environmental exposure, controlled gene-environment interaction (GxE) studies with an in-depth phenotyping may help to unravel mechanisms underlying the interplay between genetic factors and stress. In a prospective-longitudinal quasi-experimental study, we investigated whether polygenic scores (PGS) for depression (DEP-PGS) and neuroticism (NEU-PGS), respectively, were associated with responses to chronic stress in daily life. We examined law students (n = 432) over 13 months. Participants in the stress group experienced a long-lasting stress phase, namely the preparation for the first state examination for law students. The control group consisted of law students without particular stress exposure. In the present manuscript, we analyzed perceived stress levels assessed at high frequency and in an ecologically valid manner by ambulatory assessments as well as depression symptoms and two parameters of the cortisol awakening response. The latter was only assessed in a subsample (n = 196). No associations between the DEP-PGS and stress-related variables were found. However, for the NEU-PGS we found a significant GxE effect. Only in individuals experiencing academic stress a higher PGS for neuroticism predicted stronger increases of perceived stress levels until the exam. At baseline, a higher NEU-PGS was associated with higher perceived stress levels in both groups. Despite the small sample size, we provide preliminary evidence that the genetic disposition for neuroticism is associated with stress level increases in daily life during a long-lasting stress period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah L. Peter
- Institute of PsychologyUniversity of RegensburgRegensburgGermany
| | | | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental HealthUniversity of MannheimMannheimGermany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental HealthUniversity of MannheimMannheimGermany
| | | | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental HealthUniversity of MannheimMannheimGermany
| | | | - Stefan Wüst
- Institute of PsychologyUniversity of RegensburgRegensburgGermany
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17
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Kotsakis Ruehlmann A, Sammallahti S, Cortés Hidalgo AP, Bakulski KM, Binder EB, Campbell ML, Caramaschi D, Cecil CAM, Colicino E, Cruceanu C, Czamara D, Dieckmann L, Dou J, Felix JF, Frank J, Håberg SE, Herberth G, Hoang TT, Houtepen LC, Hüls A, Koen N, London SJ, Magnus MC, Mancano G, Mulder RH, Page CM, Räikkönen K, Röder S, Schmidt RJ, Send TS, Sharp G, Stein DJ, Streit F, Tuhkanen J, Witt SH, Zar HJ, Zenclussen AC, Zhang Y, Zillich L, Wright R, Lahti J, Brunst KJ. Epigenome-wide meta-analysis of prenatal maternal stressful life events and newborn DNA methylation. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:5090-5100. [PMID: 36899042 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02010-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stressful life events are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Biological mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown, but DNA methylation likely plays a role. This meta-analysis included twelve non-overlapping cohorts from ten independent longitudinal studies (N = 5,496) within the international Pregnancy and Childhood Epigenetics consortium to examine maternal stressful life events during pregnancy and DNA methylation in cord blood. Children whose mothers reported higher levels of cumulative maternal stressful life events during pregnancy exhibited differential methylation of cg26579032 in ALKBH3. Stressor-specific domains of conflict with family/friends, abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional), and death of a close friend/relative were also associated with differential methylation of CpGs in APTX, MyD88, and both UHRF1 and SDCCAG8, respectively; these genes are implicated in neurodegeneration, immune and cellular functions, regulation of global methylation levels, metabolism, and schizophrenia risk. Thus, differences in DNA methylation at these loci may provide novel insights into potential mechanisms of neurodevelopment in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kotsakis Ruehlmann
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sara Sammallahti
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Adolescent and Child Psychiatry and Psychology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Andrea P Cortés Hidalgo
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Adolescent and Child Psychiatry and Psychology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kelly M Bakulski
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Megan Loraine Campbell
- University of Cape Town, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doretta Caramaschi
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte A M Cecil
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Adolescent and Child Psychiatry and Psychology, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cristiana Cruceanu
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Linda Dieckmann
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - John Dou
- University of Michigan, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Siri E Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Thanh T Hoang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA
| | - Lotte C Houtepen
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Hüls
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nastassja Koen
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; and UCT Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stephanie J London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, 27709, NC, USA
| | - Maria C Magnus
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Centre for Fertility and Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Giulia Mancano
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rosa H Mulder
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian M Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stefan Röder
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- University of California-Davis, School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Tabea S Send
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gemma Sharp
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa; and UCT Neuroscience Institute, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Tuhkanen
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics & Child Health & SA-MRC Unit on Child & Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Department of Environmental Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yining Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rosalind Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jari Lahti
- University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kelly J Brunst
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Mikhailova SV, Ivanoshchuk DE, Orlov PS, Bairqdar A, Anisimenko MS, Denisova DV. Assessment of the Genetic Characteristics of a Generation Born during a Long-Term Socioeconomic Crisis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2064. [PMID: 38003007 PMCID: PMC10671057 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A socioeconomic crisis in Russia lasted from 1991 to 1998 and was accompanied by a sharp drop in the birth rate. The main factor that influenced the refusal to have children during this period is thought to be prolonged social stress. METHODS comparing frequencies of common gene variants associated with stress-induced diseases among generations born before, after, and during this crisis may show which genes may be preferred under the pressure of natural selection during periods of increased social stress in urban populations. RESULTS In the "crisis" group, a statistically significant difference from the other two groups was found in rs6557168 frequency (p = 0.001); rs4522666 was not in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in this group, although its frequency did not show a significant difference from the other groups (p = 0.118). Frequencies of VNTRs in SLC6A3 and MAOA as well as common variants rs17689918 in CRHR1, rs1360780 in FKBP5, rs53576 in OXTR, rs12720071 and rs806377 in CNR1, rs4311 in ACE, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs7412 and rs429358 in APOE did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSIONS a generation born during a period of prolonged destructive events may differ from the rest of the gene pool of the population in some variants associated with personality traits or stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V. Mikhailova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Dinara E. Ivanoshchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Pavel S. Orlov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Bairqdar
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Maksim S. Anisimenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Diana V. Denisova
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine—Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., 630089 Novosibirsk, Russia
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19
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Abid F, Ahmed S, Noushad S, Farhat S, Fatima SS. Relationship Between Genetic Variant Of OXTR (Rs53576) And MTNR1B (Rs1387153) And Symptoms Of Psychological Stress In Females With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. J PAK MED ASSOC 2023; 73:2209-2213. [PMID: 38013530 DOI: 10.47391/jpma.10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Objective To assess the association of oxytocin receptor (rs53576) and melatonin hormone receptor 1B (rs1387153) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms with psychological symptoms in women with gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS The case-control study was conducted from May 1 to June 1, 2022, at the Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, in collaboration with the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Fifty gestational diabetic pregnant women and ninety healthy pregnant women were recruited. Sanger sequencing was performed to assess the genotypic frequency and polymorphic variation of all subjects. Perceived stress scale and diabetes-related distress scale were used to assess the stress levels. Data was analysed using SPSS 23. RESULTS Of the 140 subjects, 90 (64.3%) were controls with mean age 24.96±4.35 years, and 50 (35.7%) were cases with mean age 28.78±5.25 (p<0.05). Mean body weight and mean gestational age were not significantly different between the groups (p>0.05). Melatonin hormone receptor 1B rs1387153 frequency was significantly different between the groups (p<0.05). Among the cases, a significant mean difference for regimen distress scores between AA and GG was observed for oxytocin receptor rs53576 (p=0.04). A significant mean difference in sum of PSS, diabetes-related stress, total diabetes- related stress and emotional distress was noted between CC and TT genotypes for melatonin hormone receptor 1B rs1387153 (p=0.001). Conclusion MTNR1B rs1387153 genotypes were associated with perceived stress, diabetes-related stress, diabetic distress, and emotional burden, while OXTR rs53576 genotypes were associated with regimen distress in GDM women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Abid
- Department of Physiology, Sindh Medical College, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sadaf Ahmed
- Department of Physiology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shamoon Noushad
- Advance Educational Institute and Research Center, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sabah Farhat
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Sadia Fatima
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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20
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Nguyen T, Zillich L, Cetin M, Hall ASM, Foo JC, Sirignano L, Frank J, Send TS, Gilles M, Rietschel M, Deuschle M, Witt SH, Streit F. Psychological, endocrine and polygenic predictors of emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in a longitudinal birth cohort. Stress 2023; 26:2234060. [PMID: 37519130 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2234060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the lives of families and the well-being of both parents and their children. Various factors, including prenatal stress, dysregulated stress response systems, and genetics may have influenced how the stress caused by the pandemic impacted the well-being of different family members. The present work investigated if emotional well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic could be predicted by developmental stress-related and genetic factors. Emotional well-being of 7-10 year-old children (n = 263) and mothers (n = 241) (participants in a longitudinal German birth cohort (POSEIDON)) was assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic using the CRISIS questionnaire at two time periods (July 2020-October 2020; November 2020-February 2021). Associations of the children's and mothers' well-being with maternal perceived stress, of the children's well-being with their salivary and morning urine cortisol at 45 months, and polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for depression, schizophrenia, loneliness were investigated. Lower emotional well-being was observed in both children and mothers during compared to before the pandemic, with the children's but not the mothers' emotional well-being improving over the course of the pandemic. A positive association between the child and maternal emotional well-being was found. Prenatally assessed maternal perceived stress was associated with a lower well-being in children, but not in mothers. Cortisol measures and PRSs were not significantly associated with the children's emotional well-being. The present study confirms that emotional well-being of children and mothers are linked, and were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with differences in development over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Metin Cetin
