Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Ana C. Sanchez-Hidalgo, Celia Martin-Cuevas, Benedicto Crespo-Facorro, Nathalia Garrido-Torres
Summary: Reelin has been identified as a common altered preclinical biomarker in rodent models of schizophrenia, indicating its significance in the disease.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROANATOMY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonaid Ahmad Malik, Zahid Yaseen, Lahari Thotapalli, Sakeel Ahmed, Mohd Farooq Shaikh, Sirajudheen Anwar
Summary: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters. Animal models based on dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin have been developed to understand the pathophysiology of the disorder and develop new therapeutic approaches. Genetic factors have also been identified, and new targets like the orexin system and cannabinoid receptors are being explored for treatment. Non-pharmacological models have been developed to mimic the symptoms of schizophrenia and test new drug therapies. This review highlights the available animal models and behavioral tests in the study of schizophrenia.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca M. Woods, Jarred M. Lorusso, Isabella Harris, Hager M. Kowash, Christopher Murgatroyd, Joanna C. Neill, Jocelyn D. Glazier, Michael Harte, Reinmar Hager
Summary: Exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) in utero increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study investigates the relationship between MIA and cognitive deficits by focusing on Reelin signalling in the brain. The findings suggest that dysregulation of Reelin signalling due to MIA contributes to cognitive deficits through altered NMDA receptor function.
Article
Psychiatry
Anastasia Brandon, Xiaoying Cui, Wei Luan, Asad Amanat Ali, Renata Aparecida Nedel Pertile, Suzanne Adele Alexander, Darryl Walter Eyles
Summary: Dopaminergic dysfunction is a significant feature in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and multiple environmental risk factors may induce early alterations to the development of the dopaminergic system.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Masahito Sawahata, Hiroki Asano, Taku Nagai, Norimichi Ito, Takao Kohno, Toshitaka Nabeshima, Mitsuharu Hattori, Kiyofumi Yamada
Summary: The study showed that microinjection of recombinant Reelin into the medial prefrontal cortex prevented recognition memory impairment induced by MK-801, highlighting the potential therapeutic effects of Reelin on cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. Despite this positive effect, Reelin treatment did not ameliorate deficits in sensory-motor gating and short-term memory in the animal model of schizophrenia. The results suggest that Reelin acts on its receptors to suppress neural activity in the mPFC, thereby preventing cognitive deficits induced by MK-801.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Anton Shkundin, Angelos Halaris
Summary: This review article comprehensively discusses the significance of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and BDNF antisense RNA (BDNF-AS) genes in psychiatric conditions, specifically focusing on their associations with depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. The variations in these genes, as well as their interactions with environmental factors and other genes, can alter brain structure and function, shaping vulnerability to mental health disorders.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Veronica Rivi, Cristina Benatti, Joan M. C. Blom, Luca Pani, Nicoletta Brunello, Filippo Drago, Francesco Papaleo, Filippo Caraci, Federica Geraci, Sebastiano Alfio Torrisi, Gian Marco Leggio, Fabio Tascedda
Summary: Cognitive impairment in schizophrenia is a challenging problem that hasn't been solved clinically or pharmacologically. Dysfunctional dysbindin and dopamine receptor D3 have been found to improve cognitive functions, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Loren D. Peeters, Liza J. Wills, Anthony M. Cuozzo, Kira L. Ivanich, Russell W. Brown
Summary: This study analyzed changes in relapse-like behaviors and the underlying mechanisms in a novel heritable rodent model of psychosis. The results showed that the model exhibited delayed extinction and enhanced reinstatement compared to the control group, and also displayed an increased BDNF response. This study is the first to demonstrate altered relapse-like behavior in a heritable rodent model with relevance to drug abuse and psychosis, suggesting the involvement of elevated activity-dependent BDNF in drug-associated brain areas.
PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kazuyuki Fujihara, Takumi Sato, Kazuya Higeta, Yoshiki Miyasaka, Tomoji Mashimo, Yuchio Yanagawa
Summary: The study suggests that the combined effects of Gad1 haplodeficiency and NMDA receptor blockade during adolescence may have a more limited impact on the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. These factors mainly affect negative or affective symptoms, rather than positive symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Deniz Bagdas, Nardos Kebede, Andy Ma Zepei, Lilley Harris, Karina Minanov, Marina R. Picciotto, Nii A. Addy
Summary: This article discusses the role of animal models in assessing the contribution of flavor additives to nicotine addiction and highlights the need for further research on human nicotine use behavior.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Monica Pardo, Sara Gregorio, Enrica Montalban, Lluis Pujadas, Alba Elias-Tersa, Nuria Masachs, Alba Vilchez-Acosta, Annabelle Parent, Carme Auladell, Jean-Antoine Girault, Miquel Vila, Angus C. C. Nairn, Yasmina Manso, Eduardo Soriano
Summary: Reelin protein is implicated in psychiatric disorders, but its effects on the structure and neuronal composition of the striatum are not well understood. This study found that overexpression of Reelin protein increases the numbers of striatal interneurons and cholinergic neurons, and slightly increases the tyrosine hydroxylase-positive projections from the substantia nigra to the striatum. These findings suggest that increased levels of Reelin may protect against neuropsychiatric disorders by modifying these structures and neuronal numbers.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Steven R. Laviolette
Summary: Adolescence is a sensitive period for mammalian neurodevelopment, with nicotine and cannabis affecting neural circuits and increasing neuropsychiatric risk. Current research methods include epidemiological clinical studies and pre-clinical animal studies, with the latter providing more precise experimental control and analysis.
PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Daniela L. Uliana, Felipe V. Gomes, Anthony A. Grace
Summary: This review discusses the importance of animal models in studying schizophrenia, highlighting their potential for providing new insights into neurobiological features and therapeutic development. Animal models are crucial for understanding the cause, pathophysiology, and behavioral and biological features of the disease, advancing prevention and treatment.
CURRENT OPINION IN PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aneta Bednarova, Viera Habalova, Ivan Tkac
Summary: This study investigated the association between BDNF polymorphisms and depression and schizophrenia. The results showed that BDNF rs962369 was significantly associated with an increased risk of single-episode major depression disorder (MDD) and recurrent MDD, but not with schizophrenia. The frequency of the minor allele C of BDNF rs962369 varied across different subgroups, with the highest frequency in patients with recurrent MDD and the lowest in schizophrenia patients.
Review
Neurosciences
Mary Jasmin Ang, Sueun Lee, Jong-Choon Kim, Sung-Ho Kim, Changjong Moon
Summary: Researchers have used a variety of behavioral tasks and animal models to develop drugs for improving schizophrenia treatment. Validated animal models have provided rapid preclinical avenues for testing drugs.
CURRENT NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Sara Proietti, Alessandra Cucina, Andrea Pensotti, Andrea Fuso, Cinzia Marchese, Andrea Nicolini, Mariano Bizzarri
Summary: Cancer cells can revert to a benign phenotype by changing their gene regulatory network pattern, involving structural and epigenetic changes and bypassing genetic abnormalities. Embryonic tissues and oocytes have the ability to reprogram cancer cells and revert their malignant phenotype. This study provides new perspectives in understanding cancer biology and potential therapeutic options.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Giorgia Napoletani, Daniele Vigli, Livia Cosentino, Maddalena Grieco, Maria Cristina Talamo, Enza Lacivita, Marcello Leopoldo, Giovanni Laviola, Andrea Fuso, Maria d'Erme, Bianca De Filippis
Summary: This study reveals the impact of 5-HT7R pharmacological stimulation on the epigenetic outcomes in the brain of RTT mice, as well as the effects in different brain regions. The results demonstrate the pivotal role of 5-HT7R in neuronal function recovery.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPATHOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giovanni Laviola, Ludovica Maria Busdraghi, Noemi Meschino, Carla Petrella, Marco Fiore
Summary: Research shows that dysfunction of the HPA axis is a major risk factor for developing psychopathological behavior. Early-life adversity can increase vulnerability to mental illness in adulthood during developmental windows of significant neuroplasticity. In addition to genetic predisposition, environmental factors play a key role in this process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Fabiana Festucci, Clelia Buccheri, Anna Parvopassu, Maurizio Oggiano, Marco Bortolato, Giovanni Laviola, Giuseppe Curcio, Walter Adriani
Summary: The study explored the relationship between risk-taking behavior and anxiety, using the Himalayan Bridge as a research tool, and found that different environmental conditions had an impact on risky behavior in rats.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biology
Roberto Verna, Walter Alallon, Masami Murakami, Catherine P. M. Hayward, Abdel Halim Harrath, Saleh H. Alwasel, Nairo M. Sumita, Ozkan Alatas, Valeria Fedeli, Praveen Sharma, Andrea Fuso, Daniela Maria Capuano, Maria Capalbo, Antonio Angeloni, Mariano Bizzarri
Summary: The use of RT-PCR techniques in managing the COVID-19 epidemic has limitations, including issues with false-positive and false-negative results, as well as susceptibility to pre-analytical biases and time dependency. Current data casts doubt on the reliability of using RT-PCR swabs as a screening procedure for tracking virus transmission, highlighting the need to refine analytical tests to control and prevent large outbreaks.
