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Sapozhnikov DM, Szyf M. Genetic confounds of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mice. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2318519. [PMID: 38369744 PMCID: PMC10878023 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2318519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals remains a controversial phenomenon. A recent study by Takahashi et al. provides evidence for this mode of inheritance in mice by using a CRISPR/Cas9-based epigenetic editing technique to modify DNA methylation levels at specific promoters and then demonstrating the inheritance of the gain in methylation in offspring. In this technical commentary, we argue that the method used in the original study inherently amplifies the likelihood of genetic changes that thereafter lead to the heritability of epigenetic changes. We provide evidence that genetic changes from multiple sources do indeed occur in these experiments and explore several avenues by which these changes could be causal to the apparent inheritance of epigenetic changes. We conclude a genetic basis of inheritance cannot be ruled out and thus transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has not been adequately established by the original study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M. Sapozhnikov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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2
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Champroux A, Tang Y, Dickson DA, Meng A, Harrington A, Liaw L, Marzi M, Nicassio F, Schlaeger TM, Feig LA. Transmission of reduced levels of miR-34/449 from sperm to preimplantation embryos is a key step in the transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of the effects of paternal chronic social instability stress. Epigenetics 2024; 19:2346694. [PMID: 38739481 PMCID: PMC11093028 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2346694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The transgenerational effects of exposing male mice to chronic social instability (CSI) stress are associated with decreased sperm levels of multiple members of the miR-34/449 family that persist after their mating through preimplantation embryo (PIE) development. Here we demonstrate the importance of these miRNA changes by showing that restoring miR-34c levels in PIEs derived from CSI stressed males prevents elevated anxiety and defective sociability normally found specifically in their adult female offspring. It also restores, at least partially, levels of sperm miR-34/449 normally reduced in their male offspring who transmit these sex-specific traits to their offspring. Strikingly, these experiments also revealed that inducing miR-34c levels in PIEs enhances the expression of its own gene and that of miR-449 in these cells. The same induction of embryo miR-34/449 gene expression likely occurs after sperm-derived miR-34c is introduced into oocytes upon fertilization. Thus, suppression of this miRNA amplification system when sperm miR-34c levels are reduced in CSI stressed mice can explain how a comparable fold-suppression of miR-34/449 levels can be found in PIEs derived from them, despite sperm containing ~50-fold lower levels of these miRNAs than those already present in PIEs. We previously found that men exposed to early life trauma also display reduced sperm levels of miR-34/449. And here we show that miR-34c can also increase the expression of its own gene, and that of miR-449 in human embryonic stem cells, suggesting that human PIEs derived from men with low sperm miR-34/449 levels may also contain this potentially harmful defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Champroux
- Development, Molecular & Chemical Biology/Medical, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yang Tang
- Stem Cell Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David A. Dickson
- Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alice Meng
- Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anne Harrington
- Center for Molecular Medicine, MaineHealth Institute for Research, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - Lucy Liaw
- Center for Genomic Studies, Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia Institution, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Marzi
- Center for Genomic Studies, Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia Institution, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicassio
- Center for Genomic Studies, Instituto Italiano di Tecnologia Institution, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Larry A. Feig
- Development, Molecular & Chemical Biology/Medical, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
- Tufts Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Yan YS, Mo JY, Huang YT, Zhu H, Wu HY, Lin ZL, Liu R, Liu XQ, Lv PP, Feng C, Sheng JZ, Jin M, Huang HF. Intrauterine hyperglycaemia during late gestation caused mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle of male offspring through CREB/PGC1A signaling. Nutr Diabetes 2024; 14:56. [PMID: 39043630 PMCID: PMC11266655 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-024-00299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal diabetes mellitus can influence the development of offspring. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) creates a short-term intrauterine hyperglycaemic environment in offspring, leading to glucose intolerance in later life, but the long-term effects and specific mechanism involved in skeletal muscle dysfunction in offspring remain to be clarified. METHODS Pregnant mice were divided into two groups: The GDM group was intraperitoneally injected with 100 mg/kg streptozotocin on gestational days (GDs) 6.5 and 12.5, while the control (CTR) group was treated with vehicle buffer. Only pregnant mice whose random blood glucose level was higher than 16.8 mmol/L beginning on GD13.5 were regarded as the GDM group. The growth of the offspring was monitored, and the glucose tolerance test was performed at different time points. Body composition analysis and immunohistochemical methods were used to evaluate the development of lean mass at 8 weeks. The exercise capacity and grip strength of the male mouse offspring were assessed at the same period. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the morphology inside skeletal muscle at 8 weeks and as a foetus. The genes and proteins associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism were investigated. We also coanalyzed RNA sequencing and proteomics data to explore the underlying mechanism. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and bisulfite-converted DNA methylation detection were performed to evaluate this phenomenon. RESULTS Short-term intrauterine hyperglycaemia inhibited the growth and reduced the lean mass of male offspring, leading to decreased endurance exercise capacity. The myofiber composition of the tibialis anterior muscle of GDM male offspring became more glycolytic and less oxidative. The morphology and function of mitochondria in the skeletal muscle of GDM male offspring were destroyed, and coanalysis of RNA sequencing and proteomics of foetal skeletal muscle showed that mitochondrial elements and lipid oxidation were consistently impaired. In vivo and in vitro myoblast experiments also demonstrated that high glucose concentrations impeded mitochondrial organisation and function. Importantly, the transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism decreased at 8 weeks and during the foetal period. We predicted Ppargc1α as a key upstream regulator with the help of IPA software. The proteins and mRNA levels of Ppargc1α in the skeletal muscle of GDM male offspring were decreased as a foetus (CTR vs. GDM, 1.004 vs. 0.665, p = 0.002), at 6 weeks (1.018 vs. 0.511, p = 0.023) and 8 weeks (1.006 vs. 0.596, p = 0.018). In addition, CREB phosphorylation was inhibited in GDM group, with fewer activated pCREB proteins binding to the CRE element of Ppargc1α (1.042 vs. 0.681, p = 0.037), Pck1 (1.091 vs. 0.432, p = 0.014) and G6pc (1.118 vs. 0.472, p = 0.027), resulting in their decreased transcription. Interestingly, we found that sarcopenia and mitochondrial dysfunction could even be inherited by the next generation. CONCLUSIONS Short-term intrauterine hyperglycaemia significantly reduced lean mass in male offspring at 8 weeks, resulting in decreased exercise endurance and metabolic disorders. Disrupted organisation and function of the mitochondria in skeletal muscle were also observed among them. Foetal exposure to hyperglycaemia decreased the ratio of phosphorylated CREB and reduced the transcription of Ppargc1α, which inhibited the transcription of downstream genes involving in mitochondrial biogenesis and oxidative metabolism. Abnormal mitochondria, which might be transmitted through aberrant gametes, were also observed in the F2 generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shang Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ying Mo
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Yu-Tong Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yan Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Liang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China
| | - Xuan-Qi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping-Ping Lv
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun Feng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Sheng
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China.
| | - Min Jin
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Yiwu, China.
- The Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Holuka C, Grova N, Charalambous EG, Le Cléac H J, Turner JD, Mposhi A. Transgenerational impacts of early life adversity: from health determinants, implications to epigenetic consequences. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105785. [PMID: 38945418 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to different environmental factors, social and socioeconomic factors promotes development of the early-life adversity (ELA) phenotype. The persistence of this phenotype across generations is an interesting phenomenon that remains unexplored. Of late many studies have focused on disease-associated outcomes of ELA following exposure during childhood but the persistence of epigenetic imprints transmitted by ELA exposed parents to their offspring remains poorly described. It is possible that both parents are able to transmit ELA-associated genetic imprints to their offspring via transgenerational inheritance mechanisms. Here, we highlight the role of the mother and father in the biological process of conception, from epigenetic reprogramming cycles to later environmental exposures. We explain some of the known determinants of ELA (pollution, socioeconomic challenges, infections, etc.) and their disease-associated outcomes. Finally, we highlight the role of epigenetics, mitochondria and ncRNAs as mechanisms mediating transgenerational inheritance. Whether these transgenerational inheritance mechanisms occur in the human context remains unclear but there is a large body of suggestive evidence in non-human models that points out to its existence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrielle Holuka
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, Belval L-4365, Luxembourg
| | - Nathalie Grova
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg; UMR Inserm 1256 nGERE, Nutrition-Génétique et exposition aux risques environnementaux, Institute of Medical Research (Pôle BMS) - University of Lorraine, B.P. 184, Nancy 54511, France
| | - Eleftheria G Charalambous
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medecine Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, Greifswald 17489, Germany; Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Jeanne Le Cléac H
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, University of Luxembourg, Belval L-4365, Luxembourg
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg.
