Activation of STING signaling aggravates chronic alcohol exposure-induced cognitive impairment by increasing neuroinflammation and mitochondrial apoptosis

3Citations
Citations of this article
6Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Aims: Chronic alcohol exposure leads to persistent neurological disorders, which are mainly attributed to neuroinflammation and apoptosis. Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) is essential in the cytosolic DNA sensing pathway and is involved in inflammation and cellular death processes. This study was to examine the expression pattern and biological functions of STING signaling in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Methods: Cell-free DNA was extracted from human and mouse plasma. C57BL/6J mice were given alcohol by gavage for 28 days, and behavior tests were used to determine their mood and cognition. Cultured cells were treated with ethanol for 24 hours. The STING agonist DMXAA, STING inhibitor C-176, and STING-siRNA were used to intervene the STING. qPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess STING signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. Results: Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was increased in individuals with AUD and mice chronically exposed to alcohol. Upregulation of STING signaling under alcohol exposure led to inflammatory responses in BV2 cells and mitochondrial apoptosis in PC12 cells. DMXAA exacerbated alcohol-induced cognitive impairment and increased the activation of microglia, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), while C-176 exerted neuroprotection. Conclusion: Activation of STING signaling played an essential role in alcohol-induced inflammation and mitochondrial apoptosis in the mPFC. This study identifies STING as a promising therapeutic target for AUD.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Lin, X., Li, X., Li, C., Wang, H., Zou, L., Pan, J., … Peng, Y. (2024). Activation of STING signaling aggravates chronic alcohol exposure-induced cognitive impairment by increasing neuroinflammation and mitochondrial apoptosis. CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics, 30(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/cns.14689

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free