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Four mood stabilizers commonly induce FEZ1 expression in human astrocytes

Zhiqian Yu1, Chiaki Ono, Helen B Kim

  • 1Department of Biological Psychiatry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.

Bipolar Disorders
|October 25, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mood stabilizers commonly induce the FEZ1 gene in human astrocytes, suggesting this protein plays a role in mood stabilization and may offer cytoprotective effects in the brain.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Mood stabilizers are crucial for treating bipolar disorder.
  • While their effects on neurons are known, less is understood about their impact on astrocytes.
  • Previous research indicates potential glial abnormalities in bipolar disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify a common molecular response to mood stabilizers in human astrocytes.
  • To investigate the role of mood stabilizers beyond neuronal effects.

Main Methods:

  • Human astrocyte-derived cells (U-87 MG) were treated with lithium, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and lamotrigine.
  • Microarray gene expression analysis was performed.
  • Key gene findings were validated using qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining.

Main Results:

  • Fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) was the sole gene consistently upregulated by all four mood stabilizers.
  • FEZ1 induction was confirmed at both transcript and protein levels in astrocytes.
  • FEZ1 was localized to the cytoplasm of both transformed and primary human astrocytes.

Conclusions:

  • FEZ1 is likely to have significant functions within human astrocytes.
  • Mood stabilizers may exert therapeutic effects, including cytoprotection, by upregulating FEZ1 expression in astrocytes.

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