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Aldrich JC, Maggert KA. Transgenerational inheritance of diet-induced genome rearrangements in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005148. [PMID: 25885886 PMCID: PMC4401788 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) copy number variation modulates heterochromatin formation and influences the expression of a large fraction of the Drosophila genome. This discovery, along with the link between rDNA, aging, and disease, high-lights the importance of understanding how natural rDNA copy number variation arises. Pursuing the relationship between rDNA expression and stability, we have discovered that increased dietary yeast concentration, emulating periods of dietary excess during life, results in somatic rDNA instability and copy number reduction. Modulation of Insulin/TOR signaling produces similar results, indicating a role for known nutrient sensing signaling pathways in this process. Furthermore, adults fed elevated dietary yeast concentrations produce offspring with fewer rDNA copies demonstrating that these effects also occur in the germline, and are transgenerationally heritable. This finding explains one source of natural rDNA copy number variation revealing a clear long-term consequence of diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Aldrich
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Keith A. Maggert
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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152
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Chango A, Pogribny IP. Considering maternal dietary modulators for epigenetic regulation and programming of the fetal epigenome. Nutrients 2015; 7:2748-70. [PMID: 25875118 PMCID: PMC4425171 DOI: 10.3390/nu7042748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal life is characterized by a tremendous plasticity and ability to respond to various environmental and lifestyle factors, including maternal nutrition. Identification of the role of dietary factors that can modulate and reshape the cellular epigenome during development, including methyl group donors (e.g., folate, choline) and bioactive compounds (e.g., polyphenols) is of great importance; however, there is insufficient knowledge of a particular effect of each type of modulator and/or their combination on fetal life. To enhance the quality and safety of food products for proper fetal health and disease prevention in later life, a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of dietary epigenetic modulators during the critical prenatal period is necessary. This review focuses on the influence of maternal dietary components on DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNAs, and summarizes current knowledge of the effect and importance of dietary components on epigenetic mechanisms that control the proper expression of genetic information. Evidence reveals that some components in the maternal diet can directly or indirectly affect epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of how early-life nutritional environment affects the epigenome during development is of great importance for the successful prevention of adult chronic diseases through optimal maternal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abalo Chango
- Polytechnic Institute LaSalle Beauvais, Department of Nutrition and Health Sciences, EGEAL UP:2012.10.101, F-60026 Beauvais Cedex, France.
| | - Igor P Pogribny
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Food and Drug Administration National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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154
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Abstract
Interest in the field of epigenetics has increased rapidly over the last decade, with the term becoming more identifiable in biomedical research, scientific fields outside of the molecular sciences, such as ecology and physiology, and even mainstream culture. It has become increasingly clear, however, that different investigators ascribe different definitions to the term. Some employ epigenetics to explain changes in gene expression, others use it to refer to transgenerational effects and/or inherited expression states. This disagreement on a clear definition has made communication difficult, synthesis of epigenetic research across fields nearly impossible, and has in many ways biased methodologies and interpretations. This article discusses the history behind the multitude of definitions that have been employed since the conception of epigenetics, analyzes the components of these definitions, and offers solutions for clarifying the field and mitigating the problems that have arisen due to these definitional ambiguities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Deans
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
| | - Keith A Maggert
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843
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Greenop KR, Scott RJ, Attia J, Bower C, de Klerk NH, Norris MD, Haber M, Jamieson SE, van Bockxmeer FM, Gottardo NG, Ashton LJ, Armstrong BK, Milne E. Folate Pathway Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Childhood Brain Tumors: Results from an Australian Case–Control Study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 24:931-7. [DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-1248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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156
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Decoding the complex genetic causes of heart diseases using systems biology. Biophys Rev 2015; 7:141-159. [PMID: 28509974 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-014-0145-3] [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: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The pace of disease gene discovery is still much slower than expected, even with the use of cost-effective DNA sequencing and genotyping technologies. It is increasingly clear that many inherited heart diseases have a more complex polygenic aetiology than previously thought. Understanding the role of gene-gene interactions, epigenetics, and non-coding regulatory regions is becoming increasingly critical in predicting the functional consequences of genetic mutations identified by genome-wide association studies and whole-genome or exome sequencing. A systems biology approach is now being widely employed to systematically discover genes that are involved in heart diseases in humans or relevant animal models through bioinformatics. The overarching premise is that the integration of high-quality causal gene regulatory networks (GRNs), genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics and other genome-wide data will greatly accelerate the discovery of the complex genetic causes of congenital and complex heart diseases. This review summarises state-of-the-art genomic and bioinformatics techniques that are used in accelerating the pace of disease gene discovery in heart diseases. Accompanying this review, we provide an interactive web-resource for systems biology analysis of mammalian heart development and diseases, CardiacCode ( http://CardiacCode.victorchang.edu.au/ ). CardiacCode features a dataset of over 700 pieces of manually curated genetic or molecular perturbation data, which enables the inference of a cardiac-specific GRN of 280 regulatory relationships between 33 regulator genes and 129 target genes. We believe this growing resource will fill an urgent unmet need to fully realise the true potential of predictive and personalised genomic medicine in tackling human heart disease.
