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Girotti M, Bulin SE, Carreno FR. Effects of chronic stress on cognitive function - From neurobiology to intervention. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 33:100670. [PMID: 39295772 PMCID: PMC11407068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 08/30/2024] [Accepted: 09/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to chronic stress contributes considerably to the development of cognitive impairments in psychiatric disorders such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addictive behavior. Unfortunately, unlike mood-related symptoms, cognitive impairments are not effectively treated by available therapies, a situation in part resulting from a still incomplete knowledge of the neurobiological substrates that underly cognitive domains and the difficulty in generating interventions that are both efficacious and safe. In this review, we will present an overview of the cognitive domains affected by stress with a specific focus on cognitive flexibility, behavioral inhibition, and working memory. We will then consider the effects of stress on neuronal correlates of cognitive function and the factors which may modulate the interaction of stress and cognition. Finally, we will discuss intervention strategies for treatment of stress-related disorders and gaps in knowledge with emerging new treatments under development. Understanding how cognitive impairment occurs during exposure to chronic stress is crucial to make progress towards the development of new and effective therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Girotti
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Sarah E Bulin
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Flavia R Carreno
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, UT Health San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr., San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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Paes T, Feelders RA, Hofland LJ. Epigenetic Mechanisms Modulated by Glucocorticoids With a Focus on Cushing Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1424-e1433. [PMID: 38517306 PMCID: PMC11099489 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
In Cushing syndrome (CS), prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels results in a wide range of devastating effects causing multisystem morbidity. Despite the efficacy of treatment leading to disease remission and clinical improvement, hypercortisolism-induced complications may persist. Since glucocorticoids use the epigenetic machinery as a mechanism of action to modulate gene expression, the persistence of some comorbidities may be mediated by hypercortisolism-induced long-lasting epigenetic changes. Additionally, glucocorticoids influence microRNA expression, which is an important epigenetic regulator as it modulates gene expression without changing the DNA sequence. Evidence suggests that chronically elevated glucocorticoid levels may induce aberrant microRNA expression which may impact several cellular processes resulting in cardiometabolic disorders. The present article reviews the evidence on epigenetic changes induced by (long-term) glucocorticoid exposure. Key aspects of some glucocorticoid-target genes and their implications in the context of CS are described. Lastly, the effects of epigenetic drugs influencing glucocorticoid effects are discussed for their ability to be potentially used as adjunctive therapy in CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ticiana Paes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston 02115, MA, USA
| | - Richard A Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Mosse IB, Sedlyar NG, Mosse KA, Kilchevsky AV. DNA methylation differences in genes associated with human personal disorders and deviant behavior. AIMS Neurosci 2024; 11:39-48. [PMID: 38617039 PMCID: PMC11007406 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2024003] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is involved in the progression of mental disorders, including deviant behavior, brain developmental, and personality disorders. The large number of genes has been studied for their activity association with stress and depression; however, the obtained results for the majority of these genes are contradictory. The aim of our study was to investigate the possible contribution of methylation level changes to the development of personality disorders and deviant behavior. A systematic study of CpG Islands in 21 target regions, including the promoter and intron regions of the 12 genes was performed in DNA samples extracted from peripheral blood cells, to obtain an overview of their methylation status. High-throughput sequencing of converted DNA samples was performed and calling of the methylation sites on the "original top strand" in CpG islands was carried out in the Bismark pipeline. The initial methylation profile of 77 patients and 48 controls samples revealed a significant difference in 7 CpG sites in 6 genes. The most significant hypermethylation was found for the target sites of the HTR2A (p-value = 1.2 × 10-13) and OXTR (p-value = 2.3 × 10-7) genes. These data support the previous reports that alterations in DNA methylation may play an important role in the dysregulation of gene expression associated with personality disorders and deviant behavior, and confirm their potential use as biomarkers to improve thediagnosis, prognosis, and assessment of response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. B. Mosse
- Laboratory of Human Genetics, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Minsk, Republic of Belarus
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Gazorpak M, Hugentobler KM, Paul D, Germain PL, Kretschmer M, Ivanova I, Frei S, Mathis K, Rudolf R, Mompart Barrenechea S, Fischer V, Xue X, Ptaszek AL, Holzinger J, Privitera M, Hierlemann A, Meijer OC, Konrat R, Carreira EM, Bohacek J, Gapp K. Harnessing PROTAC technology to combat stress hormone receptor activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8177. [PMID: 38071198 PMCID: PMC10710461 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44031-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Counteracting the overactivation of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) is an important therapeutic goal in stress-related psychiatry and beyond. The only clinically approved GR antagonist lacks selectivity and induces unwanted side effects. To complement existing tools of small-molecule-based inhibitors, we present a highly potent, catalytically-driven GR degrader, KH-103, based on proteolysis-targeting chimera technology. This selective degrader enables immediate and reversible GR depletion that is independent of genetic manipulation and circumvents transcriptional adaptations to inhibition. KH-103 achieves passive inhibition, preventing agonistic induction of gene expression, and significantly averts the GR's genomic effects compared to two currently available inhibitors. Application in primary-neuron cultures revealed the dependency of a glucocorticoid-induced increase in spontaneous calcium activity on GR. Finally, we present a proof of concept for application in vivo. KH-103 opens opportunities for a more lucid interpretation of GR functions with translational potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Gazorpak
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Karina M Hugentobler
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Paul
- Lab of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Lab of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Computational Neurogenomics, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Iryna Ivanova
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Selina Frei
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Kei Mathis
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Remo Rudolf
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Mompart Barrenechea
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaohan Xue
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra L Ptaszek
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for High-Content Structural Biology and Biotechnology, Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Structural and Computational Biology, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Julian Holzinger
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for High-Content Structural Biology and Biotechnology, Max Perutz Laboratories, Department of Structural and Computational Biology, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattia Privitera
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Hierlemann
- Bio Engineering Laboratory, Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4056, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300, RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Robert Konrat
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, University of Vienna, Campus Vienna Biocenter 5, 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erick M Carreira
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Bohacek
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, ETH Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zürich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Fischer V, Kretschmer M, Germain PL, Kaur J, Mompart-Barrenechea S, Pelczar P, Schürmann D, Schär P, Gapp K. Sperm chromatin accessibility's involvement in the intergenerational effects of stress hormone receptor activation. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:378. [PMID: 38065942 PMCID: PMC10709351 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dexamethasone is a stress hormone receptor agonist used widely in clinics. We and others previously showed that paternal administration of dexamethasone in mice affects the phenotype of their offspring. The substrate of intergenerational transmission of environmentally induced effects often involves changes in sperm RNA, yet other epigenetic modifications in the germline can be affected and are also plausible candidates. First, we tested the involvement of altered sperm RNAs in the transmission of dexamethasone induced phenotypes across generations. We did this by injecting sperm RNA into naïve fertilized oocytes, before performing metabolic and behavioral phenotyping of the offspring. We observed phenotypic changes in discordance with those found in offspring generated by in vitro fertilization using sperm from dexamethasone exposed males. Second, we investigated the effect of dexamethasone on chromatin accessibility using ATAC sequencing and found significant changes at specific genomic features and gene regulatory loci. Employing q-RT-PCR, we show altered expression of a gene in the tissue of offspring affected by accessibility changes in sperm. Third, we establish a correlation between specific DNA modifications and stress hormone receptor activity as a likely contributing factor influencing sperm accessibility. Finally, we independently investigated this dependency by genetically reducing thymine-DNA glycosylase levels and observing concomitant changes at the level of chromatin accessibility and stress hormone receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Fischer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Kretschmer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Luc Germain
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Computational Neurogenomics, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Science and Technology, Zürich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Statistical Bioinformatics, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmine Kaur
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Mompart-Barrenechea
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Pawel Pelczar
- Center for Transgenic Models, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - David Schürmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Primo Schär
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Gapp
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Neuroendocrinology, Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Seo JH, Kim ST, Jeon S, Kang JI, Kim SJ. Sex-dependent association of DNA methylation of HPA axis-related gene FKBP5 with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106404. [PMID: 37769537 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported, epigenetic changes in HPA axis-related genes have not been well studied in OCD. The present study investigated whether the epigenetic regulation of FK506-binding protein 51 gene (FKBP5) intron 7 is associated with OCD status in each sex. In addition, relationships among the DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 intron 7, OCD status and early-life trauma were explored. METHODS A total of 267 patients with OCD and 201 controls aged between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Demographic and clinical assessment, FKBP5 rs1360780 genotyping, and pyrosequencing of FKBP5 intron 7 were conducted. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. First, multivariate analysis of covariance for differential DNA methylation levels between OCD patients and controls was conducted with adjustment for FKBP5 rs1360780 genotype, early-life trauma, depressive symptoms, and age as covariates in each sex. Next, path analysis was conducted to determine the mediation effects of DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 between early-life trauma and OCD status. In addition, sensitivity analyses for medication and lifetime major depression were also performed. RESULTS DNA methylation at the FKBP5 intron 7 CpG site was significantly lower in men with OCD, compared to controls (mean difference -1.33%, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.55, p < 0.001). The results remained significant for drug naïve or free subjects (mean difference -1.27%, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.37, p = 0.006, in men) and for subjects without lifetime major depressive disorder (mean difference -1.60%, 95% CI -2.54 to -0.66, p < 0.001, in men). The mediation effect of DNA methylation levels was not significant between early-life trauma and OCD status. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that epigenetic factors of HPA axis-related gene FKBP5 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OCD. Further studies are needed to determine how altered DNA methylation of FKBP5 intron 7 and HPA axis function are involved in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin Tae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sumoa Jeon
