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Bestry M, Larcombe AN, Kresoje N, Chivers EK, Bakker C, Fitzpatrick JP, Elliott EJ, Craig JM, Muggli E, Halliday J, Hutchinson D, Buckberry S, Lister R, Symons M, Martino D. Early moderate prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal diet impact offspring DNA methylation across species. eLife 2024; 12:RP92135. [PMID: 39239947 PMCID: PMC11379454 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption in pregnancy can affect genome regulation in the developing offspring but results have been contradictory. We employed a physiologically relevant murine model of short-term moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) resembling common patterns of alcohol consumption in pregnancy in humans. Early moderate PAE was sufficient to affect site-specific DNA methylation in newborn pups without altering behavioural outcomes in adult littermates. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of neonatal brain and liver revealed stochastic influence on DNA methylation that was mostly tissue-specific, with some perturbations likely originating as early as gastrulation. DNA methylation differences were enriched in non-coding genomic regions with regulatory potential indicative of broad effects of alcohol on genome regulation. Replication studies in human cohorts with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder suggested some effects were metastable at genes linked to disease-relevant traits including facial morphology, intelligence, educational attainment, autism, and schizophrenia. In our murine model, a maternal diet high in folate and choline protected against some of the damaging effects of early moderate PAE on DNA methylation. Our studies demonstrate that early moderate exposure is sufficient to affect fetal genome regulation even in the absence of overt phenotypic changes and highlight a role for preventative maternal dietary interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Bestry
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alexander N Larcombe
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Occupation, Environment and Safety, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | | | - Emily K Chivers
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Chloe Bakker
- Respiratory Environmental Health, Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
| | - James P Fitzpatrick
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Specialty of Child and Adolescent Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Westmead) and Kids Research, Geelong, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Deakin University, IMPACT - the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Evelyne Muggli
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
- Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Deakin University, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
- University New South Wales, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sam Buckberry
- Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, School of Molecular Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Martyn Symons
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - David Martino
- Wal-yan Respiratory Research Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, Australia
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2
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Yusipov I, Kalyakulina A, Trukhanov A, Franceschi C, Ivanchenko M. Map of epigenetic age acceleration: A worldwide analysis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 100:102418. [PMID: 39002646 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
We present a systematic analysis of epigenetic age acceleration based on by far the largest collection of publicly available DNA methylation data for healthy samples (93 datasets, 23 K samples), focusing on the geographic (25 countries) and ethnic (31 ethnicities) aspects around the world. We employed the most popular epigenetic tools for assessing age acceleration and examined their quality metrics and ability to extrapolate to epigenetic data from different tissue types and age ranges different from the training data of these models. In most cases, the models proved to be inconsistent with each other and showed different signs of age acceleration, with the PhenoAge model tending to systematically underestimate and different versions of the GrimAge model tending to systematically overestimate the age prediction of healthy subjects. Referring to data availability and consistency, most countries and populations are still not represented in GEO, moreover, different datasets use different criteria for determining healthy controls. Because of this, it is difficult to fully isolate the contribution of "geography/environment", "ethnicity" and "healthiness" to epigenetic age acceleration. Among the explored metrics, only the DunedinPACE, which measures aging rate, appears to adequately reflect the standard of living and socioeconomic indicators in countries, although it has a limited application to blood methylation data only. Invariably, by epigenetic age acceleration, males age faster than females in most of the studied countries and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Yusipov
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia; Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia.
| | - Alena Kalyakulina
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia; Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia.
| | - Arseniy Trukhanov
- Mriya Life Institute, National Academy of Active Longevity, Moscow 124489, Russia.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Ivanchenko
- Artificial Intelligence Research Center, Institute of Information Technologies, Mathematics and Mechanics, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia; Institute of Biogerontology, Lobachevsky State University, Nizhny Novgorod 603022, Russia.
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3
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Sennsfelder L, Guilly S, Henkous S, Lebon C, Leruste S, Beuvain P, Ferroul F, Benard S, Payet F, Nekaa M, Bagard M, Lauret M, Hoareau V, Caillier A, Robin S, Lanneaux J, Etchebarren L, Spodenkiewicz M, Alessandri JL, Morel G, Roy-Doray B. First Description of a Large Clinical Series of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Children and Adolescents in Reunion Island, France. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:955. [PMID: 39201890 PMCID: PMC11352436 DOI: 10.3390/children11080955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite several diagnostic guidelines, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) remain underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed, delaying the care of these patients and support for families. OBJECTIVE This study aims to help professionals caring for these children and their families to suspect this diagnosis earlier and to provide the most appropriate follow-up. METHODS A retrospective chart review with monocentric recruitment was performed at the Genetics Unit of the University Hospital of Reunion Island. A total of 147 children and adolescents with FASDs were included. RESULTS Prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with paternal alcohol consumption in 42.9%, and a high rate of prematurity (33.3%) was observed. Sixty percent of children or adolescents were placed in foster families. Learning difficulties without cognitive deficits were found in 65.8% of cases (50/76). Postural control and fine motor skills disabilities were described, respectively, in 54.7% (35/64) and 72.5% (50/69) of cases. A systematic genetic assessment was carried out, identifying in these FASD patients an associated Copy Number Variation (CNVs) in 22.6% of cases. CONCLUSION Children with FASDs combine significant vulnerabilities, associating exposure to alcohol during the preconception and/or the prenatal period, prematurity, complex familial and sociocultural living conditions, and a genetic anomaly in almost a quarter of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laëtitia Sennsfelder
- Laboratoire EPI (Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques), UFR Santé, Université de La Réunion, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France;
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Susie Guilly
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Sonia Henkous
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Christophe Lebon
- CIC 1410 (Centre d’Investigation Clinique), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (C.L.); (S.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Sébastien Leruste
- CIC 1410 (Centre d’Investigation Clinique), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (C.L.); (S.L.); (M.S.)
- UFR Santé, Université de La Réunion, 97410 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Pauline Beuvain
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Fanny Ferroul
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Stéphanie Benard
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Frédérique Payet
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Meissa Nekaa
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Maité Bagard
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Magaly Lauret
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Virginie Hoareau
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Aurélie Caillier
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Stéphanie Robin
- Centre Diagnostic TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Justine Lanneaux
- Centre Diagnostic TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Léa Etchebarren
- Centre Diagnostic TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Michel Spodenkiewicz
- CIC 1410 (Centre d’Investigation Clinique), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (C.L.); (S.L.); (M.S.)
- Pôle de Santé Mentale, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97448 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Jean-Luc Alessandri
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Ouest Occitanie Réunion, Site Constitutif de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Godelieve Morel
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Ouest Occitanie Réunion, Site Constitutif de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Bérénice Roy-Doray
- Laboratoire EPI (Etudes Pharmaco-Immunologiques), UFR Santé, Université de La Réunion, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France;
- Service de Génétique, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
- Centre Ressources TSAF (Troubles du Spectre de l’Alcoolisation Fœtale), Fondation Père Favron, CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97546 Saint-Pierre, France
- CIC 1410 (Centre d’Investigation Clinique), CHU (Centre Hospitalier Universitaire) de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France; (C.L.); (S.L.); (M.S.)
- UFR Santé, Université de La Réunion, 97410 Saint-Pierre, France
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs Sud-Ouest Occitanie Réunion, Site Constitutif de La Réunion, 97400 Saint-Denis, France
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4
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Haghshenas S, Putoux A, Reilly J, Levy MA, Relator R, Ghosh S, Kerkhof J, McConkey H, Edery P, Lesca G, Besson A, Coubes C, Willems M, Ruiz-Pallares N, Barat-Houari M, Tizzano EF, Valenzuela I, Sabbagh Q, Clayton-Smith J, Jackson A, O'Sullivan J, Bromley R, Banka S, Genevieve D, Sadikovic B. Discovery of DNA methylation signature in the peripheral blood of individuals with history of antenatal exposure to valproic acid. Genet Med 2024; 26:101226. [PMID: 39097820 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2024.101226] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Valproic acid or valproate is an effective antiepileptic drug; however, embryonic exposure to valproate can result in a teratogenic disorder referred to as fetal valproate syndrome (OMIM #609442). Currently there are no diagnostic biomarkers for the condition. This study aims to define an episignature biomarker for teratogenic antenatal exposure to valproate. METHODS DNA extracted from peripheral blood of individuals with teratogenic antenatal exposure to valproate was processed using DNA methylation microarrays. Subsequently, methylation profiling and construction of support vector machine classifiers were performed in R. RESULTS Genomic DNA methylation analysis was applied, and a distinct DNA methylation profile was identified in the majority of affected individuals. This profile was used to develop a diagnostic episignature classifier. The valproate exposure episignature exhibited high sensitivity and specificity relative to a large reference data set of unaffected controls and individuals with a wide spectrum of syndromic disorders with episignatures. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated an enrichment for terms associated with cell adhesion, including significant overrepresentation of the cadherin superfamily. CONCLUSION This study provides evidence of a robust peripheral blood-based diagnostic epigenetic biomarker for a prenatal teratogenic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegheh Haghshenas
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Audrey Putoux
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Equipe GENDEV, INSERM U1028, UMR CNRS 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jack Reilly
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Michael A Levy
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Raissa Relator
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sourav Ghosh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Kerkhof
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - Haley McConkey
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Edery
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France; Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Equipe GENDEV, INSERM U1028, UMR CNRS 5292, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Gaetan Lesca
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Service de Génétique, Bron, France; Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR 5310 - INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Alicia Besson
- Institut NeuroMyoGène, CNRS UMR 5310 - INSERM U1217, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Christine Coubes
- Reference Centre for Rare Disease Developmental Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Genetic Clinic Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marjolaine Willems
- Reference Centre for Rare Disease Developmental Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Genetic Clinic Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathalie Ruiz-Pallares
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Maladies Rares et Autoinflammatoires, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mouna Barat-Houari
- Laboratoire de Génétique des Maladies Rares et Autoinflammatoires, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Eduardo F Tizzano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Medicine Genetics Group Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA
| | - Irene Valenzuela
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Medicine Genetics Group Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain; European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA
| | - Quentin Sabbagh
- Reference Centre for Rare Disease Developmental Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Genetic Clinic Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam Jackson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - James O'Sullivan
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rebecca Bromley
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, UK; Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, UK
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David Genevieve
- Reference Centre for Rare Disease Developmental Anomaly and Malformative Syndromes, Genetic Clinic Unit, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Montpellier University, Inserm U1183, Montpellier, France; European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability ERN-ITHACA.
| | - Bekim Sadikovic
- Verspeeten Clinical Genome Centre, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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5
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Hwang HM, Yamashita S, Matsumoto Y, Ito M, Edwards A, Sasaki J, Dutta DJ, Mohammad S, Yamashita C, Wetherill L, Schwantes-An TH, Abreu M, Mahnke AH, Mattson SN, Foroud T, Miranda RC, Chambers C, Torii M, Hashimoto-Torii K. Reduction of APOE accounts for neurobehavioral deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02586-6. [PMID: 38734844 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02586-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
A hallmark of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is neurobehavioral deficits that still do not have effective treatment. Here, we present that reduction of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) is critically involved in neurobehavioral deficits in FASD. We show that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) changes chromatin accessibility of Apoe locus, and causes reduction of APOE levels in both the brain and peripheral blood in postnatal mice. Of note, postnatal administration of an APOE receptor agonist (APOE-RA) mitigates motor learning deficits and anxiety in those mice. Several molecular and electrophysiological properties essential for learning, which are altered by PAE, are restored by APOE-RA. Our human genome-wide association study further reveals that the interaction of PAE and a single nucleotide polymorphism in the APOE enhancer which chromatin is closed by PAE in mice is associated with lower scores in the delayed matching-to-sample task in children. APOE in the plasma is also reduced in PAE children, and the reduced level is associated with their lower cognitive performance. These findings suggest that controlling the APOE level can serve as an effective treatment for neurobehavioral deficits in FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye M Hwang
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Satoshi Yamashita
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yu Matsumoto
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mariko Ito
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alex Edwards
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Junko Sasaki
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dipankar J Dutta
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shahid Mohammad
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chiho Yamashita
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Tae-Hwi Schwantes-An
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Marco Abreu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Amanda H Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Christina Chambers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Masaaki Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics, and Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Kazue Hashimoto-Torii
- Center for Neuroscience Research, The Children's Research Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.