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157
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Milne E, Greenop KR, Scott RJ, Haber M, Norris MD, Attia J, Jamieson SE, Miller M, Bower C, Bailey HD, Dawson S, McCowage GB, de Klerk NH, van Bockxmeer FM, Armstrong BK. Folate pathway gene polymorphisms, maternal folic acid use, and risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015; 24:48-56. [PMID: 25395472 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-14-0680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies suggest that maternal folic acid supplementation before or during pregnancy protects against childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We investigated associations between ALL risk and folate pathway gene polymorphisms, and their modification by maternal folic acid supplements, in a population-based case-control study (2003-2007). METHODS All Australian pediatric oncology centers provided cases; controls were recruited by national random digit dialing. Data from 392 cases and 535 controls were included. Seven folate pathway gene polymorphisms (MTHFR 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, MTRR 66A>G, MTR 2756 A>G, MTR 5049 C>A, CBS 844 Ins68, and CBS 2199 T>C) were genotyped in children and their parents. Information on prepregnancy maternal folic acid supplement use was collected. ORs were estimated with unconditional logistic regression adjusted for frequency-matched variables and potential confounders. Case-parent trios were also analyzed. RESULTS There was some evidence of a reduced risk of ALL among children who had, or whose father had, the MTRR 66GG genotype: ORs 0.60 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.39-0.91] and 0.64 (95% CI, 0.40-1.03), respectively. The ORs for paternal MTHFR 677CT and TT genotypes were 1.41 (95% CI, 1.02-1.93) and 1.81 (95% CI, 1.06-3.07). ORs varied little by maternal folic acid supplementation. CONCLUSIONS Some folate pathway gene polymorphisms in the child or a parent may influence ALL risk. While biologically plausible, underlying mechanisms for these associations need further elucidation. IMPACT Folate pathway polymorphisms may be related to risk of childhood ALL, but larger studies are needed for conclusive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Milne
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Kathryn R Greenop
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rodney J Scott
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia. School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Hunter Area Pathology Service, HNEHealth, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Murray D Norris
- Children's Cancer Institute Australia for Medical Research, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Attia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia. School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarra E Jamieson
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Margaret Miller
- School of Exercise and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Mount Lawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Carol Bower
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Helen D Bailey
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia. Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Somer Dawson
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Nicholas H de Klerk
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Frank M van Bockxmeer
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Perth Hospital and the School of Surgery, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Bruce K Armstrong
- Sax Institute, Haymarket, New South Wales, Australia. Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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158
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Toth M. Mechanisms of non-genetic inheritance and psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:129-40. [PMID: 24889369 PMCID: PMC4262890 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inheritance is typically associated with the Mendelian transmission of information from parents to offspring by alleles (DNA sequence). However, empirical data clearly suggest that traits can be acquired from ancestors by mechanisms that do not involve genetic alleles, referred to as non-genetic inheritance. Information that is non-genetically transmitted across generations includes parental experience and exposure to certain environments, but also parental mutations and polymorphisms, because they can change the parental 'intrinsic' environment. Non-genetic inheritance is not limited to the first generation of the progeny, but can involve the grandchildren and even further generations. Non-genetic inheritance has been observed for multiple traits including overall development, cardiovascular risk and metabolic symptoms, but this review will focus on the inheritance of behavioral abnormalities pertinent to psychiatric disorders. Multigenerational non-genetic inheritance is often interpreted as the transmission of epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and chromatin modifications, via the gametes (transgenerational epigenetic inheritance). However, information can be carried across generations by a large number of bioactive substances, including hormones, cytokines, and even microorganisms, without the involvement of the gametes. We reason that this broader definition of non-genetic inheritance is more appropriate, especially in the context of psychiatric disorders, because of the well-recognized role of parental and early life environmental factors in later life psychopathology. Here we discuss the various forms of non-genetic inheritance in humans and animals, as well as rodent models of psychiatric conditions to illustrate possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklos Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
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159
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Chen G, Broséus J, Hergalant S, Donnart A, Chevalier C, Bolaños-Jiménez F, Guéant JL, Houlgatte R. Identification of master genes involved in liver key functions through transcriptomics and epigenomics of methyl donor deficiency in rat: relevance to nonalcoholic liver disease. Mol Nutr Food Res 2014; 59:293-302. [PMID: 25380481 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.201400483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