| | - Archibold Mposhi
- Immune Endocrine Epigenetics Research Group, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg
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5
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Zhang X, Blumenthal RM, Cheng X. Keep Fingers on the CpG Islands. EPIGENOMES 2024; 8:23. [PMID: 38920624 PMCID: PMC11202855 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes8020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The post-genomic era has ushered in the extensive application of epigenetic editing tools, allowing for precise alterations of gene expression. The use of reprogrammable editors that carry transcriptional corepressors has significant potential for long-term epigenetic silencing for the treatment of human diseases. The ideal scenario involves precise targeting of a specific genomic location by a DNA-binding domain, ensuring there are no off-target effects and that the process yields no genetic remnants aside from specific epigenetic modifications (i.e., DNA methylation). A notable example is a recent study on the mouse Pcsk9 gene, crucial for cholesterol regulation and expressed in hepatocytes, which identified synthetic zinc-finger (ZF) proteins as the most effective DNA-binding editors for silencing Pcsk9 efficiently, specifically, and persistently. This discussion focuses on enhancing the specificity of ZF-array DNA binding by optimizing interactions between specific amino acids and DNA bases across three promoters containing CpG islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Robert M. Blumenthal
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Program in Bioinformatics, The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Xiaodong Cheng
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
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Yang Y, Feng W, Zhou J, Zhang R, Lin X, Sooranna SR, Deng Y, Shi D. Epigenetic modifications of gonadotropin receptors can regulate follicular development. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 268:107534. [PMID: 39047429 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The spatiotemporal transcription of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) and luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) are crucial events for follicular development. However, their regulatory mechanisms are unclear. DNA methylation and histone acetylation are the main epigenetic modifications, and play important roles in transcriptional expression, which regulate cell responses including cell proliferation, senescence and apoptosis. This review will discuss the dynamic epigenetic modifications of FSHR and LHCGR that occur during the process of follicular development and their response to gonadotropins. In addition, some alteration patterns that occur during these epigenetic modifications, as well as their retrospect retrotransposons, which regulate the gene expression levels of FSHR and LHCGR will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Yang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Wanyou Feng
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Nanning Normal University, Nanning 530023, China
| | - Jinhua Zhou
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Ruimen Zhang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Xinyue Lin
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China
| | - Suren Rao Sooranna
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London SW10 9NH, United Kingdom
| | - Yanfei Deng
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
| | - Deshun Shi
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Disease Control, College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
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Chen L, Ma J, Xu W, Shen F, Yang Z, Sonne C, Dietz R, Li L, Jie X, Li L, Yan G, Zhang X. Comparative transcriptome and methylome of polar bears, giant and red pandas reveal diet-driven adaptive evolution. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13731. [PMID: 38894980 PMCID: PMC11183199 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in the evolution of species adaptations, yet little information is available on the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in both giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) and red pandas (Ailurus fulgens). To investigate the potential contribution of epigenetic to the adaptive evolution of bamboo-eating in giant and red pandas, we performed hepatic comparative transcriptome and methylome analyses between bamboo-eating pandas and carnivorous polar bears (Ursus maritimus). We found that genes involved in carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid, and protein metabolism showed significant differences in methylation and expression levels between the two panda species and polar bears. Clustering analysis of gene expression revealed that giant pandas did not form a sister group with the more closely related polar bears, suggesting that the expression pattern of genes in livers of giant pandas and red pandas have evolved convergently driven by their similar diets. Compared to polar bears, some key genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and biological oxidation and cholesterol synthesis showed hypomethylation and higher expression in giant and red pandas, while genes involved in fat digestion and absorption, fatty acid metabolism, lysine degradation, resistance to lipid peroxidation and detoxification showed hypermethylation and low expression. Our study elucidates the special nutrient utilization mechanism of giant pandas and red pandas and provides some insights into the molecular mechanism of their adaptive evolution of bamboo feeding. This has important implications for the breeding and conservation of giant pandas and red pandas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Jinnan Ma
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- College of Continuing EducationYunnan Normal UniversityKunmingChina
| | - Wencai Xu
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Fujun Shen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory for Conservation Biology of Endangered WildlifeChengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingChengduChina
| | | | - Christian Sonne
- Arctic Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of EcoscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Rune Dietz
- Arctic Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of EcoscienceAarhus UniversityRoskildeDenmark
| | - Linzhu Li
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiaodie Jie
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lu Li
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Guoqiang Yan
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Xiuyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of bio‐Resources and eco‐Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life ScienceSichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Conservation Biology on Endangered Wildlife, College of Life SciencesSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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8
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Alex K, Winkler EC. Comparative ethical evaluation of epigenome editing and genome editing in medicine: first steps and future directions. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2024; 50:398-406. [PMID: 37527926 PMCID: PMC11137457 DOI: 10.1136/jme-2022-108888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeted modifications of the human epigenome, epigenome editing (EE), are around the corner. For EE, techniques similar to genome editing (GE) techniques are used. While in GE the genetic information is changed by directly modifying DNA, intervening in the epigenome requires modifying the configuration of DNA, for example, how it is folded. This does not come with alterations in the base sequence ('genetic code'). To date, there is almost no ethical debate about EE, whereas the discussions about GE are voluminous. Our article introduces EE into bioethics by translating knowledge from science to ethics and by comparing the risks of EE with those of GE. We, first (I), make the case that a broader ethical debate on EE is due, provide scientific background on EE, compile potential use-cases and recap previous debates. We then (II) compare EE and GE and suggest that the severity of risks of novel gene technologies depends on three factors: (i) the choice of an ex vivo versus an in vivo editing approach, (ii) the time of intervention and intervention windows and (iii) the targeted diseases. Moreover, we show why germline EE is not effective and reject the position of strong epigenetic determinism. We conclude that EE is not always ethically preferable to GE in terms of risks, and end with suggestions for next steps in the current ethical debate on EE by briefly introducing ethical challenges of new areas of preventive applications of EE (III).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Alex
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva C Winkler
- Section Translational Medical Ethics, Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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9
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Cánepa ET, Berardino BG. Epigenetic mechanisms linking early-life adversities and mental health. Biochem J 2024; 481:615-642. [PMID: 38722301 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024]
Abstract
Early-life adversities, whether prenatal or postnatal exposure, have been linked to adverse mental health outcomes later in life increasing the risk of several psychiatric disorders. Research on its neurobiological consequences demonstrated an association between exposure to adversities and persistent alterations in the structure, function, and connectivity of the brain. Consistent evidence supports the idea that regulation of gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms are involved in embedding the impact of early-life experiences in the genome and mediate between social environments and later behavioral phenotypes. In addition, studies from rodent models and humans suggest that these experiences and the acquired risk factors can be transmitted through epigenetic mechanisms to offspring and the following generations potentially contributing to a cycle of disease or disease risk. However, one of the important aspects of epigenetic mechanisms, unlike genetic sequences that are fixed and unchangeable, is that although the epigenetic markings are long-lasting, they are nevertheless potentially reversible. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms involved in the mental health consequences derived from early-life exposure to malnutrition, maltreatment and poverty, adversities with huge and pervasive impact on mental health. We also discuss the evidence about transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals and experimental data suggesting that suitable social and pharmacological interventions could reverse adverse epigenetic modifications induced by early-life negative social experiences. In this regard, these studies must be accompanied by efforts to determine the causes that promote these adversities and that result in health inequity in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo T Cánepa
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bruno G Berardino
- Laboratorio de Neuroepigenética y Adversidades Tempranas, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires and IQUIBICEN, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Scholz R, Brösamle D, Yuan X, Beyer M, Neher JJ. Epigenetic control of microglial immune responses. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:209-226. [PMID: 38491845 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Microglia, the major population of brain-resident macrophages, are now recognized as a heterogeneous population comprising several cell subtypes with different (so far mostly supposed) functions in health and disease. A number of studies have performed molecular characterization of these different microglial activation states over the last years making use of "omics" technologies, that is transcriptomics, proteomics and, less frequently, epigenomics profiling. These approaches offer the possibility to identify disease mechanisms, discover novel diagnostic biomarkers, and develop new therapeutic strategies. Here, we focus on epigenetic profiling as a means to understand microglial immune responses beyond what other omics methods can offer, that is, revealing past and present molecular responses, gene regulatory networks and potential future response trajectories, and defining cell subtype-specific disease relevance through mapping non-coding genetic variants. We review the current knowledge in the field regarding epigenetic regulation of microglial identity and function, provide an exemplary analysis that demonstrates the advantages of performing joint transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of single microglial cells and discuss how comprehensive epigenetic analyses may enhance our understanding of microglial pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Scholz
- Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Systems Medicine, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Desirée Brösamle
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuroimmunology and Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Xidi Yuan
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuroimmunology and Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Marc Beyer
- Immunogenomics & Neurodegeneration, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Systems Medicine, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) and University of Bonn and West German Genome Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonas J Neher
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Neuroimmunology and Neurodegenerative Diseases, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany
- Department of Cellular Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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11
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Cerneckis J, Cai H, Shi Y. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): molecular mechanisms of induction and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:112. [PMID: 38670977 PMCID: PMC11053163 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01809-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has transformed in vitro research and holds great promise to advance regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the capacity for an almost unlimited expansion, are amenable to genetic engineering, and can be differentiated into most somatic cell types. iPSCs have been widely applied to model human development and diseases, perform drug screening, and develop cell therapies. In this review, we outline key developments in the iPSC field and highlight the immense versatility of the iPSC technology for in vitro modeling and therapeutic applications. We begin by discussing the pivotal discoveries that revealed the potential of a somatic cell nucleus for reprogramming and led to successful generation of iPSCs. We consider the molecular mechanisms and dynamics of somatic cell reprogramming as well as the numerous methods available to induce pluripotency. Subsequently, we discuss various iPSC-based cellular models, from mono-cultures of a single cell type to complex three-dimensional organoids, and how these models can be applied to elucidate the mechanisms of human development and diseases. We use examples of neurological disorders, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and cancer to highlight the diversity of disease-specific phenotypes that can be modeled using iPSC-derived cells. We also consider how iPSC-derived cellular models can be used in high-throughput drug screening and drug toxicity studies. Finally, we discuss the process of developing autologous and allogeneic iPSC-based cell therapies and their potential to alleviate human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Hongxia Cai
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
- Irell & Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA.