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alisha S M Hall
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jerome C Foo
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute for Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lea Sirignano
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Tabea S Send
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maria Gilles
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Deuschle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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21
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Wang F, Yang X, Ren Z, Chen C, Liu C. Alternative splicing in mouse brains affected by psychological stress is enriched in the signaling, neural transmission and blood-brain barrier pathways. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4707-4718. [PMID: 37217679 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Psychological stress increases the risk of major psychiatric disorders. Psychological stress on mice was reported to induce differential gene expression (DEG) in mice brain regions. Alternative splicing is a fundamental aspect of gene expression and has been associated with psychiatric disorders but has not been investigated in the stressed brain yet. This study investigated changes in gene expression and splicing under psychological stress, the related pathways, and possible relationship with psychiatric disorders. RNA-seq raw data of 164 mouse brain samples from 3 independent datasets with stressors including chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), early life stress (ELS), and two-hit stress of combined CSDS and ELS were collected. There were more changes in splicing than in gene expression in the ventral hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex, but stress-induced changes of individual genes by differential splicing and differential expression could not be replicated. In contrast, pathway analyses produced robust findings: stress-induced differentially spliced genes (DSGs) were reproducibly enriched in neural transmission and blood-brain barrier systems, and DEGs were reproducibly enriched in stress response-related functions. The hub genes of DSG-related PPI networks were enriched in synaptic functions. The corresponding human homologs of stress-induced DSGs were robustly enriched in AD-related DSGs as well as BD and SCZ in GWAS. These results suggested that stress-induced DSGs from different datasets belong to the same biological system throughout the stress response process, resulting in consistent stress response effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Wang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiuju Yang
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zongyao Ren
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA.
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22
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Reiners JC, Leopold L, Hallebach V, Sinske D, Meier P, Amoroso M, Langgartner D, Reber SO, Knöll B. Acute stress modulates the outcome of traumatic brain injury-associated gene expression and behavioral responses. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23218. [PMID: 37779443 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301035r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Psychological stress and traumatic brain injury (TBI) result in long-lasting emotional and behavioral impairments in patients. So far, the interaction of psychological stress with TBI not only in the brain but also in peripheral organs is poorly understood. Herein, the impact of acute stress (AS) occurring immediately before TBI is investigated. For this, a mouse model of restraint stress and TBI was employed, and their influence on behavior and gene expression in brain regions, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and peripheral organs was analyzed. Results demonstrate that, compared to single AS or TBI exposure, mice treated with AS prior to TBI showed sex-specific alterations in body weight, memory function, and locomotion. The induction of immediate early genes (IEGs, e.g., c-Fos) by TBI was modulated by previous AS in several brain regions. Furthermore, IEG upregulation along the HPA axis (e.g., pituitary, adrenal glands) and other peripheral organs (e.g., heart) was modulated by AS-TBI interaction. Proteomics of plasma samples revealed proteins potentially mediating this interaction. Finally, the deletion of Atf3 diminished the TBI-induced induction of IEGs in peripheral organs but left them largely unaltered in the brain. In summary, AS immediately before brain injury affects the brain and, to a strong degree, also responses in peripheral organs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Leopold
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Vera Hallebach
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniela Sinske
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Philip Meier
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mattia Amoroso
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dominik Langgartner
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan O Reber
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Knöll
- Institute of Neurobiochemistry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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23
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Zusman EZ, Chau CMY, Bone JN, Hookenson K, Brain U, Glier MB, Grunau RE, Weinberg J, Devlin AM, Oberlander TF. Prenatal serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant exposure, SLC6A4 genetic variations, and cortisol activity in 6-year-old children of depressed mothers: A cohort study. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22425. [PMID: 37860904 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal depression and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants both affect the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system, possibly via the neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT). In a community cohort, we investigated the impact of two factors that shape prenatal 5HT signaling (prenatal SRI [pSRI] exposure and child SLC6A4 genotype) on HPA activity at age 6 years. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were used to study associations between cortisol reactivity, pSRI exposure, and child SLC6A4 genotype, controlling for maternal depression, child age, and sex (48 pSRI exposed, 74 nonexposed). Salivary cortisol levels were obtained at five time points during a laboratory stress challenge: arrival at the laboratory, following two sequential developmental assessments, and then 20 and 40 min following the onset of a stress-inducing cognitive/social task. Cortisol decreased from arrival across both developmental assessments, and then increased across both time points following the stress challenge in both groups. pSRI-exposed children had lower cortisol levels across all time points. In a separate GEE model, we observed a lower cortisol stress response among children with LG /S alleles compared with children with La/La alleles, and this was particularly evident among children of mothers reporting greater third trimester depressed mood. Our findings suggest that pSRI exposure and a genetic factor associated with modulating 5HT signaling shaped HPA reactivity to a laboratory stress challenge at school age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enav Z Zusman
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Cecil M Y Chau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- Biostatistics, Clinical Research Support Unit, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kaia Hookenson
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ursula Brain
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melissa B Glier
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruth E Grunau
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Angela M Devlin
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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24
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Hernandez-Mixteco M, Bernal-Morales B, Valenzuela OL, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Cerna-Cortes JF, García-Montalvo EA. TPH2-703 G/T polymorphism is associated with stress, depression, and psychosocial symptoms in mentally healthy Mexicans. Brain Res 2023; 1817:148479. [PMID: 37423455 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of serotonin synthesis. TPH2 is the brain-specific isoform of this enzyme, and genetic variations in the TPH2 gene have been shown to impact its transcription and enzymatic activity and are associated with mood disorders. In this study we focused on the rs4570625 (-703G/T) single nucleotide polymorphism of TPH2 gene. By using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we examined the effect of this polymorphism on stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms as well as quality of life, evaluated based on the Holmes-Rahe Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - Short Version, respectively. We found that individuals with the homozygous recessive T/T genotype had lower stress and depression scores. In addition, the quality of life in the psychological health domain was better in males with the T/T genotype. These results suggest that T/T genotype could decrease the susceptibility to developing stress and depression in the Mexican population without a diagnosis for an emotional disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Hernandez-Mixteco
- Programa de Doctorado en Neuroetología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Orizaba, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Blandina Bernal-Morales
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jorge Francisco Cerna-Cortes
- Departamento de Microbiología, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, Mexico
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25
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Possamai-Della T, Cararo JH, Aguiar-Geraldo JM, Peper-Nascimento J, Zugno AI, Fries GR, Quevedo J, Valvassori SS. Prenatal Stress Induces Long-Term Behavioral Sex-Dependent Changes in Rats Offspring: the Role of the HPA Axis and Epigenetics. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5013-5033. [PMID: 37233974 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical genetic studies have related stress early exposures with changes in gene regulatory mechanisms, including epigenetic alterations, such as modifications of DNA methylation, histone deacetylation, and histones acetylation. This study evaluates the effects of prenatal stress on the behavior, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, and epigenetic parameters in stressed dams and their offspring. The rats were subjected to a protocol of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the fourteenth day of pregnancy until the birth of offspring. After birth, maternal care was evaluated for six days. Following weaning, the locomotor and depressive-like behaviors of the dams and their offspring (60 days old) were assessed. The HPA axis parameters were evaluated in serum from dams and offspring, and epigenetic parameters (histone acetyltransferase (HAT), histone deacetylase (HDAC), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activities, and the levels of histone H3 acetylated at lysine residue 9 (H3K9ac) and histone 3 acetylated at lysine residue 14 (H3K14ac)) were assessed in dams' and offspring' brains. Prenatal stress did not significantly influence maternal care; however, it induced manic behavior in female offspring. These behavioral alterations in the offspring were accompanied by hyperactivity of the HPA-axis, epigenetic adaptations in the activity of HDAC and DNMT, and acetylation in the histones H3K9 and H3K14. In addition, the prenatal stressed female offspring showed increased levels of ACTH compared to their male counterpart. Our findings reinforce the impact of prenatal stress on behavior, stress response, and epigenetic profile of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taise Possamai-Della
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - José Henrique Cararo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jorge M Aguiar-Geraldo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Jefté Peper-Nascimento
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Alexandra I Zugno
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - João Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Interventional Psychiatry, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samira S Valvassori
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil.