SCOPE Our study aims to investigate molecular events associated to methyl donor deficiency (MDD) by analyzing the transcriptome and the methylome of MDD rats in liver. METHODS AND RESULTS Twenty-one-day-old rats born to mothers fed either with a standard diet or a MDD diet during gestation and lactation were compared. From a total of 44 000 probes for 26 456 genes, we found two gene clusters in MDD rats whose expression levels had significant differences compared with controls: 3269 overexpressed (p < 0.0009) and 2841 underexpressed (p < 0.0004) genes. Modifications of DNA methylation were found in the promoter regions of 1032 genes out of 14 981 genes. Ontological analyses revealed that these genes are mainly involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, nervous system, coagulation, ER stress, and mitochondrial function. CONCLUSION Putative master genes exhibiting changes in both gene expression and DNA methylation are limited to 266 genes and are mainly involved in the renin-angiotensin system (n = 3), mitochondrion metabolism (n = 18), and phospholipid homeostasis (n = 3). Most of these master genes participate in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The adverse effects of MDD on the metabolic process indicate the beneficial impact of folate and vitamin B12, especially during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaili Chen
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Faculté de Médecine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
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160
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Choi Y, Mango SE. Hunting for Darwin's gemmules and Lamarck's fluid: Transgenerational signaling and histone methylation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:1440-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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161
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Mandaviya PR, Stolk L, Heil SG. Homocysteine and DNA methylation: a review of animal and human literature. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 113:243-52. [PMID: 25456744 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 10/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing non-protein forming amino acid, which is synthesized from methionine as an important intermediate in the one-carbon pathway. High concentrations of Hcy in a condition called hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are an independent risk factor for several disorders including cardiovascular diseases and osteoporotic fractures. Since Hcy is produced as a byproduct of the methyltransferase reaction, alteration in DNA methylation is studied as one of the underlying mechanisms of HHcy-associated disorders. In animal models, elevated Hcy concentrations are induced either by diet (high methionine, low B-vitamins, or both), gene knockouts (Mthfr, Cbs, Mtrr or Mtr) or combination of both to investigate their effects on DNA methylation or its markers. In humans, most of the literature involves case-control studies concerning patients. The focus of this review is to study existing literature on HHcy and its role in relation to DNA methylation. Apart from this, a few studies investigated the effect of Hcy-lowering trials on restoring DNA methylation patterns, by giving a folic acid or B-vitamin supplemented diet. These studies which were conducted in animal models as well as humans were included in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja R Mandaviya
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lisette Stolk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sandra G Heil
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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162
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Johnson IT, Belshaw NJ. Nutrition and epigenetics: An emerging field. NUTR BULL 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/nbu.12120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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163
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Nakouzi GA, Nadeau JH. Does dietary folic acid supplementation in mouse NTD models affect neural tube development or gamete preference at fertilization? BMC Genet 2014; 15:91. [PMID: 25154628 PMCID: PMC4151023 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-014-0091-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neural tube defects (NTDs) are the second most common birth defect in humans. Dietary folic acid (FA) supplementation effectively and safely reduces the incidence of these often debilitating congenital anomalies. FA plays an established role in folate and homocysteine metabolism, but the means by which it suppresses occurrence of NTDs is not understood. In addition, many cases remain resistant to the beneficial effects of folic acid supplementation. To better understand the molecular, biochemical and developmental mechanisms by which FA exerts its effect on NTDs, characterized mouse models are needed that have a defined genetic basis and known response to dietary supplementation. Results We examined the effect of FA supplementation, at 5-fold the level in the control diet, on the NTD and vertebral phenotypes in Apobtm1Unc and Vangl2Lp mice, hereafter referred to as Apob and Lp respectively. The FA supplemented diet did not reduce the incidence or severity of NTDs in Apob or Lp mutant homozygotes or the loop-tail phenotype in Lp mutant heterozygotes, suggesting that mice with these mutant alleles are resistant to FA supplementation. Folic acid supplementation also did not affect the rate of resorptions or the size of litters, but instead skewed the embryonic genotype distribution in favor of wild-type alleles. Conclusion Similar genotypic biases have been reported for several NTD models, but were interpreted as diet-induced increases in the incidence and severity of NTDs that led to increased embryonic lethality. Absence of differences in resorption rates and litter sizes argue against induced embryonic lethality. We suggest an alternative interpretation, namely that FA supplementation led to strongly skewed allelic inheritance, perhaps from disturbances in polyamine metabolism that biases fertilization in favor of wild-type gametes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph H Nadeau
- Department of Genetics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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164
