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Baker EC, San AE, Cilkiz KZ, Littlejohn BP, Cardoso RC, Ghaffari N, Long CR, Riggs PK, Randel RD, Welsh TH, Riley DG. Inter-Individual Variation in DNA Methylation Patterns across Two Tissues and Leukocytes in Mature Brahman Cattle. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020252. [PMID: 36829529 PMCID: PMC9953534 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Quantifying the natural inter-individual variation in DNA methylation patterns is important for identifying its contribution to phenotypic variation, but also for understanding how the environment affects variability, and for incorporation into statistical analyses. The inter-individual variation in DNA methylation patterns in female cattle and the effect that a prenatal stressor has on such variability have yet to be quantified. Thus, the objective of this study was to utilize methylation data from mature Brahman females to quantify the inter-individual variation in DNA methylation. Pregnant Brahman cows were transported for 2 h durations at days 60 ± 5; 80 ± 5; 100 ± 5; 120 ± 5; and 140 ± 5 of gestation. A non-transport group was maintained as a control. Leukocytes, amygdala, and anterior pituitary glands were harvested from eight cows born from the non-transport group (Control) and six from the transport group (PNS) at 5 years of age. The DNA harvested from the anterior pituitary contained the greatest variability in DNA methylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (mCpG) sites from both the PNS and Control groups, and the amygdala had the least. Numerous variable mCpG sites were associated with retrotransposable elements and highly repetitive regions of the genome. Some of the genomic features that had high variation in DNA methylation are involved in immune responses, signaling, responses to stimuli, and metabolic processes. The small overlap of highly variable CpG sites and features between tissues and leukocytes supports the role of variable DNA methylation in regulating tissue-specific gene expression. Many of the CpG sites that exhibited high variability in DNA methylation were common between the PNS and Control groups within a tissue, but there was little overlap in genomic features with high variability. The interaction between the prenatal environment and the genome could be responsible for the differences in location of the variable DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie C. Baker
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Audrey E. San
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Overton, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - Kubra Z. Cilkiz
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Brittni P. Littlejohn
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Overton, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - Rodolfo C. Cardoso
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Noushin Ghaffari
- Department of Computer Science, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446, USA
| | - Charles R. Long
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Overton, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - Penny K. Riggs
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - Ronald D. Randel
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Overton, Overton, TX 75684, USA
| | - Thomas H. Welsh
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX 77845, USA
| | - David G. Riley
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77845, USA
- Correspondence:
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2
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Hurvitz N, Elkhateeb N, Sigawi T, Rinsky-Halivni L, Ilan Y. Improving the effectiveness of anti-aging modalities by using the constrained disorder principle-based management algorithms. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:1044038. [PMID: 36589143 PMCID: PMC9795077 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.1044038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process with multifactorial nature underlined by genetic, environmental, and social factors. In the present paper, we review several mechanisms of aging and the pre-clinically and clinically studied anti-aging therapies. Variability characterizes biological processes from the genome to cellular organelles, biochemical processes, and whole organs' function. Aging is associated with alterations in the degrees of variability and complexity of systems. The constrained disorder principle defines living organisms based on their inherent disorder within arbitrary boundaries and defines aging as having a lower variability or moving outside the boundaries of variability. We focus on associations between variability and hallmarks of aging and discuss the roles of disorder and variability of systems in the pathogenesis of aging. The paper presents the concept of implementing the constrained disease principle-based second-generation artificial intelligence systems for improving anti-aging modalities. The platform uses constrained noise to enhance systems' efficiency and slow the aging process. Described is the potential use of second-generation artificial intelligence systems in patients with chronic disease and its implications for the aged population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noa Hurvitz
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Department of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Narmine Elkhateeb
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Department of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tal Sigawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Department of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lilah Rinsky-Halivni
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel,Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yaron Ilan
- Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University and Department of Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel,*Correspondence: Yaron Ilan,
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3
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Pérez RF, Tejedor JR, Fernández AF, Fraga MF. Aging and cancer epigenetics: Where do the paths fork? Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13709. [PMID: 36103298 PMCID: PMC9577950 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging and cancer are clearly associated processes, at both the epidemiological and molecular level. Epigenetic mechanisms are good candidates to explain the molecular links between the two phenomena, but recent reports have also revealed considerable differences, particularly regarding the loss of DNA methylation in the two processes. The large-scale generation and availability of genome-wide epigenetic data now permits systematic studies to be undertaken which may help clarify the similarities and differences between aging and cancer epigenetic alterations. In addition, the development of epigenetic clocks provides a new dimension in which to investigate diseases at the molecular level. Here, we examine current and future questions about the roles of DNA methylation mechanisms as causal factors in the processes of aging and cancer so that we may better understand if and how aging-associated epigenetic alterations lead to tumorigenesis. It seems certain that comprehending the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic clocks, especially with regard to somatic stem cell aging, combined with applying single-cell epigenetic-age profiling technologies to aging and cancer cohorts, and the integration of existing and upcoming epigenetic evidence within the genetic damage models of aging will prove to be crucial to improving understanding of these two interrelated phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Fernández Pérez