- Departments of Pediatrics, and Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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6
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McKay L, Petrelli B, Pind M, Reynolds JN, Wintle RF, Chudley AE, Drögemöller B, Fainsod A, Scherer SW, Hanlon-Dearman A, Hicks GG. Risk and Resilience Variants in the Retinoic Acid Metabolic and Developmental Pathways Associated with Risk of FASD Outcomes. Biomolecules 2024; 14:569. [PMID: 38785976 PMCID: PMC11117505 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects an estimated 2-5% of North Americans. FASD is induced by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) during pregnancy and while there is a clear genetic contribution, few genetic factors are currently identified or understood. In this study, using a candidate gene approach, we performed a genetic variant analysis of retinoic acid (RA) metabolic and developmental signaling pathway genes on whole exome sequencing data of 23 FASD-diagnosed individuals. We found risk and resilience alleles in ADH and ALDH genes known to normally be involved in alcohol detoxification at the expense of RA production, causing RA deficiency, following PAE. Risk and resilience variants were also identified in RA-regulated developmental pathway genes, especially in SHH and WNT pathways. Notably, we also identified significant variants in the causative genes of rare neurodevelopmental disorders sharing comorbidities with FASD, including STRA6 (Matthew-Wood), SOX9 (Campomelic Dysplasia), FDG1 (Aarskog), and 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (TBX1). Although this is a small exploratory study, the findings support PAE-induced RA deficiency as a major etiology underlying FASD and suggest risk and resilience variants may be suitable biomarkers to determine the risk of FASD outcomes following PAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo McKay
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Berardino Petrelli
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Molly Pind
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - James N. Reynolds
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 2V7, Canada
| | - Richard F. Wintle
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Albert E. Chudley
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
| | - Britt Drögemöller
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
- Centre on Aging, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, P.O. Box 12271, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Stephen W. Scherer
- The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics and McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Ana Hanlon-Dearman
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1, Canada
| | - Geoffrey G. Hicks
- Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Children’s Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P4, Canada
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7
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Suttie M, Kable J, Mahnke AH, Bandoli G. Machine learning approaches to the identification of children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure: A narrative review. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 48:585-595. [PMID: 38302824 PMCID: PMC11015982 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) affect at least 0.8% of the population globally. The diagnosis of FASD is uniquely complex, with a heterogeneous physical and neurobehavioral presentation that requires multidisciplinary expertise for diagnosis. Many researchers have begun to incorporate machine learning approaches into FASD research to identify children who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, including those with FASD. This narrative review highlights these efforts. Following an introduction to machine learning, we summarize examples from the literature of neurobehavioral screening tools and physiologic markers of exposure. We discuss individual efforts, including models that classify FASD based on parent-reported neurocognitive or behavioral questionnaires, 3D facial imaging, brain imaging, DNA methylation patterns, microRNA profiles, cardiac orienting response, and dysmorphic facial features. We highlight model performance and discuss the limitations of these approaches. We conclude by considering the scalability of these approaches and how these machine learning models, largely developed from clinical samples or highly exposed birth cohorts, may perform in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Suttie
- Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, UK
- Big Data Institute, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Julie Kable
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science and Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, 201 Dowman Drive, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Amanda H. Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
| | - Gretchen Bandoli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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8
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Chen S, Huang M, Xu D, Li M. Epigenetic regulation in epilepsy: A novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2024; 173:105657. [PMID: 38145842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with excessive and abnormal neuronal discharges. Epileptogenesis is usually involved in neuropathological processes such as ion channel dysfunction, neuronal injury, inflammatory response, synaptic plasticity, gliocyte proliferation and mossy fiber sprouting, currently the pathogenesis of epilepsy is not yet completely understood. A growing body of studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) are also involved in epilepsy. Through epigenetic studies, we found that the synaptic dysfunction, nerve damage, cognitive dysfunction and brain development abnormalities are affected by epigenetic regulation of epilepsy-related genes in patients with epilepsy. However, the functional roles of epigenetics in pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy are still to be explored. Therefore, profiling the array of genes that are epigenetically dysregulated in epileptogenesis is likely to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of epilepsy and may for the amelioration of these serious human conditions provide novel insight into therapeutic strategies and diagnostic biomarkers for epilepsy to improve serious human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Da Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
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9
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Monasso GS, Hoang TT, Mancano G, Fernández-Barrés S, Dou J, Jaddoe VW, Page CM, Johnson L, Bustamante M, Bakulski KM, Håberg SE, Ueland PM, Battram T, Merid SK, Melén E, Caramaschi D, Küpers LK, Sunyer J, Nystad W, Heil SG, Schmidt RJ, Vrijheid M, Sharp GC, London SJ, Felix JF. A meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies on pregnancy vitamin B12 concentrations and offspring DNA methylation. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2202835. [PMID: 37093107 PMCID: PMC10128528 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2202835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating vitamin B12 concentrations during pregnancy are associated with offspring health. Foetal DNA methylation changes could underlie these associations. Within the Pregnancy And Childhood Epigenetics Consortium, we meta-analysed epigenome-wide associations of circulating vitamin B12 concentrations in mothers during pregnancy (n = 2,420) or cord blood (n = 1,029), with cord blood DNA methylation. Maternal and newborn vitamin B12 concentrations were associated with DNA methylation at 109 and 7 CpGs, respectively (False Discovery Rate P-value <0.05). Persistent associations with DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of up to 482 children aged 4-10 y were observed for 40.7% of CpGs associated with maternal vitamin B12 and 57.1% of CpGs associated with newborn vitamin B12. Of the CpGs identified in the maternal meta-analyses, 4.6% were associated with either birth weight or gestational age in a previous work. For the newborn meta-analysis, this was the case for 14.3% of the identified CpGs. Also, of the CpGs identified in the newborn meta-analysis, 14.3% and 28.6%, respectively, were associated with childhood cognitive skills and nonverbal IQ. Of the 109 CpGs associated with maternal vitamin B12, 18.3% were associated with nearby gene expression. In this study, we showed that maternal and newborn vitamin B12 concentrations are associated with DNA methylation at multiple CpGs in offspring blood (PFDR<0.05). Whether this differential DNA methylation underlies associations of vitamin B12 concentrations with child health outcomes, such as birth weight, gestational age, and childhood cognition, should be further examined in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulietta S. Monasso
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thanh T. Hoang
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Giulia Mancano
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sílvia Fernández-Barrés
- ISGlobal, Bacelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), madrid,Barcelona, Spain
| | - John Dou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Vincent W.V. Jaddoe
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian M. Page
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laura Johnson
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Mariona Bustamante
- ISGlobal, Bacelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), madrid,Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kelly M. Bakulski
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Siri E. Håberg
- Centre for Fertility and Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Thomas Battram
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Simon K. Merid
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Melén
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sachs’ Children’s Hospital, South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Doretta Caramaschi
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Leanne K. Küpers
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Sunyer
- ISGlobal, Bacelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), madrid,Barcelona, Spain
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wenche Nystad
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Ageing, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sandra G. Heil
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, USA
- The UC Davis MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, USA
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Bacelona Institute for Global Health, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), madrid,Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma C. Sharp
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Bristol Medical School Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Stephanie J. London
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Janine F. Felix
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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10
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Verscheure E, Stierum R, Schlünssen V, Lund Würtz AM, Vanneste D, Kogevinas M, Harding BN, Broberg K, Zienolddiny-Narui S, Erdem JS, Das MK, Makris KC, Konstantinou C, Andrianou X, Dekkers S, Morris L, Pronk A, Godderis L, Ghosh M. Characterization of the internal working-life exposome using minimally and non-invasive sampling methods - a narrative review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117001. [PMID: 37683788 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
During recent years, we are moving away from the 'one exposure, one disease'-approach in occupational settings and towards a more comprehensive approach, taking into account the totality of exposures during a life course by using an exposome approach. Taking an exposome approach however is accompanied by many challenges, one of which, for example, relates to the collection of biological samples. Methods used for sample collection in occupational exposome studies should ideally be minimally invasive, while at the same time sensitive, and enable meaningful repeated sampling in a large population and over a longer time period. This might be hampered in specific situations e.g., people working in remote areas, during pandemics or with flexible work hours. In these situations, using self-sampling techniques might offer a solution. Therefore, our aim was to identify existing self-sampling techniques and to evaluate the applicability of these techniques in an occupational exposome context by conducting a literature review. We here present an overview of current self-sampling methodologies used to characterize the internal exposome. In addition, the use of different biological matrices was evaluated and subdivided based on their level of invasiveness and applicability in an occupational exposome context. In conclusion, this review and the overview of self-sampling techniques presented herein can serve as a guide in the design of future (occupational) exposome studies while circumventing sample collection challenges associated with exposome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline Verscheure
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rob Stierum
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Risk Analysis for Products in Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Research unit for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Lund Würtz
- Department of Public Health, Research unit for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dorian Vanneste
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manolis Kogevinas
- Environment and Health over the Lifecourse Program, ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Barbara N Harding
- Environment and Health over the Lifecourse Program, ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Mrinal K Das
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Konstantinos C Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Corina Konstantinou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Xanthi Andrianou
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Susan Dekkers
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Risk Analysis for Products in Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Anjoeka Pronk
- Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO, Risk Analysis for Products in Development, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lode Godderis
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Idewe, External Service for Prevention and Protection at work, Heverlee, Belgium.