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12
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Gu LJ, Li L, Li QN, Xu K, Yue W, Qiao JY, Meng TG, Dong MZ, Lei WL, Guo JN, Wang ZB, Sun QY. The transgenerational effects of maternal low-protein diet during lactation on offspring. J Genet Genomics 2024:S1673-8527(24)00079-1. [PMID: 38657948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle can influence the health of both mothers and offspring. However, its transgenerational transmission and underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, using a maternal lactation-period low-protein diet (LPD) mouse model, we show that maternal LPD during lactation causes decreased survival and stunted growth, significantly reduces ovulation and litter size, and alters the gut microbiome in the female LPD-F1 offspring. The transcriptome of LPD-F1 metaphase II (MII) oocytes shows that differentially expressed genes are enriched in female pregnancy and multiple metabolic processes. Moreover, maternal LPD causes early stunted growth and impairs metabolic health, which is transmitted over two generations. The methylome alteration of LPD-F1 oocytes can be partly transmitted to the F2 oocytes. Together, our results reveal that LPD during lactation transgenerationally affects offspring health, probably via oocyte epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Jian Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Li
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Sciences, CAMS & PUMC, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qian-Nan Li
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510317, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510317, China
| | - Wei Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing-Yi Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510317, China
| | - Ming-Zhe Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wen-Long Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jia-Ni Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Reproductive Health, Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510317, China.
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13
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Harris JC, Trigg NA, Goshu B, Yokoyama Y, Dohnalová L, White EK, Harman A, Murga-Garrido SM, Ting-Chun Pan J, Bhanap P, Thaiss CA, Grice EA, Conine CC, Kambayashi T. The microbiota and T cells non-genetically modulate inherited phenotypes transgenerationally. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114029. [PMID: 38573852 PMCID: PMC11102039 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The host-microbiota relationship has evolved to shape mammalian physiology, including immunity, metabolism, and development. Germ-free models are widely used to study microbial effects on host processes such as immunity. Here, we find that both germ-free and T cell-deficient mice exhibit a robust sebum secretion defect persisting across multiple generations despite microbial colonization and T cell repletion. These phenotypes are inherited by progeny conceived during in vitro fertilization using germ-free sperm and eggs, demonstrating that non-genetic information in the gametes is required for microbial-dependent phenotypic transmission. Accordingly, gene expression in early embryos derived from gametes from germ-free or T cell-deficient mice is strikingly and similarly altered. Our findings demonstrate that microbial- and immune-dependent regulation of non-genetic information in the gametes can transmit inherited phenotypes transgenerationally in mice. This mechanism could rapidly generate phenotypic diversity to enhance host adaptation to environmental perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan C Harris
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Natalie A Trigg
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics - Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Bruktawit Goshu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yuichi Yokoyama
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lenka Dohnalová
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ellen K White
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Adele Harman
- Transgenic Core, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sofía M Murga-Garrido
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jamie Ting-Chun Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Preeti Bhanap
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christoph A Thaiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Grice
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Colin C Conine
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Departments of Genetics and Pediatrics - Penn Epigenetics Institute, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, and Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Taku Kambayashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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14
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Haidar L, Georgescu M, Drăghici GA, Bănățean-Dunea I, Nica DV, Șerb AF. DNA Methylation Machinery in Gastropod Mollusks. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:537. [PMID: 38672807 PMCID: PMC11050768 DOI: 10.3390/life14040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of DNA methylation in mollusks is just beginning to be understood. This review synthesizes current knowledge on this potent molecular hallmark of epigenetic control in gastropods-the largest class of mollusks and ubiquitous inhabitants of diverse habitats. Their DNA methylation machinery shows a high degree of conservation in CG maintenance methylation mechanisms, driven mainly by DNMT1 homologues, and the presence of MBD2 and MBD2/3 proteins as DNA methylation readers. The mosaic-like DNA methylation landscape occurs mainly in a CG context and is primarily confined to gene bodies and housekeeping genes. DNA methylation emerges as a critical regulator of reproduction, development, and adaptation, with tissue-specific patterns being observed in gonadal structures. Its dynamics also serve as an important regulatory mechanism underlying learning and memory processes. DNA methylation can be affected by various environmental stimuli, including as pathogens and abiotic stresses, potentially impacting phenotypic variation and population diversity. Overall, the features of DNA methylation in gastropods are complex, being an essential part of their epigenome. However, comprehensive studies integrating developmental stages, tissues, and environmental conditions, functional annotation of methylated regions, and integrated genomic-epigenomic analyses are lacking. Addressing these knowledge gaps will advance our understanding of gastropod biology, ecology, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Haidar
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - Marius Georgescu
- Department of Functional Sciences, Physiology Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania;
- Center of Immuno-Physiology and Biotechnologies (CIFBIOTEH), “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timişoara, Romania
| | - George Andrei Drăghici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioan Bănățean-Dunea
- Biology and Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Life Sciences “King Mihai I” from Timișoara, Calea Aradului 119, 300645 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Dragoș Vasile Nica
- The National Institute of Research—Development for Machines and Installations Designed for Agriculture and Food Industry (INMA), Bulevardul Ion Ionescu de la Brad 6, 077190 București, Romania
| | - Alina-Florina Șerb
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Biochemistry Discipline, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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15
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Xia Y, Chen K, Yang Q, Chen Z, Jin L, Zhang L, Yu X, Wang L, Xie C, Zhao Y, Shen Y, Tong J. Methylation in cornea and corneal diseases: a systematic review. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:169. [PMID: 38589350 PMCID: PMC11002037 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01935-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Corneal diseases are among the primary causes of blindness and vision loss worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of corneal diseases remains elusive, and diagnostic and therapeutic tools are limited. Thus, identifying new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases has gained great interest. Methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, modulates various cellular processes at both nucleic acid and protein levels. Growing evidence shows that methylation is a key regulator in the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, including inflammation, fibrosis, and neovascularization, making it an attractive potential therapeutic target. In this review, we discuss the major alterations of methylation and demethylation at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels in corneal diseases and how these dynamics contribute to the pathogenesis of corneal diseases. Also, we provide insights into identifying potential biomarkers of methylation that may improve the diagnosis and treatment of corneal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kuangqi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qianjie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zhitong Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Le Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyue Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Liyin Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Chen Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuan Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
| | - Jianping Tong
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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16
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Ge T, Brickner JH. Inheritance of epigenetic transcriptional memory. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 85:102174. [PMID: 38430840 PMCID: PMC10947848 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic memory allows organisms to stably alter their transcriptional program in response to developmental or environmental stimuli. Such transcriptional programs are mediated by heritable regulation of the function of enhancers and promoters. Memory involves read-write systems that enable self-propagation and mitotic inheritance of cis-acting epigenetic marks to induce stable changes in transcription. Also, in response to environmental cues, cells can induce epigenetic transcriptional memory to poise inducible genes for faster induction in the future. Here, we discuss modes of epigenetic inheritance and the molecular basis of epigenetic transcriptional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Ge
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jason H Brickner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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17
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Liu SX, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Gewirtz JC, Georgieff MK, Tran PV. Chromatin accessibility and H3K9me3 landscapes reveal long-term epigenetic effects of fetal-neonatal iron deficiency in rat hippocampus. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:301. [PMID: 38515015 PMCID: PMC10956188 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10230-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Iron deficiency (ID) during the fetal-neonatal period results in long-term neurodevelopmental impairments associated with pervasive hippocampal gene dysregulation. Prenatal choline supplementation partially normalizes these effects, suggesting an interaction between iron and choline in hippocampal transcriptome regulation. To understand the regulatory mechanisms, we investigated epigenetic marks of genes with altered chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) or poised to be repressed (H3K9me3 ChIP-seq) in iron-repleted adult rats having experienced fetal-neonatal ID exposure with or without prenatal choline supplementation. RESULTS Fetal-neonatal ID was induced by limiting maternal iron intake from gestational day (G) 2 through postnatal day (P) 7. Half of the pregnant dams were given supplemental choline (5.0 g/kg) from G11-18. This resulted in 4 groups at P65 (Iron-sufficient [IS], Formerly Iron-deficient [FID], IS with choline [ISch], and FID with choline [FIDch]). Hippocampi were collected from P65 iron-repleted male offspring and analyzed for chromatin accessibility and H3K9me3 enrichment. 22% and 24% of differentially transcribed genes in FID- and FIDch-groups, respectively, exhibited significant differences in chromatin accessibility, whereas 1.7% and 13% exhibited significant differences in H3K9me3 enrichment. These changes mapped onto gene networks regulating synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and reward circuits. Motif analysis of differentially modified genomic sites revealed significantly stronger choline effects than early-life ID and identified multiple epigenetically modified transcription factor binding sites. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals genome-wide, stable epigenetic changes and epigenetically modifiable gene networks associated with specific chromatin marks in the hippocampus, and lays a foundation to further elucidate iron-dependent epigenetic mechanisms that underlie the long-term effects of fetal-neonatal ID, choline, and their interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirelle X Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | | | - Li Shen
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Jonathan C Gewirtz
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Michael K Georgieff
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Phu V Tran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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18