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Juan Ramón Tejedor
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Agustín Fernández Fernández
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
| | - Mario Fernández Fraga
- Cancer Epigenetics and Nanomedicine LaboratoryNanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN‐CSIC)El EntregoSpain,Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA‐FINBA)Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA) and Department of Organisms and Systems Biology (BOS)University of OviedoOviedoSpain,Rare Diseases CIBER (CIBERER)Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII)MadridSpain
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4
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Seale K, Horvath S, Teschendorff A, Eynon N, Voisin S. Making sense of the ageing methylome. Nat Rev Genet 2022; 23:585-605. [PMID: 35501397 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-022-00477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over time, the human DNA methylation landscape accrues substantial damage, which has been associated with a broad range of age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. Various age-related DNA methylation changes have been described, including at the level of individual CpGs, such as differential and variable methylation, and at the level of the whole methylome, including entropy and correlation networks. Here, we review these changes in the ageing methylome as well as the statistical tools that can be used to quantify them. We detail the evidence linking DNA methylation to ageing phenotypes and the longevity strategies aimed at altering both DNA methylation patterns and machinery to extend healthspan and lifespan. Lastly, we discuss theories on the mechanistic causes of epigenetic ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Seale
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Altos Labs, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Teschendorff
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nir Eynon
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sarah Voisin
- Institute for Health and Sport (iHeS), Victoria University, Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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5
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Costello KR, Leung A, Trac C, Lee M, Basam M, Pospisilik JA, Schones DE. Sequence features of retrotransposons allow for epigenetic variability. eLife 2021; 10:71104. [PMID: 34668484 PMCID: PMC8555987 DOI: 10.7554/elife.71104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that make up a large fraction of mammalian genomes. While select TEs have been co-opted in host genomes to have function, the majority of these elements are epigenetically silenced by DNA methylation in somatic cells. However, some TEs in mice, including the Intracisternal A-particle (IAP) subfamily of retrotransposons, have been shown to display interindividual variation in DNA methylation. Recent work has revealed that IAP sequence differences and strain-specific KRAB zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) may influence the methylation state of these IAPs. However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of interindividual variability in DNA methylation still remain unclear. Here, we report that sequence content and genomic context influence the likelihood that IAPs become variably methylated. IAPs that differ from consensus IAP sequences have altered KZFP recruitment that can lead to decreased KAP1 recruitment when in proximity of constitutively expressed genes. These variably methylated loci have a high CpG density, similar to CpG islands, and can be bound by ZF-CxxC proteins, providing a potential mechanism to maintain this permissive chromatin environment and protect from DNA methylation. These observations indicate that variably methylated IAPs escape silencing through both attenuation of KZFP binding and recognition by ZF-CxxC proteins to maintain a hypomethylated state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin R Costello
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States.,Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, United States
| | - Amy Leung
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States
| | - Candi Trac
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States
| | - Michael Lee
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States.,Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, United States
| | - Mudaser Basam
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States
| | | | - Dustin E Schones
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, United States.,Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, United States
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6
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Farquhar KS, Rasouli Koohi S, Charlebois DA. Does transcriptional heterogeneity facilitate the development of genetic drug resistance? Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100043. [PMID: 34160842 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-genetic forms of antimicrobial (drug) resistance can result from cell-to-cell variability that is not encoded in the genetic material. Data from recent studies also suggest that non-genetic mechanisms can facilitate the development of genetic drug resistance. We speculate on how the interplay between non-genetic and genetic mechanisms may affect microbial adaptation and evolution during drug treatment. We argue that cellular heterogeneity arising from fluctuations in gene expression, epigenetic modifications, as well as genetic changes contribute to drug resistance at different timescales, and that the interplay between these mechanisms enhance pathogen resistance. Accordingly, developing a better understanding of the role of non-genetic mechanisms in drug resistance and how they interact with genetic mechanisms will enhance our ability to combat antimicrobial resistance. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/aefGpdh-bgU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samira Rasouli Koohi