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment and Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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11
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Tooley KB, Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Machalinski AH, Pham KD, Hoolehan W, Kulpa AM, Stanford DR, Freeman WM. Differential usage of DNA modifications in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. Epigenetics Chromatin 2023; 16:45. [PMID: 37953264 PMCID: PMC10642035 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-023-00522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular identity is determined partly by cell type-specific epigenomic profiles that regulate gene expression. In neuroscience, there is a pressing need to isolate and characterize the epigenomes of specific CNS cell types in health and disease. In this study, we developed an in vivo tagging mouse model (Camk2a-NuTRAP) for paired isolation of neuronal DNA and RNA without cell sorting and then used this model to assess epigenomic regulation, DNA modifications in particular, of gene expression between neurons and glia. RESULTS After validating the cell-specificity of the Camk2a-NuTRAP model, we performed TRAP-RNA-Seq and INTACT-whole genome oxidative bisulfite sequencing (WGoxBS) to assess the neuronal translatome and epigenome in the hippocampus of young mice (4 months old). WGoxBS findings were validated with enzymatic methyl-Seq (EM-Seq) and nanopore sequencing. Comparing neuronal data to microglial and astrocytic data from NuTRAP models, microglia had the highest global mCG levels followed by astrocytes and then neurons, with the opposite pattern observed for hmCG and mCH. Differentially modified regions between cell types were predominantly found within gene bodies and distal intergenic regions, rather than proximal promoters. Across cell types there was a negative correlation between DNA modifications (mCG, mCH, hmCG) and gene expression at proximal promoters. In contrast, a negative correlation of gene body mCG and a positive relationship between distal promoter and gene body hmCG with gene expression was observed. Furthermore, we identified a neuron-specific inverse relationship between mCH and gene expression across promoter and gene body regions. CONCLUSIONS Neurons, astrocytes, and microglia demonstrate different genome-wide levels of mCG, hmCG, and mCH that are reproducible across analytical methods. However, modification-gene expression relationships are conserved across cell types. Enrichment of differential modifications across cell types in gene bodies and distal regulatory elements, but not proximal promoters, highlights epigenomic patterning in these regions as potentially greater determinants of cell identity. These findings also demonstrate the importance of differentiating between mC and hmC in neuroepigenomic analyses, as up to 30% of what is conventionally interpreted as mCG can be hmCG, which often has a different relationship to gene expression than mCG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla B Tooley
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Ana J Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Sarah R Ocañas
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Adeline H Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kevin D Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Walker Hoolehan
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Adam M Kulpa
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, 825 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - David R Stanford
- Center for Biomedical Data Sciences, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Willard M Freeman
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
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12
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Gillis RF, Palmour RM. miRNA Expression Analysis of the Hippocampus in a Vervet Monkey Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Reveals a Potential Role in Global mRNA Downregulation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:934. [PMID: 37371413 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short-length non-protein-coding RNA sequences that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in a broad range of cellular processes including neuro- development and have previously been implicated in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In this study, we use our vervet monkey model of FASD to follow up on a prior multivariate (developmental age × ethanol exposure) mRNA analysis (GSE173516) to explore the possibility that the global mRNA downregulation we observed in that study could be related to miRNA expression and function. We report here a predominance of upregulated and differentially expressed miRNAs. Further, the 24 most upregulated miRNAs were significantly correlated with their predicted targets (Target Scan 7.2). We then explored the relationship between these 24 miRNAs and the fold changes observed in their paired mRNA targets using two prediction platforms (Target Scan 7.2 and miRwalk 3.0). Compared to a list of non-differentially expressed miRNAs from our dataset, the 24 upregulated and differentially expressed miRNAs had a greater impact on the fold changes of their corresponding mRNA targets across both platforms. Taken together, this evidence raises the possibility that ethanol-induced upregulation of specific miRNAs might contribute functionally to the general downregulation of mRNAs observed by multiple investigators in response to prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob F Gillis
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Roberta M Palmour
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0C7, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Behavioural Science Foundation, Mansion KN 0101, Saint Kitts and Nevis
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13
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Tooley KB, Chucair-Elliott AJ, Ocañas SR, Machalinski AH, Pham KD, Stanford DR, Freeman WM. Differential usage of DNA modifications in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543497. [PMID: 37333391 PMCID: PMC10274634 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Cellular identity is determined partly by cell type-specific epigenomic profiles that regulate gene expression. In neuroscience, there is a pressing need to isolate and characterize the epigenomes of specific CNS cell types in health and disease. This is especially true as for DNA modifications where most data are derived from bisulfite sequencing that cannot differentiate between DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation. In this study, we developed an in vivo tagging mouse model (Camk2a-NuTRAP) for paired isolation of neuronal DNA and RNA without cell sorting and then used this model to assess epigenomic regulation of gene expression between neurons and glia. Results After validating the cell-specificity of the Camk2a-NuTRAP model, we performed TRAP-RNA-Seq and INTACT whole genome oxidative bisulfite sequencing to assess the neuronal translatome and epigenome in the hippocampus of young mice (3 months old). These data were then compared to microglial and astrocytic data from NuTRAP models. When comparing the different cell types, microglia had the highest global mCG levels followed by astrocytes and then neurons, with the opposite pattern observed for hmCG and mCH. Differentially modified regions between cell types were predominantly found within gene bodies and distal intergenic regions, with limited differences occurring within proximal promoters. Across cell types there was a negative correlation between DNA modifications (mCG, mCH, hmCG) and gene expression at proximal promoters. In contrast, a negative correlation of mCG with gene expression within the gene body while a positive relationship between distal promoter and gene body hmCG and gene expression was observed. Furthermore, we identified a neuron-specific inverse relationship between mCH and gene expression across promoter and gene body regions. Conclusions In this study, we identified differential usage of DNA modifications across CNS cell types, and assessed the relationship between DNA modifications and gene expression in neurons and glia. Despite having different global levels, the general modification-gene expression relationship was conserved across cell types. The enrichment of differential modifications in gene bodies and distal regulatory elements, but not proximal promoters, across cell types highlights epigenomic patterning in these regions as potentially greater determinants of cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyla B. Tooley
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Ana J. Chucair-Elliott
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Sarah R. Ocañas
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Adeline H. Machalinski
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Kevin D. Pham
- Genes & Human Disease Program, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - David R. Stanford
- Center for Biomedical Data Sciences, Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Willard M. Freeman
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
- Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
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14
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Breton-Larrivée M, Elder E, Legault LM, Langford-Avelar A, MacFarlane AJ, McGraw S. Mitigating the detrimental developmental impact of early fetal alcohol exposure using a maternal methyl donor-enriched diet. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22829. [PMID: 36856720 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201564r] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol exposure at any stage of pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a group of life-long conditions characterized by congenital malformations, as well as cognitive, behavioral, and emotional impairments. The teratogenic effects of alcohol have long been publicized; yet fetal alcohol exposure is one of the most common preventable causes of birth defects. Currently, alcohol abstinence during pregnancy is the best and only way to prevent FASD. However, alcohol consumption remains astoundingly prevalent among pregnant women; therefore, additional measures need to be made available to help protect the developing embryo before irreparable damage is done. Maternal nutritional interventions using methyl donors have been investigated as potential preventative measures to mitigate the adverse effects of fetal alcohol exposure. Here, we show that a single acute preimplantation (E2.5; 8-cell stage) fetal alcohol exposure (2 × 2.5 g/kg ethanol with a 2h interval) in mice leads to long-term FASD-like morphological phenotypes (e.g. growth restriction, brain malformations, skeletal delays) in late-gestation embryos (E18.5) and demonstrate that supplementing the maternal diet with a combination of four methyl donor nutrients, folic acid, choline, betaine, and vitamin B12, prior to conception and throughout gestation effectively reduces the incidence and severity of alcohol-induced morphological defects without altering DNA methylation status of imprinting control regions and regulation of associated imprinted genes. This study clearly supports that preimplantation embryos are vulnerable to the teratogenic effects of alcohol, emphasizes the dangers of maternal alcohol consumption during early gestation, and provides a potential proactive maternal nutritional intervention to minimize FASD progression, reinforcing the importance of adequate preconception and prenatal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Breton-Larrivée
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Elder
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lisa-Marie Legault
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Alexandra Langford-Avelar
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Amanda J MacFarlane
- Agriculture, Food, and Nutrition Evidence Center, Texas A&M University, Texas, Fort Worth, USA.,Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Serge McGraw
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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15
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Krzyzewska IM, Lauffer P, Mul AN, Laan LVD, Yim AYFL, Cobben JM, Niklinski J, Chomczyk MA, Smigiel R, Mannens MMAM, Henneman P. Expression Quantitative Trait Methylation Analysis Identifies Whole Blood Molecular Footprint in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076601. [PMID: 37047575 PMCID: PMC10095438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encompasses neurodevelopmental disabilities and physical birth defects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Previously, we attempted to identify epigenetic biomarkers for FASD by investigating the genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles of individuals with FASD compared to healthy controls. In this study, we generated additional gene expression profiles in a subset of our previous FASD cohort, encompassing the most severely affected individuals, to examine the functional integrative effects of altered DNAm status on gene expression. We identified six differentially methylated regions (annotated to the SEC61G, REEP3, ZNF577, HNRNPF, MSC, and SDHAF1 genes) associated with changes in gene expression (p-value < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to assess whole blood gene expression and DNAm-gene expression associations in FASD. Our results present novel insights into the molecular footprint of FASD in whole blood and opens opportunities for future research into multi-omics biomarkers for the diagnosis of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela M. Krzyzewska
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Lauffer
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adri N. Mul
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Liselot van der Laan
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrew Y. F. Li Yim
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Maarten Cobben
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Faculty of Medicine, Northwest Thames Regional Genetics NHS, Imperial College, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - Jacek Niklinski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, Jana Kilińskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
| | - Monika A. Chomczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Bialystok, Jana Kilińskiego 1, 15-089 Białystok, Poland
| | - Robert Smigiel
- Department of Genetics, Medical University of Wroclaw, Wybrzeże Ludwika Pasteura 1, 50-367 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcel M. A. M. Mannens
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Henneman
- Genome Diagnostics Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Das U, Gangisetty O, Chaudhary S, Tarale P, Rousseau B, Price J, Frazier I, Sarkar DK. Epigenetic insight into effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on stress axis development: Systematic review with meta-analytic approaches. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:18-35. [PMID: 36341762 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a systematic review with meta-analytic elements using publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets to determine the role of epigenetic mechanisms in prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE)-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunctions in offspring. Several studies have demonstrated that PAE has long-term consequences on HPA axis functions in offspring. Some studies determined that alcohol-induced epigenetic alterations during fetal development persist in adulthood. However, additional research is needed to understand the major epigenetic events leading to alcohol-induced teratogenesis of the HPA axis. Our network analysis of GEO datasets identified key pathways relevant to alcohol-mediated histone modifications, DNA methylation, and miRNA involvement associated with PAE-induced alterations of the HPA axis. Our analysis indicated that PAE perturbated the epigenetic machinery to activate corticotrophin-releasing hormone, while it suppressed opioid, glucocorticoid receptor, and circadian clock genes. These results help to further our understanding of the epigenetic basis of alcohol's effects on HPA axis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjal Das
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Omkaram Gangisetty
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Shaista Chaudhary
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Prashant Tarale
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Bénédicte Rousseau
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Julianne Price
- Molecular Neuroscience of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Training, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Kinesiology & Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ian Frazier
- Molecular Neuroscience of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Training, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Kinesiology & Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Dipak K Sarkar
- Endocrinology Program, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Molecular Neuroscience of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Training, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Center of Alcohol & Substance Use Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers Endocrinology Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
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17
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Auvinen P, Vehviläinen J, Marjonen H, Modhukur V, Sokka J, Wallén E, Rämö K, Ahola L, Salumets A, Otonkoski T, Skottman H, Ollikainen M, Trokovic R, Kahila H, Kaminen-Ahola N. Chromatin modifier developmental pluripotency associated factor 4 (DPPA4) is a candidate gene for alcohol-induced developmental disorders. BMC Med 2022; 20:495. [PMID: 36581877 PMCID: PMC9801659 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02699-1] [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: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects embryonic development, causing a variable fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) phenotype with neuronal disorders and birth defects. We hypothesize that early alcohol-induced epigenetic changes disrupt the accurate developmental programming of embryo and consequently cause the complex phenotype of developmental disorders. To explore the etiology of FASD, we collected unique biological samples of 80 severely alcohol-exposed and 100 control newborns at birth. METHODS We performed genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression analyses of placentas by using microarrays (EPIC, Illumina) and mRNA sequencing, respectively. To test the manifestation of observed PAE-associated DNAm changes in embryonic tissues as well as potential biomarkers for PAE, we examined if the changes can be detected also in white blood cells or buccal epithelial cells of the same newborns by EpiTYPER. To explore the early effects of alcohol on extraembryonic placental tissue, we selected 27 newborns whose mothers had consumed alcohol up to gestational week 7 at maximum to the separate analyses. Furthermore, to explore the effects of early alcohol exposure on embryonic cells, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as well as hESCs during differentiation into endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal cells were exposed to alcohol in vitro. RESULTS DPPA4, FOXP2, and TACR3 with significantly decreased DNAm were discovered-particularly the regulatory region of DPPA4 in the early alcohol-exposed placentas. When hESCs were exposed to alcohol in vitro, significantly altered regulation of DPPA2, a closely linked heterodimer of DPPA4, was observed. While the regulatory region of DPPA4 was unmethylated in both control and alcohol-exposed hESCs, alcohol-induced decreased DNAm similar to placenta was seen in in vitro differentiated mesodermal and ectodermal cells. Furthermore, common genes with alcohol-associated DNAm changes in placenta and hESCs were linked exclusively to the neurodevelopmental pathways in the enrichment analysis, which emphasizes the value of placental tissue when analyzing the effects of prenatal environment on human development. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the effects of early alcohol exposure on human embryonic and extraembryonic cells, introduces candidate genes for alcohol-induced developmental disorders, and reveals potential biomarkers for prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Auvinen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Vehviläinen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Marjonen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Modhukur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - J Sokka
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Wallén
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - K Rämö
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Ahola
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Otonkoski
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Finland, FIMM, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Trokovic
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Kahila
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Kaminen-Ahola
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
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18
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Chen Y, Xu X, Chen Z, Huang B, Wang X, Fan X. DNA methylation alternation in Stanford- A acute aortic dissection. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2022; 22:455. [PMID: 36309656 PMCID: PMC9618190 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-022-02882-5] [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: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Recent studies have shown that DNA methylation may be associated with the pathological mechanism of AAD, but the panorama of DNA methylation needs to be explored. Methods DNA methylation patterns were screened using Infinium Human Methylation 450 K BeadChip in the aortic tissues from 4 patients with Stanford-A AAD and 4 controls. Gene enrichment was analyzed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO). DNA methylation levels of candidate genes were determined by pyrosequencing in the replication cohort including 16 patients with AAD and 7 controls. Protein expression level of candidate gene was assessed by Western blot. Results A total of 589 differentially methylated positions including 315 hypomethylated and 274 hypermethylated positions were found in AAD group. KEGG analysis demonstrated that differentially methylated position-associated genes were enriched in MAPK signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway and apoptosis pathway, et al. GO analysis demonstrated that differentially methylated position-associated genes were enriched in protein binding, angiogenesis and heart development et al. The differential DNA methylation in five key genes, including Fas, ANGPT2, DUSP6, FARP1 and CARD6, was authenticated in the independent replication cohort. The protein expression level of the Fas was increased by 1.78 times, indicating the possible role of DNA methylation in regulation of gene expression. Conclusion DNA methylation was markedly changed in the aortic tissues of Stanford-A AAD and associated with gene dysregulation, involved in AAD progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at10.1186/s12872-022-02882-5.