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Rissman EF, Adli M. Minireview: transgenerational epigenetic inheritance: focus on endocrine disrupting compounds. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2770-80. [PMID: 24885575 PMCID: PMC4098001 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The idea that what we eat, feel, and experience influences our physical and mental state and can be transmitted to our offspring and even to subsequent generations has been in the popular realm for a long time. In addition to classic gene mutations, we now recognize that some mechanisms for inheritance do not require changes in DNA. The field of epigenetics has provided a new appreciation for the variety of ways biological traits can be transmitted to subsequent generations. Thus, transgenerational epigenetic inheritance has emerged as a new area of research. We have four goals for this minireview. First, we describe the topic and some of the nomenclature used in the literature. Second, we explain the major epigenetic mechanisms implicated in transgenerational inheritance. Next, we examine some of the best examples of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, with an emphasis on those produced by exposing the parental generation to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). Finally, we discuss how whole-genome profiling approaches can be used to identify aberrant epigenomic features and gain insight into the mechanism of EDC-mediated transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Our goal is to educate readers about the range of possible epigenetic mechanisms that exist and encourage researchers to think broadly and apply multiple genomic and epigenomic technologies to their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie F Rissman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
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165
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Pembrey M, Saffery R, Bygren LO. Human transgenerational responses to early-life experience: potential impact on development, health and biomedical research. J Med Genet 2014; 51:563-72. [PMID: 25062846 PMCID: PMC4157403 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2014-102577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian experiments provide clear evidence of male line transgenerational effects on health and development from paternal or ancestral early-life exposures such as diet or stress. The few human observational studies to date suggest (male line) transgenerational effects exist that cannot easily be attributed to cultural and/or genetic inheritance. Here we summarise relevant studies, drawing attention to exposure sensitive periods in early life and sex differences in transmission and offspring outcomes. Thus, variation, or changes, in the parental/ancestral environment may influence phenotypic variation for better or worse in the next generation(s), and so contribute to common, non-communicable disease risk including sex differences. We argue that life-course epidemiology should be reframed to include exposures from previous generations, keeping an open mind as to the mechanisms that transmit this information to offspring. Finally, we discuss animal experiments, including the role of epigenetic inheritance and non-coding RNAs, in terms of what lessons can be learnt for designing and interpreting human studies. This review was developed initially as a position paper by the multidisciplinary Network in Epigenetic Epidemiology to encourage transgenerational research in human cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Pembrey
- School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Parkville, Australia Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lars Olov Bygren
- Department of Biosciences and Rehabilitation, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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166
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Vickers MH. Developmental programming and transgenerational transmission of obesity. ANNALS OF NUTRITION AND METABOLISM 2014; 64 Suppl 1:26-34. [PMID: 25059803 DOI: 10.1159/000360506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The global obesity pandemic is often causally linked to marked changes in diet and lifestyle, namely marked increases in dietary intakes of high-energy diets and concomitant reductions in physical activity levels. However, far less attention has been paid to the role of developmental plasticity and alterations in phenotypic outcomes resulting from environmental perturbations during the early-life period. Human and animal studies have highlighted the link between alterations in the early-life environment and increased susceptibility to obesity and related metabolic disorders in later life. In particular, altered maternal nutrition, including both undernutrition and maternal obesity, has been shown to lead to transgenerational transmission of metabolic disorders. This association has been conceptualised as the developmental programming hypothesis whereby the impact of environmental influences during critical periods of developmental plasticity can elicit lifelong effects on the physiology of the offspring. Further, evidence to date suggests that this developmental programming is a transgenerational phenomenon, with a number of studies showing transmission of programming effects to subsequent generations, even in the absence of continued environmental stressors, thus perpetuating a cycle of obesity and metabolic disorders. The mechanisms responsible for these transgenerational effects remain poorly understood; evidence to date suggests a number of potential mechanisms underpinning the transgenerational transmission of the developmentally programmed phenotype through both the maternal and paternal lineage. Transgenerational phenotype transmission is often seen as a form of epigenetic inheritance with evidence showing both germline and somatic inheritance of epigenetic modifications leading to phenotype changes across generations. However, there is also evidence for non-genomic components as well as an interaction between the developing fetus with the in utero environment in the perpetuation of programmed phenotypes. A better understanding of how developmental programming effects are transmitted is essential for the implementation of initiatives aimed at curbing the current obesity crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Vickers
- Liggins Institute and Gravida: National Centre for Growth and Development, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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167
