Open AccessPhysical Exercise Prevented Stress‐Induced Anxiety via Improving Brain RNA Methylation
Author(s) -
Yan Lan,
Wei Jian,
Yang Fengzhen,
Wang Mei,
Wang Siqi,
Cheng Tong,
Liu Xuanjun,
Jia Yanbin,
So KwokFai,
Zhang Li
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202105731
Subject(s) - prefrontal cortex , anxiolytic , epigenetics , neuroscience , anxiety , mechanism (biology) , psychology , medicine , biology , psychiatry , cognition , gene , genetics , philosophy , epistemology
Physical exercise is effective in alleviating mental disorders by improving synaptic transmission; however, the link between body endurance training and neural adaptation has not yet been completely resolved. In this study, the authors investigated the role of RNA N 6 ‐methyladenosine (m6A), an emerging epigenetic mechanism, in improved resilience against chronic restraint stress. A combination of molecular, behavioral, and in vivo recording data demonstrates exercise‐mediated restoration of m6A in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex, whose activity is potentiated to exert anxiolytic effects. Furthermore, it is revealed that hepatic biosynthesis of one methyl donor is necessary for exercise to improve brain RNA m6A to counteract environmental stress. This novel liver‐brain axis provides an explanation for brain network changes upon exercise training and provides new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of anxiety disorders.