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Hu S, Feng L, Yang Z, Fan X, Gao H, Yang T. A recognition of exosomes as regulators of epigenetic mechanisms in central nervous system diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1370449. [PMID: 38528957 PMCID: PMC10962328 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1370449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Exosomes, vesicular structures originating from cells, participate in the conveyance of proteins and nucleic acids. Presently, the centrality of epigenetic modifications in neurological disorders is widely acknowledged. Exosomes exert influence over various epigenetic phenomena, thereby modulating post-transcriptional regulatory processes contingent upon their constituent makeup. Consequently, the heightened attention directed toward exosomes as instigators of epigenetic alterations has burgeoned in recent years. Notably, exosomes serve as vehicles for delivering methyltransferases to recipient cells. More significantly, non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), represent pivotal contents within exosomes, wielding the capacity to influence the expression of diverse factors within the cerebral milieu. The transfer of these exosomal contents amidst brain cells, encompassing neuronal cells and microglia, assumes a critical role in the genesis and progression of neurological disorders, also, this role is not limited to neurological disorders, it may deal with any human disease, such as cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. This review will concentrate on elucidating the regulation of exosome-induced epigenetic events and its subsequent ramifications for neurological diseases. A more profound comprehension of the involvement of exosome-mediated epigenetic regulation in neurological disorders contributes to a heightened awareness of the etiology and advancement of cerebral afflictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunxin Hu
- Shandong First Medical University, Tai'an, China
| | - Lei Feng
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
| | | | - Xuechen Fan
- Jining First People's Hospital, Jining, China
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19
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Giannini LAA, Boers RG, van der Ende EL, Poos JM, Jiskoot LC, Boers JB, van IJcken WFJ, Dopper EG, Pijnenburg YAL, Seelaar H, Meeter LH, van Rooij JGJ, Scheper W, Gribnau J, van Swieten JC. Distinctive cell-free DNA methylation characterizes presymptomatic genetic frontotemporal dementia. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2024; 11:744-756. [PMID: 38481040 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methylation of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has potential as a marker of brain damage in neurodegenerative diseases such as frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Here, we study methylation of cfDNA in presymptomatic and symptomatic carriers of genetic FTD pathogenic variants, next to healthy controls. METHODS cfDNA was isolated from cross-sectional plasma of 10 presymptomatic carriers (4 C9orf72, 4 GRN, and 2 MAPT), 10 symptomatic carriers (4 C9orf72, 4 GRN, and 2 MAPT), and 9 healthy controls. Genome-wide methylation of cfDNA was determined using a high-resolution sequencing technique (MeD-seq). Cumulative scores based on the identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were estimated for presymptomatic carriers (vs. controls and symptomatic carriers), and reevaluated in a validation cohort (8 presymptomatic: 3 C9orf72, 3 GRN, and 2 MAPT; 26 symptomatic: 7 C9orf72, 6 GRN, 12 MAPT, and 1 TARDBP; 13 noncarriers from genetic FTD families). RESULTS Presymptomatic carriers showed a distinctive methylation profile compared to healthy controls and symptomatic carriers. Cumulative DMR scores in presymptomatic carriers enabled to significantly differentiate presymptomatic carriers from healthy controls (p < 0.001) and symptomatic carriers (p < 0.001). In the validation cohort, these scores differentiated presymptomatic carriers from symptomatic carriers (p ≤ 0.007) only. Transcription-start-site methylation in presymptomatic carriers, generally associated with gene downregulation, was enriched for genes involved in ubiquitin-dependent processes, while gene body methylation, generally associated with gene upregulation, was enriched for genes involved in neuronal cell processes. INTERPRETATION A distinctive methylation profile of cfDNA characterizes the presymptomatic stage of genetic FTD, and could reflect neuronal death in this stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia A A Giannini
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruben G Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emma L van der Ende
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jackie M Poos
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lize C Jiskoot
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joachim B Boers
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Erasmus Center for Biomics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elise G Dopper
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande A L Pijnenburg
- Alzheimer Center Amsterdam, Neurology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC location Vumc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harro Seelaar
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lieke H Meeter
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen G J van Rooij
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wiep Scheper
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Faculty of Science, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam UMC location Vumc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Gribnau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John C van Swieten
- Department of Neurology, Alzheimer Center Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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20
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Dali O, D'Cruz S, Legoff L, Diba Lahmidi M, Heitz C, Merret PE, Kernanec PY, Pakdel F, Smagulova F. Transgenerational epigenetic effects imposed by neonicotinoid thiacloprid exposure. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302237. [PMID: 37973188 PMCID: PMC10654101 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids are a widely used class of insecticides that are being applied in agricultural fields. We examined the capacity of a neonicotinoid, thiacloprid (thia), to induce transgenerational effects in male mice. Pregnant outbred Swiss female mice were exposed to thia at embryonic days E6.5-E15.5 using different doses. Testis sections were used for morphology analysis, ELISAs for testosterone level analysis, RT-qPCR and RNA-seq for gene expression analysis, MEDIP-seq and MEDIP-qPCR techniques for DNA methylation analysis, and Western blot for a protein analysis. The number of meiotic double-strand breaks and the number of incomplete synapsed chromosomes were higher in the thia 6-treated group of F3 males. Genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation in spermatozoa revealed that differentially methylated regions were found in all three generations at the promoters of germ cell reprogramming responsive genes and many superenhancers that are normally active in embryonic stem cells, testis, and brain. DNA methylation changes induced by thia exposure during embryonic period are preserved through several generations at important master regulator regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ouzna Dali
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Shereen D'Cruz
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Louis Legoff
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Mariam Diba Lahmidi
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Celine Heitz
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Etienne Merret
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Kernanec
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Farzad Pakdel
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Fatima Smagulova
- University Rennes, EHESP, Inserm, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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21
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Grison S, Braga-Tanaka II, Baatout S, Klokov D. In utero exposure to ionizing radiation and metabolic regulation: perspectives for future multi- and trans-generation effects studies. Int J Radiat Biol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38180060 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2295293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The radiation protection community has been particularly attentive to the risks of delayed effects on offspring from low dose or low dose-rate exposures to ionizing radiation. Despite this, the current epidemiologic studies and scientific data are still insufficient to provide the necessary evidence for improving risk assessment guidelines. This literature review aims to inform future studies on multigenerational and transgenerational effects. It primarily focuses on animal studies involving in utero exposure and discusses crucial elements for interpreting the results. These elements include in utero exposure scenarios relative to the developmental stages of the embryo/fetus, and the primary biological mechanisms responsible for transmitting heritable or hereditary effects to future generations. The review addresses several issues within the contexts of both multigenerational and transgenerational effects, with a focus on hereditary perspectives. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge consolidation in the field of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) has led us to propose a new study strategy. This strategy aims to address the transgenerational effects of in utero exposure to low dose and low dose-rate radiation. Within this concept, there is a possibility that disruption of epigenetic programming in embryonic and fetal cells may occur. This disruption could lead to metabolic dysfunction, which in turn may cause abnormal responses to future environmental challenges, consequently increasing disease risk. Lastly, we discuss methodological limitations in our studies. These limitations are related to cohort size, follow-up time, model radiosensitivity, and analytical techniques. We propose scientific and analytical strategies for future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Grison
- PSE-SANTE, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Ignacia Iii Braga-Tanaka
- Department of Radiobiology, Institute for Environmental Sciences (IES), Rokkasho Kamikita, Aomori, Japan
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Institute of Nuclear Medical Applications, Mol, Belgium
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology (BW25) and Department of Human Structure and Repair (GE38), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dmitry Klokov
- PSE-SANTE, Institut de Radioprotection et de Sûreté Nucléaire, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Department of Microbiology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Gillette R, Gore AC. Invited Perspective: Is DDT's Imprint Here to Stay? ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2024; 132:11304. [PMID: 38294232 PMCID: PMC10829568 DOI: 10.1289/ehp13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Gillette
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Andrea C. Gore
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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23
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Kovalchuk I. Heritable responses to stress in plants. QUANTITATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2023; 4:e15. [PMID: 38156078 PMCID: PMC10753343 DOI: 10.1017/qpb.2023.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Most plants are adapted to their environments through generations of exposure to all elements. The adaptation process involves the best possible response to fluctuations in the environment based on the genetic and epigenetic make-up of the organism. Many plant species have the capacity to acclimate or adapt to certain stresses, allowing them to respond more efficiently, with fewer resources diverted from growth and development. However, plants can also acquire protection against stress across generations. Such a response is known as an intergenerational response to stress; typically, plants lose most of the tolerance in the subsequent generation when propagated without stress. Occasionally, the protection lasts for more than one generation after stress exposure and such a response is called transgenerational. In this review, we will summarize what is known about inter- and transgenerational responses to stress, focus on phenotypic and epigenetic events, their mechanisms and ecological and evolutionary meaning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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24
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Kretschmer M, Fischer V, Gapp K. When Dad's Stress Gets under Kid's Skin-Impacts of Stress on Germline Cargo and Embryonic Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1750. [PMID: 38136621 PMCID: PMC10742275 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that paternal psychological stress contributes to an increased prevalence of neuropsychiatric and metabolic diseases in the progeny. While altered paternal care certainly plays a role in such transmitted disease risk, molecular factors in the germline might additionally be at play in humans. This is supported by findings on changes to the molecular make up of germ cells and suggests an epigenetic component in transmission. Several rodent studies demonstrate the correlation between paternal stress induced changes in epigenetic modifications and offspring phenotypic alterations, yet some intriguing cases also start to show mechanistic links in between sperm and the early embryo. In this review, we summarise efforts to understand the mechanism of intergenerational transmission from sperm to the early embryo. In particular, we highlight how stress alters epigenetic modifications in sperm and discuss the potential for these modifications to propagate modified molecular trajectories in the early embryo to give rise to aberrant phenotypes in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Neuroscience, ETH Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland; (M.K.); (V.F.)