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26
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Galfalvy H, Shea E, de Vegvar J, Pantazatos S, Huang YY, Burke AK, Sublette ME, Oquendo MA, Zanderigo F, Miller JM, Mann JJ. Brain serotonin 1A receptor binding: relationship to peripheral blood DNA methylation, recent life stress and childhood adversity in unmedicated major depression. Br J Psychiatry 2023; 223:415-421. [PMID: 37395098 PMCID: PMC10514224 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2023.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood and lifetime adversity may reduce brain serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission by epigenetic mechanisms. AIMS We tested the relationships of childhood adversity and recent stress to serotonin 1A (5-HT1A) receptor genotype, DNA methylation of this gene in peripheral blood monocytes and in vivo 5-HT1A receptor binding potential (BPF) determined by positron emission tomography (PET) in 13 a priori brain regions, in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy volunteers (controls). METHOD Medication-free participants with MDD (n = 192: 110 female, 81 male, 1 other) and controls (n = 88: 48 female, 40 male) were interviewed about childhood adversity and recent stressors and genotyped for rs6295. DNA methylation was assayed at three upstream promoter sites (-1019, -1007, -681) of the 5-HT1A receptor gene. A subgroup (n = 119) had regional brain 5-HT1A receptor BPF quantified by PET. Multi-predictor models were used to test associations between diagnosis, recent stress, childhood adversity, genotype, methylation and BPF. RESULTS Recent stress correlated positively with blood monocyte methylation at the -681 CpG site, adjusted for diagnosis, and had positive and region-specific correlations with 5-HT1A BPF in participants with MDD, but not in controls. In participants with MDD, but not in controls, methylation at the -1007 CpG site had positive and region-specific correlations with binding potential. Childhood adversity was not associated with methylation or BPF in participants with MDD. CONCLUSIONS These findings support a model in which recent stress increases 5-HT1A receptor binding, via methylation of promoter sites, thus affecting MDD psychopathology.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Male
- Female
- Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnostic imaging
- Depressive Disorder, Major/genetics
- Depressive Disorder, Major/drug therapy
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/therapeutic use
- DNA Methylation
- Serotonin/metabolism
- Serotonin/therapeutic use
- Depression
- Brain/pathology
- Positron-Emission Tomography/methods
- Stress, Psychological/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanga Galfalvy
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline de Vegvar
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | - Spiro Pantazatos
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yung-yu Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ainsley K. Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - M. Elizabeth Sublette
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maria A. Oquendo
- Psychiatry Department, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Francesca Zanderigo
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; and Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - J. John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Area, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA; and Department of Radiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Nazzari S, Cagliero L, Grumi S, Pisoni E, Mallucci G, Bergamaschi R, Maccarini J, Giorda R, Provenzi L. Prenatal exposure to environmental air pollution and psychosocial stress jointly contribute to the epigenetic regulation of the serotonin transporter gene in newborns. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3503-3511. [PMID: 37542161 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02206-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal exposures to maternal stress and to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) have been independently associated with developmental outcomes in early infancy and beyond. Knowledge about their joint impact, biological mechanisms of their effects and timing-effects, is still limited. Both PM2.5 and maternal stress exposure during pregnancy might result in altered patterns of DNA methylation in specific stress-related genes, such as the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4 DNAm), that might, in turn, influence infant development across several domains, including bio-behavioral, cognitive and socio-emotional domains. Here, we investigated the independent and interactive influence of variations in antenatal exposures to maternal pandemic-related stress (PRS) and PM2.5 on SLC6A4 DNAm levels in newborns. Mother-infant dyads (N = 307) were enrolled at delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Infants' methylation status was assessed in 13 CpG sites within the SLC6A4 gene's region (chr17:28562750-28562958) in buccal cells at birth and women retrospectively report on PRS. PM2.5 exposure throughout the entire gestation and at each gestational trimester was estimated using a spatiotemporal model based on residential address. Among several potentially confounding socio-demographic and health-related factors, infant's sex was significantly associated with infants' SLC6A4 DNAm levels, thus hierarchical regression models were adjusted for infant's sex. Higher levels of SLC6A4 DNAm at 6 CpG sites were found in newborns born to mothers reporting higher levels of antenatal PRS and greater PM2.5 exposure across gestation, while adjusting for infant's sex. These effects were especially evident when exposure to elevated PM2.5 occurred during the second trimester of pregnancy. Several important brain processes (e.g., synaptogenesis and myelination) occur during mid-pregnancy, potentially making the second trimester a sensitive time window for the effects of stress-related exposures. Understanding the interplay between environmental and individual-level stressors has important implications for the improvement of mother-infant health during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia Cagliero
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Enrico Pisoni
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | - Giulia Mallucci
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Neurocenter of South of Switzerland, EOC, Lugano, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia Maccarini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
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28
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Krammer UDB, Lerch ML, Haslberger AG, Hippe B. MiR-10a, miR-15a, let-7a, and let-7g expression as stress-relevant biomarkers to assess acute or chronic psychological stress and mental health in human capillary blood. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5647-5654. [PMID: 37193801 PMCID: PMC10289991 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological stress, as an important cofactor in the development of many acute and chronic diseases, is crucial for general health or well-being, and improved markers are needed to distinguish situations of progressive pathological development, such as depression, anxiety, or burnout, to be recognized at an early stage. Epigenetic biomarkers play an important role in the early detection and treatment of complex diseases such as cancer, and metabolic or mental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to identify so-called miRNAs, which would be suitable as stress-related biomarkers. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, 173 participants (36.4% males, and 63.6% females) were interviewed about stress, stress-related diseases, lifestyle, and diet to assess their acute and chronic psychological stress status. Using qPCR analysis, 13 different miRNAs (miR-10a-5p, miR-15a-5p, miR-16-5p, miR-19b-3p, miR-26b-5p, miR-29c-3p, miR-106b-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-3p, let-7a-5p, let-7g-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-877-5p) were analyzed in dried capillary blood samples. Four miRNAs were identified, miR-10a-5p, miR-15a-5p, let-7a-5p, and let-7g-5p (p < 0.05), which could be used as possible candidates for measuring pathological forms of acute or chronic stress. Let-7a-5p, let-7g-5p, and miR-15a-5p (p < 0.05) were also significantly higher in subjects with at least one stress-related disease. Further, correlations were identified between let-7a-5p and meat consumption (p < 0.05) and between miR-15a-5p and coffee consumption (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The examination of these four miRNAs as biomarkers using a minimally invasive method offers the possibility of detecting health problems at an early stage and counteracting them to maintain general and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike D B Krammer
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- HealthBioCare GmbH, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mariam L Lerch
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Berit Hippe
- Department of Nutritional Science, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- HealthBioCare GmbH, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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29
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Winter JJ, Rodríguez-Acevedo KL, Dittrich M, Heller EA. Early life adversity: Epigenetic regulation underlying drug addiction susceptibility. Mol Cell Neurosci 2023; 125:103825. [PMID: 36842544 PMCID: PMC10247461 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2023.103825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction is a leading cause of disability worldwide, with more than 70,000 Americans dying from drug overdose in 2019 alone. While only a small percentage of chronic drug users escalate to drug addiction, little is understood on the precise mechanisms of this susceptibility. Early life adversity is causally relevant to adult psychiatric disease and may contribute to the risk of addiction. Here we review recent pre-clinical evidence showing that early life exposure to stress and/or drugs regulates changes in behavior, gene expression, and the epigenome that persist into adulthood. We summarize the major findings and gaps in the preclinical literature, highlighting studies that demonstrate the often profound differences between female and male subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mia Dittrich