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19
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Wang YW, Hu N, Li XH. Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Brain Organoids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:948818. [PMID: 35846370 PMCID: PMC9283755 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.948818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Revealing the mechanisms of neural development and the pathogenesis of neural diseases are one of the most challenging missions in life science. Pluripotent stem cells derived brain organoids mimic the development, maturation, signal generation, and function of human brains, providing unique advantage for neurology. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and multielectrode array independently revealed the similarity between brain organoids and immature human brain at early developmental stages, in the context of gene transcription and dynamic network of neuronal signals. Brain organoids provided the unique opportunity to investigate the underlying mechanism of neural differentiation, senescence, and pathogenesis. In this review, we summarized the latest knowledge and technology in the brain organoid field, the current and potential applications in disease models and pre-clinic studies, with emphasizing the importance of transcriptional and epigenetic analysis.
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20
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Pinson MR, Tseng AM, Adams A, Lehman TE, Chung K, Gutierrez J, Larin KV, Chambers C, Miranda RC. Prenatal alcohol exposure contributes to negative pregnancy outcomes by altering fetal vascular dynamics and the placental transcriptome. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1036-1049. [PMID: 35474222 PMCID: PMC9325399 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been shown to alter fetal blood flow in utero and is also associated with placental insufficiency and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), suggesting an underlying connection between perturbed circulation and pregnancy outcomes. Methods Timed‐pregnant C57/BL6NHsd mice, bred in‐house, were exposed by gavage on gestational day 10 (GD10) to ethanol (3 g/kg) or purified water, as a control. Pulse‐wave Doppler ultrasound measurements for umbilical arteries and ascending aorta were obtained post‐gavage (GD12, GD14, GD18) on 2 fetuses/litter. RNA from the non‐decidual (labyrinthine and junctional zone) portion of placentas was isolated and processed for RNA‐seq and subsequent bioinformatic analyses, and the association between transcriptomic changes and fetal phenotypes assessed. Results Exposure to ethanol in pregnant mice on GD10 attenuates umbilical cord blood flow transiently during gestation, and is associated with indices of IUGR, specifically decreased fetal weight and morphometric indices of cranial growth. Moreover, RNA‐seq of the fetal portion of the placenta demonstrated that this single exposure has lasting transcriptomic changes, including upregulation of Tet3, which is associated with spontaneous abortion. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) identified erythrocyte differentiation and homeostasis as important pathways associated with improved umbilical cord blood flow as gestation progresses. WGCNA also identified sensory perception of chemical stimulus/odorant and receptor activity as important pathways associated with cranial growth. Conclusion Our data suggest that PAE perturbs the expression of placental genes relevant for placental hematopoiesis and environmental sensing, resulting in transient impairment of umbilical cord blood flow and, subsequently, IUGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa R Pinson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Alexander M Tseng
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Amy Adams
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Tenley E Lehman
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Karen Chung
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Jessica Gutierrez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kirill V Larin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christina Chambers
- Clinical and Translational Research Institute, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Interdisciplinary Program of Genetics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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Grafe EL, Wade MMM, Hodson CE, Thomas JD, Christie BR. Postnatal Choline Supplementation Rescues Deficits in Synaptic Plasticity Following Prenatal Ethanol Exposure. Nutrients 2022; 14:2004. [PMID: 35631142 PMCID: PMC9146219 DOI: 10.3390/nu14102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal ethanol exposure (PNEE) is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental impairments, yet treatments for individuals with PNEE are limited. Importantly, postnatal supplementation with the essential nutrient choline can attenuate some adverse effects of PNEE on cognitive development; however, the mechanisms of action for choline supplementation remain unclear. This study used an animal model to determine if choline supplementation could restore hippocampal synaptic plasticity that is normally impaired by prenatal alcohol. Throughout gestation, pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were fed an ethanol liquid diet (35.5% ethanol-derived calories). Offspring were injected with choline chloride (100 mg/kg/day) from postnatal days (PD) 10-30, and then used for in vitro electrophysiology experiments as juveniles (PD 31-35). High-frequency conditioning stimuli were used to induce long-term potentiation (LTP) in the medial perforant path input to the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. PNEE altered synaptic transmission in female offspring by increasing excitability, an effect that was mitigated with choline supplementation. In contrast, PNEE juvenile males had decreased LTP compared to controls, and this was rescued by choline supplementation. These data demonstrate sex-specific changes in plasticity following PNEE, and provide evidence that choline-related improvements in cognitive functioning may be due to its positive impact on hippocampal synaptic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L. Grafe
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Mira M. M. Wade
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Claire E. Hodson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
| | - Jennifer D. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada; (E.L.G.); (M.M.M.W.); (C.E.H.); (B.R.C.)
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22
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Gillis RF, Palmour RM. mRNA expression analysis of the hippocampus in a vervet monkey model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:21. [PMID: 35305552 PMCID: PMC8934503 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09427-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are common, yet preventable developmental disorders that stem from prenatal exposure to alcohol. This exposure leads to a wide array of behavioural and physical problems with a complex and poorly defined biological basis. Molecular investigations to date predominantly use rodent animal models, but because of genetic, developmental and social behavioral similarity, primate models are more relevant. We previously reported reduced cortical and hippocampal neuron levels in an Old World monkey (Chlorocebus sabaeus) model with ethanol exposure targeted to the period of rapid synaptogenesis and report here an initial molecular study of this model. The goal of this study was to evaluate mRNA expression of the hippocampus at two different behavioural stages (5 months, 2 years) corresponding to human infancy and early childhood. Methods Offspring of alcohol-preferring or control dams drank a maximum of 3.5 g ethanol per kg body weight or calorically matched sucrose solution 4 days per week during the last 2 months of gestation. Total mRNA expression was measured with the Affymetrix GeneChip Rhesus Macaque Genome Array in a 2 × 2 study design that interrogated two independent variables, age at sacrifice, and alcohol consumption during gestation. Results and discussion Statistical analysis identified a preferential downregulation of expression when interrogating the factor ‘alcohol’ with a balanced effect of upregulation vs. downregulation for the independent variable ‘age’. Functional exploration of both independent variables shows that the alcohol consumption factor generates broad functional annotation clusters that likely implicate a role for epigenetics in the observed differential expression, while the variable age reliably produced functional annotation clusters predominantly related to development. Furthermore, our data reveals a novel connection between EFNB1 and the FASDs; this is highly plausible both due to the role of EFNB1 in neuronal development as well as its central role in craniofrontal nasal syndrome (CFNS). Fold changes for key genes were subsequently confirmed via qRT-PCR. Conclusion Prenatal alcohol exposure leads to global downregulation in mRNA expression. The cellular interference model of EFNB1 provides a potential clue regarding how genetically susceptible individuals may develop the phenotypic triad generally associated with classic fetal alcohol syndrome. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-022-09427-z.
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Ornoy A, Weinstein-Fudim L, Becker M. SAMe, Choline, and Valproic Acid as Possible Epigenetic Drugs: Their Effects in Pregnancy with a Special Emphasis on Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:192. [PMID: 35215304 PMCID: PMC8879727 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the functions and main effects on pregnancy outcomes of three agents that have the ability to induce epigenetic modifications: valproic acid (VPA), a well-known teratogen that is a histone deacetylase inhibitor; S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the most effective methyl donor; and choline, an important micronutrient involved in the one methyl group cycle and in the synthesis of SAMe. Our aim was to describe the possible effects of these compounds when administered during pregnancy on the developing embryo and fetus or, if administered postnatally, their effects on the developing child. These substances are able to modify gene expression and possibly alleviate neurobehavioral changes in disturbances that have epigenetic origins, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, Rett syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Valproic acid and SAMe are antagonistic epigenetic modulators whether administered in utero or postnatally. However, VPA is a major human teratogen and, whenever possible, should not be used by pregnant women. Most currently relevant data come from experimental animal studies that aimed to explore the possibility of using these substances as epigenetic modifiers and possible therapeutic agents. In experimental animals, each of these substances was able to alleviate the severity of several well-known diseases by inducing changes in the expression of affected genes or by other yet unknown mechanisms. We believe that additional studies are needed to further explore the possibility of using these substances, and similar compounds, for the treatment of "epigenetic human diseases".
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Affiliation(s)
- Asher Ornoy
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
| | - Maria Becker
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel;
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24
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Association of prenatal alcohol exposure with offspring DNA methylation in mammals: a systematic review of the evidence. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:12. [PMID: 35073992 PMCID: PMC8785586 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01231-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with a range of adverse offspring neurodevelopmental outcomes. Several studies suggest that PAE modifies DNA methylation in offspring cells and tissues, providing evidence for a potential mechanistic link to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). We systematically reviewed existing evidence on the extent to which maternal alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with offspring DNA methylation.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across five online databases according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar and CINAHL Databases were searched for articles relating to PAE in placental mammals. Data were extracted from each study and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the potential for bias in human studies.
Results
Forty-three articles were identified for inclusion. Twenty-six animal studies and 16 human studies measured offspring DNA methylation in various tissues using candidate gene analysis, methylome-wide association studies (MWAS), or total nuclear DNA methylation content. PAE dose and timing varied between studies. Risk of bias was deemed high in nearly all human studies. There was insufficient evidence in human and animal studies to support global disruption of DNA methylation from PAE. Inconclusive evidence was found for hypomethylation at IGF2/H19 regions within somatic tissues. MWAS assessing PAE effects on offspring DNA methylation showed inconsistent evidence. There was some consistency in the relatively small number of MWAS conducted in populations with FASD. Meta-analyses could not be conducted due to significant heterogeneity between studies.
