Contribution of neuronal calcium sensor 1 (Ncs-1) to anxiolytic-like and social behavior mediated by valproate and Gsk3 inhibition

Sci Rep. 2020 Mar 12;10(1):4566. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-61248-z.

Abstract

Peripheral biomarker and post-mortem brains studies have shown alterations of neuronal calcium sensor 1 (Ncs-1) expression in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. However, its engagement by psychiatric medications and potential contribution to behavioral regulation remains elusive. We investigated the effect on Ncs-1 expression of valproic acid (VPA), a mood stabilizer used for the management of bipolar disorder. Treatment with VPA induced Ncs-1 gene expression in cell line while chronic administration of this drug to mice increased both Ncs-1 protein and mRNA levels in the mouse frontal cortex. Inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs), a known biochemical effect of VPA, did not alter the expression of Ncs-1. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition or genetic downregulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk3β) increased Ncs-1 expression, whereas overexpression of a constitutively active Gsk3β had the opposite effect. Moreover, adeno-associated virus-mediated Ncs-1 overexpression in mouse frontal cortex caused responses similar to those elicited by VPA or lithium in tests evaluating social and mood-related behaviors. These findings indicate that VPA increases frontal cortex Ncs-1 gene expression as a result of Gsk3 inhibition. Furthermore, behavioral changes induced by Ncs-1 overexpression support a contribution of this mechanism in the regulation of behavior by VPA and potentially other psychoactive medications inhibiting Gsk3 activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anxiety / chemically induced*
  • Anxiety / genetics
  • Anxiety / metabolism
  • Cell Line
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Down-Regulation
  • Frontal Lobe / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta / genetics
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins / genetics*
  • Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Neuropeptides / genetics*
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism*
  • PC12 Cells
  • Rats
  • Social Behavior
  • Up-Regulation
  • Valproic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Neuronal Calcium-Sensor Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • frequenin calcium sensor proteins
  • Valproic Acid
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Gsk3b protein, mouse

Grants and funding