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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25
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Díez-Villanueva A, Martín B, Moratalla-Navarro F, Morón-Duran FD, Galván-Femenía I, Obón-Santacana M, Carreras A, de Cid R, Peinado MA, Moreno V. Identification of intergenerational epigenetic inheritance by whole genome DNA methylation analysis in trios. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21266. [PMID: 38042866 PMCID: PMC10693549 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have identified thousands of loci associated with common diseases and traits. However, a large fraction of heritability remains unexplained. Epigenetic modifications, such as the observed in DNA methylation have been proposed as a mechanism of intergenerational inheritance. To investigate the potential contribution of DNA methylation to the missing heritability, we analysed the methylomes of four healthy trios (two parents and one offspring) using whole genome bisulphite sequencing. Of the 1.5 million CpGs (19%) with over 20% variability between parents in at least one family and compatible with a Mendelian inheritance pattern, only 3488 CpGs (0.2%) lacked correlation with any SNP in the genome, marking them as potential sites for intergenerational epigenetic inheritance. These markers were distributed genome-wide, with some preference to be located in promoters. They displayed a bimodal distribution, being either fully methylated or unmethylated, and were often found at the boundaries of genomic regions with high/low GC content. This analysis provides a starting point for future investigations into the missing heritability of simple and complex traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Díez-Villanueva
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS), Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta Martín
- Germans Trias i Pujol Institute (IGTP), Translational Program in Cancer Research (CARE), Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Ferran Moratalla-Navarro
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS), Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), University of Barcelona, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco D Morón-Duran
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS), Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), University of Barcelona, 08907, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iván Galván-Femenía
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab., Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mireia Obón-Santacana
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS), Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anna Carreras
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab., Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Rafael de Cid
- Genomes for Life-GCAT lab., Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Miguel A Peinado
- Germans Trias i Pujol Institute (IGTP), Translational Program in Cancer Research (CARE), Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Can Ruti Biomedical Campus, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Victor Moreno
- Unit of Biomarkers and Susceptibility (UBS), Oncology Data Analytics Program (ODAP), Catalan Institute of Oncology (ICO), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
- ONCOBELL Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908, Barcelona, Spain.
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029, Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Universitat de Barcelona Institute of Complex Systems (UBICS), University of Barcelona, 08907, Barcelona, Spain.
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26
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Tompkins JD. Transgenerational Epigenetic DNA Methylation Editing and Human Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1684. [PMID: 38136557 PMCID: PMC10742326 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During gestation, maternal (F0), embryonic (F1), and migrating primordial germ cell (F2) genomes can be simultaneously exposed to environmental influences. Accumulating evidence suggests that operating epi- or above the genetic DNA sequence, covalent DNA methylation (DNAme) can be recorded onto DNA in response to environmental insults, some sites which escape normal germline erasure. These appear to intrinsically regulate future disease propensity, even transgenerationally. Thus, an organism's genome can undergo epigenetic adjustment based on environmental influences experienced by prior generations. During the earliest stages of mammalian development, the three-dimensional presentation of the genome is dramatically changed, and DNAme is removed genome wide. Why, then, do some pathological DNAme patterns appear to be heritable? Are these correctable? In the following sections, I review concepts of transgenerational epigenetics and recent work towards programming transgenerational DNAme. A framework for editing heritable DNAme and challenges are discussed, and ethics in human research is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Tompkins
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Arthur Riggs Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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27
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Tando Y, Matsui Y. Inheritance of environment-induced phenotypic changes through epigenetic mechanisms. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2023; 9:dvad008. [PMID: 38094661 PMCID: PMC10719065 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvad008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic changes through various parental environmental factors alter the phenotypes of descendants in various organisms. Environmental factors, including exposure to chemicals, stress and abnormal nutrition, affect the epigenome in parental germ cells by different epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modification as well as small RNAs via metabolites. Some current remaining questions are the causal relationship between environment-induced epigenetic changes in germ cells and altered phenotypes of descendants, and the molecular basis of how the abnormal epigenetic changes escape reprogramming in germ cells. In this review, we introduce representative examples of intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance of phenotypic changes through parental environmental factors and the accompanied epigenetic and metabolic changes, with a focus on animal species. We also discuss the molecular mechanisms of epigenomic inheritance and their possible biological significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Tando
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Matsui
- Cell Resource Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
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28
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Golding MC. Teratogenesis and the epigenetic programming of congenital defects: Why paternal exposures matter. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:1825-1834. [PMID: 37424262 PMCID: PMC10774456 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Until recently, clinicians and researchers did not realize paternal exposures could impact child developmental outcomes. Indeed, although there is growing recognition that sperm carry a large amount of non-genomic information and that paternal stressors influence the health of the next generation, toxicologists are only now beginning to explore the role paternal exposures have in dysgenesis and the incidence of congenital malformations. In this commentary, I will briefly summarize the few studies describing congenital malformations resulting from preconception paternal stressors, argue for the theoretical expansion of teratogenic perspectives into the male preconception period, and discuss some of the challenges in this newly emerging branch of toxicology. I argue that we must consider gametes the same as any other malleable precursor cell type and recognize that environmentally-induced epigenetic changes acquired during the formation of the sperm and oocyte hold equal teratogenic potential as exposures during early development. Here, I propose the term epiteratogen to reference agents acting outside of pregnancy that, through epigenetic mechanisms, induce congenital malformations. Understanding the interactions between the environment, the essential epigenetic processes intrinsic to spermatogenesis, and their cumulative influences on embryo patterning is essential to addressing a significant blind spot in the field of developmental toxicology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Golding
- Department of Veterinary Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, 77843
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29
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Sasaki-Honda M, Akatsuka K, Sawai T. Is epigenome editing non-inheritable? Implications for ethics and the regulation of human applications. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2005-2009. [PMID: 37922912 PMCID: PMC10679648 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenome editing offers ethical advantages with non-inheritable gene expression control. However, concerns arise regarding potential transgenerational effects in humans. Ethical and regulatory evaluation is crucial, considering recent advancements and enhanced understanding of transgenerational epigenetics in both mammals and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Sasaki-Honda
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology of Cantabria, CSIC/Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
| | - Kyoko Akatsuka
- Uehiro Research Division for iPS Cell Ethics, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Sawai
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan; Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Centre for Biomedical Ethics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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30
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Crisóstomo L, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. A systematic scientometric review of paternal inheritance of acquired metabolic traits. BMC Biol 2023; 21:255. [PMID: 37953286 PMCID: PMC10641967 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01744-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concept of the inheritance of acquired traits, a foundational principle of Lamarck's evolutionary theory, has garnered renewed attention in recent years. Evidence for this phenomenon remained limited for decades but gained prominence with the Överkalix cohort study in 2002. This study revealed a link between cardiovascular disease incidence and the food availability experienced by individuals' grandparents during their slow growth periods, reigniting interest in the inheritance of acquired traits, particularly in the context of non-communicable diseases. This scientometric analysis and systematic review comprehensively explores the current landscape of paternally transmitted acquired metabolic traits. RESULTS Utilizing Scopus Advanced search and meticulous screening, we included mammalian studies that document the inheritance or modification of metabolic traits in subsequent generations of unexposed descendants. Our inclusive criteria encompass intergenerational and transgenerational studies, as well as multigenerational exposures. Predominantly, this field has been driven by a select group of researchers, potentially shaping the design and focus of existing studies. Consequently, the literature primarily comprises transgenerational rodent investigations into the effects of ancestral exposure to environmental pollutants on sperm DNA methylation. The complexity and volume of data often lead to multiple or redundant publications. This practice, while understandable, may obscure the true extent of the impact of ancestral exposures on the health of non-exposed descendants. In addition to DNA methylation, studies have illuminated the role of sperm RNAs and histone marks in paternally acquired metabolic disorders, expanding our understanding of the mechanisms underlying epigenetic inheritance. CONCLUSIONS This review serves as a comprehensive resource, shedding light on the current state of research in this critical area of science, and underscores the need for continued exploration to uncover the full spectrum of paternally mediated metabolic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Crisóstomo
- Departmento de Anatomia, UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- MediCity Research Laboratory, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- LAQV-REQUIMTE and Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Departmento de Anatomia, UMIB - Unidade Multidisciplinar de Investigação Biomédica, ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade Do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
- Institute of Biomedicine - iBiMED and Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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31
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Rich MT, Swinford-Jackson SE, Pierce RC. Epigenetic inheritance of phenotypes associated with parental exposure to cocaine. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:169-216. [PMID: 38467481 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Parental exposure to drugs of abuse induces changes in the germline that can be transmitted across subsequent generations, resulting in enduring effects on gene expression and behavior. This transgenerational inheritance involves a dynamic interplay of environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors that impact an individual's vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. This chapter aims to summarize recent research into the mechanisms underlying the inheritance of gene expression and phenotypic patterns associated with exposure to drugs of abuse, with an emphasis on cocaine. We will first define the epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, and expression of non-coding RNAs that are impacted by parental cocaine use. We will then explore how parental cocaine use induces heritable epigenetic changes that are linked to alterations in neural circuitry and synaptic plasticity within reward-related circuits, ultimately giving rise to potential behavioral vulnerabilities. This discussion will consider phenotypic differences associated with gestational as well as both maternal and paternal preconception drug exposure and will emphasize differences based on offspring sex. In this context, we explore the complex interactions between genetics, epigenetics, environment, and biological sex. Overall, this chapter consolidates the latest developments in the multigenerational effects and long-term consequences of parental substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T Rich
- Brain Health Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States.