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA
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30
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Schick A, van Winkel R, Lin BD, Luykx JJ, de Zwarte SM, van Eijk KR, Myin-Germeys I, Reininghaus U. Polygenic risk, familial liability and stress reactivity in psychosis: an experience sampling study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:2798-2807. [PMID: 34991751 PMCID: PMC10235643 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721004761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence for a polygenic contribution to psychosis. One targetable mechanism through which polygenic variation may impact on individuals and interact with the social environment is stress sensitization, characterized by elevated reactivity to minor stressors in daily life. The current study aimed to investigate whether stress reactivity is modified by polygenic risk score for schizophrenia (PRS) in cases with enduring non-affective psychotic disorder, first-degree relatives of cases, and controls. METHODS We used the experience sampling method to assess minor stressors, negative affect, positive affect and psychotic experiences in 96 cases, 79 first-degree relatives, i.e. siblings, and 73 controls at wave 3 of the Dutch Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) study. Genome-wide data were collected at baseline to calculate PRS. RESULTS We found that associations of momentary stress with psychotic experiences, but not with negative and positive affect, were modified by PRS and group (all pFWE<0.001). In contrast to our hypotheses, siblings with high PRS reported less intense psychotic experiences in response to momentary stress compared to siblings with low PRS. No differences in magnitude of these associations were observed in cases with high v. low level of PRS. By contrast, controls with high PRS showed more intense psychotic experiences in response to stress compared to those with low PRS. CONCLUSIONS This tentatively suggests that polygenic risk may operate in different ways than previously assumed and amplify reactivity to stress in unaffected individuals but operate as a resilience factor in relatives by attenuating their stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Schick
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Center for Clinical Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bochao D. Lin
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J. Luykx
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Second Opinion Outpatient Clinic, GGNet, Warnsveld, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja M.C. de Zwarte
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristel R. van Eijk
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - GROUP Investigators
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Inez Myin-Germeys
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ulrich Reininghaus
- Department of Public Mental Health, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
- Center for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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31
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Razzoli M, Nyuyki-Dufe K, Chen BH, Bartolomucci A. Contextual modifiers of healthspan, lifespan, and epigenome in mice under chronic social stress. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2211755120. [PMID: 37043532 PMCID: PMC10120026 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211755120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sustained life stress and low socioeconomic status are among the major causes of aging-related diseases and decreased life expectancy. Experimental rodent models can help to identify the underlying mechanisms, yet very few studies address the long-term consequences of social stress on aging. We conducted a randomized study involving more than 300 male mice of commonly used laboratory strains (C57BL/6J, CD1, and Sv129Ev) chosen for the spontaneous aggression gradient and stress-vulnerability. Mice were exposed to a lifelong chronic psychosocial stress protocol to model social gradients in aging and disease vulnerability. Low social rank, inferred based on a discretized aggression index, was found to negatively impact lifespan in our study population. However, social rank interacted with genetic background in that low-ranking C57BL/6J, high-ranking Sv129Ev, and middle-ranking CD1 mice had lower survival, respectively, implying a cost of maintaining a given social rank that varies across strains. Machine learning linear discriminant analysis identified baseline fat-free mass as the most important predictor of mouse genetic background and social rank in the present dataset. Finally, strain and social rank differences were significantly associated with epigenetic changes, most significantly in Sv129Ev mice and in high-ranking compared to lower ranking subjects. Overall, we identified genetic background and social rank as critical contextual modifiers of aging and lifespan in an ethologically relevant rodent model of social stress, thereby providing a preclinical experimental paradigm to study the impact of social determinants of health disparities and accelerated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Razzoli
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Kewir Nyuyki-Dufe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
| | - Brian H. Chen
- FOXO Technologies Inc., Minneapolis, MN55401
- Division of Epidemiology, The Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA92093
| | - Alessandro Bartolomucci
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN55455
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32
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Ersig AL, Young EE, Brown RL, Malecki K. Genetic Variation, Stress, and Physiological Stress Response in Adults With Food Allergy or Celiac Disease. Biol Res Nurs 2023; 25:300-309. [PMID: 36280595 DOI: 10.1177/10998004221134826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistently high chronic stress can lead to maladaptive psychological, behavioral, and physiological stress responses and poor mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of identifying individuals at increased risk. Chronic health condition diagnosis and genetics are 2 characteristics that can influence stress, stress response, and health outcomes. PURPOSE Food allergy (FA) and celiac disease (CD) require constant vigilance in daily life and can lead to increased stress. The purpose of this exploratory analysis was to examine the association of variants in selected stress-related genes with stress exposures, stress, clinical measures of physiological stress response, and mental health symptoms in adults with and without FA or CD. METHODS We compared stress exposures, symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and stress, BMI, and waist-hip ratio between cases and controls. We analyzed the association of SNPs in genes with known or hypothesized associations with stress-related measures in 124 cases and 124 matched controls: CRHBP (rs7718461, rs10474485), CRHR1 (rs242940) and OXTR (rs2268490). For this exploratory study, p-values ≤ 0.10 were considered suggestive. RESULTS For cases and controls, rs7718461 was associated with stress symptoms, rs2268490 with symptoms of stress and PTSD, and rs242940 with symptoms of stress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Further analyses found that stress-related outcomes in individuals with FA or CD may be influenced by SNP genotype. CONCLUSIONS Given these suggestive findings, larger prospective studies should examine similar relationships in individuals with other chronic health conditions, incorporating factors such as environmental exposures, individual experiences, and epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne L Ersig
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Erin E Young
- 12251University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Roger L Brown
- 5228University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Nursing, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kristen Malecki
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, 14681University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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Wang X, Song H, Du Y, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Meng Q, Gao Y, Gong M, Song L, Wang S, Yuan F, Shi Y, Shi H. CircSYNDIG1 ameliorates stress-induced abnormal behaviors by suppressing miR-344-5p in mice. Brain Res Bull 2023; 195:66-77. [PMID: 36801359 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) plays an important role in diverse stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety and cognitive disorders. Here, using a circRNA microarray, we found that circSYNDIG1, an unreported circRNA, was significantly downregulated in the hippocampus of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mice and further validated this finding in corticosterone (CORT) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mice by qRT-PCR, and it was negatively correlated with depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors of these three stressed mice. Furthermore, the interaction of miR-344-5p and circSYNDIG1 was confirmed by in situ hybridization (FISH) assay in hippocampus and dual luciferase reporter assay in 293 T cells. And miR-344-5p mimics could simulate the dendritic spine density reduction, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors and memory impairment induced by CUMS. Overexpression of circSYNDIG1 in hippocampus significantly ameliorated these abnormal changes induced by CUMS or miR-344-5p. It indicated that circSYNDIG1 functions as an miR-344-5p sponge to inhibit miR-344-5p impact, resulting in the increase of dendritic spine density and the subsequent amelioration of the abnormal behaviors. Therefore, the downregulation of circSYNDIG1 in hippocampus participates in CUMS-induced depressive and anxiety-like behavior of mice though miR-344-5p. These findings represent the first evidence for the involvement of circSYNDIG1 and its coupling mechanism in depression and anxiety, suggesting that circSYNDIG1 and miR-344-5p might be new targets for the treatment of stress-related disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Department of Endocrinology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.