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Korzh V. Neurulation continues: The parade commander is… apical constriction. Russ J Dev Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360414040055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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168
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Abstract
The lifelong health of an individual is shaped during critical periods of development. The fetus is particularly susceptible to internal and external stimuli, many of which can alter developmental trajectories and subsequent susceptibility to disease. Glucocorticoids are critical in normal development of the fetus, as they are involved in the growth and maturation of many organ systems. The surge in fetal glucocorticoid levels that occurs in most mammalian species over the last few days of pregnancy is an important developmental switch leading to fundamental changes in gene regulation in many organs, including the brain. These changes are important for the transition to postnatal life. Exposure of the fetus to increased levels of glucocorticoids, resulting from maternal stress or treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids, can lead to long-term 'programming' of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal function and behaviours. Glucocorticoids act at multiple levels within the fetal brain. Growing evidence indicates that they can exert powerful effects on the epigenome, including on DNA methylation, histone acetylation and microRNA, to influence gene expression. Such influences probably represent a critical component of the 'programming' process, and might be partly responsible for the transgenerational effects of antenatal glucocorticoid exposure on neurologic, cardiovascular and metabolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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169
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Lei Y, Tittle RK, Finnell RH. Interaction between SNPs in folate pathway genes and environment increase neural tube defects risk. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2014. [DOI: 10.2217/fnl.14.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of: Liu J, Qi J, Yu X et al. Investigations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in folate pathway genes in Chinese families with neural tube defects. J. Neurol. Sci. 337, 61–66 (2014). This study investigated the interactions between SNPs in folate metabolism pathway genes and environmental risk factors on the etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs). Samples from a total of 609 NTD cases were collected from 602 families, 1106 parental samples were collected as controls. A total of 28 SNPs in 12 folate pathway genes were genotyped. Environmental factors included folate supplementation, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and medicine administration before and during pregnancy. Case–parental control and transmission/disequilibrium tests (TDTs) were conducted according to environment cofactor stratification. The MTHFR 677C>T genotype interacts with low folate level and GDM, increasing the occurrence of NTDs. MTR (known as MTHM in the paper under evaluation) 501A>G interacts with GDM, promoting NTDs risk. BHMT 716G>A, in the case of no folate supplementation, contributed to the etiology of NTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunping Lei
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Rachel K Tittle
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
| | - Richard H Finnell
- Dell Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Human Ecology, The University of Texas at Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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170
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Moreno-Garcia MA, Pupavac M, Rosenblatt DS, Tremblay ML, Jerome-Majewska LA. The Mmachc gene is required for pre-implantation embryogenesis in the mouse. Mol Genet Metab 2014; 112:198-204. [PMID: 24889031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2014.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with mutations in MMACHC have the autosomal recessive disease of cobalamin metabolism known as cblC. These patients are unable to convert cobalamin into the two active forms, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin and consequently have elevated homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in blood and urine. In addition, some cblC patients have structural abnormalities, including congenital heart defects. MMACHC is conserved in the mouse and shows tissue and stage-specific expression pattern in midgestation stage embryos. To create a mouse model of cblC we generated a line of mice with a gene-trap insertion in intron 1 of the Mmachc gene, (Mmachc(Gt(AZ0348)Wtsi)). Heterozygous mice show a 50% reduction of MMACHC protein, and have significantly higher levels of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in their blood. The Mmachc(Gt) allele was inherited with a transmission ratio distortion in matings with heterozygous animals. Furthermore, homozygous Mmachc(Gt) embryos were not found after embryonic day 3.5 and these embryos were unable to generate giant cells in outgrowth assays. Our findings confirm that cblC is modeled in mice with reduced levels of Mmachc and suggest an early requirement for Mmachc in mouse development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maira A Moreno-Garcia
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - Mihaela Pupavac
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada
| | - David S Rosenblatt
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute, Place Toulon, 4060 Ste. Catherine West PT 420, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2Z3, Canada
| | - Michel L Tremblay
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Goodman Cancer Research Center, 1160 Avenue Pine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Loydie A Jerome-Majewska
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 1205 Avenue Docteur Penfield, N5/13, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1B1, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute, Place Toulon, 4060 Ste. Catherine West PT 420, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2Z3, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building, 3640 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A2B2, Canada.