Conclusion
Considering heterogeneity in study design and potential for bias, evidence for an association between PAE and offspring DNA methylation was inconclusive. Some reproducible associations were observed in populations with FASD although the limited number of these studies warrants further research.
Trail Registration: This review is registered with PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42020167686).
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25
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Lussier AA, Bodnar TS, Weinberg J. Intersection of Epigenetic and Immune Alterations: Implications for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Mental Health. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:788630. [PMID: 34924946 PMCID: PMC8680672 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.788630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can impact virtually all body systems, resulting in a host of structural, neurocognitive, and behavioral abnormalities. Among the adverse impacts associated with prenatal alcohol exposure are alterations in immune function, including an increased incidence of infections and alterations in immune/neuroimmune parameters that last throughout the life-course. Epigenetic patterns are also highly sensitive to prenatal alcohol exposure, with widespread alcohol-related alterations to epigenetic profiles, including changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNA expression. Importantly, epigenetic programs are crucial for immune system development, impacting key processes such as immune cell fate, differentiation, and activation. In addition to their role in development, epigenetic mechanisms are emerging as attractive candidates for the biological embedding of environmental factors on immune function and as mediators between early-life exposures and long-term health. Here, following an overview of the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on immune function and epigenetic patterns, we discuss the potential role for epigenetic mechanisms in reprogramming of immune function and the consequences for health and development. We highlight a range of both clinical and animal studies to provide insights into the array of immune genes impacted by alcohol-related epigenetic reprogramming. Finally, we discuss potential consequences of alcohol-related reprogramming of immune/neuroimmune functions and their effects on the increased susceptibility to mental health disorders. Overall, the collective findings from animal models and clinical studies highlight a compelling relationship between the immune system and epigenetic pathways. These findings have important implications for our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying the long-term and multisystem effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, laying the groundwork for possible novel interventions and therapeutic strategies to treat individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A Lussier
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Tamara S Bodnar
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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26
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Loke YJ, Muggli E, Saffery R, Ryan J, Lewis S, Elliott EJ, Halliday J, Craig JM. Sex- and tissue-specific effects of binge-level prenatal alcohol consumption on DNA methylation at birth. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1921-1938. [PMID: 34841896 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Binge-level prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes developmental abnormalities, which may be mediated in part by epigenetic mechanisms. Despite this, few studies have characterised the association of binge PAE with DNA methylation in offspring. Methods: We investigated the association between binge PAE and genome-wide DNA methylation profiles in a sex-specific manner in neonatal buccal and placental samples. Results: We identified no differentially methylated CpGs or differentially methylated regions (DMRs) at false discovery rate <0.05. However, using a sum-of-ranks approach, we identified a DMR in each tissue of female offspring. The DMR identified in buccal samples is located near regions with previously-reported associations to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and binge PAE. Conclusion: Our findings warrant further replication and highlight a potential epigenetic link between binge PAE and FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuk Jing Loke
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Evelyne Muggli
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Victorian Infant Brain Studies, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Biological Neuropsychiatry & Dementia Unit, School of Public Health, Monash University, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Lewis
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Specialty of Child & Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health, University of Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia.,The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, NSW, 2045, Australia
| | - Jane Halliday
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,Reproductive Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Molecular Immunity, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.,The Institute of Mental & Physical Health & Clinical Translation, Deakin University, Victoria, 3220, Australia
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27
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Gard P. Ethanol: Toxicity and Dangers in Women of Child-Bearing Age. EURASIAN CHEMICO-TECHNOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.18321/ectj1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organisation estimates that alcohol abuse by adults accounts for about 5% of global disease burden. Additionally, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorder’ (FASD). Depending on severity, FASD is characterised by low birth weight, small head size at birth and growth retardation. There are also facial features of narrow eyes, flat upper lip and midface and impaired fine motor skills, hearing loss, poor hand-eye coordination and cognitive impairment. World-wide, up to 10% of children may be affected by PAE. It is unclear what dose or pattern of drinking results in these damaging effects, but animal models suggest that high, acute doses of ethanol (‘binge drinking’) in early pregnancy can result in the facial changes of FASD, whilst sustained, lower dose intake in later pregnancy produces anxiety and depression-like symptoms and deficits of learning and memory. The mechanisms underlying the deleterious effects of PAE are also unresolved, but evidence exists of long-lasting damage due to oxidative stress, increases in inflammatory mediators and changes to the brain renin-angiotensin system. There is also evidence of epigenetic changes. There is a need to prevent or limit the potential adverse effects of ethanol on the unborn child. It is highly unlikely, however, that all sexually-active women of child-bearing age not using reliable contraception will abstain from alcohol. There is therefore a need to research methods of reducing ethanol toxicity for the unborn child and / or develop therapeutic strategies to reverse the deleterious effects of ethanol on the unborn child.
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28
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Lussier AA, Bodnar TS, Moksa M, Hirst M, Kobor MS, Weinberg J. Prenatal Adversity Alters the Epigenetic Profile of the Prefrontal Cortex: Sexually Dimorphic Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Food-Related Stress. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111773. [PMID: 34828381 PMCID: PMC8622940 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal adversity or stress can have long-term consequences on developmental trajectories and health outcomes. Although the biological mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood, epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, have the potential to link early-life environments to alterations in physiological systems, with long-term functional implications. We investigated the consequences of two prenatal insults, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and food-related stress, on DNA methylation profiles of the rat brain during early development. As these insults can have sex-specific effects on biological outcomes, we analyzed epigenome-wide DNA methylation patterns in prefrontal cortex, a key brain region involved in cognition, executive function, and behavior, of both males and females. We found sex-dependent and sex-concordant influences of these insults on epigenetic patterns. These alterations occurred in genes and pathways related to brain development and immune function, suggesting that PAE and food-related stress may reprogram neurobiological/physiological systems partly through central epigenetic changes, and may do so in a sex-dependent manner. Such epigenetic changes may reflect the sex-specific effects of prenatal insults on long-term functional and health outcomes and have important implications for understanding possible mechanisms underlying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A. Lussier
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Correspondence: (A.A.L.); (J.W.)
| | - Tamara S. Bodnar
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
| | - Michelle Moksa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (M.M.); (M.H.)
| | - Martin Hirst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada; (M.M.); (M.H.)
- Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada;
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Program in Child and Brain Development, CIFAR, MaRS Centre, West Tower, 661 University Ave., Suite 505, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada;
- Correspondence: (A.A.L.); (J.W.)
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29
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Gutherz OR, Deyssenroth M, Li Q, Hao K, Jacobson JL, Chen J, Jacobson SW, Carter RC. Potential roles of imprinted genes in the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the placenta, somatic growth, and the developing brain. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113919. [PMID: 34752786 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite several decades of research and prevention efforts, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) remain the most common preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide. Animal and human studies have implicated fetal alcohol-induced alterations in epigenetic programming as a chief mechanism in FASD. Several studies have demonstrated fetal alcohol-related alterations in methylation and expression of imprinted genes in placental, brain, and embryonic tissue. Imprinted genes are epigenetically regulated in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, in which only the maternal or paternal allele is expressed, and the other allele is silenced. The chief functions of imprinted genes are in placental development, somatic growth, and neurobehavior-three domains characteristically affected in FASD. In this review, we summarize the growing body of literature characterizing prenatal alcohol-related alterations in imprinted gene methylation and/or expression and discuss potential mechanistic roles for these alterations in the teratogenic effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. Future research is needed to examine potential physiologic mechanisms by which alterations in imprinted genes disrupt development in FASD, which may, in turn, elucidate novel targets for intervention. Furthermore, mechanistic alterations in imprinted gene expression and/or methylation in FASD may inform screening assays that identify individuals with FASD neurobehavioral deficits who may benefit from early interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Gutherz
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America
| | - Maya Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Joseph L Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine & Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, United States of America
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town Faculty of Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - R Colin Carter
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, United States of America.
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30
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Martins J, Czamara D, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Dittrich K, Dörr P, de Punder K, Overfeld J, Knop A, Dammering F, Entringer S, Winter SM, Buss C, Heim C, Binder EB. Childhood adversity correlates with stable changes in DNA methylation trajectories in children and converges with epigenetic signatures of prenatal stress. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100336. [PMID: 34095363 PMCID: PMC8163992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is an established major risk factor for a number of negative health outcomes later in life. While epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed as a means of embedding this environmental risk factor, little is known about its timing and trajectory, especially in very young children. It is also not clear whether additional environmental adversities, often experienced by these children, converge on similar DNAm changes. Here, we calculated a cumulative adversity score, which additionally to CM includes socioeconomic status (SES), other life events, parental psychopathology and epigenetic biomarkers of prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption. We investigated the effects of CM alone as well as the adversity score on longitudinal DNAm trajectories in the Berlin Longitudinal Child Study. This is a cohort of 173 children aged 3-5 years at baseline of whom 86 were exposed to CM. These children were followed-up for 2 years with extensive psychometric and biological assessments as well as saliva collection at 5 time points providing genome-wide DNAm levels. Overall, only a few DNAm patterns were stable over this timeframe, but less than 10 DNAm regions showed significant changes. At baseline, neither CM nor the adversity score associated with DNAm changes. However, in 6 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), CM and the adversity score significantly moderated DNAm trajectories over time. A number of these DMRs have previously been associated with adverse prenatal exposures. In our study, children exposed to CM also presented with epigenetic signatures indicative of increased prenatal exposure to tobacco and alcohol, as compared to non-CM exposed children. These epigenetic signatures of prenatal exposure strongly correlate with DNAm regions associated with CM and the adversity score. Finally, weighted correlation network analysis revealed a module of CpGs exclusively associated with CM. While our study identifies DNAm loci specifically associated with CM, especially within long non-coding RNAs, the majority of associations were found with the adversity score with convergent association with indicators of adverse prenatal exposures. This study highlights the importance of mapping not only of the epigenome but also the exposome and extending the observational timeframe to well before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Martins
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- 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
| | - Katja Dittrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peggy Dörr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin de Punder
- Natura Foundation, Research and Development, Numansdrop, 3281, NC, Netherlands
| | - Judith Overfeld
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Knop
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Dammering
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 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, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Christine Heim
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Dept. of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health & Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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31
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Legault LM, Doiron K, Breton-Larrivée M, Langford-Avelar A, Lemieux A, Caron M, Jerome-Majewska LA, Sinnett D, McGraw S. Pre-implantation alcohol exposure induces lasting sex-specific DNA methylation programming errors in the developing forebrain. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:164. [PMID: 34425890 PMCID: PMC8381495 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01151-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure is recognized for altering DNA methylation profiles of brain cells during development, and to be part of the molecular basis underpinning Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) etiology. However, we have negligible information on the effects of alcohol exposure during pre-implantation, the early embryonic window marked with dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming, and on how this may rewire the brain developmental program. Results Using a pre-clinical in vivo mouse model, we show that a binge-like alcohol exposure during pre-implantation at the 8-cell stage leads to surge in morphological brain defects and adverse developmental outcomes during fetal life. Genome-wide DNA methylation analyses of fetal forebrains uncovered sex-specific alterations, including partial loss of DNA methylation maintenance at imprinting control regions, and abnormal de novo DNA methylation profiles in various biological pathways (e.g., neural/brain development). Conclusion These findings support that alcohol-induced DNA methylation programming deviations during pre-implantation could contribute to the manifestation of neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with FASD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01151-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Legault
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - K Doiron
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - M Breton-Larrivée
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - A Langford-Avelar
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - A Lemieux
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - M Caron
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - L A Jerome-Majewska
- McGill University Health Centre Glen Site, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - D Sinnett
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - S McGraw
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Chemin de La Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boulevard Edouard-Montpetit, Montréal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada.