| | - Han Song
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Yuru Du
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Psychiatric Rehabilitation Unit, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Ye Zhao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Yaling Fu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Qian Meng
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Miao Gong
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Li Song
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Sheng Wang
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Fang Yuan
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Yun Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China.
| | - Haishui Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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Ping A, Yang M, Xu S, Li Q, Feng Y, Gao K, Wang S, Duan K. Correlations between GRIN2B and GRIN3A gene polymorphisms and postpartum depressive symptoms in Chinese parturients undergoing cesarean section: A prospective cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 168:111210. [PMID: 36898314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS) and self-harm ideation with n-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor GRIN2B and GRIN3A gene polymorphisms and other risk factors in women undergoing cesarean section. METHODS A total of 362 parturients undergoing cesarean section under lumbar anesthesia were selected and their postpartum depression level was assessed by the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) at 42 days postpartum, with an EPDS score of 9/10 as the cut-off value. Three GRIN2B SNP loci (rs1805476, rs3026174, rs4522263) and five GRIN3A SNP loci (rs1983812, rs2050639, rs2050641, rs3739722, rs10989563) were selected for genotype detection. The role of each SNP, linkage disequilibrium and haplotypes in the development of postpartum depression was analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was performed for related risk factors. RESULTS PDS incidence was 16.85%, and self-harm ideation incidence was 13.54%. Univariate analysis showed that GRIN2B rs1805476, rs3026174 and rs4522263 gene polymorphisms were associated with PDS (p < 0.05), with GRIN2B rs4522263 gene also associated with maternal self-harm ideation. GRIN3A rs1983812, rs2050639, rest rs2050641, rs3739722 and rs10989563 alleles were not associated with PDS. Logistic regression analysis indicated that high pregnancy stress, as well as rs1805476 and rs4522263 alleles were PDS risk factors following cesarean delivery. GRIN2B (TTG p = 0.002) and GRIN3A (TGTTC p = 0.002) haplotypes were associated with the lower PDS incidence and higher PDS incidence respectively. CONCLUSION GRIN2B rs1805476 GG genotype, rs4522263 CC genotype and high stress during pregnancy were risk factors for PDS, whilst a significantly higher incidence of self-harm ideation was evident in parturients carrying GRIN2B rs4522263 CC genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anqi Ping
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Mi Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Shouyu Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Qiuwen Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Yunfei Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Kai Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China
| | - Saiying Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China.
| | - Kaiming Duan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, PR China.
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Foley HB, Howe CG, Eckel SP, Chavez T, Gevorkian L, Reyes EG, Kapanke B, Martinez D, Xue S, Suglia SF, Bastain TM, Marsit C, Breton CV. Depression, perceived stress, and distress during pregnancy and EV-associated miRNA profiles in MADRES. J Affect Disord 2023; 323:799-808. [PMID: 36563790 PMCID: PMC9844263 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNA (miRNA) circulating in plasma has been proposed as biomarkers for a variety of diseases and stress measures, including depression, stress, and trauma. However, few studies have examined the relationship between stress and miRNA during pregnancy. METHODS In this study, we examined associations between measures of stress and depression during pregnancy with miRNA in early and late pregnancy from the MADRES cohort of primarily low-income Hispanic women based in Los Angeles, California. Extracellular-vesicle- (EV-) associated miRNA were isolated from maternal plasma and quantified using the Nanostring nCounter platform. Correlations for stress-associated miRNA were also calculated for 89 matching cord blood samples. RESULTS Fifty miRNA were nominally associated with depression, perceived stress, and prenatal distress (raw p < 0.05) with 17 miRNA shared between two or more stress measures. Two miRNA (miR-150-5p and miR-148b-3p) remained marginally significant after FDR adjustment (p < 0.10). Fifteen PANTHER pathways were enriched for predicted gene targets of the 50 miRNA associated with stress. Clusters of maternal and neonate miRNA expression suggest a link between maternal and child profiles. LIMITATIONS The study evaluated 142 miRNA and was not an exhaustive analysis of all discovered miRNA. Evaluations for stress, depression and trauma were based on self-reported instruments, rather than diagnostic tools. CONCLUSIONS Depression and stress during pregnancy are associated with some circulating EV miRNA. Given that EV miRNA play important roles in maternal-fetal communication, this may have downstream consequences for maternal and child health, and underscore the importance of addressing mental health during pregnancy, especially in health disparities populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Bermudez Foley
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, United States of America
| | - Sandrah P Eckel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Thomas Chavez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Lili Gevorkian
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America; Interface Team, Fulgent Genetics, Inc., Temple City, CA, United States of America
| | - Eileen Granada Reyes
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Bethany Kapanke
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Danilo Martinez
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Shanyan Xue
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Shakira F Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Theresa M Bastain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Carmen Marsit
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Carrie V Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite substantial progress in identifying genomic variation associated with major depression, the mechanisms by which genomic and environmental factors jointly influence depression risk remain unclear. Genomically conferred sensitivity to the social environment may be one mechanism linking genomic variation and depressive symptoms. The authors assessed whether social support affects the likelihood of depression development differently across the spectrum of genomic risk in two samples that experienced substantial life stress: 1,011 first-year training physicians (interns) in the Intern Health Study (IHS) and 435 recently widowed Health and Retirement Study (HRS) participants. METHODS Participants' depressive symptoms and social support were assessed with questionnaires that were administered before and after the life stressor. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) for major depressive disorder were calculated for both samples. RESULTS Depressive symptom scores increased by 126% after the start of internship in the IHS sample and by 34% after widowing in the HRS sample. There was an interaction between depression PRS and change in social support in the prediction of depressive symptoms in both the IHS sample (incidence rate ratio [IRR]=0.96, 95% CI=0.93, 0.98) and the HRS sample (IRR=0.78, 95% CI=0.66, 0.92), with higher depression PRS associated with greater sensitivity to changes in social support. Johnson-Neyman intervals indicated a crossover effect, with losses and gains in social support moderating the effect of PRS on depressive symptoms. (Johnson-Neyman interval in the IHS sample, -0.02, 0.71; in the HRS sample, -0.49, 1.92). CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that individuals with high genomic risk for developing increased depressive symptoms under adverse social conditions also benefit more from nurturing social environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Cleary
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
| | - Laura B Zahodne
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
| | - Amy S B Bohnert
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
| | - Srijan Sen
- Department of Psychology (Cleary, Zahodne), Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute (Cleary, Fang, Burmeister, Sen), VA Center for Clinical Management Research (Bohnert), and Department of Anesthesiology (Bohnert), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor (Burmeister)
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Maltman N, DaWalt LS, Hong J, Baker MW, Berry-Kravis EM, Brilliant MH, Mailick M. FMR1 CGG Repeats and Stress Influence Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning in Mothers. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil 2023; 128:1-20. [PMID: 36548377 PMCID: PMC10445796 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Variation in the FMR1 gene may affect aspects of cognition, such as executive function and memory. Environmental factors, such as stress, may also negatively impact cognitive functioning. Participants included 1,053 mothers of children with and without developmental disabilities. Participants completed self-report measures of executive function, memory, and stress (i.e., life events, parenting status), and provided DNA to determine CGG repeat length (ranging from 7 to 192 CGGs). Stress exposure significantly predicted greater self-reported difficulties in executive function and the likelihood of memory problems. Cubic CGG effects independently predicted executive function and memory difficulties, suggesting effects of both genetic variation and environmental stress exposure on cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nell Maltman
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Leann Smith DaWalt
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Jinkuk Hong