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171
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Roman-Garcia P, Quiros-Gonzalez I, Mottram L, Lieben L, Sharan K, Wangwiwatsin A, Tubio J, Lewis K, Wilkinson D, Santhanam B, Sarper N, Clare S, Vassiliou GS, Velagapudi VR, Dougan G, Yadav VK. Vitamin B₁₂-dependent taurine synthesis regulates growth and bone mass. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:2988-3002. [PMID: 24911144 DOI: 10.1172/jci72606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both maternal and offspring-derived factors contribute to lifelong growth and bone mass accrual, although the specific role of maternal deficiencies in the growth and bone mass of offspring is poorly understood. In the present study, we have shown that vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency in a murine genetic model results in severe postweaning growth retardation and osteoporosis, and the severity and time of onset of this phenotype in the offspring depends on the maternal genotype. Using integrated physiological and metabolomic analysis, we determined that B12 deficiency in the offspring decreases liver taurine production and associates with abrogation of a growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) axis. Taurine increased GH-dependent IGF1 synthesis in the liver, which subsequently enhanced osteoblast function, and in B12-deficient offspring, oral administration of taurine rescued their growth retardation and osteoporosis phenotypes. These results identify B12 as an essential vitamin that positively regulates postweaning growth and bone formation through taurine synthesis and suggests potential therapies to increase bone mass.
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172
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Abstract
Since the human genome was sequenced, the term "epigenetics" is increasingly being associated with the hope that we are more than just the sum of our genes. Might what we eat, the air we breathe, or even the emotions we feel influence not only our genes but those of descendants? The environment can certainly influence gene expression and can lead to disease, but transgenerational consequences are another matter. Although the inheritance of epigenetic characters can certainly occur-particularly in plants-how much is due to the environment and the extent to which it happens in humans remain unclear.
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173
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Martínez D, Pentinat T, Ribó S, Daviaud C, Bloks VW, Cebrià J, Villalmanzo N, Kalko SG, Ramón-Krauel M, Díaz R, Plösch T, Tost J, Jiménez-Chillarón JC. In utero undernutrition in male mice programs liver lipid metabolism in the second-generation offspring involving altered Lxra DNA methylation. Cell Metab 2014; 19:941-51. [PMID: 24794974 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2014.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and type 2 diabetes have a heritable component that is not attributable to genetic factors. Instead, epigenetic mechanisms may play a role. We have developed a mouse model of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) by in utero malnutrition. IUGR mice developed obesity and glucose intolerance with aging. Strikingly, offspring of IUGR male mice also developed glucose intolerance. Here, we show that in utero malnutrition of F1 males influenced the expression of lipogenic genes in livers of F2 mice, partly due to altered expression of Lxra. In turn, Lxra expression is attributed to altered DNA methylation of its 5' UTR region. We found the same epigenetic signature in the sperm of their progenitors, F1 males. Our data indicate that in utero malnutrition results in epigenetic modifications in germ cells (F1) that are subsequently transmitted and maintained in somatic cells of the F2, thereby influencing health and disease risk of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Martínez
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Thais Pentinat
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Sílvia Ribó
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Christian Daviaud
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Génotypage, CEA-Institute de Génomique, 91057 Evry CEDEX, France
| | - Vincent W Bloks
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Judith Cebrià
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Nuria Villalmanzo
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Susana G Kalko
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Marta Ramón-Krauel
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Rubén Díaz
- Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Pediatric Endocrinology, Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona 08950, Spain; Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona 08950, Spain
| | - Torsten Plösch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen 9713 GZ, the Netherlands
| | - Jörg Tost
- Laboratory for Epigenetics and Environment, Centre National de Génotypage, CEA-Institute de Génomique, 91057 Evry CEDEX, France
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174
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Korzh V. Stretching cell morphogenesis during late neurulation and mild neural tube defects. Dev Growth Differ 2014; 56:425-33. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Korzh
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology; Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences; National University of Singapore; Singapore
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175
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Somer RA, Thummel CS. Epigenetic inheritance of metabolic state. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 27:43-7. [PMID: 24846842 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As the incidence of complex metabolic disease increases in developed countries, so too does the need to understand the causes and risk factors for these disorders. In addition to the well-known contribution of genetics and environment to metabolic dysfunction, many studies have demonstrated that a significant degree of non-genetic heritable risk can be transmitted from parents to offspring over multiple generations. Understanding the mechanisms by which this occurs could change how we study and treat complex metabolic disorders. In this review, we summarize recent advances in this field utilizing Drosophila, mice, and humans, and propose potential molecular mechanisms that underlie the transgenerational inheritance of metabolic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Somer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 N 2030 E, Rm 2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Carl S Thummel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, 15 N 2030 E, Rm 2100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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176