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Barcelona V, Abuaish S, Lee S, Harkins S, Butler A, Tycko B, Baccarelli AA, Walsh K, Monk CE. Stress and DNA Methylation of Blood Leukocytes among Pregnant Latina Women. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:27. [PMID: 37987302 PMCID: PMC10660842 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7040027] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Latinas experience physical and psychological stressors in pregnancy leading to increased morbidity and higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed as markers to create more refined risk stratification, yet few of these studies have examined these changes in Latinas. We conducted a secondary analysis of stored blood leukocytes of Latina women (n = 58) enrolled in a larger National Institutes of Health funded R01 project (2011-2016). We examined DNAm on eight candidate stress genes to compare physically and psychologically stressed participants to healthy (low stress) participants. We found unique CpGs that were differentially methylated in stressed women early- and mid-pregnancy compared to the healthy group, though none remained significant after FDR correction. Both physical and psychological stress were associated with hypomethylation at two consecutive CpG sites on NR3C1 in early pregnancy and one CpG site on NR3C1 in mid-pregnancy before adjustment. Stress was also associated with hypomethylation at two CpG sites on FKBP5 in early and mid-pregnancy but were no longer significant after FDR adjustment. Though we did not find statistically significant differences in DNAm during pregnancy between stressed and healthy women in this sample, signals were consistent with previous findings. Future work in larger samples should further examine the associations between stress and DNAm in pregnancy as this mechanism may explain underlying perinatal health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Sarah Harkins
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Ashlie Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Kate Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Catherine E. Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Xia M, Yan R, Kim MH, Xu X. Tet Enzyme-Mediated Response in Environmental Stress and Stress-Related Psychiatric Diseases. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1594-1608. [PMID: 36534335 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03168-9] [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: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mental disorders caused by stress have become a worldwide public health problem. These mental disorders are often the results of a combination of genes and environment, in which epigenetic modifications play a crucial role. At present, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of mental disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder or depression caused by environmental stress are not entirely clear. Although many epigenetic modifications affect gene regulation, the most well-known modification in eukaryotic cells is the DNA methylation of CpG islands. Stress causes changes in DNA methylation in the brain to participate in the neuronal function or mood-modulating behaviors, and these epigenetic modifications can be passed on to offspring. Ten-eleven translocation (Tet) enzymes are the 5-methylcytosine (5mC) hydroxylases of DNA, which recognize 5mC on the DNA sequence and oxidize it to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). Tet regulates gene expression at the transcriptional level through the demethylation of DNA. This review will elaborate on the molecular mechanism and the functions of Tet enzymes in environmental stress-related disorders and discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Xia
- Departments of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, 215006, China.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul City, 03080, Korea
| | - Rui Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Myoung-Hwan Kim
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul City, 03080, Korea.
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Departments of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, 215006, China. .,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.
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Glucocorticoid-Responsive Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) and Its Inhibitor Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1): Relevance in Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054496. [PMID: 36901924 PMCID: PMC10003592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054496] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stressful events trigger a set of complex biological responses which follow a bell-shaped pattern. Low-stress conditions have been shown to elicit beneficial effects, notably on synaptic plasticity together with an increase in cognitive processes. In contrast, overly intense stress can have deleterious behavioral effects leading to several stress-related pathologies such as anxiety, depression, substance use, obsessive-compulsive and stressor- and trauma-related disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD in the case of traumatic events). Over a number of years, we have demonstrated that in response to stress, glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) in the hippocampus mediate a molecular shift in the balance between the expression of the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its own inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) proteins. Interestingly, a shift in favor of PAI-1 was responsible for PTSD-like memory induction. In this review, after describing the biological system involving GCs, we highlight the key role of tPA/PAI-1 imbalance observed in preclinical and clinical studies associated with the emergence of stress-related pathological conditions. Thus, tPA/PAI-1 protein levels could be predictive biomarkers of the subsequent onset of stress-related disorders, and pharmacological modulation of their activity could be a potential new therapeutic approach for these debilitating conditions.
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Du W, Shi G, Shan CM, Li Z, Zhu B, Jia S, Li Q, Zhang Z. Mechanisms of chromatin-based epigenetic inheritance. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2162-2190. [PMID: 35792957 PMCID: PMC10311375 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2120-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Multi-cellular organisms such as humans contain hundreds of cell types that share the same genetic information (DNA sequences), and yet have different cellular traits and functions. While how genetic information is passed through generations has been extensively characterized, it remains largely obscure how epigenetic information encoded by chromatin regulates the passage of certain traits, gene expression states and cell identity during mitotic cell divisions, and even through meiosis. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances on molecular mechanisms of epigenetic inheritance, discuss the potential impacts of epigenetic inheritance during normal development and in some disease conditions, and outline future research directions for this challenging, but exciting field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Du
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guojun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chun-Min Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Genomics, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Zhiming Li
- Institutes of Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Songtao Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Protein and Plant Gene Research, School of Life Sciences and Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Zhiguo Zhang
- Institutes of Cancer Genetics, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Pierron F, Heroin D, Daffe G, Daramy F, Barré A, Bouchez O, Romero-Ramirez A, Gonzalez P, Nikolski M. Genetic and epigenetic interplay allows rapid transgenerational adaptation to metal pollution in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac022. [PMID: 36474803 PMCID: PMC9716877 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite still being a matter of debate, there is growing evidence that pollutant-induced epigenetic changes can be propagated across generations. Whereas such modifications could have long-lasting effects on organisms and even on population, environmentally relevant data from long-term exposure combined with follow-up through multiple generations remain scarce for non-mammalian species. We performed a transgenerational experiment comprising four successive generations of zebrafish. Only fish from the first generation were exposed to an environmentally realistic concentration of cadmium (Cd). Using a whole methylome analysis, we first identified the DNA regions that were differentially methylated in response to Cd exposure and common to fish of the first two generations. Among them, we then focused our investigations on the exon 3 (ex3) of the cep19 gene. We indeed recorded transgenerational growth disorders in Cd-exposed fish, and a mutation in this exon is known to cause morbid obesity in mammals. Its methylation level was thus determined in zebrafish from all the four generations by means of a targeted and base resolution method. We observed a transgenerational inheritance of Cd-induced DNA methylation changes up to the fourth generation. However, these changes were closely associated with genetic variations, mainly a single nucleotide polymorphism. This single nucleotide polymorphism was itself at the origin of the creation or deletion of a methylation site and deeply impacted the methylation level of neighboring methylation sites. Cd-induced epigenetic changes were associated with different mRNA transcripts and an improved condition of Cd fish. Our results emphasize a tight relationship between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms and suggest that their interplay and pre-existing diversity can allow rapid adaptation to anthropogenic environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Pierron
- *Correspondence address. UMR 5805 EPOC – OASU, Station Marine d’Arcachon, Université de Bordeaux, Place du Docteur Bertrand Peyneau, Arcachon 33120, France. Tel: +335 56 22 39 33; Fax: +335 40 70 85 04; E-mail:
| | - Débora Heroin
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Guillemine Daffe
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, INRAE, La Rochelle University, UMS 2567 POREA, Pessac 33615, France
| | - Flore Daramy
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Aurélien Barré
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, 33076, France
| | - Olivier Bouchez
- INRAE, US 1426, GeT-PlaGe, Genotoul, Castanet-Tolosan 31326, France
| | | | - Patrice Gonzalez
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, Bordeaux INP, EPOC, UMR 5805, Pessac 33600, France
| | - Macha Nikolski
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux Bioinformatics Center, Bordeaux, 33076, France
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, IBGC, UMR 5095, Bordeaux 33077, France
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12
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Microglia involvement in sex-dependent behaviors and schizophrenia occurrence in offspring with maternal dexamethasone exposure. SCHIZOPHRENIA 2022; 8:71. [PMID: 36075925 PMCID: PMC9458670 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00280-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fetal microglia that are particularly sensitive cells to the changes in utero environment might be involved in the sex-biased onset and vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. To address this issue, we administered a 50 µg/kg dexamethasone (DEX) to dams subcutaneously from gestational days 16 to 18 and a series of behavioral assessments were performed in the offspring. Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (PN-DEX) induced schizophrenia (SCZ)-relevant behaviors in male mice and depressive-like behavior in female mice. SCZ-relevant behavioral patterns occurred in 10-week-old (10 W) male mice but not in 4-week-old (4 W) male mice. Microglia in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the striatum (STR) of 10 W males prenatally treated with dexamethasone (10 W PN-DEX-M) showed hyper-ramified morphology and dramatically reduced spine density in mPFC. Immunofluorescence studies indicated that microglia in the mPFC of the 10 W PN-DEX-M group interacted with pre-synaptic Bassoon and post-synaptic density 95 (PSD95) puncta. PN-DEX-M also showed significantly changed dopamine system proteins. However, a testosterone surge during adolescence was not a trigger on SCZ-relevant behavior occurrence in 10 W PN-DEX-M. Furthermore, females prenatally treated with dexamethasone (PN-DEX-F) displayed depressive-like behavior, in addition to HPA-axis activation and inflammatory microglial phenotypes in their hippocampus (HPC). We propose that altered microglial function, such as increased synaptic pruning, may be involved in the occurrence of SCZ-relevant behavior in PN-DEX-M and sex-biased abnormal behavior in the PN-DEX model.