| | - Sarah E Swinford-Jackson
- Brain Health Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - R Christopher Pierce
- Brain Health Institute and Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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32
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Ju X, Wang Z, Cai D, Bello SF, Nie Q. DNA methylation in poultry: a review. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2023; 14:138. [PMID: 37925454 PMCID: PMC10625706 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-023-00939-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As an important epigenetic modification, DNA methylation is involved in many biological processes such as animal cell differentiation, embryonic development, genomic imprinting and sex chromosome inactivation. As DNA methylation sequencing becomes more sophisticated, it becomes possible to use it to solve more zoological problems. This paper reviews the characteristics of DNA methylation, with emphasis on the research and application of DNA methylation in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Ju
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Zhijun Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Agriculture and Forestry University, 666 Wusu Road, Lin'an, 311300, China
| | - Danfeng Cai
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Semiu Folaniyi Bello
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China
| | - Qinghua Nie
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, Lingnan Guangdong Laboratory of Agriculture, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding and Key Lab of Chicken Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510642, China.
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Battaglia M, Rossignol O, Lorenzo LE, Deguire J, Godin AG, D’Amato FR, De Koninck Y. Enhanced harm detection following maternal separation: Transgenerational transmission and reversibility by inhaled amiloride. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi8750. [PMID: 37792939 PMCID: PMC10550232 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi8750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversities are associated with altered defensive responses. Here, we demonstrate that the repeated cross-fostering (RCF) paradigm of early maternal separation is associated with enhancements of distinct homeostatic reactions: hyperventilation in response to hypercapnia and nociceptive sensitivity, among the first generation of RCF-exposed animals, as well as among two successive generations of their normally reared offspring, through matrilineal transmission. Parallel enhancements of acid-sensing ion channel 1 (ASIC1), ASIC2, and ASIC3 messenger RNA transcripts were detected transgenerationally in central neurons, in the medulla oblongata, and in periaqueductal gray matter of RCF-lineage animals. A single, nebulized dose of the ASIC-antagonist amiloride renormalized respiratory and nociceptive responsiveness across the entire RCF lineage. These findings reveal how, following an early-life adversity, a biological memory reducible to a molecular sensor unfolds, shaping adaptation mechanisms over three generations. Our findings are entwined with multiple correlates of human anxiety and pain conditions and suggest nebulized amiloride as a therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Battaglia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Child Youth and Emerging Adult Programme, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Orlane Rossignol
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Louis-Etienne Lorenzo
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jasmin Deguire
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Antoine G. Godin
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Francesca R. D’Amato
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Yves De Koninck
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Québec Mental Health Institute, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
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Lv X, Li Y, Chen W, Wang S, Cao X, Yuan Z, Getachew T, Mwacharo J, Haile A, Li Y, Sun W. Association between DNA Methylation in the Core Promoter Region of the CUT-like Homeobox 1 ( CUX1) Gene and Lambskin Pattern in Hu Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1873. [PMID: 37895221 PMCID: PMC10606103 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
CUT-like homeobox 1 (CUX1) has been proven to be a key regulator in sheep hair follicle development. In our previous study, CUX1 was identified as a differential expressed gene between Hu sheep lambskin with small wave patterns (SM) and straight wool patterns (ST); however, the exact molecular mechanism of CUX1 expression has been obscure. As DNA methylation can regulate the gene expression, the potential association between CUX1 core promotor region methylation and lambskin pattern in Hu sheep was explored in the present study. The results show that the core promoter region of CUX1 was present at (-1601-(-1) bp) upstream of the transcription start site. A repressive region (-1151-(-751) bp) was also detected, which had a strong inhibitory effect on CUX1 promoter activity. Bisulfite amplicon sequencing revealed that no significant difference was detected between the methylation levels of CUX1 core promoter region in SM tissues and ST tissues. Although the data demonstrated the differential expression of CUX1 between SM and ST probably has no association with DNA methylation, the identification of the core region and a potential repressive region of CUX1 promoter can enrich the role of CUX1 in Hu sheep hair follicle development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Lv
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yue Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Station, Zhuba Street, Hongze District, Huai’an 223100, China
| | - Weihao Chen
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Shanhe Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiukai Cao
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zehu Yuan
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Tesfaye Getachew
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia
| | - Joram Mwacharo
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia
| | - Aynalem Haile
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Addis Ababa 999047, Ethiopia
| | - Yutao Li
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 306 Carmody Rd., Saint Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia;
| | - Wei Sun
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- “Innovative China” “Belt and Road” International Agricultural Technology Innovation Institute for Evaluation, Protection, and Improvement on Sheep Genetic Resource, Yangzhou 225009, China
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Hadziselimovic F, Verkauskas G, Stadler MB. Epigenetics, cryptorchidism, and infertility. Basic Clin Androl 2023; 33:24. [PMID: 37730534 PMCID: PMC10512650 DOI: 10.1186/s12610-023-00199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptorchid boys with defective mini-puberty and impaired differentiation of Ad spermatogonia (high infertility risk) have altered expression of several genes encoding histone methyltransferases compared to patients with intact differentiation of gonocytes into Ad spermatogonia (low infertility risk). RESULTS High infertility risk cryptorchid boys display hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which, together with the diminished expression of histone deacetylases and increased expression of HDAC8 decrotonylase, indicates altered histone marks and, thus, a perturbed histone code. Curative GnRHa treatment induces normalization of histone methyltransferase, chromatin remodeling, and histone deacetylase gene expression. As a result, histone changes induce differentiation of Ad spermatogonia from their precursors and, thus, fertility. In this short report, we describe key functions of histone lysine methyltransferases, chromatin remodeling proteins, and long-noncoding RNAs, and discuss their potential roles in processes leading to infertility. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms are critical to better understanding the root causes underlying male infertility related to cryptorchidism and its possible transgenerational transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faruk Hadziselimovic
- Cryptorchidism Research Institute, Children’s Day Care Center, 4410 Liestal, Switzerland
| | - Gilvydas Verkauskas
- Children’s Surgery Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, 01513 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Michael B. Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
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Champroux A, Yang T, Dickson DA, Meng A, Harrington A, Liaw L, Marzi M, Nicassio F, Schlaeger TM, Feig LA. Preimplantation Embryos Amplify Stress-Induced Changes in Sperm-Derived miRNA Content to Mediate Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.21.537854. [PMID: 37786715 PMCID: PMC10541588 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.21.537854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronically stressing male mice can alter the behavior of their offspring across generations. This effect is thought to be mediated by stress-induced changes in the content of specific sperm miRNAs that modify embryo development after their delivery to oocytes at fertilization. A major problem with this hypothesis is that the levels of mouse sperm miRNAs are much lower than those present in preimplantation embryos. This makes it unclear how embryos could be significantly impacted without an amplification system to magnify changes in sperm miRNA content, like those present in lower organisms where transgenerational epigenetic inheritance is well established. Here, we describe such a system for Chronic Social Instability (CSI) stress that can explain how it reduces the levels of the miR-34b,c/449a,b family of miRNAs not only in sperm of exposed males but also in preimplantation embryos ( PIEs ) derived from their mating, as well as in sperm of male offspring. Sperm-derived miR-34c normally positively regulates expression of its own gene and that of miR-449 in PIEs. This feed forward, auto-amplification process is suppressed when CSI stress reduces sperm miR-34c levels. Its suppression is important for the transmission of traits to offspring because restoring miR-34c levels in PIEs from CSI stressed males, which also restores levels of miR-449 in them, suppresses elements of elevated anxiety and defective sociability normally found specifically in their female offspring, as well as reduced sperm miR-34 and miR-449 levels normally found in male offspring, who pass on these traits to their offspring. We previously published that the content of sperm miR-34/449 is also reduced in men raised in highly abusive and/or dysfunctional families. We show here that a similar miRNA auto-amplification system functions in human embryonic stem cells. This raises the possibility that PIEs in offspring of these men also display reduced levels of miR-34/449, enhancing the potential translational significance of these studies.
