DOI

https://doi.org/10.25772/9PFE-5825

Author ORCID Identifier

0000-0003-1455-0065

Defense Date

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Neuroscience

First Advisor

Pamela E Knapp

Abstract

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders remain pervasive even with increased efficacy/use of antiretroviral therapies. Opioid use/abuse among HIV+ individuals is documented to exacerbate deficits. White matter (WM) alterations (myelin pallor, volume/structural) detected by diffusion tensor imaging, are common observations in HIV+ individuals. Using transgenic mice expressing HIV-1 Tat, we examined effects of 2-6 weeks of Tat/morphine exposure on WM using genomic/biochemical methods. RNA sequencing of striatal tissue after 2-weeks revealed robust changes in mRNAs associated with oligodendrocyte populations/myelin integrity, including Transferrin, Ndrg1, and myelin regulatory factor (Myrf/Mrf), an oligodendrocyte-specific transcription factor involved in differentiation/maturation. Immunoblots conducted after 6-weeks exposure in 3 brain regions (striatum, corpus callosum, and pre-frontal cortex) revealed regionally varied effects of Tat/morphine on Myrf, and myelin basic protein (MBP) levels, whose transcription is partially regulated by Myrf. Responses included individual and interactive effects. Although baseline and post-treatment levels of Myrf and MBP differed regionally, MBP levels within striatum and pre-frontal cortex were compatible with respective Myrf changes. Additionally, Myrf regulatory protein Fbxw7 was altered at 6-weeks. Purified oligodendrocyte-precursor cell (OPC) cultures were treated with Tat, morphine, and naloxone to assess direct affects. Tat/morphine had no direct effects on expression of target genes (Myrf, Mbp, Fbxw7, Hes5). Significant naloxone effects (decrease) were observed on Hes5, Mbp, and Pdyn. Treatment with specific opioid receptor antagonists identified strong affects through kappa/delta opioid receptor antagonism. Together this establishes novel targets Fbxw7, Myrf, notch signaling (Hes5). Culture results suggest Tat/morphine effects are mediated indirectly through stimulation of endogenous opioid signaling.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU University Archives

Is Part Of

VCU Theses and Dissertations

Date of Submission

5-5-2023

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