The neuropeptide receptor GPR83 regulates anxiety-like behavior

Abstract ID 126229 Poster Board 335 Anxiety disorders are prevalent in our society, one critical stressor of growing impact is social isolation. While our environment has seemingly become more connected due to technological advances, young adults are becoming more isolated socially. Loneliness and social isolation during the critical developmental period of adolescence is likely to have long-lasting impacts on brain chemistry and connectivity. In fact, there are recent reports indicating that isolation in adolescents had significant effects on the overall health, feelings of anxiety, as well as nicotine and alcohol intake. GPR83, whose endogenous ligand is a neuropeptide called PEN, was first identified as a protein regulated by the glucocorticoid dexamethasone, indicating that this receptor may play role in stress-responses. GPR83 expression is reduced mice treated with the glucocorticoids, corticosterone and dexamethasone. Knockdown of GPR83 in the BLA increases anxiety-related behaviors. Recently, we discovered novel small molecule ligands for GPR83, including Cpd 1(agonist) and Cpd 25 (antagonist), unveiling new avenues to investigate the biological role of this receptor. We are investigating whether treatment with Cpd 1 or Cpd 25 impacts anxiety-related behaviors in mice that were housed in isolation during adolescence. This work is supported by the New Jersey Health Foundation (to AKF).