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | | | | | - Marsha Mailick
- Murray H. Brilliant and Marsha Mailick, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Yao X, Qin X, Wang H, Zheng J, Peng Z, Wang J, Weber HC, Liu R, Zhang W, Zeng J, Zuo S, Chen H, Xiang Y, Liu C, Liu H, Pan L, Qu X. Lack of bombesin receptor-activated protein homologous protein impairs hippocampal synaptic plasticity and promotes chronic unpredictable mild stress induced behavioral changes in mice. Stress 2023; 26:1-14. [PMID: 36520154 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2022.2155513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bombesin receptor-activated protein (BRAP) and its homologous protein in mice, which is encoded by bc004004 gene, were expressed abundantly in brain tissues with unknown functions. We treated bc004004-/- mice with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to test whether those mice were more vulnerable to stress-related disorders. The results of forced swimming test, sucrose preference test, and open field test showed that after being treated with CUMS for 28 days or 35 days both bc004004-/- and bc004004+/+ mice exhibited behavioural changes and there was no significant difference between bc004004+/+ and bc004004-/-. However, behavioural changes were observed only in bc004004-/- mice after being exposed to CUMS for 21 days, but not in bc004004+/+ after 21-day CUMS exposure, indicating that lack of BRAP homologous protein may cause vulnerability to stress-related disorders in mice. In addition, bc004004-/- mice showed a reduction in recognition memory as revealed by novel object recognition test. Since memory changes and stress related behavioural changes are all closely related to the hippocampus function we further analyzed the changes of dendrites and synapses of hippocampal neurons as well as expression levels of some proteins closely related to synaptic function. bc004004-/- mice exhibited decreased dendritic lengths and increased amount of immature spines, as well as altered expression pattern of synaptic related proteins including GluN2A, synaptophysin and BDNF in the hippocampus. Those findings suggest that BRAP homologous protein may have a protective effect on the behavioural response to stress via regulating dendritic spine formation and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueping Yao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
- Department of Functional Center, Basic Medical Sciences, Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xiaoqun Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Jiaoyun Zheng
- Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Horst Christian Weber
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rujiao Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Wenrui Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Ji Zeng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Suhui Zuo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Chi Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Huijun Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Lang Pan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
| | - Xiangping Qu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan,China
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Yoshida Y, Yajima Y, Kawakami K, Nakamura SI, Tsukahara T, Oishi K, Toyoda A. Salivary microRNA and Metabolic Profiles in a Mouse Model of Subchronic and Mild Social Defeat Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214479. [PMID: 36430957 PMCID: PMC9692636 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of early biomarkers of stress is important for preventing mood and anxiety disorders. Saliva is an easy-to-collect and non-invasive diagnostic target. The aim of this study was to characterize the changes in salivary whole microRNAs (miRNAs) and metabolites in mice subjected to subchronic and mild social defeat stress (sCSDS). In this study, we identified seven upregulated and one downregulated miRNAs/PIWI-interacting RNA (piRNA) in the saliva of sCSDS mice. One of them, miR-208b-3p, which is reported as a reliable marker for myocardial infarction, was upregulated in the saliva of sCSDS mice. Histological analysis showed frequent myocardial interstitial fibrosis in the heart of such mice. In addition, gene ontology and pathway analyses suggested that the pathways related to energy metabolism, such as the oxidative phosphorylation and the pentose phosphate pathway, were significantly related to the miRNAs affected by sCSDS in saliva. In contrast, salivary metabolites were not significantly changed in the sCSDS mice, which is consistent with our previous metabolomic study on the plasma of sCSDS mice. Taken in the light of previous studies, the present study provides novel potential stress biomarkers for future diagnosis using saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Yoshida
- Department of Food and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Mito 300-0393, Japan
| | - Yuhei Yajima
- Department of Food and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Mito 300-0393, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Kina Kawakami
- Department of Food and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Mito 300-0393, Japan
| | | | | | - Katsutaka Oishi
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba 305-8566, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda 278-8510, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 277-0882, Japan
- School of Integrative and Global Majors, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Department of Food and Life Sciences, College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Mito 300-0393, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-29-888-8584; Fax: +81-29-888-8584
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40
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Raffington L, Malanchini M, Grotzinger AD, Madole JW, Engelhardt LE, Sabhlok A, Youn C, Patterson MW, Harden KP, Tucker-Drob EM. An in-laboratory stressor reveals unique genetic variation in child cortisol output. Dev Psychol 2022; 58:1832-1848. [PMID: 35771497 PMCID: PMC9878466 DOI: 10.1037/dev0001393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of biological stress response, as measured by cortisol output, has been a primary candidate mechanism for how social experiences become biologically embedded. Cortisol is the primary output of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. Cortisol levels vary systematically across the day and change in response to both sudden, acute stress experiences as well as prolonged exposure to environmental stress. Using data from 8- to 15-year-old twins in the Texas Twin Project, we investigate the extent to which genetic influences are shared across different measures of cortisol output: chronic cortisol accumulations in hair (n = 1,104), diurnal variation in salivary output (n = 488), and salivary response to a standardized, acute in-laboratory stressor (n = 537). Multivariate twin models indicate that genetic factors regulating cortisol response to the in-laboratory stressor are separable from those regulating baseline cortisol levels, naturally occurring diurnal variation in cortisol, and hair cortisol levels. These findings illustrate that novel environments can reveal unique genetic variation, reordering people in terms of their observed phenotype rather than only magnifying or mitigating preexisting differences. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel Raffington
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
- Department of Biological and Experimental Psychology, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | | | - James W. Madole
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | | | - Aditi Sabhlok
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | - Cherry Youn
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
| | | | - K. Paige Harden
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, United States
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Snodgrass JG, Bendeck S, Zhao KX, Sagstetter S, Lacy MG, Nixon C, Branstrator JR, Arevalo JMG, Cole SW. Social connection and gene regulation during the COVID-19 pandemic: Divergent patterns for online and in-person interaction. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 144:105885. [PMID: 35961191 PMCID: PMC9335856 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social connection has been linked to reduced disease risk and enhanced antiviral immunity, but it is unclear whether online social connections have similar effects to those previously documented for in-person/offline social relationships, or whether online connections can substitute for in-person social relations when the latter are restricted. We examined this question in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing specifically on an immune system gene regulation profile known as the conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA), which is characterized by up-regulation of proinflammatory genes and down-regulation of genes linked to innate antiviral responses and antibody production. METHODS We analyzed CTRA RNA profiles in blood samples from 142 healthy young adults (69% female, 87% white) during the "social distancing" period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed effect linear models quantified the relation of CTRA gene expression to measures of in-person social connection (number of friends, social eudaimonia, loneliness) and online psychosocial connection (online loneliness, perceived social value in online leisure and educational contexts, and internet use) while controlling for demographic and health factors. RESULTS Multiple indicators of in-person and generalized social connection were associated with lower CTRA gene expression, whereas no measure of online social connection showed any significant association with CTRA gene expression. CONCLUSION Experiences of in-person social connection are associated with reduced CTRA gene expression during a period of restricted social interaction. In contrast, online social relationships show no such association. Digitally mediated social relations do not appear to substantially offset the absence of in-person/offline social connection in the context of immune cell gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey G Snodgrass
- Department of Anthropology and Geography, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787, USA.