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13
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Chronic stress-driven glucocorticoid receptor activation programs key cell phenotypes and functional epigenomic patterns in human fibroblasts. iScience 2022; 25:104960. [PMID: 36065188 PMCID: PMC9440308 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic environmental stress can profoundly impact cell and body function. Although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood, epigenetics has emerged as a key link between environment and health. The genomic effects of stress are thought to be mediated by the action of glucocorticoid stress hormones, primarily cortisol in humans, which act via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). To dissect how chronic stress-driven GR activation influences epigenetic and cell states, human fibroblasts underwent prolonged exposure to physiological stress levels of cortisol and/or a selective GR antagonist. Cortisol was found to drive robust changes in cell proliferation, migration, and morphology, which were abrogated by concomitant GR blockade. The GR-driven cell phenotypes were accompanied by widespread, yet genomic context-dependent, changes in DNA methylation and mRNA expression, including gene loci with known roles in cell proliferation and migration. These findings provide insights into how chronic stress-driven functional epigenomic patterns become established to shape key cell phenotypes. Physiological stress levels of cortisol drive robust changes in key cell phenotypes Stress-driven changes in cell phenotypes are abrogated by concomitant GR blockade GR activation induces functional and phenotypically relevant epigenomic changes
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14
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Shenk CE, O'Donnell KJ, Pokhvisneva I, Kobor MS, Meaney MJ, Bensman HE, Allen EK, Olson AE. Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder following Exposure to Substantiated Child Maltreatment. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:651-661. [PMID: 33471576 PMCID: PMC8289945 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1864738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Child maltreatment is among the strongest predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less than 40% of children who have been maltreated are ever diagnosed with PTSD, suggesting that exposure to child maltreatment alone is insufficient to explain this risk. This study examined whether epigenetic age acceleration, a stress-sensitive biomarker derived from DNA methylation, explains variation in PTSD diagnostic status subsequent to child maltreatment. METHOD Children and adolescents (N = 70; 65.7% female), 8-15 years of age (M = 12.00, SD = 2.37) and exposed to substantiated child maltreatment within the 12 months prior to study entry, were enrolled. Participants provided epithelial cheek cells via buccal swab for genotyping and quantification of epigenetic age acceleration within a case-control design. PTSD diagnostic status was determined using the Child PTSD Symptoms Scale according to the DSM-IV-TR algorithm. RESULTS Epigenetic age acceleration predicted current PTSD status, revealing an effect size magnitude in the moderate range, OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.22- 4.51, after adjusting for sample demographics, polygenic risk for PTSD, and lifetime exposure to other childhood adversities. Supplemental analyses demonstrated that epigenetic age acceleration was related to a greater severity of PTSD arousal symptoms (r =.29, p =.015). There were no differential effects for child maltreatment subtype on epigenetic age acceleration or PTSD status. CONCLUSIONS The biological embedding of child maltreatment may explain variation in PTSD diagnostic status and serve as a novel approach for informing selective prevention or precision-based therapeutics for those at risk for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
| | - Michael J Meaney
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences
| | - Heather E Bensman
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Elizabeth K Allen
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Anneke E Olson
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
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15
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Antonatos C, Grafanaki K, Asmenoudi P, Xiropotamos P, Nani P, Georgakilas GK, Georgiou S, Vasilopoulos Y. Contribution of the Environment, Epigenetic Mechanisms and Non-Coding RNAs in Psoriasis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081934. [PMID: 36009480 PMCID: PMC9405550 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing research and clinical interest in the predisposition of psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, the multitude of genetic and environmental factors involved in its pathogenesis remain unclear. This complexity is further exacerbated by the several cell types that are implicated in Psoriasis’s progression, including keratinocytes, melanocytes and various immune cell types. The observed interactions between the genetic substrate and the environment lead to epigenetic alterations that directly or indirectly affect gene expression. Changes in DNA methylation and histone modifications that alter DNA-binding site accessibility, as well as non-coding RNAs implicated in the post-transcriptional regulation, are mechanisms of gene transcriptional activity modification and therefore affect the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis. In this review, we summarize the research conducted on the environmental factors contributing to the disease onset, epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs exhibiting deregulation in Psoriasis, and we further categorize them based on the under-study cell types. We also assess the recent literature considering therapeutic applications targeting molecules that compromise the epigenome, as a way to suppress the inflammatory cutaneous cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalabos Antonatos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Katerina Grafanaki
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Paschalia Asmenoudi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Xiropotamos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Nani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Georgios K. Georgakilas
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Department of Clinical and Laboratory Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 38334 Volos, Greece
| | - Sophia Georgiou
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Yiannis Vasilopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Section of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, Department of Biology, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
- Correspondence:
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16
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Low miR-92a-3p in oocytes mediates the multigenerational and transgenerational inheritance of poor cartilage quality in rat induced by prenatal dexamethasone exposure. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 203:115196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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17
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Yuan HJ, Han X, Wang GL, Wu JS, He N, Zhang J, Kong QQ, Gong S, Luo MJ, Tan JH. Glucocorticoid Exposure of Preimplantation Embryos Increases Offspring Anxiety-Like Behavior by Upregulating miR-211-5p via Trpm1 Demethylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:874374. [PMID: 35433692 PMCID: PMC9011152 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.874374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on mechanisms by which prenatal stress affects offspring behavior were conducted during late pregnancy using in vivo models; studies on the effect of preimplantation stress are rare. In vivo models do not allow accurate specification of the roles of different hormones and cells within the complicated living organism, and cannot verify whether hormones act directly on embryos or indirectly to alter progeny behavior. Furthermore, the number of anxiety-related miRNAs identified are limited. This study showed that both mouse embryculture with corticosterone (ECC) and maternal preimplantation restraint stress (PIRS) increased anxiety-like behavior (ALB) while decreasing hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in offspring. ECC/PIRS downregulated GR and BDNF expression by increasing miR-211-5p expression via promoter demethylation of its host gene Trpm1, and this epigenetic cell fate determination was exclusively perpetuated during development into mature hippocampus. Transfection with miR-211-5p mimic/inhibitor in cultured hippocampal cell lines confirmed that miR-211-5p downregulated Gr and Bdnf. Intrahippocampal injection of miR-211-5p agomir/antagomir validated that miR-211-5p dose-dependently increased ALB while decreasing hippocampal GR/BDNF expression. In conclusion, preimplantation exposure to glucocorticoids increased ALB by upregulating miR-211-5p via Trpm1 demethylation, and miR-211-5p may be used as therapeutic targets and biomarkers for anxiety-related diseases.
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18
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Corticosterone induces discrete epigenetic signatures in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus that depend upon sex and genotype: focus on methylated Nr3c1 gene. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:109. [PMID: 35296634 PMCID: PMC8927334 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genomic effects of circulating glucocorticoids are particularly relevant in cortico-limbic structures, which express a high concentration of steroid hormone receptors. To date, no studies have investigated genomic differences in hippocampal subregions, namely the dorsal (dHPC) and ventral (vHPC) hippocampus, in preclinical models treated with exogenous glucocorticoids. Chronic oral corticosterone (CORT) in mouse is a pharmacological approach that disrupts the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, increases affective behavior, and induces genomic changes after stress in the HPC of wildtype (WT) mice and mice heterozygous for the gene coding for brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met (hMet), a variant associated with genetic susceptibility to stress. Using RNA-sequencing, we investigated the genomic signatures of oral CORT in the dHPC and vHPC of WT and hMet male and female mice, and examined sex and genotype differences in response to oral CORT. Males under CORT showed lower glycemia and increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior compared to females that showed instead opposite affective behavior in response to CORT. Rank-rank-hypergeometric overlap (RRHO) was used to identify genes from a continuous gradient of significancy that were concordant across groups. RRHO showed that CORT-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in WT mice and hMet mice converged in the dHPC of males and females, while in the vHPC, DEGs converged in males and diverged in females. The vHPC showed a higher number of DEGs compared to the dHPC and exhibited sex differences related to glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-binding genes and epigenetic modifiers. Methyl-DNA-immunoprecipitation in the vHPC revealed differential methylation of the exons 1C and 1F of the GR gene (Nr3c1) in hMet females. Together, we report behavioral and endocrinological sex differences in response to CORT, as well as epigenetic signatures that i) differ in the dHPC and vHPC,ii) are distinct in males and females, and iii) implicate differential methylation of Nr3c1 selectively in hMet females.