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37
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Lee SC, Adams DW, Ipsaro JJ, Cahn J, Lynn J, Kim HS, Berube B, Major V, Calarco JP, LeBlanc C, Bhattacharjee S, Ramu U, Grimanelli D, Jacob Y, Voigt P, Joshua-Tor L, Martienssen RA. Chromatin remodeling of histone H3 variants by DDM1 underlies epigenetic inheritance of DNA methylation. Cell 2023; 186:4100-4116.e15. [PMID: 37643610 PMCID: PMC10529913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Nucleosomes block access to DNA methyltransferase, unless they are remodeled by DECREASE in DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1LSH/HELLS), a Snf2-like master regulator of epigenetic inheritance. We show that DDM1 promotes replacement of histone variant H3.3 by H3.1. In ddm1 mutants, DNA methylation is partly restored by loss of the H3.3 chaperone HIRA, while the H3.1 chaperone CAF-1 becomes essential. The single-particle cryo-EM structure at 3.2 Å of DDM1 with a variant nucleosome reveals engagement with histone H3.3 near residues required for assembly and with the unmodified H4 tail. An N-terminal autoinhibitory domain inhibits activity, while a disulfide bond in the helicase domain supports activity. DDM1 co-localizes with H3.1 and H3.3 during the cell cycle, and with the DNA methyltransferase MET1Dnmt1, but is blocked by H4K16 acetylation. The male germline H3.3 variant MGH3/HTR10 is resistant to remodeling by DDM1 and acts as a placeholder nucleosome in sperm cells for epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Cho Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Dexter W Adams
- W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jonathan J Ipsaro
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jonathan Cahn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jason Lynn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Benjamin Berube
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, 1 Bungtown Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Viktoria Major
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Joseph P Calarco
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences, 1 Bungtown Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Chantal LeBlanc
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Sonali Bhattacharjee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Umamaheswari Ramu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Daniel Grimanelli
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, 911Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpelier, France
| | - Yannick Jacob
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Leemor Joshua-Tor
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
| | - Robert A Martienssen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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Benetatos L, Vartholomatos G. Embryonic transcription and epigenetics: root of the evil. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1830-1833. [PMID: 37330916 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00937-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Benetatos
- Hematology Unit, Preveza General Hospital, Selefkias 2, 48100, Preveza, Greece.
| | - George Vartholomatos
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Ioannina University Hospital, Niarchos Ave, 45100, Ioannina, Greece
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Samuel BER, Maina TW, McGill JL. Subcutaneous Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Administration Induces Innate Training in Monocytes in Preweaned Holstein Calves. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:626-634. [PMID: 37737907 PMCID: PMC10587498 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, administered to prevent tuberculosis, is a well-studied inducer of trained immunity in human and mouse monocytes. We have previously demonstrated that aerosol BCG administration induces innate training in calves. The current study aimed to determine whether s.c. BCG administration could induce innate training, identify the cell type involved, and determine whether innate training promoted resistance to bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) infection, a major cause of bovine respiratory disease in preweaned calves. A total of 24 calves were enrolled at 1-3 d of age and blocked by age into two treatment groups (BCG, n = 12; control, n = 12). BCG was given s.c. to preweaned calves. The control calves received PBS. We observed a trained phenotype, demonstrated by enhanced cytokine production in response to in vitro stimulation with LPS (TLR-4 agonist) in PBMCs and CD14+ monocytes from the BCG group 2 wk (IL-1β, p = 0.002) and 4 wk (IL-1β, p = 0.005; IL-6, p = 0.013) after BCG administration, respectively. Calves were experimentally infected via aerosol inoculation with BRSV strain 375 at 5 wk after BCG administration and necropsied on day 8 postinfection. There were no differences in disease manifestation between the treatment groups. Restimulation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cells isolated on day 8 after BRSV infection revealed enhanced IL-1β (p = 0.014) and IL-6 (p = 0.010) production by the BCG group compared with controls. In conclusion, results from our study show that s.c. administration of the BCG vaccine can induce trained immunity in bovine monocytes and influence cytokine production in the lung environment after BRSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beulah E. R. Samuel
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | | | - Jodi L. McGill
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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40
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Liu R, Zhao E, Yu H, Yuan C, Abbas MN, Cui H. Methylation across the central dogma in health and diseases: new therapeutic strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:310. [PMID: 37620312 PMCID: PMC10449936 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01528-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The proper transfer of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein is essential for cell-fate control, development, and health. Methylation of DNA, RNAs, histones, and non-histone proteins is a reversible post-synthesis modification that finetunes gene expression and function in diverse physiological processes. Aberrant methylation caused by genetic mutations or environmental stimuli promotes various diseases and accelerates aging, necessitating the development of therapies to correct the disease-driver methylation imbalance. In this Review, we summarize the operating system of methylation across the central dogma, which includes writers, erasers, readers, and reader-independent outputs. We then discuss how dysregulation of the system contributes to neurological disorders, cancer, and aging. Current small-molecule compounds that target the modifiers show modest success in certain cancers. The methylome-wide action and lack of specificity lead to undesirable biological effects and cytotoxicity, limiting their therapeutic application, especially for diseases with a monogenic cause or different directions of methylation changes. Emerging tools capable of site-specific methylation manipulation hold great promise to solve this dilemma. With the refinement of delivery vehicles, these new tools are well positioned to advance the basic research and clinical translation of the methylation field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Erhu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Huijuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Muhammad Nadeem Abbas
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Resource Insects, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, 401329, China.
- Chongqing Engineering and Technology Research Center for Silk Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine, Chongqing, 400716, China.