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Janecka IP. Sensing risk, fearing uncertainty: systems science approach to change. Front Comput Neurosci 2014; 8:30. [PMID: 24744723 PMCID: PMC3978314 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2014.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Medicine devotes its primary focus to understanding change, from cells to network relationships; observations of non-linearity are inescapable. Recent events provide extraordinary examples of major non-linear surprises within the societal system: human genome-from anticipated 100,000+ genes to only 20,000+; junk DNA-initially ignored but now proven to control genetic processes; economic reversals-bursting of bubbles in technology, housing, finance; foreign wars; relentless rise in obesity, neurodegenerative diseases. There are two attributes of systems science that are especially relevant to this research: One—it offers a method for creating a structural context with a guiding path to pragmatic knowledge; and, two—it gives pre-eminence to sensory input capable to register, evaluate, and react to change. Materials/Methods: Public domain records of change, during the last 50 years, have been studied in the context of systems science, the dynamic systems model, and various cycles. Results/Conclusions:Change is dynamic, ever-present, never isolated, and of variable impact; it reflects innumerable relationships among contextual systems; change can be perceived as risk or uncertainty depending upon how the assessment is made; risk is quantifiable by sensory input and generates a degree of rational optimism; uncertainty is not quantifiable and evokes fear; trust is key to sharing risk; the measurable financial credit can be a proxy for societal trust; expanding credit dilutes trust; when a credit bubble bursts, so will trust; absence of trust paralyzes systems' relationships leading to disorganized complexity which prevents value creation and heightens the probability of random events; disappearance of value, accompanied by chaos, threatens all systems. From personal health to economic sustainability and collective rationality, most examined components of the societal system were found not to be optimized and trust was not in evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo P Janecka
- Foundation for Systems Research and Education New York, NY, USA
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177
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Skjærven KH, Hamre K, Penglase S, Finn RN, Olsvik PA. Thermal stress alters expression of genes involved in one carbon and DNA methylation pathways in Atlantic cod embryos. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2014; 173C:17-27. [PMID: 24641949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
One-carbon (1-C) metabolism is essential for normal embryonic development through its regulation of DNA methylation and cell proliferation. With consideration to the potential future anthropogenic oceanic warming, we studied the effects of both acute thermal stress and continuous thermal stress (10°C) during Atlantic cod embryo development on the expression levels of genes associated with the 1-C metabolism, including DNA methyltransferases. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis of vertebrate DNA methyltransferases to determine the number and similarity of DNMT found in Atlantic cod. This analysis revealed that Atlantic cod have one maintenance dnmt (dnmt1) and five de novo DNMTs (dnmt4, dnmt3, dnmt3b, dnmt3aa, dnmt3ab). Stage specific changes in expression levels occurred for all genes analyzed. The effect of acute thermal stress was evaluated during early development. Compared to controls these experiments showed significant alterations in expression levels of several genes, that in some instances were reversed at later stages of development. A significant effect of continuous thermal stress was found in gastrula embryos where lower mRNA expression levels of 1-C metabolism, de novo DNMTs and cell proliferation genes were detected. One exception was the maintenance DNMT, which was only sensitive to acute and not continuous thermal stress. DNA methylation status indicated that blastula embryos were hypomethylated compared to spermatozoa and late gastrula stages. In post-gastrula stage, however, continuous thermal stress resulted in a higher degree of DNA methylation compared to controls. These data reveal that the regulation of epigenetically important transcripts in the 1-C metabolism of Atlantic cod embryos is sensitive to thermal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaja H Skjærven
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway.
| | - Kristin Hamre
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Samuel Penglase
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Biology, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Roderick Nigel Finn
- Institute of Biology, University of Bergen, PO Box 7803, 5020 Bergen, Norway; Institute of Marine Research, PO Box 1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
| | - Pål A Olsvik
- National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES), PO Box 2029 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
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178
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The Human Placenta Project: placental structure, development, and function in real time. Placenta 2014; 35:303-4. [PMID: 24661567 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite its crucial role in the health of both the fetus and the pregnant woman, the placenta is the least understood human organ. Since a growing body of evidence also underscores the importance of placental development in the lifelong health of both mother and offspring, this lack of knowledge about placental structure and function is particularly concerning. Given modern approaches and technologies and the ability to develop new methods, we propose a coordinated "Human Placenta Project", with the ultimate goal of understanding human placental structure, development, and function in real time.
