Epigenetic reprogramming of cortical neurons through alteration of dopaminergic circuits

Mol Psychiatry. 2014 Nov;19(11):1193-200. doi: 10.1038/mp.2014.67. Epub 2014 Jul 15.

Abstract

Alterations of the dopaminergic system are associated with the cognitive and functional dysfunctions that characterize complex neuropsychiatric disorders. We modeled a dysfunctional dopaminergic system using mice with targeted ablation of dopamine (DA) D2 autoreceptors in mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons. Loss of D2 autoreceptors abolishes D2-mediated control of DA synthesis and release. Here, we show that this mutation leads to a profound alteration of the genomic landscape of neurons receiving dopaminergic afferents at distal sites, specifically in the prefrontal cortex. Indeed, we observed a remarkable downregulation of gene expression in this area of ~2000 genes, which involves a widespread increase in the histone repressive mark H3K9me2/3. This reprogramming process is coupled to psychotic-like behaviors in the mutant mice. Importantly, chronic treatment with a DA agonist can revert the genomic phenotype. Thus, cortical neurons undergo a profound epigenetic reprogramming in response to dysfunctional D2 autoreceptor signaling leading to altered DA levels, a process that may underlie a number of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoreceptors / genetics
  • Autoreceptors / metabolism*
  • Corpus Striatum / drug effects
  • Corpus Striatum / physiopathology*
  • Dopamine / metabolism
  • Dopamine Agonists / pharmacology
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / drug effects
  • Dopaminergic Neurons / physiology*
  • Down-Regulation
  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Gene Expression
  • Histones / metabolism
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Prefrontal Cortex / drug effects
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Psychotic Disorders / drug therapy
  • Psychotic Disorders / physiopathology
  • Quinpirole / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / agonists
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / genetics
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Autoreceptors
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Histones
  • Receptors, Dopamine D2
  • Quinpirole
  • Dopamine