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19
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Wang H, Qian Y, Wang JW, Fang Y, Fan YC, Liu HH, Wang K. Hypomethylation of thymosin β4 promoter is associated with glucocorticoid therapy in patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B-induced liver failure. Int Health 2022; 15:19-29. [PMID: 35150577 PMCID: PMC9808517 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine whether the methylation status of thymosin β4 (Tβ4) promoter reflects the severity of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF) and whether glucocorticoids affect this status. METHODS Fifty-six patients with ACHBLF, 45 with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 32 healthy controls (HCs), were retrospectively enrolled. Methylation-specific PCR and real-time PCR were used to detect Tβ4 methylation frequency and mRNA level. The expression of Tβ4 was measured before and after glucocorticoid treatment in patients with ACHBLF. Clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained. RESULTS Tβ4 mRNA expression of patients with ACHBLF was lower than in patients with CHB or HCs, but the methylation frequency was higher. Tβ4 promoter methylation frequency was correlated with serum total bilirubin, prothrombin activity and model for end-stage liver disease score. Moreover, Tβ4 promoter methylation frequency decreased and demethylation occurred during glucocorticoid therapy. After glucocorticoid therapy, Tβ4 mRNA expression and liver function were better in patients with low levels of methylation than in those with higher levels. After 90 d, the survival of patients with low levels of methylation was significantly higher than those with high levels. CONCLUSIONS Patients with ACHBLF who have low levels of Tβ4 methylation may show a more favorable response to glucocorticoid treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Department of Hepatology, Qingdao Sixth People's Hospital, Qingdao 266000, China
| | - Yu Qian
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jing-Wen Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Yu-Chen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China,Institute of Hepatology, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hui-Hui Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Corresponding author: Tel: +86-531-82169593; Fax: +86-531-86927544; E-mail: ;
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20
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Dammering F, Martins J, Dittrich K, Czamara D, Rex-Haffner M, Overfeld J, de Punder K, Buss C, Entringer S, Winter SM, Binder EB, Heim C. The pediatric buccal epigenetic clock identifies significant ageing acceleration in children with internalizing disorder and maltreatment exposure. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100394. [PMID: 34621920 PMCID: PMC8482287 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies reporting accelerated ageing in children with affective disorders or maltreatment exposure have relied on algorithms for estimating epigenetic age derived from adult samples. These algorithms have limited validity for epigenetic age estimation during early development. We here use a pediatric buccal epigenetic (PedBE) clock to predict DNA methylation-based ageing deviation in children with and without internalizing disorder and assess the moderating effect of maltreatment exposure. We further conduct a gene set enrichment analysis to assess the contribution of glucocorticoid signaling to PedBE clock-based results. Method DNA was isolated from saliva of 158 children [73 girls, 85 boys; mean age (SD) = 4.25 (0.8) years] including children with internalizing disorder and maltreatment exposure. Epigenetic age was estimated based on DNA methylation across 94 CpGs of the PedBE clock. Residuals of epigenetic age regressed against chronological age were contrasted between children with and without internalizing disorder. Maltreatment was coded in 3 severity levels and entered in a moderation model. Genome-wide dexamethasone-responsive CpGs were derived from an independent sample and enrichment of these CpGs within the PedBE clock was identified. Results Children with internalizing disorder exhibited significant acceleration of epigenetic ageing as compared to children without internalizing disorder (F1,147 = 6.67, p = .011). This association was significantly moderated by maltreatment severity (b = 0.49, 95% CI [0.073, 0.909], t = 2.322, p = .022). Children with internalizing disorder who had experienced maltreatment exhibited ageing acceleration relative to children with no internalizing disorder (1–2 categories: b = 0.50, 95% CI [0.170, 0.821], t = 3.008, p = .003; 3 or more categories: b = 0.99, 95% CI [0.380, 1.593], t = 3.215, p = .002). Children with internalizing disorder who were not exposed to maltreatment did not show epigenetic ageing acceleration. There was significant enrichment of dexamethasone-responsive CpGs within the PedBE clock (OR = 4.36, p = 1.65*10–6). Among the 94 CpGs of the PedBE clock, 18 (19%) were responsive to dexamethasone. Conclusion Using the novel PedBE clock, we show that internalizing disorder is associated with accelerated epigenetic ageing in early childhood. This association is moderated by maltreatment severity and may, in part, be driven by glucocorticoids. Identifying developmental drivers of accelerated epigenetic ageing after maltreatment will be critical to devise early targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Dammering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jade Martins
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Dittrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dept. of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Overfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin de Punder
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany.,University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany.,University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sibylle M Winter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Dept. of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Heim
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany.,Dept. of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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21
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Bothe M, Buschow R, Meijsing SH. Glucocorticoid signaling induces transcriptional memory and universally reversible chromatin changes. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/10/e202101080. [PMID: 34446533 PMCID: PMC8403771 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are stress hormones that elicit various cellular responses. These responses are typically reversible; however, in some instances, a previous exposure is “remembered” and influences the response to a subsequent hormone encounter. Glucocorticoids are stress hormones that elicit cellular responses by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor. The exposure of cells to this hormone induces wide-spread changes in the chromatin landscape and gene expression. Previous studies have suggested that some of these changes are reversible whereas others persist even when the hormone is no longer around. However, when we examined chromatin accessibility in human airway epithelial cells after hormone washout, we found that the hormone-induced changes were universally reversed after 1 d. Moreover, priming of cells by a previous exposure to hormone, in general, did not alter the transcriptional response to a subsequent encounter of the same cue except for one gene, ZBTB16, that displays transcriptional memory manifesting itself as a more robust transcriptional response upon repeated hormone stimulation. Single-cell analysis revealed that the more robust response is driven by a higher probability of primed cells to activate ZBTB16 and by a subset of cells that express the gene at levels that are higher than the induction levels observed for naïve cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Bothe
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - René Buschow
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastiaan H Meijsing
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany .,Max Planck Unit for the Science of Pathogens, Berlin, Germany
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22
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Naturalistic Stress Hormone Levels Drive Cumulative Epigenomic Changes along the Cellular Lifespan. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168778. [PMID: 34445485 PMCID: PMC8395735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental stress is ubiquitous in modern societies and can exert a profound and cumulative impact on cell function and health phenotypes. This impact is thought to be in large part mediated by the action of glucocorticoid stress hormones, primarily cortisol in humans. While the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear, epigenetics-the chemical changes that regulate genomic function without altering the genetic code-has emerged as a key link between environmental exposures and phenotypic outcomes. The present study assessed genome-wide DNA (CpG) methylation, one of the key epigenetic mechanisms, at three timepoints during prolonged (51-day) exposure of cultured human fibroblasts to naturalistic cortisol levels, which can be reached in human tissues during in vivo stress. The findings support a spatiotemporal model of profound and widespread stress hormone-driven methylomic changes that emerge at selected CpG sites, are more likely to spread to nearby located CpGs, and quantitatively accrue at open sea, glucocorticoid receptor binding, and chromatin-accessible sites. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into how prolonged stress may impact the epigenome, with potentially important implications for stress-related phenotypes.
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Zeng C, Tsoi LC, Gudjonsson JE. Dysregulated epigenetic modifications in psoriasis. Exp Dermatol 2021; 30:1156-1166. [PMID: 33756010 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The observed incidence of psoriasis has been gradually increasing over time (J Am Acad Dermatol, 03, 2009, 394), but the underlying pathogenic factors have remained unclear. Recent studies suggest the importance of epigenetic modification in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aberrant epigenetic patterns including changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA expression are observed in psoriatic skin. Reversing these epigenetic mechanisms has showed improvement in psoriatic phenotypes, making epigenetic therapy a potential avenue for psoriasis treatment. Here, we summarize relevant evidence for epigenetic dysregulation contributing to psoriasis susceptibility and pathogenesis, and the factors responsible for epigenetic modifications, providing directions for potential future clinical avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lam C Tsoi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics and Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Johann E Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract
Animal and humans exposed to stress early in life are more likely to suffer from long-term behavioral, mental health, metabolic, immune, and cardiovascular health consequences. The hypothalamus plays a nodal role in programming, controlling, and regulating stress responses throughout the life course. Epigenetic reprogramming in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus play an important role in adapting genome function to experiences and exposures during the perinatal and early life periods and setting up stable phenotypic outcomes. Epigenetic programming during development enables one genome to express multiple cell type identities. The most proximal epigenetic mark to DNA is a covalent modification of the DNA itself by enzymatic addition of methyl moieties. Cell-type-specific DNA methylation profiles are generated during gestational development and define cell and tissue specific phenotypes. Programming of neuronal phenotypes and sex differences in the hypothalamus is achieved by developmentally timed rearrangement of DNA methylation profiles. Similarly, other stations in the life trajectory such as puberty and aging involve predictable and scheduled reorganization of DNA methylation profiles. DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks are critical for maintaining cell-type identity in the brain, across the body, and throughout life. Data that have emerged in the last 15 years suggest that like its role in defining cell-specific phenotype during development, DNA methylation might be involved in defining experiential identities, programming similar genes to perform differently in response to diverse experiential histories. Early life stress impact on lifelong phenotypes is proposed to be mediated by DNA methylation and other epigenetic marks. Epigenetic marks, as opposed to genetic mutations, are reversible by either pharmacological or behavioral strategies and therefore offer the potential for reversing or preventing disease including behavioral and mental health disorders. This chapter discusses data testing the hypothesis that DNA methylation modulations of the HPA axis mediate the impact of early life stress on lifelong behavioral and physical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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25
