Blood-brain barrier dysfunction mediated by the EZH2-Claudin-5 axis drives stress-induced TNF-α infiltration and depression-like behaviors

Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..

Growing evidence suggests that neurovascular dysfunction characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown underlies the development of psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). Tight junction (TJ) proteins are critical modulators of homeostasis and BBB integrity. TJ protein Claudin-5 is the most dominant BBB component and is downregulated in numerous depression models; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate a molecular basis of BBB breakdown that links stress and depression. We implemented an animal model of depression, chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in male C57BL/6 mice, and showed that hippocampal BBB breakdown was closely associated with stress vulnerability. Concomitantly, we found that dysregulated Cldn5 level coupled with repression of the histone methylation signature at its promoter contributed to stress-induced BBB dysfunction and depression. Moreover, histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) knockdown improved Cldn5 expression and alleviated depression-like behaviors by suppressing the tri-methylation of lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in chronically stressed mice. Furthermore, the stress-induced excessive transfer of peripheral cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) into the hippocampus was prevented by Claudin-5 overexpression and EZH2 knockdown. Interestingly, antidepressant treatment could inhibit H3K27me3 deposition at the Cldn5 promoter, reversing the loss of the encoded protein and BBB damage. Considered together, these findings reveal the importance of the hippocampal EZH2-Claudin-5 axis in regulating neurovascular function and MDD development, providing potential therapeutic targets for this psychiatric illness.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2024

Erschienen:

2024

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:115

Enthalten in:

Brain, behavior, and immunity - 115(2024) vom: 02. Jan., Seite 143-156

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

Sun, Zhao-Wei [VerfasserIn]
Wang, Xue [VerfasserIn]
Zhao, Yun [VerfasserIn]
Sun, Zhao-Xin [VerfasserIn]
Wu, Yu-Han [VerfasserIn]
Hu, Hui [VerfasserIn]
Zhang, Ling [VerfasserIn]
Wang, Shi-Da [VerfasserIn]
Li, Feng [VerfasserIn]
Wei, Ai-Jun [VerfasserIn]
Feng, Hong [VerfasserIn]
Xie, Fang [VerfasserIn]
Qian, Ling-Jia [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

Blood–brain barrier
Chronic stress
Claudin-5
Depression
EC 2.1.1.43
EZH2 protein, human
EZH2-Claudin-5 axis
Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 Protein
H3K27me3 modification
Histones
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
TNF-α
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 16.12.2023

Date Revised 07.03.2024

published: Print-Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.010

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM363406409