| | - Shawna Bendeck
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784, USA
| | - Katya Xinyi Zhao
- Department of Anthropology and Geography, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787, USA
| | - Seth Sagstetter
- Department of Anthropology and Geography, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787, USA
| | - Michael G Lacy
- Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1784, USA
| | - Cody Nixon
- Department of Anthropology and Geography, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1787, USA
| | - Julia R Branstrator
- Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Jesusa M G Arevalo
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steven W Cole
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Wei L, Ying X, Zhai M, Li J, Liu D, Liu X, Yu B, Yan H. The association between peritraumatic distress, perceived stress, depression in pregnancy, and NR3C1 DNA methylation among Chinese pregnant women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966522. [PMID: 36091061 PMCID: PMC9453447 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress can affect pregnant women in an epigenetic way during the critical period of conception of their offspring. The study aims to investigate the relationship between peritraumatic distress, prenatal perceived stress, depression, and glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) DNA methylation among pregnant women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown in China. Study data were collected from 30 pregnant women in Wuhan and Huanggang, China. The Peritraumatic Distress Inventory was used to measure peritraumatic distress, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms, and the Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure perceived stress. DNA methylation in the exon 1F promoter region of NR3C1 gene from the venous blood mononuclear cell genome was characterized by bisulfite sequencing. Correlation and linear regression were used for data analysis. The mean level of peritraumatic distress, perceived stress, and depression was 6.30 (SD = 5.09), 6.50 (SD = 5.41), and 6.60 (SD = 4.85), respectively, with 23.33% of pregnant women being depressed. The mean NR3C1 methylation was 0.65 (SD = 0.22). Prenatal depression was positively correlated with the degree of methylation in venous blood from the mother (r = 0.59, p = 0.001), and depression predicted methylation of NR3C1 gene at the CpG 8 site (β = 0.05, p = 0.03). No association was found between peritraumatic distress as well as perceived stress and methylation of NR3C1. NR3C1 gene was susceptible to epigenetic modification of DNA methylation in the context of prenatal stress, and maternal depression was associated with increased NR3C1 methylation among women who experienced COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqing Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaohong Ying
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengxi Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiayu Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Population and Health Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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43
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Mohanraj J, D’Souza UJA, Fong SY, Karkada IR, Jaiprakash H. Association between Leptin (G2548A) and Leptin Receptor (Q223R) Polymorphisms with Plasma Leptin, BMI, Stress, Sleep and Eating Patterns among the Multiethnic Young Malaysian Adult Population from a Healthcare University. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19148862. [PMID: 35886710 PMCID: PMC9316401 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Relative leptin resistance in childhood to absolute leptin resistance in maturity suggests sleep, eating behaviour, and the psychological state as probable causes. The current body of research provides inconclusive evidence linking G2548A and Q223R to obesity. Furthermore, we could find very little data that have observed the association between the environment and gene polymorphism, especially in the multiethnic population that exists in Malaysia. This study searched for a possible link between sleeping habits, eating behaviour, and stress indicators with plasma leptin and its genetic variation in young adult Malaysian healthcare students. The study involved 185 first- and second-year medical and dental students from a healthcare university. Polymerase Chain Reaction−Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism(PCR-RFLP) determined the genotype, Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbant Assay (ELISA) tested the serum leptin, and a self-administered questionnaire evaluated sleep, eating behaviour, and psychological condition. Gender and ethnicity are linked to fasting plasma leptin levels (p < 0.001). Plasma leptin also affects stress, anxiety, and sadness. Leptin (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) polymorphisms were not associated with BMI, plasma leptin, sleep, eating behaviour, or psychological state. Young adult Malaysian Indians were obese and overweight, while Chinese were underweight. These findings imply overweight and obese participants were in stage I of leptin resistance and lifestyle change or leptin therapy could prevent them from becoming cripplingly obese as they age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaiprakash Mohanraj
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; or
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
| | - Urban J. A. D’Souza
- Department of Physiology, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore 575002, India;
| | - Siat Yee Fong
- Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Ivan Rolland Karkada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, MAHSA Universiti, Jenjarom 42610, Malaysia;
| | - Heethal Jaiprakash
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
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44
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Wang W, Liu X, Huang J, Zeng S, Bao J, Lu Y, Zheng Z, Bao T. The Connection of Early Life Adversity and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: an Updated Review. Discov Med 2022; 34:25-32. [PMID: 36320089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Human beings develop a highly coordinated and flexible system of social behavior and threat evaluation. In this review we focus on the unique role of early life adversity (ELA) in programming deficits in social behavior and threat processing, and provides guidance on future investigations in the areas of stress reactivity and mental health. We propose that neuroendocrine perturbations of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and gene activity by epigenetic mechanisms may explain how early adverse circumstances may lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The detailed exploration of the interaction of stress as environmental factor and epigenetic and genetic regulation in HPA axis may improve targeted interventions among vulnerable individuals. We are convinced that further studies following these directions will contribute to effective prevention and treatment of PTSD in early traumatized patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaolei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiaxi Huang
- Center for Neurological Function Test and Neuromodulation, West China Xiamen Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shue Zeng
- Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianjun Bao
- Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yi Lu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- Center for Neurological Function Test and Neuromodulation, West China Xiamen Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Corresponding author
| | - Tianhao Bao
- Affiliated Mental Health Center of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Corresponding author
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45
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Gao F, Liu A, Qi X, Wang M, Chen X, Wei S, Gao S, Sun Y, Sun P, Li X, Sun W, Li J, Liu Q. Ppp4r3a deficiency leads to depression-like behaviors in mice by modulating the synthesis of synaptic proteins. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049374. [PMID: 35314861 PMCID: PMC9150120 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is one of the main risk factors for the onset of major depressive disorder. Chronic unpredictable mild stress results in reduced expression of synaptic proteins and depression-like behaviors in rodent models. However, the upstream molecule that senses the demand for synaptic proteins and initiates their synthesis under chronic stress remains unknown. In this study, chronic unpredictable mild stress reduced the expression of PPP4R3A in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in mice. Selective knockout of Ppp4r3a in the cortex and hippocampus mimicked the depression- and anxiety-like behavioral effects of chronic stress in mice. Notably, Ppp4r3a deficiency led to downregulated mTORC1 signaling, which resulted in reduced synthesis of synaptic proteins and impaired synaptic functions. By contrast, overexpression of Ppp4r3a in the cortex and hippocampus protected against behavioral and synaptic deficits induced by chronic stress in a PPP4R3A-mTORC1-dependent manner. Rapamycin treatment of Ppp4r3a-overexpressing neurons blocked the regulatory effect of Ppp4r3a on the synthesis of synaptic proteins by directly inhibiting mTORC1. Overall, our results reveal a regulatory role of Ppp4r3a in driving synaptic protein synthesis in chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education and Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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46