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32
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Therapeutic Effects of Catechins in Less Common Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13072232. [PMID: 34209677 PMCID: PMC8308206 DOI: 10.3390/nu13072232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders research has focused on altered molecular mechanisms in search of potential pharmacological targets, e.g., imbalances in mechanisms of response to oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and neuronal plasticity, which occur in less common neurological and neurodegenerative pathologies (Huntington disease, multiple sclerosis, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and Down syndrome). Here, we assess the effects of different catechins (particularly of epigalocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG) on these disorders, as well as their use in attenuating age-related cognitive decline in healthy individuals. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of EGCG -due to their phenolic hydroxyl groups-, as well as its immunomodulatory, neuritogenic, and autophagic characteristics, makes this catechin a promising tool against neuroinflammation and microglia activation, common in these pathologies. Although EGCG promotes the inhibition of protein aggregation in experimental Huntington disease studies and improves the clinical severity in multiple sclerosis in animal models, its efficacy in humans remains controversial. EGCG may normalize DYRK1A (involved in neural plasticity) overproduction in Down syndrome, improving behavioral and neural phenotypes. In neurological pathologies caused by environmental agents, such as FASD, EGCG enhances antioxidant defense and regulates placental angiogenesis and neurodevelopmental processes. As demonstrated in animal models, catechins attenuate age-related cognitive decline, which results in improvements in long-term outcomes and working memory, reduction of hippocampal neuroinflammation, and enhancement of neuronal plasticity; however, further studies are needed. Catechins are valuable compounds for treating and preventing certain neurodegenerative and neurological diseases of genetic and environmental origin. However, the use of different doses of green tea extracts and EGCG makes it difficult to reach consistent conclusions for different populations.
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33
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Alberry B, Laufer BI, Chater-Diehl E, Singh SM. Epigenetic Impacts of Early Life Stress in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Shape the Neurodevelopmental Continuum. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:671891. [PMID: 34149355 PMCID: PMC8209299 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.671891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopment in humans is a long, elaborate, and highly coordinated process involving three trimesters of prenatal development followed by decades of postnatal development and maturation. Throughout this period, the brain is highly sensitive and responsive to the external environment, which may provide a range of inputs leading to positive or negative outcomes. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) result from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Although the molecular mechanisms of FASD are not fully characterized, they involve alterations to the regulation of gene expression via epigenetic marks. As in the prenatal stages, the postnatal period of neurodevelopment is also sensitive to environmental inputs. Often this sensitivity is reflected in children facing adverse conditions, such as maternal separation. This exposure to early life stress (ELS) is implicated in the manifestation of various behavioral abnormalities. Most FASD research has focused exclusively on the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure in isolation. Here, we review the research into the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure and ELS, with a focus on the continuum of epigenomic and transcriptomic alterations. Interestingly, a select few experiments have assessed the cumulative effect of prenatal alcohol and postnatal maternal separation stress. Regulatory regions of different sets of genes are affected by both treatments independently, and a unique set of genes are affected by the combination of treatments. Notably, epigenetic and gene expression changes converge at the clustered protocadherin locus and oxidative stress pathway. Functional studies using epigenetic editing may elucidate individual contributions of regulatory regions for hub genes and further profiling efforts may lead to the development of non-invasive methods to identify children at risk. Taken together, the results favor the potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes by epigenetic management of children born with FASD using favorable postnatal conditions with or without therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie Alberry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Benjamin I Laufer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States.,MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eric Chater-Diehl
- Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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Okazaki S, Otsuka I, Shinko Y, Horai T, Hirata T, Yamaki N, Sora I, Hishimoto A. Epigenetic Clock Analysis in Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:329-337. [PMID: 33296097 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by severe clinical impairment, considerable social burden, and high mortality and morbidity, which are due to various malformations, sepsis, and cancer. As >50% of deaths from FASD occur during the first year of life, we hypothesized that there is the acceleration of biological aging in FASD. Several recent studies have established genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles as "epigenetic clocks" that can estimate biological aging, and FASD has been associated with differential DNAm patterns. Therefore, we tested this hypothesis using epigenetic clocks. METHODS We investigated 5 DNAm-based measures of epigenetic age (HorvathAge, HannumAge, SkinBloodAge, PhenoAge, and GrimAge) and telomere length (DNAmTL) using 4 independent publicly available DNAm datasets; 2 datasets were derived from buccal epithelium, and the other 2 datasets were derived from peripheral blood. RESULTS Compared with controls, children with FASD exhibited an acceleration of GrimAge in 1 buccal and 2 blood datasets. No significant difference was found in other DNAm ages and DNAmTL. Meta-analyses showed a significant acceleration of GrimAge in the blood samples but not in the buccal samples. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence regarding accelerated epigenetic aging in children with FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Okazaki
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ikuo Otsuka
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yutaka Shinko
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tadasu Horai
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirata
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Naruhisa Yamaki
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sora
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- From, Department of Psychiatry, (SO, IO, YS, THo, THi, NY, IS, AH), Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, (AH), Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
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Kandaswamy R, Hannon E, Arseneault L, Mansell G, Sugden K, Williams B, Burrage J, Staley JR, Pishva E, Dahir A, Roberts S, Danese A, Mill J, Fisher HL, Wong CCY. DNA methylation signatures of adolescent victimization: analysis of a longitudinal monozygotic twin sample. Epigenetics 2020; 16:1169-1186. [PMID: 33371772 PMCID: PMC8813077 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1853317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that individuals exposed to victimization at key developmental stages may have different epigenetic fingerprints compared to those exposed to no/minimal stressful events, however results are inconclusive. This study aimed to strengthen causal inference regarding the impact of adolescent victimization on the epigenome by controlling for genetic variation, age, gender, and shared environmental exposures. We conducted longitudinal epigenome-wide association analyses (EWAS) on DNA methylation (DNAm) profiles of 118 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs from the Environmental Risk study with and without severe adolescent victimization generated using buccal DNA collected at ages 5, 10 and 18, and the Illumina EPIC array. Additionally, we performed cross-sectional EWAS on age-18 blood and buccal DNA from the same individuals to elucidate tissue-specific signatures of severe adolescent victimization. Our analyses identified 20 suggestive differentially methylated positions (DMPs) (P < 5e-05), with altered DNAm trajectories between ages 10–18 associated with severe adolescent victimization (∆Beta range = −5.5%−5.3%). Age-18 cross-sectional analyses revealed 72 blood (∆Beta range = −2.2%−3.4%) and 42 buccal (∆Beta range = −3.6%−4.6%) suggestive severe adolescent victimization-associated DMPs, with some evidence of convergent signals between these two tissue types. Downstream regional analysis identified significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in LGR6 and ANK3 (Šidák P = 5e-09 and 4.07e-06), and one upstream of CCL27 (Šidák P = 2.80e-06) in age-18 blood and buccal EWAS, respectively. Our study represents the first longitudinal MZ twin analysis of DNAm and severe adolescent victimization, providing initial evidence for altered DNA methylomic signatures in individuals exposed to adolescent victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Kandaswamy
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Eilis Hannon
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise Arseneault
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.,ESRC Centre for Society & Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Georgina Mansell
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Karen Sugden
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin Williams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Joe Burrage
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - James R Staley
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ehsan Pishva
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Aisha Dahir
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Susanna Roberts
- King's College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London UK
| | - Andrea Danese
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.,King's College London, Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London UK.,National & Specialist CAMHS Clinic for Trauma, Anxiety and Depression, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Mill
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Helen L Fisher
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK.,ESRC Centre for Society & Mental Health, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Chloe C Y Wong
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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Lees B, Mewton L, Jacobus J, Valadez EA, Stapinski LA, Teesson M, Tapert SF, Squeglia LM. Association of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure With Psychological, Behavioral, and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children From the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:1060-1072. [PMID: 32972200 PMCID: PMC7924902 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data on the neurodevelopmental and associated behavioral effects of light to moderate in utero alcohol exposure are limited. This retrospective investigation tested for associations between reported maternal prenatal alcohol use and psychological, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in substance-naive youths. METHODS Participants were 9,719 youths (ages 9.0 to 10.9 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Based on parental reports, 2,518 (25.9%) had been exposed to alcohol in utero. Generalized additive mixed models and multilevel cross-sectional and longitudinal mediation models were used to test whether prenatal alcohol exposure was associated with psychological, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes, and whether differences in brain structure and resting-state functional connectivity partially explained these associations at baseline and 1-year follow-up, after controlling for possible confounding factors. RESULTS Prenatal alcohol exposure of any severity was associated with greater psychopathology, attention deficits, and impulsiveness, with some effects showing a dose-dependent response. Children with prenatal alcohol exposure, compared with those without, displayed greater cerebral and regional volume and greater regional surface area. Resting-state functional connectivity was largely unaltered in children with in utero exposure. Some of the psychological and behavioral outcomes at baseline and at the 1-year follow-up were partially explained by differences in brain structure among youths who had been exposed to alcohol in utero. CONCLUSIONS Any alcohol use during pregnancy is associated with subtle yet significant psychological and behavioral effects in children. Women should continue to be advised to abstain from alcohol consumption from conception throughout pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana Lees
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Louise Mewton
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Joanna Jacobus
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Emilio A. Valadez
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Lexine A. Stapinski
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Maree Teesson
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Susan F. Tapert
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
| | - Lindsay M. Squeglia
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia (Lees, Stapinski, Teesson); Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Randwick, Australia (Mewton); Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla (Jacobus, Tapert); Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park (Valadez); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of
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Alcohol as an early life stressor: Epigenetics, metabolic, neuroendocrine and neurobehavioral implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:654-668. [PMID: 32976915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ethanol exposure during gestation is an early life stressor that profoundly dysregulates structure and functions of the embryonal nervous system, altering the cognitive and behavioral development. Such dysregulation is also achieved by epigenetic mechanisms, which, altering the chromatin structure, redraw the entire pattern of gene expression. In parallel, an oxidative stress response at the cellular level and a global upregulation of neuroendocrine stress response, regulated by the HPA axis, exist and persist in adulthood. This neurobehavioral framework matches those observed in other psychiatric diseases such as mood diseases, depression, autism; those early life stressing events, although probably triggered by specific and different epigenetic mechanisms, give rise to largely overlapping neurobehavioral phenotypes. An early diagnosis of prenatal alcohol exposure, using reliable markers of ethanol intake, together with a deeper understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms, some of them reversible by their nature, can offer a temporal "window" of intervention. Supplementing a mother's diet with protective and antioxidant substances in addition to supportive psychological therapies can protect newborns from being affected.