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G-2E1, Canada
| | - Daniel A Charlebois
- Department of Physics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G-2E1, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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7
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Planterose Jiménez B, Liu F, Caliebe A, Montiel González D, Bell JT, Kayser M, Vidaki A. Equivalent DNA methylation variation between monozygotic co-twins and unrelated individuals reveals universal epigenetic inter-individual dissimilarity. Genome Biol 2021; 22:18. [PMID: 33402197 PMCID: PMC7786996 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-020-02223-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the genomes of monozygotic twins are practically identical, their methylomes may evolve divergently throughout their lifetime as a consequence of factors such as the environment or aging. Particularly for young and healthy monozygotic twins, DNA methylation divergence, if any, may be restricted to stochastic processes occurring post-twinning during embryonic development and early life. However, to what extent such stochastic mechanisms can systematically provide a stable source of inter-individual epigenetic variation remains uncertain until now. RESULTS We enriched for inter-individual stochastic variation by using an equivalence testing-based statistical approach on whole blood methylation microarray data from healthy adolescent monozygotic twins. As a result, we identified 333 CpGs displaying similarly large methylation variation between monozygotic co-twins and unrelated individuals. Although their methylation variation surpasses measurement error and is stable in a short timescale, susceptibility to aging is apparent in the long term. Additionally, 46% of these CpGs were replicated in adipose tissue. The identified sites are significantly enriched at the clustered protocadherin loci, known for stochastic methylation in developing neurons. We also confirmed an enrichment in monozygotic twin DNA methylation discordance at these loci in whole genome bisulfite sequencing data from blood and adipose tissue. CONCLUSIONS We have isolated a component of stochastic methylation variation, distinct from genetic influence, measurement error, and epigenetic drift. Biomarkers enriched in this component may serve in the future as the basis for universal epigenetic fingerprinting, relevant for instance in the discrimination of monozygotic twin individuals in forensic applications, currently impossible with standard DNA profiling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Planterose Jiménez
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fan Liu
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Amke Caliebe
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
- University Medical Centre Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Diego Montiel González
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordana T. Bell
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Manfred Kayser
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athina Vidaki
- Department of Genetic Identification, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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8
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Transcriptome Profiling Analyses in Psoriasis: A Dynamic Contribution of Keratinocytes to the Pathogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101155. [PMID: 33007857 PMCID: PMC7600703 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease with a complex etiology involving environmental and genetic factors. A better insight into related genomic alteration helps design precise therapies leading to better treatment outcome. Gene expression in psoriasis can provide relevant information about the altered expression of mRNA transcripts, thus giving new insights into the disease onset. Techniques for transcriptome analyses, such as microarray and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), are relevant tools for the discovery of new biomarkers as well as new therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the findings related to the contribution of keratinocytes in the pathogenesis of psoriasis by an in-depth review of studies that have examined psoriatic transcriptomes in the past years. It also provides valuable information on reconstructed 3D psoriatic skin models using cells isolated from psoriatic patients for transcriptomic studies.
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9
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Ämmälä AJ, Urrila AS, Lahtinen A, Santangeli O, Hakkarainen A, Kantojärvi K, Castaneda AE, Lundbom N, Marttunen M, Paunio T. Epigenetic dysregulation of genes related to synaptic long-term depression among adolescents with depressive disorder and sleep symptoms. Sleep Med 2019; 61:95-103. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2019.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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10
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Olmeda-Gómez C, Romá-Mateo C, Ovalle-Perandones MA. Overview of trends in global epigenetic research (2009–2017). Scientometrics 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11192-019-03095-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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11
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Pérez RF, Santamarina P, Tejedor JR, Urdinguio RG, Álvarez-Pitti J, Redon P, Fernández AF, Fraga MF, Lurbe E. Longitudinal genome-wide DNA methylation analysis uncovers persistent early-life DNA methylation changes. J Transl Med 2019; 17:15. [PMID: 30626398 PMCID: PMC6327427 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-018-1751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early life is a period of drastic epigenetic remodeling in which the epigenome is especially sensitive to extrinsic and intrinsic influence. However, the epigenome-wide dynamics of the DNA methylation changes that occur during this period have not been sufficiently characterized in longitudinal studies. Methods To this end, we studied the DNA methylation status of more than 750,000 CpG sites using Illumina MethylationEPIC arrays on 33 paired blood samples from 11 subjects at birth and at 5 and 10 years of age, then characterized the chromatin context associated with these loci by integrating our data with histone, chromatin-state and enhancer-element external datasets, and, finally, validated our results through bisulfite pyrosequencing in two independent longitudinal cohorts of 18 additional subjects. Results We found abundant DNA methylation changes (110,726 CpG sites) during the first lustrum of life, while far fewer alterations were observed in the subsequent 5 years (460 CpG sites). However, our analysis revealed persistent DNA methylation changes at 240 CpG