Biology subjects

Pensold, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Pensold, D..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2025

DNMT1 Coordinates PV Interneuron-Glia Coupling to Maintain Cortical Network Stability and Regulate Behavior

Parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are central to cortical network stability and psychiatric vulnerability. Here, we identify DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) as a key epigenetic regulator linking PV interneuron function to glial and extracellular matrix remodeling. Conditional PV-specific Dnmt1 deletion combined with single-cell RNA-seq, in vivo electrophysiology, histology, and behavioral analyses revealed that loss of DNMT1 increases PV spiking activity but reduces inhibitory efficacy, leading to network desynchronization and depression- and anxiety-like behavior in mice. These physiological alterations were accompanied by broad, non-cell-autonomous transcriptional changes in astrocytes and oligodendroglial populations, prominently affecting pathways involved in perineuronal-net (PNN) organization and neuron-glia communication. Cell-cell interaction analyses revealed disrupted NRXN-NLGN, TNR-integrin, and semaphoring signaling, consistent with weakened perisomatic adhesion and PNN integrity. Together, our findings demonstrate that DNMT1 maintains inhibitory circuit stability through cell-autonomous regulation of PV interneuron function, which secondarily shapes glial transcriptional states and extracellular scaffolds to preserve cortical network synchronization and emotional behavior.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Dnmt1-deficiency in PV interneurons alters cortical circuit function and leads to depression-like behavior

Neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), are highly prevalent in modern society, arising from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Alterations in the function of cortical inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, along with dysregulations of epigenetic signatures and key regulators such as DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), have been implicated in these conditions. Through its role in catalyzing DNA methylation, DNMT1 modulates the synaptic activity of parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons, which are essential for cortical inhibition. However, the functional consequences of DNMT1 activity in cortical interneurons at the network level and its impact on behavior remain unknown and must be explored to fully understand the disease implications of dysregulated DNMT1 expression and function. To address this, we utilized a conditional knockout mouse model with Dnmt1 deletion in PV interneurons. Our findings reveal that a Dnmt1 deficiency leads to increased spontaneous firing rates of cortical neurons, reduced cortical gamma oscillations, and altered visually evoked neural responses. Despite intact sensory perception, Dnmt1-deficient mice exhibited reduced physical activity, heightened anxiety-like behavior, and signs of anhedonia and apathy, which represent core features of MDD. These results underscore the critical role of DNMT1 in PV interneuron function and identify it as a potential target for MDD research.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

EphrinA5 regulates cell motility by modulating the targeting of DNMT1 to the Ncam1 promoter via lncRNA/DNA triplex formation

Cell-cell communication is mediated by membrane receptors and their cognate ligands, such as the Eph/ephrin system, and dictates physiological processes, including cell proliferation and migration. However, whether and how Eph/ephrin signaling culminates in transcriptional regulation is largely unknown. Epigenetic mechanisms are key for integrating external "signals", e.g., from neighboring cells, into the transcriptome. We have previously reported that ephrinA5 stimulation of immortalized cerebellar granule (CB) cells elicits transcriptional changes of lncRNAs and protein-coding genes. LncRNAs represent important adaptors for epigenetic writers through which they regulate gene expression. Here, we investigate the interaction of lncRNA with protein-coding genes by the combined power of in silico modeling of RNA/DNA interactions and respective wet lab approaches, in the context of ephrinA5-dependent regulation of cellular motility. We found that Snhg15, a cancer-related lncRNA, forms a triplex structure with the Ncam1 promoter and interacts with DNMT1. EphrinA5 stimulation leads to reduced Snhg15 expression, diminished Snhg15/DNMT1 interaction and decreased DNMT1 association with the Ncam1 promoter. These findings can explain the attenuated Ncam1 promoter methylation and elevated Ncam1 expression that in turn elicits decreased cell motility of CB cells. Hence, we propose that ephrinA5 influences gene transcription via lncRNA-targeted DNA methylation underlying the regulation of cellular motility.

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2020

DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) function is implicated in the age-related loss of cortical interneurons

Increased life expectancy in modern society comes at the cost of age-associated disabilities and diseases. Aged brains not only show reduced excitability and plasticity, but also a decline in inhibition. Age-associated defects in inhibitory circuits likely contribute to cognitive decline and age-related disorders. Molecular mechanisms that exert epigenetic control of gene expression, contribute to age-associated neuronal impairments. Both DNA methylation, mediated by DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), and histone modifications maintain neuronal function throughout lifespan. Here we provide evidence that DNMT1 function is implicated in the age-related loss of cortical inhibitory interneurons. Deletion of Dnmt1 in parvalbumin-positive interneurons attenuates their age-related decline in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, DNMT1-deficient mice show improved somatomotor performance and reduced aging-associated transcriptional changes. A decline in the proteostasis network, responsible for the proper degradation and removal of defective proteins, is suggested to be essentially implicated in age- and disease-related neurodegeneration. Our data suggest that DNMT1 acts indirectly on interneuron survival in aged mice by modulating the proteostasis network during life-time.

neuroscience↗