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Chen WD, Song T, Cao QH, Li R, Wang H, Chen XB, Chen ZT. Atherosclerosis prediction by microarray-based DNA methylation analysis. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:2863-2869. [PMID: 32765783 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9025] [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: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a series of DNA methylation analysis, pathogenesis was investigated to identify the specific DNA methylation markers for diagnosing atherosclerosis. Firstly, with the chip platform of Illumina Human Methylation 450 BeadChip, a total of 1,458 CpGs, covering 971 differential methylated genes were extracted with stringent filtering criteria. Secondly, hierarchical clustering as a heat map was used to check on the dependability of differential methylated genes. Thirdly, the related GO terms and pathways were enriched by up- and down-methylated genes, respectively, after verifying the capacity of these differential methylated genes to distinguish between atherosclerosis and healthy controls. In total, 971 differential DNA methylated genes were identified (1,458 CpGs). Several important function regions were also identified, including cell adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter. This study indicates that patients with atherosclerosis have high levels of DNA methylation, which is promising for early diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-da Chen
- Health Care Department, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China.,Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
| | - Ting Song
- Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Hong Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinan Center Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
| | - Hua Wang
- Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Bao Chen
- Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
| | - Ze-Tao Chen
- Health Care Department, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250011, P.R. China
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Noor S, Sanchez JJ, Sun MS, Pervin Z, Sanchez JE, Havard MA, Epler LT, Nysus MV, Norenberg JP, Wagner CR, Davies S, Wagner JL, Savage DD, Jantzie LL, Mellios N, Milligan ED. The LFA-1 antagonist BIRT377 reverses neuropathic pain in prenatal alcohol-exposed female rats via actions on peripheral and central neuroimmune function in discrete pain-relevant tissue regions. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 87:339-358. [PMID: 31918004 PMCID: PMC7316595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous reports show that moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) poses a risk factor for developing neuropathic pain following adult-onset peripheral nerve injury in male rats. Recently, evidence suggests that immune-related mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain in females are different compared to males despite the fact that both sexes develop neuropathy of similar magnitude and duration following chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Data suggest that the actions of peripheral T cells play a greater role in mediating neuropathy in females. The goal of the current study is to identify specificity of immune cell and cytokine changes between PAE and non-PAE neuropathic females by utilizing a well-characterized rodent model of sciatic nerve damage, in an effort to unmask unique signatures of immune-related factors underlying the risk of neuropathy from PAE. Cytokines typically associated with myeloid cell actions such as interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-6, IL-4 and IL-10 as well as the neutrophil chemoattractant CXCL1, are examined. In addition, transcription factors and cytokines associated with various differentiated T cell subtypes are examined (anti-inflammatory FOXP3, proinflammatory IL-17A, IL-21, ROR-γt, interferon (IFN)-γ and T-bet). Lymphocyte function associated antigen 1 (LFA-1) is an adhesion molecule expressed on peripheral immune cells including T cells, and regulates T cell activation and extravasation into inflamed tissue regions. A potential therapeutic approach was explored with the goal of controlling proinflammatory responses in neuroanatomical regions critical for CCI-induced allodynia by blocking LFA-1 actions using BIRT377. The data show profound development of hindpaw allodynia in adult non-PAE control females following standard CCI, but not following minor CCI, while minor CCI generated allodynia in PAE females. The data also show substantial increases in T cell-associated proinflammatory cytokine mRNA and proteins, along with evidence of augmented myeloid/glial activation (mRNA) and induction of myeloid/glial-related proinflammatory cytokines, CCL2, IL-1β and TNF in discrete regions along the pain pathway (damaged sciatic nerve, dorsal root ganglia; DRG, and spinal cord). Interestingly, the characteristic anti-inflammatory IL-10 protein response to nerve damage is blunted in neuropathic PAE females. Moreover, T cell profiles are predominantly proinflammatory in neuropathic Sac and PAE females, augmented levels of Th17-specific proinflammatory cytokines IL-17A and IL-21, as well as the Th1-specific factor, T-bet, are observed. Similarly, the expression of RORγt, a critical transcription factor for Th17 cells, is detected in the spinal cord of neuropathic females. Blocking peripheral LFA-1 actions with intravenous (i.v.) BIRT377 reverses allodynia in Sac and PAE rats, dampens myeloid (IL-1β, TNF, CXCL1)- and T cell-associated proinflammatory factors (IL-17A and RORγt) and spinal glial activation. Moreover, i.v. BIRT377 treatment reverses the blunted IL-10 response to CCI observed only in neuropathic PAE rats and elevates FOXP3 in pain-reversed Sac rats. Unexpectedly, intrathecal BIRT377 treatment is unable to alter allodynia in either Sac or PAE neuropathic females. Together, these data provide evidence that: 1) fully differentiated proinflammatory Th17 cells recruited at the sciatic nerve, DRGs and lumbar spinal cord may interact with the local environment to shape the immune responses underlying neuropathy in female rats, and, 2) PAE primes peripheral and spinal immune responses in adult females. PAE is a risk factor in females for developing peripheral neuropathy after minor nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahani Noor
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Joshua J. Sanchez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Melody S. Sun
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
| | - Zinia Pervin
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Jacob E. Sanchez
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
| | - Mara A. Havard
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 8713,USA
| | - Lauren T. Epler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-001, USA
| | - Monique V. Nysus
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, New Mexico Center for Isotopes in Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
| | - Jeffrey P. Norenberg
- Department of Radiopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, New Mexico Center for Isotopes in Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
| | - Carston R. Wagner
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, MN 55455, USA
| | - Suzy Davies
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Wagner
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Daniel D. Savage
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
| | - Lauren L. Jantzie
- Department of Pediatrics and Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205-2196, USA
| | - Nikolaos Mellios
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA.
| | - Erin. D. Milligan
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131,USA
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Stathopoulos S, Gaujoux R, Lindeque Z, Mahony C, Van Der Colff R, Van Der Westhuizen F, O'Ryan C. DNA Methylation Associated with Mitochondrial Dysfunction in a South African Autism Spectrum Disorder Cohort. Autism Res 2020; 13:1079-1093. [PMID: 32490597 PMCID: PMC7496548 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity and a complex genetic architecture which includes distinctive epigenetic patterns. We report differential DNA methylation patterns associated with ASD in South African children. An exploratory whole‐epigenome methylation screen using the Illumina 450 K MethylationArray identified differentially methylated CpG sites between ASD and controls that mapped to 898 genes (P ≤ 0.05) which were enriched for nine canonical pathways converging on mitochondrial metabolism and protein ubiquitination. Targeted Next Generation Bisulfite Sequencing of 27 genes confirmed differential methylation between ASD and control in our cohort. DNA pyrosequencing of two of these genes, the mitochondrial enzyme Propionyl‐CoA Carboxylase subunit Beta (PCCB) and Protocadherin Alpha 12 (PCDHA12), revealed a wide range of methylation levels (9–49% and 0–54%, respectively) in both ASD and controls. Three CpG loci were differentially methylated in PCCB (P ≤ 0.05), while PCDHA12, previously linked to ASD, had two significantly different CpG sites (P ≤ 0.001) between ASD and control. Differentially methylated CpGs were hypomethylated in ASD. Metabolomic analysis of urinary organic acids revealed that three metabolites, 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric acid (P = 0.008), 3‐methyglutaconic acid (P = 0.018), and ethylmalonic acid (P = 0.043) were significantly elevated in individuals with ASD. These metabolites are directly linked to mitochondrial respiratory chain disorders, with a putative link to PCCB, consistent with impaired mitochondrial function. Our data support an association between DNA methylation and mitochondrial dysfunction in the etiology of ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1079‐1093. © 2020 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Lay Summary Epigenetic changes are chemical modifications of DNA which can change gene function. DNA methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, is linked to autism. We examined DNA methylation in South African children with autism and identified mitochondrial genes associated with autism. Mitochondria are power‐suppliers in cells and mitochondrial genes are essential to metabolism and energy production, which are important for brain cells during development. Our findings suggest that some individuals with ASD also have mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Stathopoulos
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Zander Lindeque
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Caitlyn Mahony
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rachelle Van Der Colff
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Colleen O'Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kaminen-Ahola N. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Prenat Diagn 2020; 40:1185-1192. [PMID: 32386259 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The etiology of the complex FASD phenotype with growth deficit, birth defects, and neurodevelopmental impairments is under extensive research. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the wide phenotype: chromosomal rearrangements, risk and protective alleles, environmental-induced epigenetic alterations as well as gene-environment interactions are all involved. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of PAE can provide tools for prevention or intervention of the alcohol-induced developmental disorders in the future. By revealing the alcohol-induced genetic and epigenetic alterations which associate with the variable FASD phenotypes, it is possible to identify biomarkers for the disorder. This would enable early diagnoses and personalized support for development of the affected child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kaminen-Ahola
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Huang J, Bai L, Cui B, Wu L, Wang L, An Z, Ruan S, Yu Y, Zhang X, Chen J. Leveraging biological and statistical covariates improves the detection power in epigenome-wide association testing. Genome Biol 2020; 21:88. [PMID: 32252795 PMCID: PMC7132874 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02001-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), which seek the association between epigenetic marks and an outcome or exposure, involve multiple hypothesis testing. False discovery rate (FDR) control has been widely used for multiple testing correction. However, traditional FDR control methods do not use auxiliary covariates, and they could be less powerful if the covariates could inform the likelihood of the null hypothesis. Recently, many covariate-adaptive FDR control methods have been developed, but application of these methods to EWAS data has not yet been explored. It is not clear whether these methods can significantly improve detection power, and if so, which covariates are more relevant for EWAS data. RESULTS In this study, we evaluate the performance of five covariate-adaptive FDR control methods with EWAS-related covariates using simulated as well as real EWAS datasets. We develop an omnibus test to assess the informativeness of the covariates. We find that statistical covariates are generally more informative than biological covariates, and the covariates of methylation mean and variance are almost universally informative. In contrast, the informativeness of biological covariates depends on specific datasets. We show that the independent hypothesis weighting (IHW) and covariate adaptive multiple testing (CAMT) method are overall more powerful, especially for sparse signals, and could improve the detection power by a median of 25% and 68% on real datasets, compared to the ST procedure. We further validate the findings in various biological contexts. CONCLUSIONS Covariate-adaptive FDR control methods with informative covariates can significantly increase the detection power for EWAS. For sparse signals, IHW and CAMT are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ling Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Bowen Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Liang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Liwen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhiyin An
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shulin Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Institute of Hematology, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yue Yu
- Division of Digital Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Xianyang Zhang
- Department of Statistics, Texas A&M University, Blocker 449D, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Jun Chen
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Department of Health Sciences Research and Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Prenatal Drinking in the Northern Plains: Differences Between American Indian and Caucasian Mothers. Am J Prev Med 2020; 58:e113-e121. [PMID: 32061456 PMCID: PMC7089814 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. The study characterizes the pattern and risk factors of alcohol use during pregnancy for American Indian and Caucasian mothers in the Northern Plains. METHODS A general population of pregnant women was recruited from 5 sites, including 2,753 Caucasians and 2,124 American Indians (2006-2017). Alcohol consumption was based on self-report using a modified Timeline Followback interview, administered 3-4 times during pregnancy and 1 month postpartum. Risk for prenatal drinking was calculated using logistic regression models after controlling for demographics, reproductive history, prenatal care, mental health, and SES. The analysis was conducted in 2019. RESULTS More Caucasian mothers consumed alcoholic beverages during pregnancy than American Indians (63% vs 52%), whereas more American Indian mothers were binge drinkers than Caucasians (41% vs 28%). American Indian mothers had a lower risk of drinking in the second and third trimesters and postpartum, but a higher risk of binge drinking in the first trimester compared with Caucasians. Frequent relocation increased the risk of prenatal alcohol use among American Indian mothers, whereas age, marriage, income, parity, and fertility treatment affected the risk of prenatal drinking among Caucasian mothers. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol use was more prevalent among Caucasian mothers. Among those who consumed alcohol during pregnancy, American Indian mothers consumed larger quantities. Change of residence was found to be the sole risk factor for prenatal drinking among American Indian mothers, whereas different and multiple risk factors were found for Caucasian mothers.