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Wiley JW, Higgins GA, Hong S. Chronic psychological stress alters gene expression in rat colon epithelial cells promoting chromatin remodeling, barrier dysfunction and inflammation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13287. [PMID: 35509963 PMCID: PMC9059753 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is commonly associated with enhanced abdominal pain (visceral hypersensitivity), but the cellular mechanisms underlying how chronic stress induces visceral hypersensitivity are poorly understood. In this study, we examined changes in gene expression in colon epithelial cells from a rat model using RNA-sequencing to examine stress-induced changes to the transcriptome. Following chronic stress, the most significantly up-regulated genes included Atg16l1, Coq10b, Dcaf13, Nat2, Ptbp2, Rras2, Spink4 and down-regulated genes including Abat, Cited2, Cnnm2, Dab2ip, Plekhm1, Scd2, and Tab2. The primary altered biological processes revealed by network enrichment analysis were inflammation/immune response, tissue morphogenesis and development, and nucleosome/chromatin assembly. The most significantly down-regulated process was the digestive system development/function, whereas the most significantly up-regulated processes were inflammatory response, organismal injury, and chromatin remodeling mediated by H3K9 methylation. Furthermore, a subpopulation of stressed rats demonstrated very significantly altered gene expression and transcript isoforms, enriched for the differential expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response, including upregulation of cytokine and chemokine receptor gene expression coupled with downregulation of epithelial adherens and tight junction mRNAs. In summary, these findings support that chronic stress is associated with increased levels of cytokines and chemokines, their downstream signaling pathways coupled to dysregulation of intestinal cell development and function. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin remodeling likely plays a prominent role in this process. Results also suggest that super enhancers play a primary role in chronic stress-associated intestinal barrier dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W. Wiley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Gerald A. Higgins
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Shuangsong Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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47
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Mulligan CJ, Clukay CJ, Matarazzo A, Hadfield K, Nevell L, Dajani R, Panter-Brick C. Novel GxE effects and resilience: A case:control longitudinal study of psychosocial stress with war-affected youth. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266509. [PMID: 35377919 PMCID: PMC8979449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses to early life adversity differ greatly across individuals. Elucidating which factors underlie this variation can help us better understand how to improve health trajectories. Here we used a case:control study of refugee and non-refugee youth, differentially exposed to war-related trauma, to investigate the effects of genetics and psychosocial environment on response to trauma. We investigated genetic variants in two genes (serotonin transporter, 5-HTT, and catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT) that have been implicated in response to trauma. We collected buccal samples and survey data from 417 Syrian refugee and 306 Jordanian non-refugee youth who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a mental health-focused intervention. Measures of lifetime trauma exposure, resilience, and six mental health and psychosocial stress outcomes were collected at three time points: baseline, ~13 weeks, and ~48 weeks. We used multilevel models to identify gene x environment (GxE) interactions and direct effects of the genetic variants in association with the six outcome measures over time. We did not identify any interactions with trauma exposure, but we did identify GxE interactions with both genes and resilience; 1) individuals with high expression (HE) variants of 5-HTTLPR and high levels of resilience had the lowest levels of perceived stress and 2) individuals homozygous for the Val variant of COMT with high levels of resilience showed stable levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms. We also identified a direct protective effect of 5-HTTLPR HE homozygotes on perceived insecurity. Our results point to novel interactions between the protective effects of genetic variants and resilience, lending support to ideas of differential susceptibility and altered stress reactivity in a cohort of war-affected adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie J. Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher J. Clukay
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anthony Matarazzo
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kristin Hadfield
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Nevell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rana Dajani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Catherine Panter-Brick
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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48
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Zhang Y, Liu C. Evaluating the challenges and reproducibility of studies investigating DNA methylation signatures of psychological stress. Epigenomics 2022; 14:405-421. [PMID: 35170363 PMCID: PMC8978984 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can increase the risk of a wide range of negative health outcomes. Studies have been completed to determine if DNA methylation changes occur in the human brain because of stress and are associated with long-term effects and disease, but results have been inconsistent. Human candidate gene studies (150) and epigenome-wide association studies (67) were systematically evaluated to assess how DNA methylation is impacted by stress during the prenatal period, early childhood and adulthood. The association between DNA methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F and child maltreatment and early life adversity was well demonstrated, but other genes did not exhibit a clear association. The reproducibility of individual CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies was also poor. However, biological pathways, including stress response, brain development and immunity, have been consistently identified across different stressors throughout the life span. Future studies would benefit from the increased sample size, longitudinal design, standardized methodology, optimal quality control, and improved statistical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Medical Department, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Ecology and Population Health in Northwest Minority Areas, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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49
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Li F, Wang Y, Wang X, Zhao Y, Xie F, Qian LJ. Dynamic effects of chronic unpredictable mild stress on the hippocampal transcriptome in rats. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:110. [PMID: 35119083 PMCID: PMC8845063 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress causes extensive changes in hippocampal genomic expression, leading to changes in hippocampal structure and function. The dynamic changes in hippocampal gene expression caused by stress of different durations are still unknown. mRNA sequencing was used to analyze the hippocampal transcriptome of rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) of different durations. Compared with the control, 501, 442 and 235 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected in the hippocampus of rats subjected to CUMS for 3 days and 2 and 6 weeks, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was used to determine the potential mechanism underlying the dynamic harmful effects of stress on the hippocampus; Certain GO terms of the down‑regulated DEGs in CUMS (3 days) rats were also found in the up‑regulated DEGs in CUMS (6 weeks) rats. These results showed opposing regulation patterns of DEGs between CUMS at 3 days and 6 weeks, which suggested a functional change from adaptation to damage in during the early and late stages of chronic stress. GO analysis for upregulated genes in rats subjected to CUMS for 3 days and 2 weeks suggested significant changes in 'extracellular matrix' and 'wound healing'. Upregulated genes in rats subjected to CUMS for 2 weeks were involved in changes associated with visual function. GO analysis of DEGs in rats subjected to CUMS for 6 weeks revealed increased expression of genes associated with 'apoptotic process' and 'aging' and decreased expression of those associated with inhibition of cell proliferation and cell structure. These results suggest that the early and middle stages of chronic stress primarily promote adaptive regulation and damage repair in the organism, while the late stage of chronic stress leads to damage in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Xue Wang
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Fang Xie
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Jia Qian
- Department of Military Cognitive and Stress Medicine, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
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50
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Sánchez-Lafuente CL, Kalynchuk LE, Caruncho HJ, Ausió J. The Role of MeCP2 in Regulating Synaptic Plasticity in the Context of Stress and Depression. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040748. [PMID: 35203405 PMCID: PMC8870391 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a transcriptional regulator that is highly abundant in the brain. It binds to methylated genomic DNA to regulate a range of physiological functions implicated in neuronal development and adult synaptic plasticity. MeCP2 has mainly been studied for its role in neurodevelopmental disorders, but alterations in MeCP2 are also present in stress-related disorders such as major depression. Impairments in both stress regulation and synaptic plasticity are associated with depression, but the specific mechanisms underlying these changes have not been identified. Here, we review the interplay between stress, synaptic plasticity, and MeCP2. We focus our attention on the transcriptional regulation of important neuronal plasticity genes such as BDNF and reelin (RELN). Moreover, we provide evidence from recent studies showing a link between chronic stress-induced depressive symptoms and dysregulation of MeCP2 expression, underscoring the role of this protein in stress-related pathology. We conclude that MeCP2 is a promising target for the development of novel, more efficacious therapeutics for the treatment of stress-related disorders such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla L. Sánchez-Lafuente
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Lisa E. Kalynchuk
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Hector J. Caruncho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (C.L.S.-L.); (L.E.K.); (H.J.C.)
| | - Juan Ausió
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 3P6, Canada
- Correspondence:
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