sites, indicating that there are genomic locations of considerable epigenetic change beyond immediate birth. The chromatin context of hypermethylation changes was associated with repressive genomic locations and genes with developmental and cell signaling functions, while hypomethylation changes were linked to enhancer regions and genes with immunological and mRNA and protein metabolism functions. Significantly, our results show that genes that suffer simultaneous hyper- and hypomethylation are functionally distinct from exclusively hyper- or hypomethylated genes, and that enhancer-associated methylation is different in hyper- and hypomethylation scenarios, with hypomethylation being more associated to epigenetic changes at blood tissue-specific enhancer elements. Conclusions These data show that epigenetic remodeling is dramatically reduced after the first 5 years of life. However, there are certain loci which continue to manifest DNA methylation changes, pointing towards a possible functionality beyond early development. Furthermore, our results deepen the understanding of the genomic context associated to hyper- or hypomethylation alterations during time, suggesting that hypomethylation of blood tissue-specific enhancer elements could be of importance in the establishment of functional states in blood tissue during early-life. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-018-1751-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl F Pérez
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)-Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Nanomedicine Group, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Universidad de Oviedo, 33940, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Pablo Santamarina
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)-Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.,Nanomedicine Group, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Universidad de Oviedo, 33940, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juan Ramón Tejedor
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)-Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Rocío G Urdinguio
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)-Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Julio Álvarez-Pitti
- Servicio de Pediatría, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014, Valencia, Spain.,Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pau Redon
- Servicio de Pediatría, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014, Valencia, Spain.,Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín F Fernández
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Institute of Oncology of Asturias (IUOPA)-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA)-Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias (HUCA), 33011, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Mario F Fraga
- Nanomedicine Group, Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Universidad de Oviedo, 33940, Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Empar Lurbe
- Servicio de Pediatría, Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia, 46014, Valencia, Spain. .,Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CB06/03), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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12
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Hildebrandt JP, Wiesenthal AA, Müller C. Phenotypic Plasticity in Animals Exposed to Osmotic Stress - Is it Always Adaptive? Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800069. [PMID: 30160800 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hyperplasia and hypertrophy are elements of phenotypic plasticity adjusting organ size and function. Because they are costly, we assume that they are beneficial. In this review, the authors discuss examples of tissue and organ systems that respond with plastic changes to osmotic stress to raise awareness that we do not always have sufficient experimental evidence to conclude that such processes provide fitness advantages. Changes in hydranth architecture in the hydroid Cordylophora caspia or variations in size in the anal papillae of insect larvae upon changes in medium salinity may be adaptive or not. The restructuring of salt glands in ducklings upon salt-loading is an example of phenotypic plasticity which indeed seems beneficial. As the genomes of model species are recently sequenced and the animals are easy to rear, these species are suitable study objects to investigate the biological significance of phenotypic plasticity and to study potential epigenetic and other mechanisms underlying phenotypic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Peter Hildebrandt
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix Hausdorff-Strasse 1, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Amanda A Wiesenthal
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix Hausdorff-Strasse 1, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Müller
- Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Greifswald, Felix Hausdorff-Strasse 1, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
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13
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Ecker S, Pancaldi V, Valencia A, Beck S, Paul DS. Epigenetic and Transcriptional Variability Shape Phenotypic Plasticity. Bioessays 2017; 40. [PMID: 29251357 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201700148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic and transcriptional variability contribute to the vast diversity of cellular and organismal phenotypes and are key in human health and disease. In this review, we describe different types, sources, and determinants of epigenetic and transcriptional variability, enabling cells and organisms to adapt and evolve to a changing environment. We highlight the latest research and hypotheses on how chromatin structure and the epigenome influence gene expression variability. Further, we provide an overview of challenges in the analysis of biological variability. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying epigenetic and transcriptional variability, at both the intra- and inter-individual level, provides great opportunity for disease prevention, better therapeutic approaches, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Ecker
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Vera Pancaldi
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 39-31, 08034, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alfonso Valencia
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), C/ Jordi Girona 39-31, 08034, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stephan Beck
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Dirk S Paul
- MRC/BHF Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 8RN, UK.,Department of Human Genetics Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1HH, UK
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