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179
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78495111110.1016/j.cell.2014.02.045" />
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180
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Fridmann-Sirkis Y, Stern S, Elgart M, Galili M, Zeisel A, Shental N, Soen Y. Delayed development induced by toxicity to the host can be inherited by a bacterial-dependent, transgenerational effect. Front Genet 2014; 5:27. [PMID: 24611070 PMCID: PMC3933808 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Accepted: 01/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Commensal gut bacteria in many species including flies are integral part of their host, and are known to influence its development and homeostasis within generation. Here we report an unexpected impact of host–microbe interactions, which mediates multi-generational, non-Mendelian inheritance of a stress-induced phenotype. We have previously shown that exposure of fly larvae to G418 antibiotic induces transgenerationally heritable phenotypes, including a delay in larval development, gene induction in the gut and morphological changes. We now show that G418 selectively depletes commensal Acetobacter species and that this depletion explains the heritable delay, but not the inheritance of the other phenotypes. Notably, the inheritance of the delay was mediated by a surprising trans-generational effect. Specifically, bacterial removal from F1 embryos did not induce significant delay in F1 larvae, but nonetheless led to a considerable delay in F2. This effect maintains a delay induced by bacterial-independent G418 toxicity to the host. In line with these findings, reintroduction of isolated Acetobacter species prevented the inheritance of the delay. We further show that this prevention is partly mediated by vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) produced by these bacteria; exogenous Riboflavin led to partial prevention and inhibition of Riboflavin synthesis compromised the ability of the bacteria to prevent the inheritance. These results identify host–microbe interactions as a hitherto unrecognized factor capable of mediating non-Mendelian inheritance of a stress-induced phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Fridmann-Sirkis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shay Stern
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michael Elgart
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Matana Galili
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Amit Zeisel
- Department of Physics of Complex Systems, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noam Shental
- Department of Computer Science, The Open University Raanana, Israel
| | - Yoav Soen
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science Rehovot, Israel
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181
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Transgenerational effects of folate defects. Nat Rev Genet 2013. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg3613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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182
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Greer EL, Shi Y. What's the Mtrr with your grandparents? Cell Metab 2013; 18:457-9. [PMID: 24093670 PMCID: PMC3947785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Reduced folate levels can cause developmental defects and megaloblastic anemia. Padmanabhan et al. (2013) show that mutation in mice of a folate metabolism gene, Mtrr, which encodes for methionine synthase reductase, causes developmental defects not only in the mutant progeny, but also in genetically wild-type descendants for up to four generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric L Greer
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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183
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Padmanabhan N, Watson ED. Lessons from the one-carbon metabolism: passing it along to the next generation. Reprod Biomed Online 2013; 27:637-43. [PMID: 24139597 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
During development, a fetus and its placenta must respond to a changing maternal environment to ensure normal growth is achieved and survival is maintained. The mechanisms behind developmental programming involve complex interactions between epigenetic and physiological processes, which are not well understood. Importantly, when programming goes awry, it puts the fetus at risk for disease later in life and may, in some instances, affect subsequent generations via epigenetic processes including DNA methylation. The one-carbon metabolism, which includes the folate, methionine and choline pathways, provides methyl groups necessary for DNA methylation and a normal epigenetic landscape. Accordingly, disruptions in this pathway affect placental development and function leading to altered fetal programming. Remarkably, recent studies have revealed that abnormal folate metabolism causes transgenerational effects probably through epigenetic inheritance. The epigenetic mechanisms behind this phenomenon are not well understood but they have important implications for the influence of the metabolic environment on epigenetic stability and non-genetic inheritance of disease. Importantly, there are increasing concerns that assisted reproductive technologies cause aberrant epigenetic profiles in embryos leading to abnormal fetal programming. How the negative epigenetic consequences of assisted reproduction treatment affect subsequent generations requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Padmanabhan
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Physiological Laboratories, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
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