Article
Developmental Biology
Martina Pepe, Barbara Calcaprina, Francesca Vaquer, Giovanni Laviola, Walter Adriani
Summary: Behavioral phenotypes of dopamine-transporter heterozygous (DAT-HET) rats vary among different epigenotypes, with significant transgenerational effects observed specifically in the second generation. The study demonstrates that the genotype of maternal grandmothers can lead to marked alterations in circadian activity and social preferences in the offspring.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Samira Tarashi, Morteza Karimipoor, Seyed Davar Siadat, Andrea Fuso
Article
Psychology, Biological
Francesca Zoratto, Gabriele Oddi, Silvia Pillitteri, Fabiana Festucci, Concetto Puzzo, Giuseppe Curcio, Giovanni Laviola, Fabio Paglieri, Walter Adriani, Elsa Addessi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the presence of a conspecific on risky decision-making in male rats. The results showed that rats were more risk-prone when paired with a conspecific, but also experienced a higher level of motivational conflict.
BEHAVIOURAL PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Giovanni Laviola, Walter Adriani
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Behavioral Sciences
Giovanni Laviola
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Valentina Carpentieri, Esterina Pascale, Luca Cerniglia, Mariangela Pucci, Claudio D'Addario, Giovanni Laviola, Walter Adriani, Silvia Cimino
Summary: This study identified a link between psychopathological symptoms in children and altered expression and methylation patterns of the DAT1/SLC6A3 gene. Different genotypes were associated with different internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The inherited parental alleles may influence the genetic fate of heterozygous children.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Vincenza Di Paola, Martina Morrone, Valentina Poli, Andrea Fuso, Esterina Pascale, Walter Adriani
Summary: A working hypothesis was proposed based on methylation patterns in the 5'-UTR of the DAT1 gene. The study analyzed CpG pairs on the main-gene strand and the complementary opposite strand (COS) and found significant pair-to-pair correlations between them. Graphic representations suggested that DNA could fold into looping conformations with interactions between specific cytosines on both strands. The simultaneous methylation of main-strand and COS DNA (methylation dynamics) was proposed as a potential biomarker.
Article
Pediatrics
Valentina Carpentieri, Gabriella Lambacher, Miriam Troianiello, Mariangela Pucci, Diana Di Pietro, Giovanni Laviola, Claudio D'Addario, Esterina Pascale, Walter Adriani
Summary: ADHD affects 5% of children worldwide, and each patient has unique cognitive and motivational characteristics. Our study aims to find clinical biomarkers for ADHD to provide objective guidance for therapy selection. We recruited 60 ADHD children and identified specific methylation patterns in relation to treatment outcomes, which could serve as objective molecular markers for successful cures.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sabina Maria Bruno, Giovanna Blacona, Stefania Lo Cicero, Germana Castelli, Mariarita Virgulti, Giancarlo Testino, Silvia Pierandrei, Andrea Fuso, Giuseppe Cimino, Giampiero Ferraguti, Adriana Eramo, Marco Lucarelli
Summary: In the precision medicine era of cystic fibrosis (CF), accurate quantification of CFTR gene expression is crucial for personalized therapeutic approaches. This paper compares two methods for quantifying CFTR gene expression and discusses their advantages and limitations.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tiziana Raia, Federica Armeli, Rosaria A. Cavallaro, Giampiero Ferraguti, Rita Businaro, Marco Lucarelli, Andrea Fuso
Summary: DNA methylation, the main epigenetic modification, influences neurodegeneration. In this study, the researchers investigated the effects of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) supplementation during the perinatal period on the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms in TgCRND8 mice. They found that both post-weaning and perinatal SAM supplementation effectively reduced PSEN1 expression and amyloid deposition in adult mice. These findings emphasize the role of early-life epigenetic memory and methyl donor availability in promoting healthy aging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)