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Dick A, Chen A. The role of TET proteins in stress-induced neuroepigenetic and behavioural adaptations. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100352. [PMID: 34189192 PMCID: PMC8220100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, critical, non-redundant roles of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenase enzymes have been identified in the brain during developmental and postnatal stages. Specifically, TET-mediated active demethylation, involving the iterative oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and subsequent oxidative derivatives, is dynamically regulated in response to environmental stimuli such as neuronal activity, learning and memory processes, and stressor exposure. Such changes may therefore perpetuate stable and dynamic transcriptional patterns within neuronal populations required for neuroplasticity and behavioural adaptation. In this review, we will highlight recent evidence supporting a role of TET protein function and active demethylation in stress-induced neuroepigenetic and behavioural adaptations. We further explore potential mechanisms by which TET proteins may mediate both the basal and pathological embedding of stressful life experiences within the brain of relevance to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Dick
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- The Ruhman Family Laboratory for Research on the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Lalonde C, Grandbois J, Khurana S, Murray A, Tharmalingam S, Tai TC. Late gestational exposure to dexamethasone and fetal programming of abnormal behavior in Wistar Kyoto rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02049. [PMID: 33528889 PMCID: PMC8035474 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal programming was characterized a few decades ago, explaining the correlation of physiological phenotypes of offspring exposed to early-life stress. High acute or chronic prenatal stress can overwhelm the enzymatic placental barrier, inducing transcriptional changes in the fetus that can result in different adverse behavioral and physiological phenotypes. The current study investigates the impact of exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, during late gestation on behavioral outcomes. METHODS Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats were given daily subcutaneous injections from gestational days 15-21 of either dexamethasone (0.9% NaCl, 4% EtOH, 100 µg kg-1 day-1 ) or were physically manipulated as naïve controls. Pups were raised normally until 17 weeks of age and underwent the Porsolt swim task and elevated plus maze for depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, respectively. Neural tissue was preserved for genetic analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Statistical analyses show significant disruption of behavior and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero. Exposed animals spent more time immobile on the swim task and entered open arms of the elevated plus maze more often than their naïve counterparts. In the prefrontal cortex, there was a sex by treatment interaction on gene expression relevant to neural transmission in ryanodine receptor 2, as well as increased gene expression in SNAP25, COMT, and LSAMP in males prenatally exposed to dexamethasone compared with controls. Both dysregulated genes and behavior are linked to decreased anxiety and fear inhibition. CONCLUSION Our results indicate adult offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero have a tendency toward passive stress-coping strategies and an inhibition of anxiety on behavioral tasks. Methyltransferase activity, synaptic activity, and cellular processes were disrupted in the prefrontal cortices of these animals. Specifically, genes involved in emotional response pathways were overexpressed, supporting the link between the behavioral and genetic profiles. Combined, we determine that dexamethasone offspring have adaptive predispositions when faced with novel situations, with increased immobility in the swim task and increased exploration on the elevated plus maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Grandbois
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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Fan H, Atiya HI, Wang Y, Pisanic TR, Wang TH, Shih IM, Foy KK, Frisbie L, Buckanovich RJ, Chomiak AA, Tiedemann RL, Rothbart SB, Chandler C, Shen H, Coffman LG. Epigenomic Reprogramming toward Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition in Ovarian-Cancer-Associated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Drives Metastasis. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108473. [PMID: 33296650 PMCID: PMC7747301 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A role for cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer is well established. Here, we show that, in addition to cancer cell EMT, ovarian cancer cell metastasis relies on an epigenomic mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in host mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These reprogrammed MSCs, termed carcinoma-associated MSCs (CA-MSCs), acquire pro-tumorigenic functions and directly bind cancer cells to serve as a metastatic driver/chaperone. Cancer cells induce this epigenomic MET characterized by enhancer-enriched DNA hypermethylation, altered chromatin accessibility, and differential histone modifications. This phenomenon appears clinically relevant, as CA-MSC MET is highly correlated with patient survival. Mechanistically, mirroring MET observed in development, MET in CA-MSCs is mediated by WT1 and EZH2. Importantly, EZH2 inhibitors, which are clinically available, significantly inhibited CA-MSC-mediated metastasis in mouse models of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Fan
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Huda I Atiya
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yeh Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Oncology, and Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas R Pisanic
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tza-Huei Wang
- Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBiotechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Oncology, and Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly K Foy
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Leonard Frisbie
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald J Buckanovich
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alison A Chomiak
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | | | - Scott B Rothbart
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
| | - Chelsea Chandler
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hui Shen
- Center for Epigenetics, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
| | - Lan G Coffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women's Research Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Ascorbic acid during the suckling period is required for proper DNA demethylation in the liver. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21228. [PMID: 33277554 PMCID: PMC7718234 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) serves as a cofactor for ten-eleven translocation (TET) enzymes and induces DNA demethylation in vitro. However, its role in DNA demethylation in vivo remains unclear. We previously reported that DNA demethylation in the mouse liver was enhanced during the suckling period. Therefore, we hypothesized that DNA demethylation is enhanced in an AA-dependent manner during the suckling period. To examine our hypothesis, we employed wild-type (WT) mice, which synthesize AA, and senescence marker protein-30/gluconolactonase (SMP30/GNL) knockout (KO) mice, which cannot synthesize AA, and analyzed the DNA methylation status in the livers of offspring in both the suckling period and adulthood. SMP30/GNL KO offspring showed DNA hypermethylation in the liver possibly due to low plasma and hepatic AA levels during the suckling period despite the administration of rescue-dose AA to dams. Furthermore, DNA hypermethylation of the fibroblast growth factor 21 gene (Fgf21), a PPARα target gene, persisted into adulthood. In contrast, a high-dose AA administration to SMP30/GNL KO dams during the lactation period restored DNA demethylation in the livers of offspring. Even though a slight increase was observed in plasma AA levels with the administration of rescue-dose AA to WT dams during the gestation and lactation periods, DNA demethylation in the livers of offspring was minimally enhanced. The present results demonstrate that AA intake during the suckling period is required for proper DNA demethylation in the liver.
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Misiak B, Karpiński P, Szmida E, Grąźlewski T, Jabłoński M, Cyranka K, Rymaszewska J, Piotrowski P, Kotowicz K, Frydecka D. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Methylation of the FKBP5 Gene in Patients with Psychotic Disorders. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9123792. [PMID: 33255215 PMCID: PMC7759816 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered methylation of the FKBP5 gene has been observed in various mental disorders and attributed to the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, the level of FKBP5 methylation has not been investigated in patients with psychotic disorders. Therefore, in this study we aimed to determine the FKBP5 methylation in patients with psychosis and controls, taking into account the effects of ACEs. Participants were 85 patients with psychotic disorders, including first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients and acutely relapsed schizophrenia (SCZ-AR) patients, as well as 56 controls. The level of four CpG sites at the FKBP5 gene was determined in the peripheral blood leukocytes using pyrosequencing. After controlling for potential confounding factors, the level of FKBP5 methylation at one out of four tested CpG sites was significantly lower in FEP patients compared to other groups of participants. Significant main effects of parental antipathy and sexual abuse on the level of FKBP5 methylation were observed at the differentially methylated CpG site. Participants reporting this category of ACEs had significantly lower levels of FKBP5 methylation at this CpG site. Lower levels of FKBP5 methylation were associated with better cognitive performance and higher functional capacity in patients with psychosis. In controls, lower methylation of FKBP5 was related to worse performance of immediate memory and language skills. Our findings suggest that hypomethylation of the FKBP5 appears at early stages of psychosis and might be associated with a history of ACEs as well as less severe clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (P.P.); (K.K.); (D.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paweł Karpiński
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1 Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.K.); (E.S.)
- Laboratory of Genomics & Bioinformatics, Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Weigla 12 Street, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Szmida
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Marcinkowskiego 1 Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland; (P.K.); (E.S.)
| | - Tomasz Grąźlewski
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 26 Street, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (T.G.); (M.J.)
| | - Marcin Jabłoński
- Department of Psychiatry, Pomeranian Medical University, Broniewskiego 26 Street, 71-460 Szczecin, Poland; (T.G.); (M.J.)
| | - Katarzyna Cyranka
- Department of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University, Kopernika 21a Street, 31-501 Cracow, Poland;
| | - Joanna Rymaszewska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (P.P.); (K.K.); (D.F.)
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (P.P.); (K.K.); (D.F.)
| | - Kamila Kotowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (P.P.); (K.K.); (D.F.)
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Pasteura 10 Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.R.); (P.P.); (K.K.); (D.F.)
