Ube2b-dependent degradation of DNMT3a relieves a transcriptional brake on opiate-induced synaptic and behavioral plasticity

Mol Psychiatry. 2021 Apr;26(4):1162-1177. doi: 10.1038/s41380-019-0533-y. Epub 2019 Oct 1.

Abstract

Compelling evidence suggests that synaptic structural plasticity, driven by remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, underlies addictive drugs-induced long-lasting behavioral plasticity. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to actin cytoskeleton remodeling remain poorly defined. DNA methylation is a critical mechanism used to control activity-dependent gene expression essential for long-lasting synaptic plasticity. Here, we provide evidence that DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a is degraded by the E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ube2b-mediated ubiquitination in dorsal hippocampus (DH) of rats that repeatedly self-administrated heroin. DNMT3a degradation leads to demethylation in CaMKK1 gene promotor, thereby facilitating CaMKK1 expression and consequent activation of its downstream target CaMKIα, an essential regulator of spinogenesis. CaMKK1/CaMKIα signaling regulates actin cytoskeleton remodeling in the DH and behavioral plasticity by activation of Rac1 via acting Rac guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor βPIX. These data suggest that Ube2b-dependent degradation of DNMT3a relieves a transcriptional brake on CaMKK1 gene and thus activates CaMKK1/CaMKIα/βPIX/Rac1 cascade, leading to drug use-induced actin polymerization and behavior plasticity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases*
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Hippocampus
  • Neuronal Plasticity / genetics
  • Opiate Alkaloids*
  • Rats
  • Signal Transduction
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes*

Substances

  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Opiate Alkaloids
  • DNA (Cytosine-5-)-Methyltransferases
  • DNA Methyltransferase 3A
  • Ube2b protein, rat
  • Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Kinase
  • Camkk1 protein, rat