- Engineering Research Center for Cancer Biomedical and Translational Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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41
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Lee SC, Adams DW, Ipsaro JJ, Cahn J, Lynn J, Kim HS, Berube B, Major V, Calarco JP, LeBlanc C, Bhattacharjee S, Ramu U, Grimanelli D, Jacob Y, Voigt P, Joshua-Tor L, Martienssen RA. Chromatin remodeling of histone H3 variants underlies epigenetic inheritance of DNA methylation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.11.548598. [PMID: 37503143 PMCID: PMC10369972 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.11.548598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic inheritance refers to the faithful replication of DNA methylation and histone modification independent of DNA sequence. Nucleosomes block access to DNA methyltransferases, unless they are remodeled by DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION1 (DDM1 Lsh/HELLS ), a Snf2-like master regulator of epigenetic inheritance. We show that DDM1 activity results in replacement of the transcriptional histone variant H3.3 for the replicative variant H3.1 during the cell cycle. In ddm1 mutants, DNA methylation can be restored by loss of the H3.3 chaperone HIRA, while the H3.1 chaperone CAF-1 becomes essential. The single-particle cryo-EM structure at 3.2 Å of DDM1 with a variant nucleosome reveals direct engagement at SHL2 with histone H3.3 at or near variant residues required for assembly, as well as with the deacetylated H4 tail. An N-terminal autoinhibitory domain binds H2A variants to allow remodeling, while a disulfide bond in the helicase domain is essential for activity in vivo and in vitro . We show that differential remodeling of H3 and H2A variants in vitro reflects preferential deposition in vivo . DDM1 co-localizes with H3.1 and H3.3 during the cell cycle, and with the DNA methyltransferase MET1 Dnmt1 . DDM1 localization to the chromosome is blocked by H4K16 acetylation, which accumulates at DDM1 targets in ddm1 mutants, as does the sperm cell specific H3.3 variant MGH3 in pollen, which acts as a placeholder nucleosome in the germline and contributes to epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Cho Lee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Dexter W. Adams
- W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University; Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jonathan J. Ipsaro
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jonathan Cahn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Jason Lynn
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Hyun-Soo Kim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Benjamin Berube
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences; 1 Bungtown Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Viktoria Major
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph P. Calarco
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory School of Biological Sciences; 1 Bungtown Rd, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Chantal LeBlanc
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University; 260 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Sonali Bhattacharjee
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Umamaheswari Ramu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Daniel Grimanelli
- Institut de Recherche pour le Développement; 911 Avenue Agropolis, 34394 Montpellier, France
| | - Yannick Jacob
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Present address: Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yale University; 260 Whitney Ave., New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Philipp Voigt
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh; Edinburgh EH9 3BF, United Kingdom
- Present address: Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute; Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Leemor Joshua-Tor
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- W. M. Keck Structural Biology Laboratory, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Robert A. Martienssen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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42
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Wu X, Wu X, Xie W. Activation, decommissioning, and dememorization: enhancers in a life cycle. Trends Biochem Sci 2023; 48:673-688. [PMID: 37221124 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Spatiotemporal regulation of cell type-specific gene expression is essential to convert a zygote into a complex organism that contains hundreds of distinct cell types. A class of cis-regulatory elements called enhancers, which have the potential to enhance target gene transcription, are crucial for precise gene expression programs during development. Following decades of research, many enhancers have been discovered and how enhancers become activated has been extensively studied. However, the mechanisms underlying enhancer silencing are less well understood. We review current understanding of enhancer decommissioning and dememorization, both of which enable enhancer silencing. We highlight recent progress from genome-wide perspectives that have revealed the life cycle of enhancers and how its dynamic regulation underlies cell fate transition, development, cell regeneration, and epigenetic reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
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43
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Knott MML, Rechavi O. Transgenerational inheritance of engineered cytosine methylation in mice. Cell Res 2023; 33:489-490. [PMID: 37012411 PMCID: PMC10313680 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00799-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian M L Knott
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Oded Rechavi
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences & Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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44
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Senner CE, Dong Z, Prater M, Branco MR, Watson ED. One-carbon metabolism is required for epigenetic stability in the mouse placenta. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209928. [PMID: 37440923 PMCID: PMC10333575 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
One-carbon metabolism, including the folate cycle, has a crucial role in fetal development though its molecular function is complex and unclear. The hypomorphic Mtrr gt allele is known to disrupt one-carbon metabolism, and thus methyl group availability, leading to several developmental phenotypes (e.g., neural tube closure defects, fetal growth anomalies). Remarkably, previous studies showed that some of the phenotypes were transgenerationally inherited. Here, we explored the genome-wide epigenetic impact of one-carbon metabolism in placentas associated with fetal growth phenotypes and determined whether specific DNA methylation changes were inherited. Firstly, methylome analysis of Mtrr gt/gt homozygous placentas revealed genome-wide epigenetic instability. Several differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified including at the Cxcl1 gene promoter and at the En2 gene locus, which may have phenotypic implications. Importantly, we discovered hypomethylation and ectopic expression of a subset of ERV elements throughout the genome of Mtrr gt/gt placentas with broad implications for genomic stability. Next, we determined that known spermatozoan DMRs in Mtrr gt/gt males were reprogrammed in the placenta with little evidence of direct or transgenerational germline DMR inheritance. However, some spermatozoan DMRs were associated with placental gene misexpression despite normalisation of DNA methylation, suggesting the inheritance of an alternative epigenetic mechanism. Integration of published wildtype histone ChIP-seq datasets with Mtrr gt/gt spermatozoan methylome and placental transcriptome datasets point towards H3K4me3 deposition at key loci. These data suggest that histone modifications might play a role in epigenetic inheritance in this context. Overall, this study sheds light on the mechanistic complexities of one-carbon metabolism in development and epigenetic inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Senner
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Dong
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Malwina Prater
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel R. Branco
- Centre for Genomics and Child Health, Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Erica D. Watson
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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45
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Tompkins J, Lizhar E, Shokrani A, Wu X, Berley J, Kamali D, Hussey D, Cerneckis J, Kang TH, Wang J, Tsark W, Zeng D, Godatha S, Natarajan R, Riggs A. Engineering CpG island DNA methylation in pluripotent cells through synthetic CpG-free ssDNA insertion. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100465. [PMID: 37323577 PMCID: PMC10261899 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cellular differentiation requires global changes to DNA methylation (DNAme), where it functions to regulate transcription factor, chromatin remodeling activity, and genome interpretation. Here, we describe a simple DNAme engineering approach in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) that stably extends DNAme across target CpG islands (CGIs). Integration of synthetic CpG-free single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) induces a target CpG island methylation response (CIMR) in multiple PSC lines, Nt2d1 embryonal carcinoma cells, and mouse PSCs but not in highly methylated CpG island hypermethylator phenotype (CIMP)+ cancer lines. MLH1 CIMR DNAme spanned the CGI, was precisely maintained through cellular differentiation, suppressed MLH1 expression, and sensitized derived cardiomyocytes and thymic epithelial cells to cisplatin. Guidelines for CIMR editing are provided, and initial CIMR DNAme is characterized at TP53 and ONECUT1 CGIs. Collectively, this resource facilitates CpG island DNAme engineering in pluripotency and the genesis of novel epigenetic models of development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Tompkins
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Elizabeth Lizhar
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Alireza Shokrani
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jordan Berley
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Diba Kamali
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Deborah Hussey
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jonas Cerneckis
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Tae Hyuk Kang
- Integrative Genomics Core, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Integrative Genomics Core, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Walter Tsark
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Defu Zeng
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Swetha Godatha
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Rama Natarajan
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arthur Riggs
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Diabetes and Metabolism Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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46
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Horsthemke B, Bird A. Loss of CpG island immunity to DNA methylation induced by mutation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:17. [PMID: 37170330 PMCID: PMC10173581 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00488-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The inheritance of acquired traits in mammals is a highly controversial topic in biology. Recently, Takahashi et al. (Cell 186:715-731, 2023) have reported that insertion of CpG-free DNA into a CpG island (CGI) can induce DNA methylation of the CGI and that this aberrant methylation pattern can be transmitted across generations, even after removal of the foreign DNA. These results were interpreted as evidence for transgenerational inheritance of acquired DNA methylation patterns. Here, we discuss several interpretational issues raised by this study and consider alternative explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard Horsthemke
- Institut Für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - Adrian Bird
- Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
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47
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Sarkar G, Greer EL. Inheritance of directed DNA cytosine methylation in mammals. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:105-107. [PMID: 37072617 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01158-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Sarkar
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Eric Lieberman Greer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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48
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Lismer A, Kimmins S. Emerging evidence that the mammalian sperm epigenome serves as a template for embryo development. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2142. [PMID: 37059740 PMCID: PMC10104880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37820-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Although more studies are demonstrating that a father's environment can influence child health and disease, the molecular mechanisms underlying non-genetic inheritance remain unclear. It was previously thought that sperm exclusively contributed its genome to the egg. More recently, association studies have shown that various environmental exposures including poor diet, toxicants, and stress, perturbed epigenetic marks in sperm at important reproductive and developmental loci that were associated with offspring phenotypes. The molecular and cellular routes that underlie how epigenetic marks are transmitted at fertilization, to resist epigenetic reprogramming in the embryo, and drive phenotypic changes are only now beginning to be unraveled. Here, we provide an overview of the state of the field of intergenerational paternal epigenetic inheritance in mammals and present new insights into the relationship between embryo development and the three pillars of epigenetic inheritance: chromatin, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. We evaluate compelling evidence of sperm-mediated transmission and retention of paternal epigenetic marks in the embryo. Using landmark examples, we discuss how sperm-inherited regions may escape reprogramming to impact development via mechanisms that implicate transcription factors, chromatin organization, and transposable elements. Finally, we link paternally transmitted epigenetic marks to functional changes in the pre- and post-implantation embryo. Understanding how sperm-inherited epigenetic factors influence embryo development will permit a greater understanding related to the developmental origins of health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Lismer
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Sarah Kimmins
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada.
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49
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González-Rodríguez P, Füllgrabe J, Joseph B. The hunger strikes back: an epigenetic memory for autophagy. Cell Death Differ 2023:10.1038/s41418-023-01159-4. [PMID: 37031275 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Historical and demographical human cohorts of populations exposed to famine, as well as animal studies, revealed that exposure to food deprivation is associated to lasting health-related effects for the exposed individuals, as well as transgenerational effects in their offspring that affect their diseases' risk and overall longevity. Autophagy, an evolutionary conserved catabolic process, serves as cellular response to cope with nutrient starvation, allowing the mobilization of an internal source of stored nutrients and the production of energy. We review the evidence obtained in multiple model organisms that support the idea that autophagy induction, including through dietary regimes based on reduced food intake, is in fact associated to improved health span and extended lifespan. Thereafter, we expose autophagy-induced chromatin remodeling, such as DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications that are known heritable epigenetic marks, as a plausible mechanism for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of hunger.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia González-Rodríguez
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jens Füllgrabe
- Cambridge Epigenetix Ltd, The Trinity Building, Chesterford Research Park, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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50
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Burgess DJ. Engineering transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:209. [PMID: 36854803 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00591-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
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