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Kahila H, Marjonen H, Auvinen P, Avela K, Riikonen R, Kaminen‐Ahola N. 18q12.3-q21.1 microdeletion detected in the prenatally alcohol-exposed dizygotic twin with discordant fetal alcohol syndrome phenotype. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1192. [PMID: 32096599 PMCID: PMC7196488 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A pair of dizygotic twins discordantly affected by heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) was reported previously by Riikonen, suggesting the role of genetic risk or protective factors in the etiology of alcohol-induced developmental disorders. Now, we have re-examined these 25-year-old twins and explored genetic origin of the phenotypic discordancy reminiscent with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Furthermore, we explored alterations in DNA methylation profile of imprinting control region at growth-related insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19 locus in twins' white blood cells (WBC), which have been associated earlier with alcohol-induced genotype-specific changes in placental tissue. METHODS Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to detect potential submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities, and developmental as well as phenotypic information about twins were collected. Traditional bisulfite sequencing was used for DNA methylation analysis. RESULTS Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization revealed a microdeletion 18q12.3-q21.1. in affected twin, residing in a known 18q deletion syndrome region. This syndrome has been associated with growth restriction, developmental delay or intellectual deficiency, and abnormal facial features in previous studies, and thus likely explains the phenotypic discordancy between the twins. We did not observe association between WBCs' DNA methylation profile and PAE, but interestingly, a trend of decreased DNA methylation at the imprinting control region was seen in the twin with prenatal growth retardation at birth. CONCLUSIONS The microdeletion emphasizes the importance of adequate chromosomal testing in examining the etiology of complex alcohol-induced developmental disorders. Furthermore, the genotype-specific decreased DNA methylation at the IGF2/H19 locus cannot be considered as a biological mark for PAE in adult WBCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Kahila
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyHelsinki University Hospital and University of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Heidi Marjonen
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsMedicumUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Pauliina Auvinen
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsMedicumUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Kristiina Avela
- Department of Clinical GeneticsHelsinki University HospitalHUSLABHelsinkiFinland
| | - Raili Riikonen
- Children's HospitalKuopio University HospitalUniversity of Eastern FinlandKuopioFinland
| | - Nina Kaminen‐Ahola
- Department of Medical and Clinical GeneticsMedicumUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
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Sala C, Di Lena P, Fernandes Durso D, Prodi A, Castellani G, Nardini C. Evaluation of pre-processing on the meta-analysis of DNA methylation data from the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip platform. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229763. [PMID: 32155174 PMCID: PMC7064179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Meta-analysis is a powerful means for leveraging the hundreds of experiments being run worldwide into more statistically powerful analyses. This is also true for the analysis of omic data, including genome-wide DNA methylation. In particular, thousands of DNA methylation profiles generated using the Illumina 450k are stored in the publicly accessible Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) repository. Often, however, the intensity values produced by the BeadChip (raw data) are not deposited, therefore only pre-processed values -obtained after computational manipulation- are available. Pre-processing is possibly different among studies and may then affect meta-analysis by introducing non-biological sources of variability. Material and methods To systematically investigate the effect of pre-processing on meta-analysis, we analysed four different collections of DNA methylation samples (datasets), each composed of two subsets, for which raw data from controls (i.e. healthy subjects) and cases (i.e. patients) are available. We pre-processed the data from each dataset with nine among the most common pipelines found in literature. Moreover, we evaluated the performance of regRCPqn, a modification of the RCP algorithm that aims to improve data consistency. For each combination of pre-processing (9 × 9), we first evaluated the between-sample variability among control subjects and, then, we identified genomic positions that are differentially methylated between cases and controls (differential analysis). Results and conclusion The pre-processing of DNA methylation data affects both the between-sample variability and the loci identified as differentially methylated, and the effects of pre-processing are strongly dataset-dependent. By contrast, application of our renormalization algorithm regRCPqn: (i) reduces variability and (ii) increases agreement between meta-analysed datasets, both critical components of data harmonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Sala
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- * E-mail: (CS); (CN)
| | - Pietro Di Lena
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Danielle Fernandes Durso
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrea Prodi
- Smart Cities Living Lab, Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity, CNR, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gastone Castellani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center “L. Galvani”, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christine Nardini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- CNR IAC “Mauro Picone”, Roma, Italy
- Sol Group, Monza, Italy
- * E-mail: (CS); (CN)
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Alberry BL, Singh SM. Hippocampal DNA Methylation in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder That Includes Maternal Separation Stress Only Partially Explains Changes in Gene Expression. Front Genet 2020; 11:70. [PMID: 32174962 PMCID: PMC7056727 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by developmental and behavioral deficits caused by maternal drinking during pregnancy. Children born with FASD often face additional stresses, including maternal separation, that add yet additional deficits. The mechanism associated with this interaction is not known. We have used a mouse model for prenatal ethanol exposure and maternal separation to demonstrate that the combination of the two treatments results in more than additive deficits. Furthermore, the behavioral deficits are associated with changes in hippocampal gene expression that persist into adulthood. What initiates and maintains these changes remains to be established and forms the focus of this report. Specifically, MeDIP-Seq was used to assess if changes in promoter DNA methylation are affected by exposure to prenatal ethanol and maternal separation including its relationship to gene expression. The novel results show that different sets of genes implicated by promoter DNA methylation are affected by both treatments independently, and a relatively unique set of genes are affected by the combination of the two treatments. Prenatal ethanol exposure leads to altered promoter DNA methylation at genes important for transcriptional regulation. Maternal separation leads to changes at genes important for histone methylation and immune response, and the combination of two treatments results in DNA methylation changes at genes important for neuronal migration and immune response. Our dual results from the same hippocampal samples suggest there is minimal complementarity between changes in promoter DNA methylation and gene expression, although genes involved tend to be critical for brain development and function. While remaining to be validated, such results argue that mechanisms beyond promoter DNA methylation must be involved in lasting gene expression alterations leading to behavioral deficits implicated in FASD. They may facilitate early and reliable diagnosis, as well as novel strategies for the amelioration of FASD-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shiva M. Singh
- Department of Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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47
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Epigenetic Biomarkers for Environmental Exposures and Personalized Breast Cancer Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041181. [PMID: 32069786 PMCID: PMC7068429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and lifestyle factors are believed to account for >80% of breast cancers; however, it is not well understood how and when these factors affect risk and which exposed individuals will actually develop the disease. While alcohol consumption, obesity, and hormone therapy are some known risk factors for breast cancer, other exposures associated with breast cancer risk have not yet been identified or well characterized. In this paper, it is proposed that the identification of blood epigenetic markers for personal, in utero, and ancestral environmental exposures can help researchers better understand known and potential relationships between exposures and breast cancer risk and may enable personalized prevention strategies.
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48
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Amiri S, Davie JR, Rastegar M. Chronic Ethanol Exposure Alters DNA Methylation in Neural Stem Cells: Role of Mouse Strain and Sex. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:650-667. [PMID: 31414368 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01728-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is considered as a risk factor for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Evidence indicates that PAE affects epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation) and alters the normal differentiation and development of neural stem cells (NSC) in the fetal brain. However, PAE effects depend on several factors such as sex and strain of the studied subjects. Here, we investigated whether murine sex and strain contribute to the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on DNA methylation machinery of differentiating NSC. Further, the effects of PAE on glial lineage (including both astrocytes and oligodendrocytes) in a sex- and strain-dependent manner have not been studied yet. To examine the effects of chronic ethanol exposure on gliogenesis, we exposed differentiating NSC to glio-inductive culture conditions. Applying a standard in vitro model system, we treated male and female differentiating NSC (obtained from the forebrain of CD1 and C57BL/6 embryos at embryonic day 14.5) with chronic ethanol exposure (70 mM) for 8 days. We show that ethanol induces global DNA hypomethylation, while altering the expression of DNA methylation-related genes in a sex- and strain-specific manner. The observed change in cellular DNA methylation levels was associated with altered expression of glial markers CNPASE, GFAP, and OLIG2 in CD1 (but not C57BL/6) cells. We conclude that the impact of ethanol effect on DNA methylation is dependent on cellular sex and strain. Also, ethanol impact on neural stem cell fate commitment was only detected in cells isolated from CD1 mouse strain, but not in C57BL/6 cells. The results of the current study provide evidence that sex and strain of rodents (C57BL/6 and CD1) during gestation are important factors, which affect alcohol effects on NSC differentiation and DNA methylation. Results of this study may also help in interpreting data on the developmental toxicity of many compounds during the gestational period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Amiri
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada.
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Au PYB, Eaton A, Dyment DA. Genetic mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:307-326. [PMID: 32958182 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00024-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders encompass a broad range of conditions, which include autism, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. These disorders are relatively common and have associated clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Technology has driven much of our understanding of these diseases and their genetic underlying mechanisms, particularly highlighted by the study of large cohorts with comparative genomic hybridization and the more recent implementation of next-generation sequencing (NGS). The mapping of copy number variants throughout the genome has highlighted the recurrent, highly penetrant, de novo variation in syndromic forms of neurodevelopmental disease. NGS of affected individuals and their parents led to a dramatic shift in our understanding as these studies showed that a significant proportion of affected individuals carry rare, de novo variants within single genes that explain their disease presentation. Deep sequencing studies further implicate mosaicism as another mechanism of disease. However, it has also become clear that while rare variants explain a significant proportion of sporadic neurodevelopmental disease, rare variation still does not fully account for the familial clustering and high heritability observed. Common variants, including those within these known disease genes, are also shown to contribute significantly to overall risk. There is also increasing awareness of the important contribution of epigenetic factors and gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Y Billie Au
- Department of Medical Genetics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alison Eaton
- Department of Medical Genetics, The Stollery Children's Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David A Dyment
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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50
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Sebastiani G, Andreu-Fernández V, Herranz Barbero A, Aldecoa-Bilbao V, Miracle X, Meler Barrabes E, Balada Ibañez A, Astals-Vizcaino M, Ferrero-Martínez S, Gómez-Roig MD, García-Algar O. Eating Disorders During Gestation: Implications for Mother's Health, Fetal Outcomes, and Epigenetic Changes. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:587. [PMID: 33042925 PMCID: PMC7527592 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Eating disorders (EDs) have increased globally in women of childbearing age, related to the concern for body shape promoted in industrialized countries. Pregnancy may exacerbate a previous ED or conversely may be a chance for improving eating patterns due to the mother's concern for the unborn baby. EDs may impact pregnancy evolution and increase the risk of adverse outcomes such as miscarriage, preterm delivery, poor fetal growth, or malformations, but the knowledge on this topic is limited. Methods: We performed a systematic review of studies on humans in order to clarify the mechanisms underpinning the adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with EDs. Results: Although unfavorable fetal development could be multifactorial, maternal malnutrition, altered hormonal pathways, low pre-pregnancy body mass index, and poor gestational weight gain, combined with maternal psychopathology and stress, may impair the evolution of pregnancy. Environmental factors such as malnutrition or substance of abuse may also induce epigenetic changes in the fetal epigenome, which mark lifelong health concerns in offspring. Conclusions: The precocious detection of dysfunctional eating behaviors in the pre-pregnancy period and an early multidisciplinary approach comprised of nutritional support, psychotherapeutic techniques, and the use of psychotropics if necessary, would prevent lifelong morbidity for both mother and fetus. Further prospective studies with large sample sizes are needed in order to design a structured intervention during every stage of pregnancy and in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sebastiani
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicente Andreu-Fernández
- Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Valencian International University (VIU), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Herranz Barbero
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victoria Aldecoa-Bilbao
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Miracle
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Meler Barrabes
- Fetal i+D Fetal Medicine Research Center, BCNatal-Barcelona Center for Maternal-Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (Hospital Clínic and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu), IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arantxa Balada Ibañez
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Astals-Vizcaino
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Ferrero-Martínez
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Dolores Gómez-Roig
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar García-Algar
- Neonatal Unit, Hospital Clinic-Maternitat, Institut Clinic de Ginecologia, Obstetricia i Neonatologia (ICGON), Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine (BCNatal), Barcelona, Spain.,Grup de Recerca Infancia i Entorn (GRIE), Institut d'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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