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Zhao Z, Zhang Z, Li J, Dong Q, Xiong J, Li Y, Lan M, Li G, Zhu B. Sustained TNF-α stimulation leads to transcriptional memory that greatly enhances signal sensitivity and robustness. eLife 2020; 9:61965. [PMID: 33155547 PMCID: PMC7704108 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional memory allows certain genes to respond to previously experienced signals more robustly. However, whether and how the key proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α mediates transcriptional memory are poorly understood. Using HEK293F cells as a model system, we report that sustained TNF-α stimulation induces transcriptional memory dependent on TET enzymes. The hypomethylated status of transcriptional regulatory regions can be inherited, facilitating NF-κB binding and more robust subsequent activation. A high initial methylation level and CpG density around κB sites are correlated with the functional potential of transcriptional memory modules. Interestingly, the CALCB gene, encoding the proven migraine therapeutic target CGRP, exhibits the best transcriptional memory. A neighboring primate-specific endogenous retrovirus stimulates more rapid, more strong, and at least 100-fold more sensitive CALCB induction in subsequent TNF-α stimulation. Our study reveals that TNF-α-mediated transcriptional memory is governed by active DNA demethylation and greatly sensitizes memory genes to much lower doses of inflammatory cues. Genes are the instruction manuals of life and contain the information needed to build the building blocks that keep cells alive. To read these instructions, cells use specific signals that activate genes. The process, known as gene expression, is tightly controlled and for the most part, fairly stable. But gene expression can be modified in various ways. Epigenetics is a broad term for describing reversible changes made to genes to switch them on and off. Sometimes, certain genes even develop a kind of ‘transcriptional memory’ where over time, their expression is enhanced and speeds up with repeated activation signals. But this may also have harmful effects. For example, the signalling molecule called tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is an essential part of the immune system. But it is also implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In these conditions, cell signalling pathways triggering inflammation are overactive. One possibility is that TNF-α could be inducing the transcriptional memory of certain genes, amplifying their expression. But little is known about which fraction of genes exhibits transcriptional memory, and what differentiates memory genes from genes with stable expression. Here, Zhao et al. treated cells grown in the laboratory with TNF-α to investigate its role in transcriptional memory and find out what epigenetic features might govern the process. The experiments showed that mimicking a sustained inflammation by stimulating TNF-α, triggered a transcriptional memory in some genes, and enabled them to respond to much lower levels of TNF-α on subsequent exposure. Zhao et al. also discovered that genes tagged with methyl groups are more likely to show transcriptional memory when stimulated by TNF-α. However, they also found that these groups must be removed to consolidate any transcriptional memory. This work shows how TNF-α influences can alter the expression of certain genes. It also suggests that transcriptional memory, stimulated by TNF-α, may be a possible mechanism underlying chronic inflammatory conditions. This could help future research in identifying more genes with transcriptional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuodong Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuqiang Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Dong
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Xiong
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingfeng Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengying Lan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Bing Zhu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Prenatal stress and epigenetics. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:198-210. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Gatta E, Saudagar V, Auta J, Grayson DR, Guidotti A. Epigenetic landscape of stress surfeit disorders: Key role for DNA methylation dynamics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 156:127-183. [PMID: 33461662 PMCID: PMC7942223 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stress throughout lifespan alters brain structure and function, inducing a maladaptive response to environmental stimuli, that can contribute to the development of a pathological phenotype. Studies have shown that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including major depressive, alcohol use and post-traumatic stress disorders. Downstream actors of the HPA axis, glucocorticoids are critical mediators of the stress response and exert their function through specific receptors, i.e., the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), highly expressed in stress/reward-integrative pathways. GRs are ligand-activated transcription factors that recruit epigenetic actors to regulate gene expression via DNA methylation, altering chromatin structure and thus shaping the response to stress. The dynamic interplay between stress response and epigenetic modifiers suggest DNA methylation plays a key role in the development of stress surfeit disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Gatta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vikram Saudagar
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - James Auta
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dennis R Grayson
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics, Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.
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Keverne J, Binder EB. A Review of epigenetics in psychiatry: focus on environmental risk factors. MED GENET-BERLIN 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2020-2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications play a key role in development and cell type specificity. These modifications seem to be particularly critical for brain development, where mutations in epigenetic enzymes have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders as well as with the function of post-mitotic neurons. Epigenetic modifications can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors, both known major risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Epigenetic modifications may thus be an important mediator of the effects of genetic and environmental risk factors on cell function.
This review summarizes the different types of epigenetic regulation and then focuses on the mechanisms transducing environmental signals, especially adverse life events that are major risk factors for psychiatric disorders, into lasting epigenetic changes. This is followed by examples of how the environment can induce epigenetic changes that relate to the risk of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry , Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry , Kraepelinstr. 2-10 , Munich , Germany
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The circadian phase of antenatal glucocorticoid treatment affects the risk of behavioral disorders. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3593. [PMID: 32681096 PMCID: PMC7367845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17429-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
During pregnancy, maternal endocrine signals drive fetal development and program the offspring's physiology. A disruption of maternal glucocorticoid (GC) homeostasis increases the child's risk of developing psychiatric disorders later in life. We here show in mice, that the time of day of antenatal GC exposure predicts the behavioral phenotype of the adult offspring. Offspring of mothers receiving GCs out-of-phase compared to their endogenous circadian GC rhythm show elevated anxiety, impaired stress coping, and dysfunctional stress-axis regulation. The fetal circadian clock determines the vulnerability of the stress axis to GC treatment by controlling GC receptor (GR) availability in the hypothalamus. Similarly, a retrospective observational study indicates poorer stress compensatory capacity in 5-year old preterm infants whose mothers received antenatal GCs towards the evening. Our findings offer insights into the circadian physiology of feto-maternal crosstalk and assign a role to the fetal clock as a temporal gatekeeper of GC sensitivity.
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Abstract
Early life adversity is associated with long-term effects on physical and mental
health later in life, but the mechanisms are yet unclear. Epigenetic mechanisms program
cell-type-specific gene expression during development, enabling one genome to be
programmed in many ways, resulting in diverse stable profiles of gene expression in
different cells and organs in the body. DNA methylation, an enzymatic covalent
modification of DNA, has been one of the principal epigenetic mechanisms investigated.
Emerging evidence is consistent with the idea that epigenetic processes are involved in
embedding the impact of early-life experience in the genome and mediating between social
environments and later behavioral phenotypes. Whereas there is evidence supporting this
hypothesis in animal studies, human studies have been less conclusive. A major problem
is the fact that the brain is inaccessible to epigenetic studies in humans and the
relevance of DNA methylation in peripheral tissues to behavioral phenotypes has been
questioned. In addition, human studies are usually confounded with genetic and
environmental heterogeneity and it is very difficult to derive causality. The idea that
epigenetic mechanisms mediate the life-long effects of perinatal adversity has
attractive potential implications for early detection, prevention, and intervention in
mental health disorders will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Zannas AS. Epigenetics as a key link between psychosocial stress and aging: concepts, evidence, mechanisms
. DIALOGUES IN CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 21:389-396. [PMID: 31949406 PMCID: PMC6952744 DOI: 10.31887/dcns.2019.21.4/azannas] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychosocial stress—especially when chronic, excessive, or occurring early in
life—has been associated with accelerated aging and increased disease risk. With rapid
aging of the world population, the need to elucidate the underlying mechanisms is
pressing, now more so than ever. Among molecular mechanisms linking stress and aging,
the present article reviews evidence on the role of epigenetics, biochemical processes
that can be set into motion by stressors and in turn influence genomic function and
complex phenotypes, including aging-related outcomes. The article further provides a
conceptual mechanistic framework on how stress may drive epigenetic changes at
susceptible genomic sites, thereby exerting systems-level effects on the aging epigenome
while also regulating the expression of molecules implicated in aging-related processes.
This emerging evidence, together with work examining related biological processes,
begins to shed light on the epigenetic and, more broadly, molecular underpinnings of the
long-hypothesized connection between stress and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, US; Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US; Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, US
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37
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Lewis CR, Sowards HA, Huentelman MJ, Doane LD, Lemery-Chalfant K. Epigenetic differences in inflammation genes of monozygotic twins are related to parent-child emotional availability and health. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 5:100084. [PMID: 34589859 PMCID: PMC8474531 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2020.100084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory response is an immune defense engaged immediately after injury or infection. Chronic inflammation can be deleterious for various health outcomes and is characterized by high levels of pro-inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). A large body of research demonstrates these inflammatory markers are responsive to stress and quality of social relationships throughout the lifespan. For example, the quality of the early parental bond predicts various health outcomes and may be driven by changes in immune function. Epigenetic processes, such as DNA methylation, may be one mechanism by which early social experiences shape immune functioning. The present study used a monozygotic twin difference design to assess if mother-reported emotional availability at 1 year and 2.5 years predicted immune gene methylation at 8 years of age. Further, we assessed if inflammation gene methylation was related to general health problems (e.g. infections, allergies, etc.). We found that mother-reported emotional availability at 1 year, but not 2.5 years, was related to methylation of various immune genes in monozygotic twins. Furthermore, twin pairs discordant in health problems have more difference in immune gene methylation compared to twin pairs concordant for health problems, suggesting that methylation of immune genes may have functional consequences for general health. These results suggest that the emotional component of attachment quality during infancy contributes to immune epigenetic profiles in childhood, which may influence general health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace R Lewis
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Neurogenomics Division, United States.,Arizona State University, Psychology Department, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Huentelman
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Neurogenomics Division, United States
| | - Leah D Doane
- Arizona State University, Psychology Department, United States
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Krontira AC, Cruceanu C, Binder EB. Glucocorticoids as Mediators of Adverse Outcomes of Prenatal Stress. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:394-405. [PMID: 32459992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A number of prenatal experiences are associated with adverse outcomes after birth, ranging from cardiovascular problems to psychiatric disease. Prenatal stress is associated with neurodevelopmental alterations that persist after birth and manifest at the behavioral level, for example, increased fearfulness, and at the physiological one, that is, brain structural and functional changes. Understanding the mechanisms that drive these lasting effects may help in preventing long-term negative outcomes of prenatal stress. Elevated glucocorticoid signaling in utero may be one of the key mediators of prenatal stress effects on the offspring. In this review, we summarize how prenatal glucocorticoids may impact the activity of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, disrupt neurodevelopmental processes and alter the epigenetic landscape of the fetus. We also discuss the need to take into consideration the interaction of these processes with the offspring's genetic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthi C Krontira
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Cristiana Cruceanu
