M Ethods in M Olecular B Iology
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M ETHODS IN M OLECULAR B IOLOGY Series Editor John M. Walker School of Life and Medical Sciences University of Hertfordshire Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK For further volumes: http://www.springer.com/series/7651 For over 35 years, biological scientists have come to rely on the research protocols and methodologies in the critically acclaimed Methods in Molecular Biology series. The series was the first to introduce the step-by-step protocols approach that has become the standard in all biomedical protocol publishing. Each protocol is provided in readily-reproducible step-by- step fashion, opening with an introductory overview, a list of the materials and reagents needed to complete the experiment, and followed by a detailed procedure that is supported with a helpful notes section offering tips and tricks of the trade as well as troubleshooting advice. These hallmark features were introduced by series editor Dr. John Walker and constitute the key ingredient in each and every volume of the Methods in Molecular Biology series. Tested and trusted, comprehensive and reliable, all protocols from the series are indexed in Pub Med. Psychiatric Disorders Methods and Protocols Edited by Firas H. Kobeissy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon Editor Firas H. Kobeissy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Faculty of Medicine American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon ISSN 1064-3745 ISSN 1940-6029 (electronic) Methods in Molecular Biology ISBN 978-1-4939-9553-0 ISBN 978-1-4939-9554-7 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-9554-7 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019, corrected publication 2019 This work is subject to copyright. All rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifically the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfilms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover Caption: The Brain: A Curious Tale of Chasing the Enigma “A hand stretched out beyond spiritual world in search for a stable ground. It landed at lab bench; unravelling an, otherwise, enigmatically whispering neurons and genome. Still, the odyssey never reaches destiny.” Cover designed by Dr. Samar Abdelhady, MD. This Humana imprint is published by the registered company Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature. The registered company address is: 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, U.S.A. Dedication To my mentor and colleague, Professor Julnar Usta, whose sincere and honest devotion to research and teaching has touched many students, researchers, and medical doctors, I dedicate this humble work. I will always learn from her encyclopedic knowledge in Biochemistry... v Foreword According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated one in six individuals, globally, suffers from neurological diseases, inclusive of mental, traumatic, neurodegenera- tive, and autoimmune disorders. In light of this and the tumultuous conditions of “conflict zones” and the fallout in terms of psychiatric disorders, drug abuse, poverty, and malnutri- tion, the second edition of Psychiatric Disorders provides a needed and timely roadmap for research. While much of the neuroscience community has been focused, of late, on neuro- degenerative conditions, it is refreshing to see a text that brings together unique expertise and state-of-the-art methodologies that will benefit seasoned researchers, as well as emerging generations of pioneers in the realm of psychiatric illness, mental disorders, and translational scientists. Firas Kobeissy has assembled a panel of experts to act as guides on this journey of discovery. The approach is systematic in introducing relevant preclinical models of pressing psychiatric conditions—from the classics of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse to more recently recognized post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and the ever-elusive search for reliable validated diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Despite a focus on laboratory models, the translational relevance to the clinical setting is obvious, particularly for those focused on the development of effective intervention and therapeutic development. Also evident to the reader is the mechanistic quest that underlies each submission. Approach This volume introduces the novice and savvy researcher to an overview of key concerns in psychiatric disorder research and the state of this broad field before delving into the specifics of models and methodologies. Having fielded complaints from students and researchers on the paucity of translatable details in methods for, well, over 30 years, this volume is a welcome relief in providing much-needed details for validation of methods and serves the reader well in establishing the credibility of the generated data. This credibility is further enhanced by the choice of chapter authors, all of whom are recognized experts in their area. In addition, the editor does not monopolize the volume, which further distinguishes it as a “sincere” effort in publicizing the best of what the field has to offer. Sections of the volume tackle the details of psychiatric illness, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders. However, its timeliness is underscored by cutting-edge research on biomarkers and “omic” approaches. Particularly attractive to this reader is the transdisciplin- ary approach that recognizes—indeed invites—collaborative approaches toward sustainable solutions, as well as setting the stage for a “benchtop to bedside” paradigm. Any seasoned researcher readily recognizes the challenges inherent between transitioning from animal models that address basic mechanisms, identify targets of diagnosis and intervention, and the ability to extrapolate to the human condition and clinical field. Most, if not all chapters in the volume, attempt to address such challenges, raising the value of these submissions in terms of relevance. vii viii Foreword Fig. 1 A cohesive roadmap towards translation and precision health As one who is keen on promoting “Precision Health,” not just precision or personalized medicine, the intricate interplay between behavior, socioeconomics, gene-environment interaction, and effective diagnostics—possibly theranostics—the availability of a starting point that allows for integration of animal models, molecular mechanisms, and systems biology approach to data analytics holds much promise. The greater challenge, which is met to a great extent in this second edition, is how to not become so verbose as to lose sight of the desired benefit—the equipping of the researcher with the tools to effectively carry out quality applied research and articulate data in a meaningful way (Fig. 1). Recommendation This volume is an indispensable addition to any serious researcher’s bookshelf, physical or virtual. It is not likely to collect dust, as it provides hands-on know-how and shares that know-how not only to those focused on psychiatric disorders but also for the discerning neuroscientist seeking answers. With contributions on neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, assess- ment of cognitive decline, dyskinesia, tobacco use, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), obesity-related behavior, PTSD, and deciphering frontiers in genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, there is food for thought for those who recognized the interconnectedness of environment-neurobehavior and health outcomes. Hassan A. N. El-Fawal Neuroscience, Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt Preface As the of field neuroscience is evolving, newly discoveries at the cellular and molecular levels are revolutionizing the previous classical concepts into new developed understandings, paving the way for the development of new therapies, aiding in the diagnosis, and even proposing novel treatment modalities for psychiatric and neurological disorders. Some—if not most—of these discoveries have been made possible with the advent of experimental animal models. Experimental models that mimic human neuropsychiatric disorders have been described and optimized over the years to assist in understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders and for the evaluation of therapies as well. Indeed, several of these models have significantly improved our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders, their development, and cure. Having said that, the need to optimize these