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
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Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms govern the transcription of the genome. Research with model systems reveals that environmental conditions can directly influence epigenetic mechanisms that are associated with interindividual differences in gene expression in brain and neural function. In this review, we provide a brief overview of epigenetic mechanisms and research with relevant rodent models. We emphasize more recent translational research programs in epigenetics as well as the challenges inherent in the integration of epigenetics into developmental and clinical psychology. Our objectives are to present an update with respect to the translational relevance of epigenetics for the study of psychopathology and to consider the state of current research with respect to its potential importance for clinical research and practice in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran J O'Donnell
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; .,Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3H 1R4, Canada.,Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry and Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada; .,Child and Brain Development Program, CIFAR, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1M1, Canada.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 117609 Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 119228 Singapore
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40
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Salinas RD, Connolly DR, Song H. Invited Review: Epigenetics in neurodevelopment. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2020; 46:6-27. [PMID: 32056273 PMCID: PMC7174139 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neural development requires the orchestration of dynamic changes in gene expression to regulate cell fate decisions. This regulation is heavily influenced by epigenetics, heritable changes in gene expression not directly explained by genomic information alone. An understanding of the complexity of epigenetic regulation is rapidly emerging through the development of novel technologies that can assay various features of epigenetics and gene regulation. Here, we provide a broad overview of several commonly investigated modes of epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, noncoding RNAs, as well as epitranscriptomics that describe modifications of RNA, in neurodevelopment and diseases. Rather than functioning in isolation, it is being increasingly appreciated that these various modes of gene regulation are dynamically interactive and coordinate the complex nature of neurodevelopment along multiple axes. Future work investigating these interactions will likely utilize 'multi-omic' strategies that assay cell fate dynamics in a high-dimensional and high-throughput fashion. Novel human neurodevelopmental models including iPSC and cerebral organoid systems may provide further insight into human-specific features of neurodevelopment and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan D. Salinas
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel R. Connolly
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, The Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Woods-Burnham L, Stiel L, Martinez SR, Sanchez-Hernandez ES, Ruckle HC, Almaguel FG, Stern MC, Roberts LR, Williams DR, Montgomery S, Casiano CA. Psychosocial Stress, Glucocorticoid Signaling, and Prostate Cancer Health Disparities in African American Men. CANCER HEALTH DISPARITIES 2020; 4:https://companyofscientists.com/index.php/chd/article/view/169/188. [PMID: 35252767 PMCID: PMC8896511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of racial disparities in prostate cancer (PCa) incidence and mortality that disproportionately affect African American (AA) men have provided important insights into the psychosocial, socioeconomic, environmental, and molecular contributors. There is, however, limited mechanistic knowledge of how the interplay between these determinants influences prostate tumor aggressiveness in AA men and other men of African ancestry. Growing evidence indicates that chronic psychosocial stress in AA populations leads to sustained glucocorticoid signaling through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), with negative physiological and pathological consequences. Compelling evidence indicates that treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with anti-androgen therapy activates GR signaling. This enhanced GR signaling bypasses androgen receptor (AR) signaling and transcriptionally activates both AR-target genes and GR-target genes, resulting in increased prostate tumor resistance to anti-androgen therapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Given its enhanced signaling in AA men, GR-together with specific genetic drivers-may promote CRPC progression and exacerbate tumor aggressiveness in this population, potentially contributing to PCa mortality disparities. Ongoing and future CRPC clinical trials that combine standard of care therapies with GR modulators should assess racial differences in therapy response and clinical outcomes in order to improve PCa health disparities that continue to exist for AA men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne Woods-Burnham
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Laura Stiel
- Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Shannalee R. Martinez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Evelyn S. Sanchez-Hernandez
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Herbert C. Ruckle
- Department of Surgical Urology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Frankis G. Almaguel
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Mariana C. Stern
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Urology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lisa R. Roberts
- Loma Linda University School of Nursing, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - David R. Williams
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University School of Public Health
| | - Susanne Montgomery
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Loma Linda University School of Behavioral Health, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Carlos A. Casiano
- Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine and Department of Basic Sciences, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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Abrantes MA, Valencia AM, Bany-Mohammed F, Aranda JV, Beharry KD. Intergenerational Influence of Antenatal Betamethasone on Growth, Growth Factors, and Neurological Outcomes in Rats. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:418-431. [PMID: 32046399 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-019-00073-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antenatal steroids suppress growth in the fetus and newborn. Although weight deficits are regained by weaning, studies show that intrauterine growth restriction with postnatal "catch-up" growth is a risk factor for hypertension, insulin resistance, and ischemic heart disease in adult life, with multigenerational consequences. We tested the hypothesis that fetal exposure to betamethasone suppresses fetal growth in the F1 pups and their untreated F2 offspring. Timed pregnant rats received a single two-dose course of intramuscular betamethasone (0.25 mg/kg/day) on days 17 and 18 of gestation. Matched controls received equivalent volumes sterile normal saline. The first-generation (F1) offspring were studied at term, P21, and P70, or mated at P60 to produce the following subgroups: (1) saline male/saline female (SM/SF), (2) betamethasone (B) male/BFemale (BM/BF), (3) BM/SF, and (4) SM/BF. The unexposed second-generation (F2) offspring were examined at birth and P70. Growth, neurological outcomes, and growth factors were determined. At birth, the F1 pups exposed to B were significantly growth suppressed compared with the controls, with correspondingly lower blood glucose, insulin, IGF-I, corticosterone, and leptin levels and delayed neurological outcomes. Catchup growth occurred at P21, surpassing that of the control group. By P70, growth was comparable, but glucose was higher, insulin was lower, and memory was retarded in the B group, and transmitted to the unexposed F2 offspring of B-exposed rats. Antenatal betamethasone has sustained metabolic and neurological effects that may impact the unexposed offspring. Whether these intergenerational effects reverse in future generations remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Abrantes
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Arwin M Valencia
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, Laguna Hills, CA, USA
| | - Fayez Bany-Mohammed
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | - Jacob V Aranda
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Kay D Beharry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, CA, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. .,Departments of Pediatrics & Ophthalmology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics & Ophthalmology, Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Clinical & Translational Research Labs, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 49, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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Ectopic Methylation of a Single Persistently Unmethylated CpG in the Promoter of the Vitellogenin Gene Abolishes Its Inducibility by Estrogen through Attenuation of Upstream Stimulating Factor Binding. Mol Cell Biol 2019; 39:MCB.00436-19. [PMID: 31548262 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00436-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The enhancer/promoter of the vitellogenin II gene (VTG) has been extensively studied as a model system of vertebrate transcriptional control. While deletion mutagenesis and in vivo footprinting identified the transcription factor (TF) binding sites governing its tissue specificity, DNase hypersensitivity and DNA methylation studies revealed the epigenetic changes accompanying its hormone-dependent activation. Moreover, upon induction with estrogen (E2), the region flanking the estrogen-responsive element (ERE) was reported to undergo active DNA demethylation. We now show that although the VTG ERE is methylated in embryonic chicken liver and in LMH/2A hepatocytes, its induction by E2 was not accompanied by extensive demethylation. In contrast, E2 failed to activate a VTG enhancer/promoter-controlled luciferase reporter gene methylated by SssI. Surprisingly, this inducibility difference could be traced not to the ERE but rather to a single CpG in an E-box (CACGTG) sequence upstream of the VTG TATA box, which is unmethylated in vivo but methylated by SssI. We demonstrate that this E-box binds the upstream stimulating factor USF1/2. Selective methylation of the CpG within this binding site with an E-box-specific DNA methyltransferase, Eco72IM, was sufficient to attenuate USF1/2 binding in vitro and abolish the hormone-induced transcription of the VTG gene in the reporter system.
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Hilliard AT, Xie D, Ma Z, Snyder MP, Fernald RD. Genome-wide effects of social status on DNA methylation in the brain of a cichlid fish, Astatotilapia burtoni. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:699. [PMID: 31506062 PMCID: PMC6737626 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-6047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful social behavior requires real-time integration of information about the environment, internal physiology, and past experience. The molecular substrates of this integration are poorly understood, but likely modulate neural plasticity and gene regulation. In the cichlid fish species Astatotilapia burtoni, male social status can shift rapidly depending on the environment, causing fast behavioral modifications and a cascade of changes in gene transcription, the brain, and the reproductive system. These changes can be permanent but are also reversible, implying the involvement of a robust but flexible mechanism that regulates plasticity based on internal and external conditions. One candidate mechanism is DNA methylation, which has been linked to social behavior in many species, including A. burtoni. But, the extent of its effects after A. burtoni social change were previously unknown. RESULTS We performed the first genome-wide search for DNA methylation patterns associated with social status in the brains of male A. burtoni, identifying hundreds of Differentially Methylated genomic Regions (DMRs) in dominant versus non-dominant fish. Most DMRs were inside genes supporting neural development, synapse function, and other processes relevant to neural plasticity, and DMRs could affect gene expression in multiple ways. DMR genes were more likely to be transcription factors, have a duplicate elsewhere in the genome, have an anti-sense lncRNA, and have more splice variants than other genes. Dozens of genes had multiple DMRs that were often seemingly positioned to regulate specific splice variants. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed genome-wide effects of A. burtoni social status on DNA methylation in the brain and strongly suggest a role for methylation in modulating plasticity across multiple biological levels. They also suggest many novel hypotheses to address in mechanistic follow-up studies, and will be a rich resource for identifying the relationships between behavioral, neural, and transcriptional plasticity in the context of social status.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan Xie
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Zhihai Ma
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Michael P. Snyder
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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Exploring Epigenetic Age in Response to Intensive Relaxing Training: A Pilot Study to Slow Down Biological Age. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16173074. [PMID: 31450859 PMCID: PMC6747190 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) is an emerging estimator of biological aging, i.e., the often-defined "epigenetic clock", with a unique accuracy for chronological age estimation (DNAmAge). In this pilot longitudinal study, we examine the hypothesis that intensive relaxing training of 60 days in patients after myocardial infarction and in healthy subjects may influence leucocyte DNAmAge by turning back the epigenetic clock. Moreover, we compare DNAmAge with another mechanism of biological age, leucocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase. DNAmAge is reduced after training in healthy subjects (p = 0.053), but not in patients. LTL is preserved after intervention in healthy subjects, while it continues to decrease in patients (p = 0.051). The conventional negative correlation between LTL and chronological age becomes positive after training in both patients (p < 0.01) and healthy subjects (p < 0.05). In our subjects, DNAmAge is not associated with LTL. Our findings would suggest that intensive relaxing practices influence different aging molecular mechanisms, i.e., DNAmAge and LTL, with a rejuvenating effect. Our study reveals that DNAmAge may represent an accurate tool to measure the effectiveness of lifestyle-based interventions in the prevention of age-related diseases.
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46
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The role of the genome in experience-dependent plasticity: Extending the analogy of the genomic action potential. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:23252-23260. [PMID: 31127037 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820837116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Our past experiences shape our current and future behavior. These experiences must leave some enduring imprint on our brains, altering neural circuits that mediate behavior and contributing to our individual differences. As a framework for understanding how experiences might produce lasting changes in neural circuits, Clayton [D. F. Clayton, Neurobiol. Learn. Mem. 74, 185-216 (2000)] introduced the concept of the genomic action potential (gAP)-a structured genomic response in the brain to acute experience. Similar to the familiar electrophysiological action potential (eAP), the gAP also provides a means for integrating afferent patterns of activity but on a slower timescale and with longer-lasting effects. We revisit this concept in light of contemporary work on experience-dependent modification of neural circuits. We review the "Immediate Early Gene" (IEG) response, the starting point for understanding the gAP. We discuss evidence for its involvement in the encoding of experience to long-term memory across time and biological levels of organization ranging from individual cells to cell ensembles and whole organisms. We explore distinctions between memory encoding and homeostatic functions and consider the potential for perpetuation of the imprint of experience through epigenetic mechanisms. We describe a specific example of a gAP in humans linked to individual differences in the response to stress. Finally, we identify key objectives and new tools for continuing research in this area.
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Wiechmann T, Röh S, Sauer S, Czamara D, Arloth J, Ködel M, Beintner M, Knop L, Menke A, Binder EB, Provençal N. Identification of dynamic glucocorticoid-induced methylation changes at the FKBP5 locus. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:83. [PMID: 31122292 PMCID: PMC6533766 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic mechanisms may play a major role in the biological embedding of early-life stress (ELS). One proposed mechanism is that glucocorticoid (GC) release following ELS exposure induces long-lasting alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) of important regulatory genes of the stress response. Here, we investigate the dynamics of GC-dependent methylation changes in key regulatory regions of the FKBP5 locus in which ELS-associated DNAm changes have been reported. Results We repeatedly measured DNAm in human peripheral blood samples from 2 independent cohorts exposed to the GC agonist dexamethasone (DEX) using a targeted bisulfite sequencing approach, complemented by data from Illumina 450K arrays. We detected differentially methylated CpGs in enhancers co-localizing with GC receptor binding sites after acute DEX treatment (1 h, 3 h, 6 h), which returned to baseline levels within 23 h. These changes withstood correction for immune cell count differences. While we observed main effects of sex, age, body mass index, smoking, and depression symptoms on FKBP5 methylation levels, only the functional FKBP5 SNP (rs1360780) moderated the dynamic changes following DEX. This genotype effect was observed in both cohorts and included sites previously shown to be associated with ELS. Conclusion Our study highlights that DNAm levels within regulatory regions of the FKBP5 locus show dynamic changes following a GC challenge and suggest that factors influencing the dynamics of this regulation may contribute to the previously reported alterations in DNAm associated with current and past ELS exposure. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0682-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Wiechmann
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Röh
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Janine Arloth
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Maik Ködel
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Madita Beintner
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisanne Knop
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University Medical School, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Nadine Provençal
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany. .,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada. .,BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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48
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Epigenetic upregulation of FKBP5 by aging and stress contributes to NF-κB-driven inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:11370-11379. [PMID: 31113877 PMCID: PMC6561294 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1816847116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Diseases of the aging are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms through which modifiable factors, such as psychosocial stress, confer risk for aging-related disease can have profound implications. By combining studies in humans with experiments in cells, we show that aging and stress synergize to epigenetically upregulate FKBP5, a protein implicated in stress physiology. Higher FKBP5 promotes inflammation by activating the master immune regulator NF-κB, whereas opposing FKBP5, either genetically or pharmacologically, prevents the effects on NF-κB. Further, the aging/stress-related epigenetic signature of FKBP5 is associated with history of myocardial infarction, a disease linked to inflammation. These findings provide molecular insights into stress-related disease, pointing to biomarker and treatment possibilities. Aging and psychosocial stress are associated with increased inflammation and disease risk, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. Because both aging and stress are also associated with lasting epigenetic changes, a plausible hypothesis is that stress along the lifespan could confer disease risk through epigenetic effects on molecules involved in inflammatory processes. Here, by combining large-scale analyses in human cohorts with experiments in cells, we report that FKBP5, a protein implicated in stress physiology, contributes to these relations. Across independent human cohorts (total n > 3,000), aging synergized with stress-related phenotypes, measured with childhood trauma and major depression questionnaires, to epigenetically up-regulate FKBP5 expression. These age/stress-related epigenetic effects were recapitulated in a cellular model of replicative senescence, whereby we exposed replicating human fibroblasts to stress (glucocorticoid) hormones. Unbiased genome-wide analyses in human blood linked higher FKBP5 mRNA with a proinflammatory profile and altered NF-κB–related gene networks. Accordingly, experiments in immune cells showed that higher FKBP5 promotes inflammation by strengthening the interactions of NF-κB regulatory kinases, whereas opposing FKBP5 either by genetic deletion (CRISPR/Cas9-mediated) or selective pharmacological inhibition prevented the effects on NF-κB. Further, the age/stress-related epigenetic signature enhanced FKBP5 response to NF-κB through a positive feedback loop and was present in individuals with a history of acute myocardial infarction, a disease state linked to peripheral inflammation. These findings suggest that aging/stress-driven FKBP5–NF-κB signaling mediates inflammation, potentially contributing to cardiovascular risk, and may thus point to novel biomarker and treatment possibilities.
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Zhao Z, Lan M, Li J, Dong Q, Li X, Liu B, Li G, Wang H, Zhang Z, Zhu B. The proinflammatory cytokine TNFα induces DNA demethylation-dependent and -independent activation of interleukin-32 expression. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:6785-6795. [PMID: 30824537 PMCID: PMC6497958 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.006255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-32 is a cytokine involved in proinflammatory immune responses to bacterial and viral infections. However, the role of epigenetic events in the regulation of IL-32 gene expression is understudied. Here we show that IL-32 is repressed by DNA methylation in HEK293 cells. Using ChIP sequencing, locus-specific methylation analysis, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing, and RT-qPCR (quantitative RT-PCR) and immunoblot assays, we found that short-term treatment (a few hours) with the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) activates IL-32 in a DNA demethylation-independent manner. In contrast, prolonged TNFα treatment (several days) induced DNA demethylation at the promoter and a CpG island in the IL-32 gene in a TET (ten-eleven translocation) family enzyme- and NF-κB-dependent manner. Notably, the hypomethylation status of transcriptional regulatory elements in IL-32 was maintained for a long time (several weeks), causing elevated IL-32 expression even in the absence of TNFα. Considering that IL-32 can, in turn, induce TNFα expression, we speculate that such feedforward events may contribute to the transition from an acute inflammatory response to chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuodong Zhao
- From the Tsinghua University-Peking University-National Institute of Biological Sciences Joint Graduate Program, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- the National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Mengying Lan
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- the College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Jingjing Li
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- the College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
| | - Qiang Dong
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiang Li
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Baodong Liu
- the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Gang Li
- the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- the State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Zhuqiang Zhang
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,
| | - Bing Zhu
- the National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China,
- the College of Life Sciences, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China, and
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50
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Binder EB. [Environment and epigenetics]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 90:107-113. [PMID: 30643952 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0657-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Environmental factors are among the strongest risk factors for psychiatric disorders. Differences in exposure to such environments have been associated with lasting biological changes. In recent years epigenetic mechanisms have been brought to the forefront as central in mediating a lasting embedding of environmental risk factors. This article first summarizes the different levels of epigenetic regulation and then focuses on mechanisms transducing environmental signals into lasting epigenetic changes. This is followed by examples of how environmentally induced epigenetic changes relate to risk and resilience to psychiatric disorders and their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth B Binder
- Abteilung für translationale Forschung für Psychiatrie, Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, München, Deutschland. .,Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA.
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